The new wave of COVID-19, player injuries and a crowded match calendar have given Premier League teams the option to introduce more youngsters this season. Some of them have already established themselves in the starting line-ups of their teams, while others are ready to make the leap in 2022.
These are three young stars in the Premier League to look for in the coming period.
Cole Palmer – Manchester City
A childhood fan of Manchester City, Palmer made his official debut last season in a match against Burnley and came onto the scene in 2021/22, when he got more chances under Pep Guardiola.
“Palmer is fully involved in the dynamics of our game,” Guardiola said last October.
“He extended his contract to the club, because we believe in him so much. We know his traits and what he can do.
“It is not easy to push him because of our players, but we have many matches. Sooner or later, he has all the potential to play.
“He can play five positions up front, wingers, attacking midfielders, even a striker. He has a sense of goal, he has distinction. We are happy to have him, and he is growing with us for two seasons. Every training session, he is growing as a footballer.”
Charlie Patino – Arsenal
The 18-year-old Patino is one of the most talented players in Arsenal’s academy, having scored a goal on his debut for his side against Sunderland, just minutes after coming off the bench.
Arsenal’s academy directors have described him as one of the best talents ever on the team’s training ground, but coach Mikel Arteta isn’t ready to push Patino into the first team.
“He’s a kid coming through our system, a beautiful kid,” Arteta said after the Sunderland game.
“I think that’s a very positive thing, that the fans have been singing his name. They’ve heard of him and they know what he could become and now we have to cook it slowly.
“He is really young and needs to go step by step, he had the opportunity and he took it really well.”
Joe Gilhardt – Leeds United
Injuries to the strikers have forced Marcelo Bielsa to bet on Al Shabab on numerous occasions so far this season.
Among these standout youngsters is 19-year-old striker Joe Gilhart, who made his Bielsa debut in a match with Fulham in September.
Gilhard has scored once in six Premier League games this season, but has made an impact in most of the duels as he was called up to help off the bench and also scored some assists.