It isn’t easy for U21 talents to break into a Premier League team and get substantial minutes, let alone shine enough to receive buzz or merit in any significant capacity.
So it makes it that much more special when a prospect is able to break through the ranks and make a name for themselves.
Let’s take a look at five U21 players who are shining in the 2023/24 Premier League season.
Chelsea CB Levi Colwill
Chelsea center back Levi Colwill has split time equally between the left and central aspects of defense, reinforcing the notion that he is one of the best young players to watch in English football at any position.
The fact that he’s getting regular starts for the Blues in defense at the age of 20 only makes his rise that much more impressive, because it is tougher for young defenders to break into a first team.
Colwill made a name for himself in 2022/23 with Brighton before returning to Chelsea this season and immediately establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the league.
The numbers are staggering for a U21 player. Colwill is averaging three combined tackles and interceptions per match despite only being dribbled past 0.3 times per game. Those are elite numbers even for a 27-year-old veteran center back.
Brighton ST Evan Ferguson
Evan Ferguson is one of the hottest names in transfer rumors and one of the best strikers in the Premier League of any age. Brighton have so many exciting young talents, but you can see why Ferguson is so hyped.
The 19-year-old Irish international has left the back of the net bulging six times this season, which is a solid number for a teenage No. 9. Ferguson, though, sets himself apart by being more well-rounded than most strikers his age.
He has to be in order to keep getting minutes in a multi-faceted Brighton attack under Roberto De Zerbi that contains plenty of versatile, hard-working talents in wider areas or from midfield.
Ferguson looks like the next big thing at striker in the Premier League. He has all the raw tools to be a great striker in this league for years to come.
Chelsea RB Malo Gusto
A legitimate star talent for Lyon before joining Chelsea, the Blues signed Malo Gusto despite already having arguably the best right back on the planet in English international Reece James.
The 20-year-old is one of the most industrious fullbacks you’ll find. He is so active at coming up to make tackles from defense and win the ball, functioning to the level of a top No. 8 in that capacity.
Talented with the ball at his feet, Gusto is one of the best progressors at his position from a per 90 perspective, and he’s really only scratching the surface of what he can do in London.
As Gusto gets more games, Chelsea will show him more trust. With James likely out for a few more months, the Frenchman is ready to boost his stock.
Manchester United AM Alejandro Garnacho
A favorite of Cristiano Ronaldo’s when he was with Manchester United, Alejandro Garnacho is part of the promising future generation of United players. He’s a rare talent capable of the spectacular, as evidenced by a recent bicycle kick.
Garnacho is another great young talent who would benefit from more minutes and responsibility, though that isn’t easy since United already have one of Europe’s most prolific playmakers in Bruno Fernandes. They also added Mason Mount this summer.
One to watch as the years continue, Garnacho is only 19 despite getting considerable minutes for Manchester United to this point in his career. He’s a guy whose development could skyrocket at a critical moment in the coming seasons.
Brighton AM Facundo Buonanotte
The final U21 Premier League player to know is another Brighton standout in Facundo Buonanotte. An Argentinian attacking midfielder, Buonanotte isn’t a regular starter for the Seagulls but does have four starts in 2023/24.
A playmaker who excels from wider positions, Buonanotte can leave defenders on skates. They can hardly take the ball off him without making a foul.
As Buonanotte develops his game and gets more experience, the quality of his final ball to improve to the point where he could become a 10-assist player from central and wide positions. Brighton have a gem in this young player.
The managing editor of The Trivela Effect, Kevin has 15 years of experience in digital media. He has been an editor for NFL Spin Zone, Daily DDT for pro wrestling, Autzen Zoo covering the Oregon Ducks, Musket Fire covering the New England Patriots, The Real Champs covering Real Madrid, Old Juve covering Juventus, Rush The Kop covering Liverpool, and Release The Knappen covering Schalke. His work has been featured in ESPN, Bleacher Report, Yahoo! Sports, NBC Sports, and other outlets. You can contact him at the site’s official Twitter handle @TrivelaEffect or via the site’s official email thetrivelaeffect@gmail.com.