Five promising players to have made their mark in the Premier League in 2013

Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw is the latest product from the famed Southampton youth academy, which has produced the likes of Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott in the recent past.

The left back is fast becoming one of the most talked about teenagers in England at the moment. With his tendency to go on the attack at every opportunity, Luke Shaw has certainly drawn plenty of comparisons to the last left back to emerge out of the Saints academy, Gareth Bale.

Whilst not on the same level as the Welshman yet, the Englishman’s speed and ability to act fast, whether in defence or attack, is certainly a trait that will see him develop into one of the finest full backs of his generation. Aged just 18, Shaw has already closing in on 50 Premier League appearances and at this rate, there is no stopping him.

Phil Jones

“Born with talent”, those were the words of former England manager Fabio Capello, the man who handed Phil Jones his international debut. High praise indeed for a player, who was then only 19.

Although Phil Jones has been playing in the Premier League for the past three years, it was only in the last 12 months that he showed everybody that all the praise that came his way was merited. Versatility has been Phil Jones’ biggest strength in the past 12 months, which has seen him don the roles of right-back, center-back and defensive midfielder on more than one occasion.

Strong on the ball, with the ability to stop attacks almost at will, Phil Jones might one day, go onto become one of the finest defenders of his generation, if only he is played in his natural position more often.

Ross Barkley

Almost a decade ago, against Arsenal, a young Englishman, announced himself to the world. And history almost repeated itself in 2013, when Ross Barkley put in a stellar performance against Arsenal and helped his side to a creditable 1-1 draw. And that wouldn’t have come as a surprise to anybody who witnessed his debut against QPR at the start of the 2011/12 season, in which he was awarded the man of the match.

Since then, two loan stints at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds have prepared him for the biggest stage and from the evidence of the past few months, he seems to be relishing that prospect. He already has a senior cap to his name, having just turned 20 earlier in the month.

Fleet of not only foot, but mind as well, if he keeps up his performances, he might very prove Martin Keown right and become “one of the best players we’ll ever see in this country.”

Phillipe Coutinho

When he arrived at Liverpool from Inter Milan, there were those in Italy bemoaning the loss of yet another talented player from their ranks. And ever since he has stepped foot in Anfield, Coutinho showed just why he was so highly regarded in Italy.

The Brazilian playmaker has been the perfect foil for Luis Suarez and the pair have certainly hit it off right from the start. The 21-year-old is capable of not just beating a man with his skills, but also with his eye for a pass and that has certainly been a feature of his play last season, when combined with the Uruguayan for some fantastic moves.

This season has been hampered by injury, but since his return, he has shown that he is certainly capable of recreating the brilliant form of last season and one that might just force his way into the Brazil squad for the World Cup.

Romelu Lukaku

At a time, when Chelsea are struggling for goals from their strikers, it is a bleeding shame that one of their own strikers is out on loan, scoring goals for fun.

Romelu Lukaku has enjoyed a breakthrough year in the Premier League and one in which he has stamped his mark on England. 2013 will be seen as the year in which, the raw, yet supremely gifted Belgian striker matured into a calm and composed center forward, who scored a combined total of 17 league goals both West Brom and Everton in the calendar year.

The Belgian striker was destined for greatness when he first came to Chelsea and he is certainly living up to the reputation of being one of the most clinical and physical strikers in Europe.

All this, and let’s not forget the fact that he is just 20. When Jose Mourinho finally comes to his senses and welcomes the Belgian back to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea will certainly have one of the most lethal center forwards in Europe at their disposal.