The Premier League is known for producing some of the greatest talents in world football. Wayne Rooney, Gareth Bale, Harry Kane, and Paul Scholes are among the renowned talents who have established themselves as some of the very best in the modern game.
The Premier League’s Big Six spend millions to establish scouting networks worldwide and develop training facilities to attract the best talent globally.
Arsenal: Max Dowman
- Age: 15
- Position: Attacking Midfielder, Right Winger
The 15-year-old took his chances in Arsenal’s pre-season by storm with some impressive cameos against AC Milan, Newcastle United and Villarreal. For someone so young, he did not look out of place coming up against seasoned veteran pros.
Dowman caught plenty of eyes in the FA Youth Cup quarter final despite his side losing to Manchester United’s Under-18s. The youngster looks set to be the next Hale End gem that Arsenal fans are excited to watch.
Chelsea: Estêvão
- Age: 18
- Position: Right Winger
Estevao has massive expectations to live up to after his former Palmeiras’ head of academy dubbed him “the best player to have emerged from Brazilian football since Neymar.” Chelsea were early to snub him from the Brazil side and agreed a deal worth £29m in May 2024.
Estevao finally joined the Blues following the Club World Cup, where Chelsea faced Estevao’s side, Palmeiras. The wonderkid impressed the Chelsea supporters as well as their talisman, Cole Palmer. He even scored on his Chelsea pre-season debut against Bayer Leverkusen, earning him a first goal at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool: Rio Ngumoha
- Age: 16
- Position: Left Winger
Rio Ngumoha is another player who excelled in Liverpool’s pre-season, definitely catching the eye of Arne Slot. He gained worldwide traction after scoring a superb solo goal against Athletic Club. Luiz Diaz’s departure to Bayern Munich has opened up the left wing spot for Gakpo to cement as his own, and Rio Ngumoha may get his chances to impress.
Manchester City: Oscar Bobb
- Age: 22
- Position: Right Winger
The Norwegian winger introduced himself in the 2023-24 season and even scored a crucial stoppage-time winner at St. James Park en route to City’s Premier League title that season. He sustained a broken leg injury in August 2024 and had returned only late in the 24/25 season.
Oscar Bobb has enjoyed a strong start to the 25/26 Premier League season, assisting Haaland’s opener against Wolves. He brings everything Pep demands from a winger. With Savinho’s exit looking imminent, he could cement the right wing position for himself as Man City will look to challenge for the league title yet again.
Manchester United: Ayden Heaven
- Age: 18
- Position: Centre Back
Manchester United picked up Ayden Heaven from Arsenal’s academy and joined as the first arrival under Ruben Amorim’s reign. He put in strong performances during Manchester United’s pre-season and is expected to feature regularly this campaign. Lisandro Martinez’s injury keeps him out of the squad until late October, presenting Heaven the opportunity to make that position his own.
He’s rated so highly by the manager and pundits for his calmness on the ball and maturity in decision-making. He started as a midfielder before transitioning into a defender, and it’s clear he has retained his composure and comfort on the ball.
Tottenham Hotspur: Archie Gray
- Age: 19
- Position: Central Midfielder, Right Back, Centre Back, Defensive Midfielder
Although Archie Gray featured regularly under Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham fans should keep their eyes out for Thomas Frank’s plans for the Englishman. The fact that Tottenham signed a teenager for £30 million speaks volumes about his talents.
His technical ability and brilliant reading of the game allows him to excel as a versatile player and can slot into numerous positions on the pitch. He primarily featured as centre back under Ange; however, Thomas Frank has deployed him as a midfielder so far in pre-season. Frank had shown interest in signing Gray while managing Brentford, and he may now possess the formula to maximise his strengths while masking his limited pace.
Conclusion
The Premier League never runs short of storylines, but this season, the rise of young talent across the Big Six could prove to be the most captivating. Each club has a prodigy waiting in the wings, ready to seize their moment and establish their name in the world. In a league built on unpredictability, the brightest sparks might just come from these youngest stars at English football’s biggest clubs.
Written by: Thillai Ritvik
