All home fans love it when “one of their own” makes it into their team and becomes successful. Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford have been the breakout stars of recent campaigns, but who could be your club’s rising star? We have a look at one player from each club who could make themselves a household name over the next 10 months.
Arsenal: Jeff Reine-Adelaide
Arsene Wenger has exercised the youth option more than signing first team players in recent years which is sure to excite Jeff Reine-Adelaide. The 18 year old Frenchman broke onto the scene during last summer’s Emirates Cup, but he was deemed too young last year and played in the under-21s. He was promoted to the first team in pre-season and has featured in the friendly matches. Cup games seem the first step and some good performances in those will see him follow in the footsteps of Alex Iwobi.
Bounemouth: Lys Mousset
The 20 year old is relatively unknown in England, but he’s proved a success in France and has already played eight times for the under-20 side. He arrived for £5.4 million this summer from Le Havre where he scored 14 goals in Ligue 2. He’s full of promise and looks set to excite fans.
Burnley: Aiden O’Neill
The Australian midfielder made his debut in the pre-season fixture against Evian and he looks to be the most promising member of the Burnley Academy. Sean Dyche hasn’t given many opportunities to youngsters, but he might have to this season considering the size of his squad. A loan spell to a lower league club looks more likely, but O’Neill is one for the future.
Chelsea: Ola Aina
There are numerous Chelsea youngsters who could break into the first team if they were given the opportunity, but Ola Aina appears to be the most likely. He’s a versatile defender and has had an outstanding pre-season campaign. Branislav Ivanovic is likely to miss the start of the season through injury and the 19 year old Londoner could be the long awaited home grown star that Chelsea fans yearn for.
Crystal Palace: Sullay Kaikai
Kaikai made his first team debut in the League Cup against Newcastle in September 2014, marking his first game with a goal. He was sent out on loan and won both Cambridge and Palace’s Young Player of the Year award. He spent last season on loan at Shrewsbury, before he was handed his Premier League debut against Southampton on the last day of the season. His pace will ensure he’ll fit right in at Selhurst Park.
Everton: Mason Holgate
19 year old Holgate moved from Barnsley to Goodison Park last summer, following in the footsteps of teammate John Stones. Prior to signing for Everton, Holgate had made over 20 appearances in League One and went on to star in the Toffees’ under-21s team last season. He was called up to the pre-season tour earlier this summer and Ronald Koeman is known for giving young players an opportunity in his team.
Hull City: Josh Tymon
Steve Bruce handed the 17 year old defender his debut in an FA Cup tie against Bury in January 2016 and he’s set for a bright future. He became the youngest Hull player in a generation and has already been scouted by both Arsenal and Tottenham. With the Hull squad in the shape it’s in, it seems inevitable that Tymon will feature at some point this season.
Leicester City: Ben Chilwell
The 19 year old left back has already turned down an offer from Liverpool in order to stay at the King Power stadium. He’s already played in the England under 21s and this could be his breakthrough season. The only issue is ousting Christian Fuchs who was so reliable last season.
Liverpool: Joe Gomez
Gomez suffered a season ending injury last year and he could miss the beginning of this one, but he has all the attributes to be an outstanding player. He signed from Charlton last summer and has already represented England at U16, U17 and U19 level. There’s a hole in the Liverpool defence which he’ll be hoping to fill when he recovers from injury.
Middlesbrough: Dael Fry
Fry made his debut in the Championship last season and the 18 year old has also featured in pre-season. Aitor Karanka is keen on bringing in another defender but if this doesn’t come to fruition, Fry could be the one to benefit.
Manchester United: Timothy Fosu-Mensah
Fosu-Mensah was solid in his first team appearances last season and it’ll be interesting to see how much game time he gets this year. Jose Mourinho has already stated his intention to play specialists, but Fosu-Mensah’s versatility could be an asset in a small squad. He’ll certainly improve under Mourinho’s management.
Manchester City: Tosin Adarabioyo
Pep Guardiola is in the market for a new centre back, but he might not have to look too far as there’s a talented youngster in the academy called Tosin Adarabioyo. He’s comfortable with the ball at his feet and is able to cover ground quickly. His progress could be hindered by an incoming centre back, but he’s in a prime position to learn from Guardiola.
Swansea: Stephen Kingsley
Kingsley starred in Swansea’s wins over Arsenal and West Ham at the end of last season after he relieved Neil Taylor of the left back role. Taylor is still first choice however, but he could find his place under scrutiny if Kingsley continues at his current rate of progress.
Southampton: James Ward-Prowse
Ward-Prowse struggled to hold down a spot under Ronald Koeman, but he has shown moments of brilliance in the past and will look to demonstrate them under new manager Claude Puel. He’s not a new name, but he’s not a household name either. This could be a career defining season for him.
Sunderland: Duncan Watmore
Watmore featured for Sunderland last season and with Jermain Defoe not getting any younger, he could be the ready-made replacement. Despite missing three months of the season, he managed to score 11 goals in 19 games in 2014/15 and won the U21 Premier League Player of the Season. He scored on his league debut last year and will look to continue his progress this season.
Stoke: Julien Ngoy
The Belgian striker turned down some of the biggest clubs in Europe to sign for Stoke aged 15. Now 18, he’s been fast-tracked through the youth teams and starred in the Potters’ pre-season. He can expect to start his Premier League career from the bench, before breaking into the starting line-up.
Tottenham: Josh Onomah
The 19 year old made 19 appearances last season as well as playing on the pre-season tour of Australia. Mauricio Pochettino has given opportunities in the past to young players and Onomah will surely be given plenty of chances this season.
Watford: Tommie Hoban
Hoban spent last season injured, but he’s trained with the first team in pre-season. He could flourish in the Watford defence, but the high managerial turnover rate could hinder any progress that he wants to make at Vicarage Road.
WBA: Sam Field
Field made his debut in the final game of last season against Liverpool and he’s impressed in pre-season. The WBA midfield is ageing and he could force his way into Pulis’ plans if he continues to improve. 16 year old Jonathan Leko is another who could force his way into first team action at The Hawthorns in coming years.
West Ham: Reece Oxford
Oxford made his debut on the first day of last season and was hugely impressive against Arsenal. He started for West Ham against Domzale in the Europa League and has already attracted the attention of both Manchester clubs and Chelsea. This season could be the one where he nails down a first team place.
