Nwaneri, Elliott: Ranking EPL Best Young Players in 2024/25 season
Arsenal Midfielder, Ethan Newaneri. Photo Credit- Punch
The 2024/25 Premier League season has been an exciting platform for young players to showcase their immense talent. Ethan Nwaneri, Harvey Elliott, Kobbie Mainoo, Lewis Miley, Mikey Moore, and Adam Wharton have emerged as some of the league’s most promising stars. Let’s explore their performances, playing styles, and accurate statistics in this standout campaign.
Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) – Age 17
Ethan Nwaneri has been a revelation for Arsenal. Known for his calmness under pressure and creative flair, the 17-year-old attacking midfielder has become an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s squad. Nwaneri’s ability to operate in tight spaces and deliver incisive passes has elevated Arsenal’s attacking efficiency.
Nwaneri possesses an exceptional ability to thread through balls in congested midfield areas. He finds spaces between opposition lines to orchestrate attacks and is quick on the turn, allowing him to escape defenders. Nwaneri has appeared 17 times for Arsenal in all competitions this season, mostly as a substitute and a few times he had started, scoring 4 goals but is yet to register an assist.
Nwaneri’s development has been accelerated by Arteta’s trust, with his match-winning goals in key games securing vital points for the Gunners and advancing them in domestic competitions. He is seen as a future leader of the squad if he continues to deliver consistent performances.
Harvey Elliott (Liverpool) – Age 21
Harvey Elliott has continued to evolve into a midfield maestro for Liverpool. Operating in a more central role, his creativity and ability to retain possession have been crucial for Arne Slot’s side. Elliot is exceptional at finding spaces, delivering defense-splitting passes, and resilient in pressing opponents to recover possession. He can adapt to both midfield and wing positions.
Elliot has made eight match appearances for Liverpool in all competitions this season, with six of the appearances in the Premier League, often coming in as a substitute but has scored once in the Carabao Cup. Elliott’s creative influence has made good contributions to Liverpool’s resurgence.
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Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United) – Age 19
Kobbie Mainoo’s presence in Manchester United’s midfield has been a massive boost for former United manager Erik ten Hag’s team and has replicated such talent under new manager Ruben Amorim. A deep-lying playmaker, Mainoo has showcased his ability to control games with intelligence and precision. From incisive short passes to long diagonal balls, and excellent at intercepting opposition plays. Moreover, he is calm under pressure, even in high-stakes matches.
Furthermore, Mainoo has made 13 Premier League match appearances out of 15 in all competitions so far this season with no goal contribution. He averages 1.8 interception per game rating and 91% passing completion, showcasing his immense talent in the defensive and central midfield position.
Lewis Miley (Newcastle United) – Age 18
Lewis Miley has risen through Newcastle United’s academy to become a first-team player. He plays the central midfield position, Miley combines composure, excellent passing, and defensive contributions to dictate play in midfield.
Moreover, Miley dictates the tempo with calm and precise ball distribution, strong tackler and interceptor, and covers significant ground to support both attack and defense. So far this season, Miley has made two match appearances but is yet to register any goal contribution in the Premier League. However, he has an 89% passing completion rate which is remarkable for a player in the central and defensive midfield position.
Mikey Moore (Tottenham Hotspur) – Age 17
Tottenham Hotspur’s Mikey Moore has been a sensational discovery this season. Known for his dribbling and creativity, the teenager has quickly become a fan favorite at Spurs. His versatility allows him to operate as a winger or an attacking midfielder. Moore is exceptional in close control, making him a threat to defenders, and excels at creating chances in the final third. He has a quick burst of speed that helps him beat opponent players in ball possession.
In the Premier League this season, Moore has made four match appearances but has yet to register a goal or an assist. He holds a 3.2 dribbles per game rating and a 2.0 key passes per game rating making him a threat to opponent players in the Spurs’ attacking build-up
Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) – Age 20
Adam Wharton has seamlessly transitioned to the Premier League after his move to Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers academy. The box-to-box midfielder brings energy, creativity, and resilience to Palace’s midfield.
Moreover, he is equally adept at defending and attacking and a relentless runner, covering more grounds to provide support to the team’s offensive and defensive set-up, and links up play efficiently between defense and attack. Wharton has 10 match appearances so far this season, with 8 of the appearances in the Premier League, creating 24 chances with an assist and averaging 2.3 tackles per game.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 campaign has underscored the immense potential of these young stars. Whether it’s Ethan Nwaneri’s technical brilliance, Kobbie Mainoo’s midfield control, or Harvey Elliot’s dynamic creativity, these players are shaping the future of the Premier League. Their performances not only elevate their respective teams but also position them as icons for the next generation of footballers.
