Having graduated from the Manchester City academy, Rico Lewis played 23 games during the victorious 2022-23 Treble season.
As August begins, the spotlight falls on the imminent return of the Premier League, set to kick off on August 11.
Who will stand out in this year’s English premier competition? Who could be the next sensation like Evan Ferguson or Rico Lewis?
Sport Newes Center introduces five promising players who are under 21 and eager to shine in the 2023-24 season when the inaugural match gets underway.
James Trafford
Team: Burnley Age: 20 Position: Goalkeeper
James Trafford of Burnley could potentially be the next England first-choice keeper.
This 20-year-old prodigy dazzled everyone in the European Under-21 Championship this summer as a member of the Young Lions, who took home the championship. Following his brilliant performance, Burnley acquired him from Manchester City in what could be a record-breaking £19m deal for the club.
Trafford, known for his remarkable saving skills, achieved six clean sheets during the Euros, including an impressive penalty save and rebound in the final match against Spain.
He’s projected to compete for a consistent position with Arijanet Muric, Burnley’s primary keeper during their Championship win last season.
Kobbie Mainoo
Team: Manchester United Age: 18 Position: Midfielder
Kobbie Mainoo is the young sensation stirring excitement among Manchester United supporters after an impressive pre-season start, featuring in four matches.
The talented academy graduate, a defensive midfielder with the ability to play various roles, displays a calm and collected approach that belies his young age.
In last season’s victory over Leicester, the 18-year-old made his Premier League debut in February, coming in as a substitute. Coach Erik ten Hag seems likely to keep Mainoo at Old Trafford this season instead of loaning him out.
Despite missing the season’s start due to a pre-season ankle injury sustained against Real Madrid, Mainoo is expected to vie for a place in the United team once he recovers.
Cameron Archer
Team: Aston Villa Age: 21 Position: Forward
Aston Villa’s forward Cameron Archer has the skills to unsettle top-division defenders.
Archer, with his outstanding speed, ball control, and goal-scoring ability, played a key role in Middlesbrough’s Championship play-off run last season while on loan, netting 11 goals in 20 games.
Archer may be positioned alongside Ollie Watkins, who shone for Unai Emery’s team last season, or serve as a backup from the bench if he stays at Villa Park.
He marked the first goal of England’s victorious Under-21 Euros campaign this summer and hopes to add to his tally of eight top-flight appearances, all of which came as late substitutions.
James McAtee
Team: Manchester City Age: 20 Position: Midfielder
James McAtee has a tough task ahead to secure a place in a team that accomplished the Treble last season, but he’s up for the challenge.
The Salford-born midfielder, who graduated from the Manchester City academy, has shown his creativity and ability to score, even netting a goal in a recent win against Bayern Munich during pre-season.
McAtee played an integral part in Sheffield United’s automatic promotion to the Premier League in 2022-23, scoring nine goals in 37 loan appearances, 21 of which he started.
Despite the array of world-class midfielders like Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Phil Foden at City, McAtee is keen to follow in the footsteps of fellow academy graduate Rico Lewis, who flourished last season under Pep Guardiola.
Simon Adingra
Team: Brighton Age: 21 Position: Winger
Brighton has a history of fostering young talent, as seen with the emergence of academy graduate Evan Ferguson, 18, and new signing Julio Enciso, 19, last season.
Simon Adingra, an Ivorian winger, might be the next star to rise. He’s a skilled scorer with the speed to challenge defenders.
Adingra netted 10 league goals in 30 appearances while on loan at Belgian team Union SG last season after Brighton signed him from Danish club Nordsjaelland for around £6m in June 2022.
Though yet to make his competitive debut for the Seagulls, Adingra impressed with two goals in Brighton’s recent pre-season win over Brentford.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Premier League Prospects 2023-24
Who are the breakthrough prospects for the 2023-24 Premier League season?
The players to watch include James Trafford from Burnley, Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United, Cameron Archer from Aston Villa, James McAtee from Manchester City, and Simon Adingra from Brighton. Each player is under the age of 21 and displays promising talent.
When does the 2023-24 Premier League season begin?
The Premier League for the 2023-24 season is set to start on August 11th.
Which club did James Trafford transfer from and for how much?
James Trafford transferred from Manchester City to Burnley in what could potentially be a record-breaking £19m deal for the club.
What positions do these prospects play?
James Trafford is a goalkeeper, Kobbie Mainoo and James McAtee are midfielders, Cameron Archer is a forward, and Simon Adingra is a winger.
Which player scored the first goal of England’s victorious Under-21 Euros campaign?
Cameron Archer of Aston Villa scored the opening goal of England’s winning campaign at the Under-21 Euros.
More about Premier League Prospects 2023-24
- Premier League Official Website
- Manchester United Official Website
- Manchester City Official Website
- Burnley Football Club Official Website
- Aston Villa Official Website
- Brighton & Hove Albion Official Website
7 comments
19m for a goalkeeper?? hope Trafford’s worth it…
Mainoo’s gonna shine this season, just you watch. The lad’s got some serious talent, despite the injury. Man Utd for life!
i’m new to the premier league, this is helpful info. thanks for the article!
let’s not forget Cameron Archer, he’s got real potential, especially after that U21 Euro performance.
Adingra’s been a goal machine in Belgium, can’t wait for him to bring that magic to Brighton this season!
i’ve been watching James Trafford in the U21 championships, he’s a real talent. Can’t wait to see him in action with Burnley!!!
McAtee following in Lewis’s steps maybe? Time will tell but I’m hopeful…