Every season, there are new stars who make their presence known at a global scale. They step up, rising to the biggest occasions, and make the world take note of their performances. This season has been no different, with young guns in every top club having a huge impact.
Moreover, youth in the squad is a necessity, considering the hectic schedule of the clubs which take part in the UEFA Champions League. Rotations are an absolute necessity for any club to compete on all fronts, and with the overcrowded domestic cup matches, they need immense talent to make their mark.
The young guns in the Premier League have made their mark, and are attracting heavy attention across Europe. While some of the young talents have filled in for regular starters, there are players who have taken up huge responsibility, and consistently performed in major roles for their clubs.
We take a look at 4 u-23 players who have managed to impress this Premier League season so far.
#4 Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool, age 20
At 20, Trent Alexander-Arnold has already impressed his boss Jurgen Klopp and proved himself to be a mainstay in the Liverpool defense. There is no doubt that the Liverpool defense has improved significantly this season, and Alexander Arnold is surely one of the reasons for their improvement.
Trent Alexander Arnold is always trying to move up the right flank, and also relentlessly comes down quickly when needed at the back. He has grown more consistent this season, and committed less errors at the back.
Of course, the young right back is gifted with tremendous pace, intensity, and cleverness, which helps do better in overlaps. He is constantly growing as a player, continues to thrive in Jurgen Klopp's system, and will surely be a phenomenal player in the future if he keeps up his good work.
#3 Leroy Sané, Manchester City, age 22
Few players can be as devastating as this young winger when he is at his mercurial best. Despite Manchester City's 2 losses in their last 3 Premier League games, Sane has proven himself to be decisive so far.
In 11 Premier League appearances this season, Sane has already racked up 6 goals and 7 assists for Manchester City. In the absence of City's main playmaker in Kevin De Bruyne, Sane stepped up and has been a refreshing yet ruthless presence in the City front-line.
What's truly amazing is how he uses his pace and exquisite technique with the ball to make smart decisions in the final third. Few players his age show the maturity he is showing under Pep Guardiola, and it is still shocking how he was left out of the German national team at the last World Cup.
Leroy Sane is a treat to watch when he is on song, and is already one of the key figures in Pep Guardiola's formidable Manchester City side. Amidst a plethora of stars, Sane stands out, and has made his mark in the first half of the season.
#2 Dele Alli, Tottenham, age 22
Even at such a young age, Dele Alli has proven himself to be a devastating player both with his club and country. He was one of the pivotal reasons for England's sensational run in the World Cup, and has managed to carry his good form into the current season.
With a tremendous amount of artillery in his arsenal, Dele Alli can pounce on a rival defender in more than one way. He can go past defenders with his pace or trickery, and punish them with wonderful goals from distance if given space. There is no doubt that he is one of the most dangerous players in the Tottenham and England squads.
Despite being young, Dele Alli acts like a smart and shrewd player on the pitch. His versatility is one of the things to watch out for. As an attacking midfielder, he can also operate from the flanks, and has already proven himself by scoring 51 goals in 164 appearances for the club.
All stats via transfermarkt
#1 Lucas Torreira, Arsenal, age 22
Already being hailed as the 'transfer of the season', Lucas Torreira has managed to surpass expectations at his new club. There is no doubt that no summer signing has had an impact like this young gun so far this season.
The recruit from Sampdoria is already turning out to be a huge bargain for Unai Emery's side so far. He has been relentless, covering every blade of grass, and fighting for each & every ball. A player of his calibre had been missed in the Arsenal squad for years.
Moreover, Torreira is versatile and dynamic. He frustrates the opponents with his ability to snatch the ball.
Despite being 22, Lucas Torreira has played a pivotal role in Arsenal's good run of form this season. There is no doubt he will be key if Arsenal manages to win anything significant in the future.