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One of the most entertaining aspects of Premier League football is that it's a platform that is never quite quiet. There is always enough buzz around all the clubs not only on matchdays but also behind the scenes. Something that regularly catches the eye is the young talent knocking on the doors and deservedly asking for first team action.
Premier League academies are highly reputed across Europe
The majority of these clubs are seen inviting exceptional players from their academies to train with the senior squad as they prepare for Premier League and other domestic competitions. Some of these players have been put through the heat in Premier League 2 which is an U23 category. Some of these very young players have managed to impress their gaffers and have been registered in the Premier League.
Here are five of the youngest players currently registered by Premier League clubs:
Note: Age mentioned in days as per at the time of writing
#5 Shola Shoretire (17 Years, 7 Months, 28 Days)
Over the years Manchester United have produced the highest quality talent from their academies and given them timely opportunities. Mason Greenwood is the latest example of the pedigree that the Premier League side possesses at youth level.
Shola Shoretire, the youngest player in the Manchester United senior squad, is more than capable of following in his footsteps. Wearing no.74, Shoretire made his long-awaited debut for the Red Devils against Newcastle United in a 3-1 win in February earlier this year.
Back in 2018, the forward became the youngest player to feature in the UEFA Youth League. From that day on, the Red Devils knew the kid would soon start knocking on the door of the senior squad.
Marcus Rashford has spoken earlier about how it is in United's DNA to create a culture for young guns to thrive and push them to their limits. Shoretire is quite the proof as well.
#4 Dane Scarlett (17 Years, 6 Months, 6 Days)
When Harry Kane eventually leaves Tottenham Hotspur, they will lose more than just the Premier League's top striker. They'll lose a leader and an inspiration to young talents who look up to him and have an example to follow.
As of now Kane is staying at the club. However, Spurs know their future may no longer lie with the club and are already working behind the scenes in the form of Dane Scarlett. At U18 level, Scarlett was the protagonist of a young Spurs attack and has an impressive tally of 26 goals and 4 assists.
Scarlett garnered praise from former manager Jose Mourinho last season who lauded his work rate and talent and said it was similar to Marcus Rashford, who Mourinho also coached.
Last year he became their youngest player ever to feature in a Premier League game. It's not every day that the Lilywhites produce an academy graduate as special as the 17-year-old and the Spurs faithful have every reason to be excited.
#3 Thierry Small (17 Years, 1 Month, 29 Days)
Highly rated after being successful in his time in Everton's youth setup, Thierry Small joined Southampton in search of regular football in the Premier League. Everton were pushing for Small's signature to tie him to his first professional senior contract.
But a change in management and lack of clarity over his first-team participation left the left-back discontented and he decided to move on. Small really outshined everyone at Everton's academy last season.
He made ten appearances for the U18s and scored three goals. He was then promoted to play with the U23s in Premier League 2, where in 13 appearances he scored three goals again, all of which were games Everton won.
The left-back made his debut for the senior side in last year's FA Cup match against Sheffield Wednesday, which made him the youngest player ever to play for Everton. Despite the switch to the south coast, the wait for his first appearance for Southampton in the Premier League continues.
#2 Kadie Gordon (16 Years, 11 Months, 25 Days)
When Liverpool saw off interest from Manchester United to Kadie Gordon's signature for £1 million plus add ons, they knew exactly what they were getting. A left-footed speedster with nimble-feet, good dribbling skills and the ability to play out wide as well as behind the striker. Signed from Derby County, Gordon scored on his debut in Premier League 2.
Gordon's performances in the last couple of weeks for the Reds in the UEFA Youth League and his senior debut against Norwich City were lauded by Liverpool fans. He played a full 90 mins in the Carabao Cup tie and looked rather unnerved on his big day.
His tendency to drift in from the right-hand side and make use of his preferred left-foot was quite evident and also threatening at times in the final third. His work rate was really praise worthy as he pressed hard when the Reds were out of possession.
Jurgen Klopp trusted Harvey Elliot with first-team action in the Premier League and the youngster duly returned the favor with a string of effective performances. He is currently out injured which might allow Gordon to make his Premier League debut sooner than expected.
If Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold take him under their wing then Gordon will soon be putting a strong claim for a place in Liverpool's Premier League squad.
#1 Evan Ferguson (16 Years, 11 Months, 11 Days)
When one thinks about 16-year-olds stepping up to the heat of the Premier League and showing real grit, they often remember Wayne Rooney and James Milner. It is an elite club in itself and no one should be put under pressure to replicate them. However, Evan Ferguson at his tender age has shown that he is not afraid of pressure and expectations.
Brighton and Hove Albion reportedly beat interest from Liverpool to sign the 16-year-old from Bohemians FC in Ireland. He remains the youngest player to ever play for the Bohs' senior team.
The Irish kid caught eyeballs on Frank Lampard's unofficial managerial debut for Chelsea in 2019 in a pre-season game against the Bohemians. He came on as a substitute for 23 minutes but impressed everyone with his display.
The then 14-year-old dribbled past Chelsea players as if it were a cake walk for him. Ferguson is known for his clever hold-up play and quick decision making which allows him to feed on the support in the final third.
His development with Brighton U23s has been worthy of praise and he has netted four goals for them so far this season. It is too early to expect him to feature for Brighton in the Premier League but he is one for the future.
