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One of the biggest aspects that major football clubs put much of their focus on are young players who will become future stars. In the Premier League, club officials and supporters are constantly looking for the next 'Didier Drogba' and 'Nemanja Vidic' who will lead their team's attack or defence for the foreseeable future.
With that in mind, let's take a look at five young defenders who are highly talented, already playing at the top level of English football, and are sure to make waves in the coming season.
While some of them started off in their club's academy, others were brought in for massive transfer fees and are set to prove themselves to their new clubs. But what do they all have in common? They're all under the age of 23, they are sure to be fielded by their respective clubs, and also have the potential to be the best defenders in the world.
Without further ado, let's discuss the five young defenders to look out for this season.
#5 Issa Diop
Aged only 18, Issa Diop got his first professional game at French club, Toulouse. Within three years in France, Diop racked up over 80 appearances, prompting West Ham to buy him for €25 million.
Last season, he played for the Hammers, maintaining his position in the starting lineup, racking up 33 Premier League appearances, and helping the club to 10th position. Diop has certainly made a name with the supporters of his new club, and the young 6 ft.4 inch centre-back has the physical and technical qualities to become a star.
With nearly five clearances, two tackles, and two interceptions on average per match last season, Diop will surely have done enough to cement a consistent starting position this coming season. The youngster has a lot of work to do in improving upon aerial duels, as he averaged just two per game last season.
Diop is a very capable defender and has the ability to become an absolute star in the future/ His cause can be helped courtesy of some solid performances in the coming season, and the Hammers will be hoping that he exceeds expectations.
#4 Ben Chilwell
The Leicester City academy product has become one of the most consistent players in the Premier League. Going on loan once to Huddersfield City has certainly helped his development, and Ben Chilwell has grown in leaps and bounds whilst being sure of a starting position in the Foxes' starting eleven.
Chilwell made only 12 appearances for Leicester three years ago, but his progress and performances have been very convincing. Since then, he has made a total of 72 appearances. Thanks to his consistent club form, he was called up to the England squad for the Nations League where he made four appearances for the national side.
Ben Chilwell racked up 36 appearances for Leicester last season, and he averaged three aerial duels won and just over one key pass in each game. While he has a lot of work to do especially in his attacking contributions, young Chilwell is on his way to becoming a star left-back.
If last season and his recent England outing has shown anything, it is that Chilwell has stepped up his game and will be looking to impress next season.
#3 Juan Foyth
Tottenham Hotspur purchased the then 19-year-old Juan Foyth for a reported €13 million from Estudiantes in 2017. However, we didn't see much of Foyth until last season, where he started 10 games for the North London club.
While he did not feature in Tottenham's run to the final of the Champions League, young Foyth gave good performances in the Premier League. Averaging nearly three tackles and four clearances per game, he showcased his capabilities and ensured his call-up to Argentina's Copa America squad.
Making four appearances for La Albiceleste, he averaged nearly four clearances and just as many tackles per game. Notably, the youngster also averaged a 90% passing accuracy in the continental competition.
The young centre-back - who is also adept at playing as a right-back - will be looking for more opportunities to showcase his capabilities. After his good performances on the national stage, it is likely that Mauricio Pochettino will look to give him more chances this season.
Harry Kane and Dele Alli (who was played for MK Dons) are testimonies of Tottenham's focus on youth, and this will be very beneficial for Foyth. He is at a club that is well known for building young players and pushing them to the top. and he has all it takes to get to the zenith of world football.
#2 Joe Gomez - Liverpool
Joe Gomez caught Liverpool's eye in 2014 when he broke into Charlton Athletic's first team. The Reds were quick to pounce on the young talent after he made 24 first-team appearances for Charlton as an 18-year-old.
After bringing the youngster to Anfield for just over £4.4 million in 2015, Gomez started for Liverpool in the left-back position. Less than 10 games in, he, unfortunately, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury along with Achilles tendon problems that left him on the sidelines for an entire year.
In the early stages of last season, Gomez featured consistently alongside Virgil van Dijk, ensuring his place in the team with solid performances. However, another injury - a fractured leg - pushed him to the sidelines once again, and he only regained his fitness in time to come on as a substitute in Liverpool's UEFA Champions League Final triumph in February.
Serious injuries set aside, the 22-year-old has been a consistent centre-back for Liverpool. He has made 60 appearances for the Reds so far and will be looking to cement his position at Anfield this coming season. The youngster is a great tackler, he can hold up the ball, and he offers a strong presence in aerial duels. Those aside, he has no notable weaknesses on the field.
Hopefully, he can put his injury problems behind him and focus on his future, which is likely to include a solid partnership with van Dijk and his name on the lips of supporters at Anfield.
#1 Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been the talk of the town since his recent €55 million move to Manchester United from Crystal Palace. The transfer makes him the most expensive uncapped defender of all time, which partly goes to show just how much potential he has.
Growing up as a footballer in Crystal Palace's academy, the 21-year-old became a fan favorite even before cementing his place in the first team. Last season, however, he captivated everyone with his performances, prompting a big-money bid from United - an offer Palace simply could not refuse.
The youngster played 35 Premier League games for Palace, contributing to nearly four tackles and clearances per game. He also made attacking contributions, putting in nearly two dribbles per game, and earning three assists in the competition.
Wan-Bissaka, now a Manchester United player, would need to work on his passing and contributions in the final third. With Diogo Dalot and Ashley Young as the only competition for his right-back position, it is likely that Solskjaer will keep Wan-Bissaka in the starting lineup more often than not.
He will have an opportunity to show United fans why Palace supporters were excited about him. After his impressive friendly debut in United colors, he is the most exciting prospect of this season in defence.
