Rising Stars: Four Young Football Talents to Watch in the Premier League 2023

The Premier League has long been a stage where footballing legends are born and celebrated. As the 2023 season is beginning to take shape, the world's most-watched football league is once again buzzing with anticipation.

While the likes of Son Heung-min, Marcus Rashford and Mohammed Salah continue to light up the pitch, there's an undeniable charm in discovering the raw talent of young, burgeoning footballers who have the potential to supersede their Premier League peers.

In this article, we will shine the spotlight on some of the league’s rising stars who are set to capture the imagination of fans on the terraces. These raw talented youngsters represent the next generation of football talent that the Premier League has to offer.

From impressive youth development journeys to unique skills and standout performances, each of these young prodigies brings something special to the table.

Join us as we delve into the stories, abilities, and potential of these promising individuals who are poised to become household names in the Premier League in 2023.

Rico Lewis – Manchester City

Position: Full back
Age: 18

Rico Lewis broke into Pep’s Manchester City squad and has impressed both manager and fans alike. Whilst his natural position is most suited to the full back role, Lewis is a very versatile player who doesn’t look out of place pretty much anywhere on the park, including central midfield.

He has been at the club since he was 8 years old and already has an FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League to his name. Rico actually made history in the 2022/23 UCL campaign becoming the youngest ever player to score on their debut at 17 years and 346 days - I know, it makes me feel old just typing it…

Though this season is still in its infancy, Lewis has already made 7 appearances, showing that he has the trust of his teammates and manager despite his tender age. It will be interesting to see where exactly he plays the most minutes this season as he is an extremely valuable versatile player - exactly what Guardiola likes.

Evan Ferguson - Brighton and Hove Albion

Position: Striker
Age: 19

Evan Ferguson is undoubtedly one of the hottest prospects in the league. The Brighton striker made his breakthrough in the 2022/23 campaign and notched an impressive 11 goals in 28 first team appearances in all comps.

Standing already over 6 feet tall and still with room to grow, Ferguson really is a force already. With his Haaland-esque size and playstyle, he is surely on the radar of all the biggest clubs in world football as the next big thing.

And to show that his maiden Premier League season was not a fluke, the Irishman has already bagged 4 goals in 9 apps (including a hat-trick versus Newcastle) as well as making his Europa League debut for Brighton in their debut European campaign. Ferguson looks set to play in higher levels than the Europa League though, do not be surprised if this man is making waves in the Champions League before his 21st birthday in 2 years time - whether at Brighton or not - the only way is up!

2022 saw Ferguson make his debut for his national team, coming off the bench in a 2-1 home defeat against Norway in an international friendly. Since then he has gone on to score 3 times in 8 apps for The Boys in Green.

Ferguson is proving to be that much of a hassle in the box that the top 2023 NZ bookies are already listing him in the race for the 2023/24 golden boot odds. Up there with the likes of Haaland, Salah and Son, Ferguson is situated as the race’s 7th favourite with odds of 66/1, a fair price for an outside chance.

Destiny Udogie - Tottenham Hotspur

Position: Left Back/Left Midfield
Age: 20

Destiny Udogie has been at Spurs since August ‘22 but was subsequently loaned straight back to his original club, Udinese. He spent the remainder of the 22/23 at the Italian club and honed his craft as a left sided player, playing 34 times netting 3 times and collecting 4 assists at the age of just 19.

Upon returning to Spurs in the summer, the departure of Reguillon meant that Udogie had to “fill in” at left full back. Though it may not be his preferred position he has certainly shown that he is versatile enough to cover most, if not all of the left sided positions - something which Postecoglou will be keen to utilise.

Destiny has featured in all 8 of Spurs’ opening Premier League games which has seen them climb to the top of the league alongside North London rivals, Arsenal. Udogie has gone about his business quietly and impressively, even picking up 2 assists earning him a call up to the Italian national team where he has since made his first team debut in the 4-0 victory over Malta and subsequent defeat to England.

Julio Enciso - Brighton and Hove Albion

Position: Forward
Age: 19

A list of wonderkids plying their trade in the Premier League wouldn’t be complete without a South American youngster playing for Brighton would it? From Caicedo to Buoanotte the list seems to go on and on, but now it’s the turn of Paraguayan, Julio Enciso.

Enciso signed to the south coast club in June ‘22 and made his debut in a 4-1 win over Chelsea in October of that year. Since then Julio’s stock has risen week on week, much like his employers, Brighton. His first season at the club ended with 20 Premier League apps and 4 goals 2 assists to his name, including a Goal of the Season award for his stunner against Manchester City.

This season has not been the start he wanted. The versatile forward has managed just 69 minutes of Premier League action before a meniscus cartilage injury in his knee has sidelined him for a “long period” according to manager, Roberto De Zerbi. Fear not though, Enciso has a lot of spirit about him and I am certain he will come back stronger and ready to show the world his talent.

Conclusion

In the ever-changing world of the Premier League, the 2023 season is shaping up to be a thrilling showcase of fresh talent and promise. While our favourite established players keep us mesmerised, there's something truly special about discovering the rising stars of the sport.

This article has introduced us to four exciting young prospects: Rico Lewis, Evan Ferguson, and Destiny Udogie.

Rico's incredible ascent at Manchester City, Evan's dominant presence as a striker, and Destiny's versatility at Tottenham Hotspur and Julio’s explosive speed and skill are vivid examples of the diverse talent pool blossoming in the Premier League.

These youngsters, with their outstanding achievements and boundless potential, represent the future of football on the highest stages. As they embark on their journeys to greatness, fans all over the world can eagerly look forward to the things these guys will achieve in their careers.