20 Premier League Teen Stars

Max Dowman (Arsenal) 16 (Born in Chelmsford, 31.12.2009)

If you’ve been on planet Mars you might still have heard the clamour on Arsenal’s teen sensation who became the Gunners youngest ever starter in a match aged 15 years and 302 days when he featured for the first time against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup last October. Since (and prior), Dowman has been widely tipped for international stardom, a ball carrying attacking midfielder with tenacity and engine, he featured 13 times in last season’s title winning campaign and Euro run, and it is likely that he’ll appear even more than that this coming year, having started in every one of Arsenal’s pre-season friendlies as a right-sided forward this summer. Competition will be strong and he’s by all means no starter quite yet for Mikel Arteta’s team who still boast the likes of Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke let’s not forget, but the Gunners will look after him and use sparingly against largely opposition of a less than elite capability.

Star Rating: 5/5

Brian Madjo (Aston Villa) 17 (Born in Enfield, 12.1.2009)

A controversial €12m capture from Metz, the story of Madjo is intriguing in itself, a bruising 6ft4in teen striker who already has three full Luxembourg caps, but has since played for England U17 and is also eligible to play for Cameroon. Brian’s father Guy Madjo played in the English lower leagues but was sentenced to prison for sexual assault in 2016, he since fled the UK and his son grew up in Luxembourg before joining Metz in 2025 playing five Ligue 1 games before signing for Villa in a deal which was initially held back by FIFA but recently progressed by CAS on the grounds of being English born. I was told last year (when 16) by an England kit Manager that upwards from youth to senior squads only Madjo, and Dan Burn wear an XXXL shirt, the sheer size of this powerhouse forward was there to see for all, as he became the European Super Cup Final’s youngest ever goal scorer after pole axing some of the best defenders in world football during a 2-1 loss verses PSG. A hugely talented target man is one that has already scored five goals for Aston Villa this pre-season and many are predicting this, to be his big break out year.

Star Rating: 5/5

Veljko Milosavljevic (Bournemouth) 19 (Born in Serbia, 28.7.2007)

Cut from the same no-nonsense cloth as Nemanja Vidic and Nikola Milenkovic, Veljko Milosavljevic is a hotly tipped Serb stopper that has the pedigree to go on and become one of Europe’s best centre halves. After all, when it comes to recruiting, Bournemouth have pedigree themselves, having worked wonders with the likes of Nathan Ake, Marcos Senesi and Dean Huijsen, now they draw attention to progressing the career of a former Crvena Zvezda centre back already valued at over £20m. Typically Serb in size and stature, the 6ft4in defender is aerially good, but decent on the deck, and has ball carrying to his repertoire which makes him stand out as a forward running threat too. A knee injury has somewhat scuppered the strides he made after initially making his Cherries debut in September 2025 but should he overcome those long stretched niggles, he’ll no doubt break into the team this season and prove to all again, just how good Bournemouth’s recruitment drive continues to be.

Star Rating: 4/5

Kaye Furo (Brentford) 19 (Born in Belgium, 6.2.2007)

The tall and leggy teen striker signed for Brentford in January from Club Brugge having appeared 8 times for the 20 times Belgian champions last season. A product of the Brugge academy Club NXT, he’s a clinical centre forward with an eye for sniffing goals and is one highly regarded in Belgian youth football having played for the National team at all levels from 15 to 21. Son of former Nigerian international forward Furo Iyenemi, Kaye has appeared twice so far for the Bees since moving to England and although might find opportunities limited this coming campaign, is a future star that could potentially forge his way into regular Premier League football in years to come. Don’t rule out a possible loan move, but as Brentford have limited options in the strikers department, with just Igor Thiago and Callum Wilson ahead of Furo in the pecking order for starting berths, opportunity might come sooner than you think.

Star Rating: 3/5

Luka Vuskovic (Brighton & Hove Albion) 19 (Born in Croatia, 24.2.07)

Anyone who watches the Bundesliga with have noted how good this already seemingly seasoned Croatian international defender is in both boxes, having scored 6 goals in 28 games for Hamburg last year whilst on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. Vuskovic joined Brighton for a club record fee £46m having never kicked a ball for Spurs following his move from Hajduk Split in 2025 where he had previously spent time on loan at Westerlo in Belgium, scoring 7 goals in 36 games. Tottenham’s loss is Albion’s gain as they pick up one of the brightest defensive prospects in world football, Vuskovic has appeared 6 times (scoring once) already for Croatia and featured in the World Cup in their 4-2 loss against England. An intelligent footballer who reads when to sniff out danger, as well as when to predict scoring opportunity, could become yet another brilliant piece of business from a football operation on the south coast that often does brilliant pieces of business, regularly.

Star Rating: 4/5

Estevao (Chelsea) 19 (Born in Brazil, 24.4.2007)

Bursting onto the scene last season nobody would perhaps have predicted that Brazilian international Estevao Willian would have quite made the impact he did, following his move to Stamford Bridge across the Atlantic from Palmeiras of Sao Paulo. In all competitions the flying winger appeared 36 times for Chelsea scoring 8 goals and was a regular hit in the Premier League, racing past defenders down the outside right. Chelsea actually managed the minutes and expectation of Estevao quite well in his first year in English football, having came straight from a tough Brazilian domestic competition, featuring 83 times for Palmeiras scoring 27 goals along the way. Already with 11 caps and 5 goals at international level, he looks to be on the verge of world super-stardom and a season on par with last, and his value already of £80m plus, will continue to soar. Not yet 20-years-old, he is a key component in Chelsea’s attacking department and under Xavi Alonso, will be looking to win silverware with the Blues in a team full of young quality exciting footballers, the world will be watching with joy.

Star Rating: 5/5

Jack Ruddy (Coventry City) 18 (Born in Norwich, 29.9.2007)

Goalkeeper Jack Ruddy is the son of John Ruddy who is a former team-mate of Coventry manager Frank Lampard who signed Jack this summer after the teen stopper was released by Norwich City. A Welsh youth international with caps at U15, and U16 level he was loaned out by the Canaries in 2025 to Eastern Counties League side Kirkley & Pakefield on a short term deal, saving a 96th minute penalty in a 1-0 win against Fakenham Town amongst his notable contributions for the Royals. A player who will be developed with a long term plan, is not one that is thought can break into the squad this season, but may appear on the bench, or be loaned out to gain more experience, but is certainly a goalkeeper to look out for.

Star Rating: 2/5

Dean Benamar (Crystal Palace) 18 (Born in Westminster, 31.5.2008)

A powerful and combative left sided defender who likes to get forward, England youth international Benamar has already debuted for the Eagles first team after appearing in a 2-2 draw with Finnish side KuPS in a UEFA Conference League game last December. Swashbuckling and full throttle in his play, Benamar can contribute with tackles, clearances, crosses and goals, is an explosive physically strong full back who always gives 110% and who likes to join in and attack often with overlapping forward runs. Born in London to an Algerian father and Latvian mother, Benamar is aggressive and tenacious with a lovely left foot, is a player that might not be used much other than the odd cup sub appearance this coming season, but is one that will continue to develop in the U21’s and will no doubt feature more in the England junior ranks.

Star Rating: 4/5

Braiden Graham (Everton) 18 (Born in Northern Ireland, 7.11.2007)

An exciting forward that gives either Francis Jeffers or Wayne Rooney vibes. Left foot, right foot, super fast, cool and calm in front of goal, Braiden Graham is a very hotly rated youngster who has an exciting future ahead. Born in Ballygowan he was a regular goalscorer for Linfield U18’s at the age of fifteen, at the same age making his Irish Premiership debut, scoring his first senior goal in December 2023, and in the summer of 24 he joined Everton ahead of the Toffees providing the player with a three-year-professional contract. He’s since scored regularly with 17 PL2 goals in 26 games and has 9 goals in 13 Northern Irish U19 caps, wherever he’s been, whatever the level, the player simply knows how to score. What’s next? Don’t be surprised if he earns a full national team call up before making his Everton debut, but David Moyes will want to wrap him up in cotton wool and save him for when the time is right. A loan move maybe risky at this point? But one that should it come off, will put even more pound notes onto his value.

Star Rating: 4/5

Josh King (Fulham) 19 (Born in Kingston upon Thames, 3.1.2007)

Last season was Josh King’s arrival on the big stage, after appearing 11 times for the Cottagers in 2024/25 he followed up with a full Premier League of Fulham service, scoring just twice in 36 appearances, but those who regularly watched, saw what a very special player, Josh was continuing to become. And still developing, the midfield playmaker is a delightfully eloquent footballer with touch and technique, is one who gets about the pitch and plays with persistence in his tempo. An England youth international from all ages between U15-U21, he’s highly thought of by those at the highest table, so much so that he was even asked to join England’s preparation camp during the recent World Cup. This season a lot will be asked of King who has seen Fulham transfer out a lot of their star players whilst a new Manager in Alvaro Arbeloa will need to get the best out of his star boy. If King can develop into the player we all know he can, then Fulham could have a very exciting season ahead.

Star Rating: 4/5

Lucas Herrington (Hull City) 18 (Born in Australia, 5.9.2007)

Standing at 6ft4in tall, Australian international Lucas Herrington is a teen star tipped to tackle the fear of relegation for recently promoted Hull City. The Brisbane born centre back has just signed for the Tigers following a move from MLS outfit Colorado Rapids for a club record fee. The £17m paid also makes Herrington the highest sold Aussie on the planet, as well as the highest paid for defender in MLS history. An incredibly intelligent player who is calm and collected in possession, Herrington became Australia’s youngest to appear in the World Cup although missed a penalty in the round of 32 shoot out loss v Egypt which led to support from the likes of Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. National team-mate Harry Souttar calling him “an Aussie Rolls Royce” which is high testament from a player who has played alongside the talented teen sensation on the biggest stage this summer.

Star Rating: 4/5

Christopher Atherton (Ipswich Town) 17 (Born in Northern Ireland, 19.10.2008)

The youngest player ever to feature in a competitive game in the UK. Christopher Atherton made his debut for Glenavon in a 6-0 League Cup win over Dollingstown on 13 September 2022, aged just thirteen and 329 days old. Described by former Manager, a former Northern Ireland international, Gary Hamilton, who said “he’s the best young I’ve ever seen come through” Atherton soon caught the attention of Chelsea who he joined in August 2025. A right winger who runs like Ryan Giggs, he’s an old fashioned throw-back to the days of jinking wide men who liked to get chalk on their boots. Already capped by Northern Ireland at U16 & U17 level he has also been capped by the Republic of Ireland at U19’s with both nations keen to get him committed long term. Atherton might be a way off his first team debut but may seek a loan move to further his development, a good season with the U21’s and he could be in the pecking order for first team football by the end of 2027.

Star Rating: 3/5

Callum Mills (Leeds United) 17 (Born in Leeds, 19.9.2008)

A confident playmaking midfielder that likes to get on the ball and make things happen. Callum Mills has recently signed his first professional contract, a two year deal which followed a fabulous season in representing both the U18 & U21’s. Mills is a footballer who is happy to try things, he has good vision and creativity, and can score as well as assist, playing in a variety of roles from out wide to advanced in midfield, happiest centrally as an eight or ten, he’s been involved this summer with the first team and has shown moments of magic beyond his years, against first class opposition, where he looks to feel at home. A footballer comfortable on the ball with a genuine chance of slowly breaking through in to Daniel Farke’s ever evolving plans, keep your eyes peeled for the moment he does, a nice watch, a bit of swagger, a seventeen year old who like many, is another potential star of the amazingly successful Peacock’s academy.

Star Rating: 3/5

Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool) 17 (Born in London, 29.8.2008)

Crowning his first full Liverpool season with a first full England cap, at just seventeen he became the fifth youngest ever player to represent his country, earning a man of the match award in the 1-0 friendly win over New Zealand in June. An incredibly talented and positive wide player who is always hungry to take on his opponent, Ngumoha played 29 times for Liverpool last season scoring two goals, and with an exodus that includes the legend of Mo Salah leaving the club in the summer, a lot will see the Londoner as a natural successor to become one of the Reds most important attacking outlets. Skillfull with pace, Ngumoha can play on either flank and has been likened in the past to Raheem Sterling, who’s record he broke to become Liverpool’s youngest ever Premier League goalscorer at Anfield.

Star Rating: 5/5

Stephen Mfuni (Manchester City) 18 (Born in Wigan, 12.2.2008)

A purring elegant lion of a footballer, Stephen Mfuni has re-interested Championship outfit Watford who had the teenager on loan last season. Whilst the left footed central defender may be keen to link up on loan again, it is widely assumed that the Premier League will be his long term level, having played up in the ages throughout his teen career, still just eighteen years old, he has already played for England U19’s a whopping seventeen times. Composed and cultured, he’s a typical product of the fabulous Manchester City Academy and is one that his former Manager Pep Guardiola would have loved to have worked with more often, John Stones like in the way he plays. Mfuni made his City debut in the 10-1 FA Cup win against Exeter earlier in the year, he since joined Watford playing 8 Championship games until the end of last season, and has been a regular for England as he develops his career whilst competing against the best young footballers on the planet, which is in no doubt, what Mfuni certainly is himself.

Star Rating: 5/5

Ayden Heaven (Manchester United) 19 (Born in London, 22.9.2006)

Creeping in awfully close to his twentieth birthday, Ayden Heaven was a gift from Arsenal, after moving from the Gunners Academy to Old Trafford in February 2025, and ever since, nobody in football quite knows why Arsenal did give him away? A cultured defender, left footed, who can operate as a left back, but is more comfortable at centre half, is one that reads the game very well, with all the attributes needed to become a successful Premier League defender, size, fitness, pace, power, composure and all. Just five months after making his Arsenal debut (in his one and only game verses Preston North End in the Carabao Cup), Heaven made his United debut in the FA Cup against Fulham just days after moving to the Red Devils. Since, he’s played 24 senior games for United and is an England U20 international now, having had a decent pre-season he’s firmly in the plans of Manager Michael Carrick, having partnered both Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire at the heart of United’s defence.

Star Rating: 5/5

Sean Steur (Newcastle United) 18 (Born in Netherlands, 11.1.2008)

Those sulking about the departures of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, enter Sean Steur who may solve all those voided problems so that they quickly go away. The Ajax academy graduate has the tenacity of both Tonali and Bruno but the ball playing of Paul Gascoigne, a wonderful carrier of the football, he has a lovely right foot and his all around game is about getting the ball, bringing it forward, and smashing one in from twenty yards. Having played 25 games for Ajax he is the younger brother of Volendam goalkeeper Roy, three years his elder, both have represented the Dutch national teams from fifteens through to U19. A footballer that has developed through the iconic Jong Ajax system, he has grown in strength and value during his last twelve months in the Eredivisie. Time is what he may need, to adapt to the vigorous Premier League, but if he can adapt quickly to the physicality and tempo, boy do Newcastle United have a player on their hands.

Star Rating: 4/5

Chinaza Nwosu (Nottingham Forest) 18 (Born in London, 17.05.2008)

An England youth international who joined Forest from West Ham United last September. Chinaza Nwosu is a defensive minded but versatile footballer who selflessly offers to do the jobs that others perhaps might not always want to. Hard working off the ball, he provides shape to his team when out of possession, and a comfort blanket of calm whilst keeping ball when in possession, a player who offers intelligence in the way he plays, is one that appears regularly in the PL2 and last season played in all three of Forest’s National League Cup matches, as well as all three EFL Trophy games. This season expect more bit part cameos for the Senior/U21 side in the cup, but further afield he could be one that forges a long term place in the team? A loan move might help develop his career further, as he looks to muscle in fast-tracking his progress.

Star Rating: 3/5

Chris Rigg (Sunderland) 19 (Born in Hebburn, 18.7.2007)

Still only nineteen, it seems that Christopher John Rigg, has been around forever? The midfielder made his debut in January 2023 and has since played 92 times for Sunderland, enjoying promotion from the Championship in 2024/25 and a first full season in the Premier League just gone. An England youth international, Rigg is a tidy footballer of high quality, good ball usage and hard work rate, is one easy on the eye as he prods balls into his strikers paths, and joins in with sharp and educated off ball running. Last season Rigg didn’t perhaps feature in the top flight as much as he would have liked as Sunderland went for tried and tested with the likes of Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki in midfield. That’s not to say Rigg might not find a way, he operated on occasion in more advanced roles under Regis Le Bris last season and this summer has been tipped for more of the same, he can play wide right or as a number ten as well as an eight, and his ball playing skills ensure he’ll feature more often than not, even if his Manager might not know quite, where his best fit is yet?

Star Rating: 4/5

Ashiah Haughton-Sinclair (Tottenham Hotspur) 15 (Born in London, 21.04.2011)

Saving the youngest until last, this centre forward of high quality has been breaking records in the Spurs academy with endless and remarkable goal contributions whilst becoming the youngest player when only 14, to play for Tottenham’s under 18 team. The truth is he might be way off first team football right now, but in the know they have a player that can one day perhaps, knock down the Managers door, this remarkable young talent capped by England at junior level, is one that an awful lot of people are getting excited about. Haughton-Sinclair has the finishing ability likened to that of Harry Kane, right footed, more than competent with his left, he can drop deep to spray long passes and find pockets where he becomes unmarkable, to create space which allows time to sense opportunity. It is possible that Ashiah gets minutes in a cup competition for Spurs this year, and should that happen, he will beat Alfie Devine’s record as being the clubs youngest ever debutant, the time to beat, sixteen years five months and nine days, Haughton-Sinclair has a year and a bit to go, if he’s to beat that, and I’m pretty sure it feels very possible.

Star Rating: 4/5

theHEADscout.

I’m a sports DATA Analyst and PFSA associate scout with level two qualifications in talent identification and level one certificates in technical scouting & opposition analysis.