EPL 2019-20: Top 5 young players who endured relegation

#3: Todd Cantwell (Norwich City)

22-year-old Todd Cantwell has been one of the mainstays in the midfield for Norwich City.

Despite enduring an underwhelming EPL season, Norwich City had some talented players running the show for them. One of them was attacking midfielder Todd Cantwell who made 37 EPL appearances for the Canaries this season.

Cantwell, who is a graduate from the renowned Norwich City Academy, made his debut for the first team last season in the EFL Championship where he played a bit-part role. However, things were different in 2019-20 as the player flourished in a central role as a midfielder.

Capable of unlocking defences with killer passes or by shooting the ball from distance, Cantwell's creativity in attack is one of his shining attributes. Predominantly used as an attacking midfielder on the left flank in the 2019-20 EPL, he was also deployed on the right on a few occasions.

The versatile midfielder scored six EPL goals in the recently concluded season while also providing two assists. His attacking prowess does not make him less efficient in defence, as was evident in his 1.4 tackles per game.

Cantwell put up some captivating performances in the 2019-20 EPL. With more experience under his belt, he is likely to improve.

The Norwich City midfielder is one of the sought-after players in the Norwich squad; Liverpool, Sheffield United, Leicester City and Newcastle United are rumoured to be interested in the services of the 22-year-old midfielder.

Its been a difficult season but a real learning curve. I’d like to thank everyone for the support I’ve received throughout. Personally it’s been a dream to play for my local team in the (BPL) I’m sorry we couldn’t keep the team up. ✌🏼❤️👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/3mbdy0Mb8j
— Todd Cantwell (@ToddCantwell_10) July 26, 2020

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#2: Ismaila Sarr (Watford)

Ismaila Sarr was one of the few players at Watford who were rare positives in an otherwise gloomy EPL season for the Hornets which ended in relegation.

The speed merchant put up some scintillating performances in the 2019-20 EPL, proving that on his day, the Senegalese winger is capable of destroying any defence.

Arriving from Ligue 1 side Rennes with a reputation of tormenting full-backs with his pace and acceleration, Sarr had a difficult start in the EPL as opportunities were hard to come by. It was only until Nigel Pearson arrived, the third manager of the season for Watford, when Sarr finally got a decent run in the eleven.

Sarr lit up Vicarage Road in February against Liverpool, where he scored two goals and assisted Troy Deeney in the famous 3-0 drubbing of the newest EPL champions. His exquisite pace and physicality proved too hot to handle for the Liverpool defence that night. Sarr almost single-handedly ended Liverpool's 18-game unbeaten streak and deservedly earned the Man-of-the-Match award.

Tallying five goals and four assists in his maiden EPL season, Sarr could improve at a better team. His raw abilities make him an exciting prospect.

After failing to avoid the drop, Watford look set to lose their star forward to one of the top EPL clubs; there are a plethora of them who are interested in the services of the Senegalese winger.

#1: Emiliano Buendia (Norwich City)

Emiliano Buendia: Norwich City's Creator-in-Chief

Despite finishing the 2019-20 EPL at the rock bottom, several Norwich City players impressed during an otherwise dismal campaign. Emiliano Buendia, commonly known as 'Emi', was one such standout performer for the club.

Signed from Spanish club Getafe in 2018, Buendia was bought by the Canaries to replace the departing James Maddinson. Plying his trade on loan to a second division Spanish team in 2017, Buendia by no means was a household name in the game. But kudos to the Norwich City recruitment team who got this transfer call spot on.

In the 2019-20 EPL, Buendia created more chances than any other player in the despite playing for one of the relegated teams. He notched up impressive numbers in chances created, managing 2.3 key passes a game.

A skilled dribbler, Emi Buendia pulled off a staggering 2.8 dribbles per game from the right flank. With seven assists, he was the highest provider in the squad, and his numbers could have been better if the Canaries had a better finisher up front.

Along with his creative output, Buendia made key contributions in defence as well, making 2.3 tackles per game.

Emiliano Buendia proved his mettle in the English top flight during his first season in the competition. If he moves to a more dominant side, his stats would only spike up.

Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United are heavily linked with the Norwich City star man. However, with other clubs sniffing at a chance to sign him, Leeds United face stiff competition in securing the services of Buendia.

Sad and disappointed by the result of the season. We tried but we didn't reach the point to achieve our goal. We’re very sorry for the fans. We’ll keep working till the end 🔰 @NorwichCityFC pic.twitter.com/bRi78PmwNR
— Emi Buendia (@Em10Buendia) July 12, 2020