Premier League 2018/19: 5 players who could join bigger sides in future

Wolves' Ruben Neves is one of the Premier League's fastest rising stars League
Wolves' Ruben Neves is one of the Premier League's fastest rising stars

It's safe to say that the best football players usually begin their respective professional careers featuring at some of the most under-rated sides - where they showcase their potential and naturally attract the attention of top clubs.

Examples including Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and N'Golo Kante all show how it's possible for top players to start somewhere small before progressing and establishing themselves on the world's biggest stage. This season's Premier League campaign is no different either, providing some of the most under-rated talents too.

It's allowed a platform for the likes of Leicester's James Maddison to flourish, while young starlet Ryan Sessegnon continues to mature into a quality footballer. This list takes a look at five such players who have justified their worth in various ways this term and, should they remain consistent, there's no reason why they will not earn big-money moves elsewhere in future.


#5 Roberto Pereyra (Watford)

Pereyra's quality is not a question - but consistency at the highest level will propel him to greater heights
Pereyra's quality is not a question - but consistency at the highest level will propel him to greater heights

The 27-year-old Argentine attacking midfielder has enjoyed a great start to the campaign and also attracted attention from some European sides outside England's top-flight by doing so.

Having established himself as a versatile goal-scoring midfielder, the former Juventus man is capable of playing in a range of different creative positions across Javi Gracia's frontline.

Speculation suggested he'd make a return to Italy, with Serie A sides Napoli and Torino both interested this past summer - but instead he opted to remain with the Hornets and is benefiting from more consistent displays.

#4 James Maddison (Leicester City)

Maddison - despite joining this past summer - is one of the league's best youngsters and continues to impress
Maddison - despite joining this past summer - is one of the league's best youngsters and continues to impress

Riyad Mahrez's direct replacement - James Maddison - has proven his ability as a youngster with plenty of potential to fulfill. His burst of pace, agility and tactical innovation are all reasons why he will be one of the league's most sought-after players in a year or two from now.

Although he recently joined the Foxes for £20m from Championship side Norwich back in June, he has already settled quickly and there's no reason why with consistency, he cannot earn a move to one of the bigger clubs in future.

Already one of the league's best youngsters, his playmaking skills would really help improve teams like Manchester United and Tottenham - but he's enjoying his football at the King Power and it's unlikely that he'll angle for a move anytime soon.

#3 Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

There is no reason why Neves cannot earn a move to a bigger and more successful side in future
There is no reason why Neves cannot earn a move to a bigger and more successful side in future

There is no doubt that the €40m-rated midfielder has attracted a lot of attention from clubs all over the world - including Barcelona and Juventus - but for now Neves is here to stay and is ready to shine in what is widely regarded as the world's best league.

Mainly known for his versatility as a midfielder who can play in a range of positions, Neves is another player whose performances act as a morale boost and translate to improved displays from his teammates too.

His excellent passing range, ability to strike from range, intelligence and leadership qualities are what the big sides are longing for in their respective midfielders. He's already being favoured as a suitable contender at the Camp Nou, as a long-term replacement for the likes of Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic.

Still only 21, it appears as though he can actually enjoy Wolves' success in England's top-flight for now after his surprise arrival last season proved pivotal in helping them secure the Championship title.

#2 Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham)

Sessegnon has the ability to join one of England's top sides or even venture abroad
Sessegnon has the ability to join one of England's top sides or even venture abroad

The 18-year-old versatile winger has enjoyed a dream start to his senior career and is widely regarded as one of the world's best teenagers. Often referred to as "the master of the left", he is capable of playing anywhere on the left side - whether that be at left-back, left-forward or his preferred role as a left-sided midfielder on the flanks.

The €35m-rated midfielder's ability is unquestioned, but if he displays he is consistent this season for Fulham upon their return to the top-flight, there's no reason why clubs will not continue to circle for his services.

Fulham have been keen to retain Sessegnon, as he's one of their most important players and is still only 18. As time passes, that will become increasingly difficult - as rumours have suggested that Manchester United are already planning a £50m move for him.

It'll be interesting to see how the story and Ryan himself continue to develop in the coming months, given the Cottagers' recent struggles, but he's a key asset that will only improve further with invaluable Premier League experience under his belt.

#1 Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)

Zaha, at 25, still has plenty of potential to fulfill and can do so at a top club in future
Zaha, at 25, still has plenty of potential to fulfill and can do so at a top club in future

The 25-year-old winger is widely regarded as the Premier League's best player featuring outside the league's top six sides - which will not continue for long, should he continue to improve.

After a forgettable spell despite promising signs upon his £15m move at Manchester United in 2013, things have certainly been different for Zaha since returning to south London. He has flourished as Palace's best player in consecutive seasons and it seems only a matter of time before another top side grants him an opportunity to prove himself among better players.

His impressive dribbling ability is virtually unparalleled, as his quick feet and turn of pace are simply too much for opposition defenders to handle. As we saw last weekend during their 2-2 draw against Arsenal, he was a constant nuisance and there's no reason why he doesn't deserve a big move elsewhere.

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Edited by Mosope Ominiyi