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The 2019-20 season of the Premier League is well underway and although the title race has been rather one-sided this time around, the race for the European spots and the battle to avoid relegation is as tight as it gets.
Hailed as the most entertaining league in all of football, the English top-flight has produced some quality young players over the years, who have gone on to become key players for club and country.
In the current season, the trend seems to have continued - with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal breeding in the youth amongst the top six this time around.
While the likes of Mason Greenwood, Gabriel Martinelli, Tammy Abraham, and Mason Mount, among others, have gone on to become pivotal players for their respective clubs, several other young players have burst onto the scene and have quietly gone under the radar.
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Here are 5 young players who have impressed in the current season but have failed to get the attention they deserve.
#5 Dwight McNeil - Burnley
Dwight McNeil's emergence from the youth ranks of Burnley has crept under the radar, but the Englishman continues to make a name for himself as one of the most exciting prospects in the country. Having burst onto the scene at the start of 2019, the Clarets experienced an upturn of fortunes when the youngster was thrown onto the scene, initially as a wing-back.
A left-winger by trade, McNeil impressed in an unfamiliar position to ensure safety for his side and has seemingly carried on from where he left off last season, starting every Premier League game for the Clarets this season in his preferred position.
Age the age of 20, McNeil has a wealth of top-flight experience under his belt and his ability to adapt to different positions makes him a valuable asset. With 2 goals and 5 assists in the Premier League this season, the England U-21 international is one of the most underrated youngsters in the country currently and looks set to have a bright future ahead of him.
#4 Japhet Tanganga - Tottenham Hotspur
Despite making just 4 Premier League appearances this season, Japhet Tanganga has gained plaudits for his stellar performances at the back for Tottenham Hotspur and has held his own against some of the best attackers in the country.
Having made his first appearance of the season against Liverpool, the 20-year-old was outstanding as a right-back and left with his head held high despite being on the end of a 1-0 victory.
Having shown in pre-season under Mauricio Pochettino, Tanganga didn't feature in any of Spurs' matchday squads till Jose Mourinho replaced the Argentine in the dugout, but since making an appearance against Liverpool, Tanganga has been a regular feature under the Portuguese tactician and looks like a top-class defender in the making.
The 20-year-old looks physically equipped to cope with the intensity of the Premier League and has shown glimpses of his defensive acumen, as he's quickly established himself as a first-team player for the Lilywhites.
Tanganga's emergence has coincided with the likes of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld being phased out of the team and the young Englishman could become a pivotal player for Mourinho in the upcoming seasons, after earning the trust of the Portuguese manager this time around.
#3 Todd Cantwell - Norwich City
Todd Cantwell has been one of the bright sparks in an otherwise lacklustre season for newly promoted Norwich City and the Englishman has gone on to establish himself as one of the most exciting midfielders in the country.
A product of the Canaries academy, Cantwell has chipped in with 6 goals and 2 assists for a side that has scored just 25 Premier League goals this season, a startling example of the quality he possesses.
Blessed with close control and an eye for a pass, Cantwell's 6 strikes from midfield makes for impressive reading and the 21-year-old has a bright future ahead of him even if Daniel Farke's side suffer relegation.
The England U-21 international has been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United and it is believed that a transfer fee of £30 million would be required to prize him away from his boyhood club, even if the Canaries drop down to the Championship at the end of the season.
#2 Dominic Calvert-Lewin - Everton
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a household name in the Premier League but at the age of 22, the Englishman has finally made a name for himself as a reliable goalscorer. Since Carlo Ancelotti's arrival, Calvert-Lewin has been one of the most in-form players in the Premier League and has spearheaded their renaissance under the Italian, with 13 goals and 1 assist in 29 appearances all competitions.
Alongside Richarlison, the 22-year-old has been scoring goals freely in the top flight and could be in contention for a spot in England's squad for Euro 2020, as the likes of Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane could miss the tournament with long term injuries.
The former Sheffield United man has never been a clinical goalscorer but has really pulled up his socks this season, as he looks set to be a key player for the Toffees in the future. Calvert-Lewin has finally come of age in the Premier League and looks set to finish the season strongly, as Everton covet a spot in Europe next season.
#1 Bukayo Saka - Arsenal
In what has been a grim domestic season for Arsenal, with Unai Emery getting the sack midway through the season to be replaced by former club captain Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka has been one of the bright spots for the Gunners, as the 18-year-old has enhanced his reputation with a string of top drawer performances.
Primarily a left-sided attacker, Saka has been deployed as a left full-back under the Spaniard and the youngster has impressed in an unfamiliar position for the Gunners, whilst also chipping in with 3 goals and 9 assist in 27 appearances across all competitions.
Saka is blessed with a wand of a left foot and his electric pace coupled with his crossing ability makes him a threat down the flank, as he continues to keep Sead Kolasinac out of the starting XI for the North London side.
Arsenal's season has been marred with inconsistency and a change of regime, but Saka's emergence has been a silver lining for them, as he looks set to become a key player for club and country in the coming years.
The 18-year-old has just over a year left on his contract and is reportedly on the radar of several top clubs across Europe, including Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Liverpool. Arsenal will want to tie down Saka to a long term contract and it remains to be seen if the youngster commits his future to the club, after coming through the ranks at the Arsenal academy.
