This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
As the new Premier League season kicks off, several young players are ready to take the league by storm. Among them are Tammy Abraham, Phil Foden, Reiss Nelson, and Troy Parrott, who have already shown glimpses of their talent in pre-season matches.
Abraham, a 21-year-old Chelsea striker, has been given the number nine shirt by new boss Frank Lampard, a boost to his hopes of featuring prominently in the Chelsea attack. Despite helping Chelsea win numerous honours at youth level, Abraham has only appeared three times for the first team, having spent the past three seasons out on loan with Bristol City, Swansea, and Aston Villa.
"I've got a manager here who believes in the young lads and will give you your chance if you work hard in training. That's all I needed to hear," Abraham said, who scored 26 goals during Villa's promotion-winning Championship campaign.
Foden, a 19-year-old Manchester City midfielder, has been touted as one of England's most talented players. However, his lack of game time at Manchester City has raised concerns about his status as the jewel of England's 2017 Under-17 World Cup-winning team. Despite starting just three Premier League games for the treble winners in 2018/19 and 11 in all competitions, City manager Pep Guardiola continues to lavish praise on Foden, suggesting he will eventually get his chance.
"I have said many times in press conferences, but maybe not said it in front of him, Phil is the most talented player I have ever seen in my career as a manager," Guardiola said. "His only problem is sometimes his manager doesn't put him in the starting eleven. Hopefully in the future that can improve."
By AFP
Nelson, a 19-year-old Arsenal winger, has been impressive in pre-season matches, providing an injection of pace and trickery on the wings. He remains a work in progress, but is confident of imposing himself this term and said fans would be "shocked" to see his progress.
"Arsene Wenger gave me my first Premier League start (at 18) and I was very immature," Nelson said. "Now I have a more mature role about me."
Parrott, a 17-year-old Irish striker, has been tipped for the top after impressing Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino during pre-season. Pochettino held Parrott back from joining up with Ireland Under-19s for the European Championship in order to fast-track his development during their Asian tour.
"If we have the squad that we have today, of course he's going to have the possibility to be with the first team," Pochettino said of a player who could benefit if Tottenham's star striker Harry Kane is beset by more ankle problems.
