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One of the most important parts of every football club in the world is their strike force; players capable of doing what reflects on the scoreline - scoring and creating goals.
Usually, most attackers hit their prime as they approach their thirties. Some, like Lionel Messi, generally don't have a defined prime, and could probably go on till their late thirties. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the 37-year-old, recently scored a hattrick in the USA's highest tier of football.
However, on the other end of the spectrum, young players who are just starting their footballing careers are already on top of their game. The French Ligue has teenager Kylian Mbappe who was closest to Messi in terms of goal contributions last season. Spain has the electric Vicinus Jr. who is already at one of the biggest clubs in the world, and he's not even 20 yet.
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Today, we take a look at five of such players in the Premier League; attackers who are not yet in their prime, but are capable of pushing their respective teams forward in the final third. They have made a name for themselves in their youth and are certain to run world football in half a decade.
While some were brought in for massive transfer fees, others have grown through their club's academies and they have displayed loyalty beyond their years.
Keep an eye out for these five young players who are nothing but deadly in the final third.
#5 Diogo Jota
22-year-old Jota has been something of a revelation for Wolverhampton Wanderers. Being signed by Atletico Madrid in 2016 signalled the beginning of something exciting for the then-teenager. However, he never actually made a single appearance for star-studded Atletico.
Moving out on loan to Porto, he returned to Spain after a year, only to be shipped out again on loan to Wolves (while they were in the second-tier). Playing 44 games for the English side, he contributed 22 goals to ensure their promotion into the Premier League.
Wolves didn't have much of a choice than to bring back Jota back on a permanent deal. Last season, Jota was part of a tactically skilled Wolves team that exceeded expectations by coming 7th position. He also played his part by contributing ten goals and five assists in total to Wolves' cause.
This season, Jota is sure to continue as a centre-forward along with their Player of the Season Raul Jimenez, where he started 18 times last season. While he needs to work on his discipline - Jota recieved 11 yellow cards last season - the youngster is capable of banging in goals steadily as well as assisting them. It is almost certain that Jota will surpass his achievements of last season, and we can't wait to see what he does this time out.
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#4 Daniel James
Daniel James impressed for Swansea last season where he contributed to 13 goals in 37 appearances. On January 31, James almost made the switch to Leeds United, who missed out on the player due to problems in the 11th hour.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was quick to snap up the 21-year-old in a bid to continue Manchester United's squad rebuilding process. United's fall from grace led to them missing out on Champions League qualification last season. With fans clamouring for a change in how things are run, new players like Daniel James will already have their work cut out.
The versatile youngster is a good passer of the ball and an effortless dribbler. Most importantly, of course, his blistering pace ranks him as one of the fastest players in the league. However, his aerial contributions have been poor at Swansea and that is unlikely to change at Old Trafford. Fans and club officials alike are hoping that James impresses and fulfils his potential at the Theatre of Dreams.
#3 Richarlison
22-year-old Richarlison was a part of Tite's Brazil squad that won the Copa America. While he only made three appearances, starting two games and scoring a goal, he is fast becoming a fan favourite in his home country. When he moved to Watford from Fluminese two years ago, he contributed nine goals in 38 appearances, winning over three aerial duels per match.
Watford's former coach Marco Silva made the move to Goodison Park and quickly set his sights on his former player. The two reunited at Everton last season, and Richarlison notched up 13 goals in 35 appearances.
Everton are very excited to have a young player with a good head on his shoulders, and Richarlison, who has settled in well, will be looking to surpass his debut season's stats for Everton. The versatile attacker will surely get the playing time he deserves under Marco Silva, and that makes him one of the young attackers to look out for this season.
#2 Gabriel Jesus
The 22-year-old forward was brought into Manchester City just over 2 years ago. While he has been part of a squad that has won trophy after trophy in recent years, young Gabriel Jesus has not received the playing time he deserves.
Struggling to cement a first-team place as a striker in a team that contains the world-class Sergio Aguero, Jesus found himself making 23 appearances as a substitute for the Cityzens last season. In stark contrast, the youngster has started nine times in Brazil's last two major competitions. While Jesus only started eight matches for City, he was able to contribute ten goals to the Cityzen's cause.
During Copa America, the 22-year-old contributed four goals in six games, and he will be hoping that his top form will help him cement a stronger place in Guardiola's squad. Although Aguero is still in his prime and will likely start many games next season, we can look forward to Jesus starting much more than he did last season.
The youngster will be itching to prove himself, and this season may just be perfect for him to do so.
#1 Leroy Sane
23-year-old Leroy Sane is not new to being one of the brightest prospects in the Premier League. He was voted PFA Young Player of the Year in 2018 and has been a consistent part of Manchester City's dominance in the league.
While he did not feature as much as he certainly would have hoped, the youngster started 21 games in City's league campaign, contributing a solid 20 goals to their cause. In recent weeks, he has made headlines with Bayern Munich being reportedly interested in taking him back to Germany.
If the youngster does remain at City, there is a good possibility that he might not get much more playing time than he got last year. However, he will most certainly remain an exciting prospect who will thrill fans and opponents alike.
He is a strong finisher, capable of moments of magic in the final third. Being in a squad such as City's will enhance his qualities constantly and keep him at the top of his game. In the event that Sane stays, he would be the number one player to look forward to this season.
