The five best Premier League youngsters of the season
Another Premier League campaign has come to an end, and another group of youngsters have impressed over the course of the season.
Phil Foden was named the league’s best young player, but there were a host of youngsters that were great across the league and could be in line for a big move soon.
Here are the Premier League’s five best players aged under 21 who have made a mark on the English top flight this season.
Bukayo Saka
The crown jewel for Arsenal, Bukayo Saka recovered from a tough end at Euro 2020 to have a stellar campaign for Arsenal this season.
The 20-year-old had a league campaign that included 11 goals and seven assists as Arsenal narrowly missed out on a return to the Champions League.
There is interest from other clubs for Saka, but it seems unlikely that he will be leaving the Emirates Stadium anytime soon.
At just 20 years old, Bukayo Saka featured in every single Premier League game for Arsenal this season.
No wonder he was burnt out towards the end.
Have a well deserved rest, @BukayoSaka87 & see you next season!❤️💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/kfalIBpNsB— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) May 23, 2022
Gabriel Martinelli
Saka’s Arsenal team-mate Gabriel Martinelli had a fine season as well, proving that Mikel Arteta’s patience in him was worthwhile.
The 20-year-old scored six and provided six assists, but his directness and qualities earned him a call-up to the Brazil senior side for the very first time earlier in the campaign.
The winger is an important part of Arsenal’s plans, and he was even given a shirt number upgrade as he’ll be donning the number 11 from next season onwards.
Armando Broja
Armando Broja left Chelsea on loan for Southampton and the move has worked a treat, as the forward got plenty of game time and was able to make a mark.
The Albanian scored six goals for Southampton and provided one assist and was an important player for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team.
He’s set to go back to Chelsea, but there is interest in the 20-year-old from other Premier League clubs, including West Ham United, who could make a move for him.
Michael Olise
Crystal Palace had a fine season under Patrick Vieira, finishing in 12th and picking up some impressive results with a young, exciting team.
Part of the team is 20-year-old Michael Olise, who is one of their most enthralling players for his ability to glide forward with the ball.
Olise scored twice and provided five assists in the campaign, which may not look great, but it’s something to build on in the coming years.
Valentino Livramento
Another player who joined Southampton from Chelsea (except this was a permanent move), Valentino Livramento had a season of growth on the south coast.
The right-back became one of the league’s most consistent, as he made 28 appearances over the course of the campaign in Hasenhuttl’s side.
If the 19-year-old continues on this trajectory, he will certainly become of the league’s better full-backs.