The 20 Best Young Players in the Premier League (2025) – Ranked

July 30, 2025 Oliver Obel

The Premier League remains the ultimate stage for young talent to shine. From creative midfield maestros to explosive wingers and composed defenders, England's top division is stacked with next-generation stars already impacting the first team. Here’s our countdown of the 20 best U21 players in the Premier League – starting from number 20 all the way to the standout number 1.

20. Romeo Lavia (21) – Chelsea

Romeó Lavia — Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Injuries have stalled his progress at Chelsea, but Lavia remains a top-tier talent in defensive midfield. His press resistance and calmness in possession could soon make him vital to the club’s long-term midfield rebuild.

19. Mathys Tel (19) – Tottenham Hotspur

On loan from Bayern Munich, Tel has brought speed and directness to Spurs' attacking line. His natural instinct for goal and explosive movement make him a dangerous weapon off the bench.

18. Leny Yoro (19) – Manchester United

Signed as one of Europe’s top defensive prospects, Yoro offers composure, aerial dominance, and strong anticipation. His potential as a modern centre-back is already turning heads at Old Trafford.

17. Conor Bradley (21) – Liverpool

Bradley has stepped up as a reliable option at right-back, showcasing solid crossing ability and defensive awareness. With continued development, he could become a long-term successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

16. Milos Kerkez (21) – Bournemouth

The Hungarian left-back is aggressive, quick, and fearless in attack. Kerkez brings energy and width, playing with a maturity that belies his age.

15. Yankuba Minteh (20) – Brighton & Hove Albion

Minteh is a classic winger with electric pace and confidence on the ball. Signed from Newcastle, he brings unpredictability to Brighton's fluid system.

14. Harvey Elliott (21) – Liverpool

Elliott has grown into a key squad player at Liverpool, offering creativity and relentless energy in midfield. His technical sharpness and game intelligence set him apart among his peers.

13. Lucas Bergvall (19) – Tottenham Hotspur

The Swedish talent has made a smooth transition into Premier League life with Spurs. Calm under pressure and blessed with great vision, he looks like a future midfield anchor.

12. Lewis Hall (20) – Newcastle United

Lewis Hall, Kieran Trippier — IOIO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

Hall’s ability to progress the ball and support attacks from left-back has impressed since joining Newcastle. He’s a composed and modern full-back with real upside.

11. Adam Wharton (21) – Crystal Palace

Since his move from Blackburn, Wharton has added calm and control to Palace’s midfield. His positional discipline and passing range make him a dependable figure in the middle of the park.

10. Archie Gray (18) – Tottenham Hotspur

The versatile midfielder arrived from Leeds and quickly adapted to Premier League pace. Gray’s composure and work rate give him a strong foundation for growth.

9. Carlos Baleba (21) – Brighton & Hove Albion

A powerful box-to-box midfielder, Baleba brings physicality and drive to Brighton’s setup. His ball-winning ability and stamina make him a dominant figure in central areas.

8. Dean Huijsen (19) – Bournemouth

The young Dutch centre-back has brought a calming presence and ball-playing quality to Bournemouth’s defence. His intelligence and positioning suggest big things to come.

7. Kobbie Mainoo (19) – Manchester United

Mainoo has become a fan favourite with his poise, intelligence, and technical class in midfield. Whether breaking lines or dictating play, he’s already central to United’s long-term vision.

6. Alejandro Garnacho (20) – Manchester United

Garnacho’s fearlessness and flair make him one of the league’s most exciting wingers. His eye for goal and work rate continue to earn him bigger roles at Old Trafford.

5. Ethan Nwaneri (17) – Arsenal

Still just 17, Nwaneri is a phenomenon in the making. His silky footwork, composure, and creativity have already earned him Premier League appearances.

4. Malo Gusto (21) – Chelsea

Gusto is a modern full-back with speed, power, and a relentless attacking mindset. His overlapping runs and delivery from wide areas make him a key outlet for Chelsea.

3. Savinho (20) – Manchester City

After a breakout loan at Girona, Savinho has returned to City as a dynamic, fearless winger. His dribbling and end product have Pep Guardiola excited about his long-term impact.

2. Rico Lewis (20) – Manchester City

Lewis has become one of City’s most tactically flexible players, excelling at full-back and in midfield. His intelligence, positioning, and technical skill make him a coach’s dream.

1. Myles Lewis-Skelly (18) – Arsenal

Lewis-Skelly is Arsenal’s next midfield gem – composed on the ball, defensively aware, and tactically advanced beyond his years. With both elegance and bite in his game, he looks destined to become one of the Premier League’s best all-round midfielders.