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The Premier League is home to some world-class academies developing extraordinary talents. In the past decade, the number of players going out on loan has increased. However, not many have been able to play for their club's first team. This has forced some young talents to move to other leagues to make their career.
It is becoming increasingly evident that clubs are prioritizing transfers over youth. While it is understandable, clubs need to start trusting their youth and deploy them in key roles to enhance their development. This will boost their confidence and polish them further according to the club's needs. However, all players cannot be given this opportunity and hence, clubs must pick out the best young talents.
Here, we take a look at 3 such young players that can play key roles for their clubs this season.
Callum Hudson-Odoi (18, Chelsea)
Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi is one of the most loved footballers in London. The Chelsea fanbase sees him as the heir to Eden Hazard's throne. Playing frequently for Chelsea last season, his performances were consistent and solid. He even managed to get his first international cap, which is quite a remarkable achievement for an 18-year-old.
Towards the end of the season, Hudson-Odoi got injured at a crucial juncture. The injury forced him to miss the remaining part of the season. What is even more heartbreaking is that it is expected that he will miss the first two months of the upcoming season.
In spite of the injury, Hudson-Odoi will be playing a lot more once fit and it is important he remains positive and motivated through rehabilitation.
Hudson-Odoi has all the qualities of a modern-day winger. He possesses fantastic pace and is a great dribbler of the ball. One of his most important features is that he isn't afraid to go into one-on-one situations.
To understand Hudson-Odoi's importance, it is important to analyze Chelsea's situation. Well, Chelsea as a club is struggling, in general. Eden Hazard has moved to Real Madrid while Maurizio Sarri has moved to Juventus. Moreover, Chelsea has been slapped a transfer ban. While they have appealed to the CAS, it seems unlikely that they will be able to get any substantial time even if the ban is uplifted.
Next season, Chelsea will need all their young players to step up and take responsibility. It is important that Hudson-Odoi works hard in rehabilitation and gets back as soon as possible. Hudson-Odoi seems destined to become a star but the next season will truly decide whether he has what it takes to convert his potential into performances.
Phil Foden (19, Manchester City)
Manchester City's Phil Foden is one of the biggest talents in England. Last season, he played a decent amount of games. In the second half of the season, Foden started some crucial matches. Most of his performances were fantastic and he always looked involved.
Foden has developed immensely over the past couple of seasons as he has forced his way into the starting lineup. Guardiola has also played his cards perfectly as he has given regular opportunities to him.
Being from England, he has been on the national team's radar for quite some time. He has featured regularly for the U-21s and trained with the senior team last season. As a footballer, Foden's vision is his most lethal weapon. He possesses the ability to find some defense-splitting passes and can turn a team inside out on his own.
The future is bright for Foden as Guardiola has complete faith in him and will continue to give him more opportunities. With Fernandinho and David Silva aging, Foden's is bound to get more minutes on the pitch in the upcoming season.
This season is probably the most important season of Foden's career. He can become a key member of their squad and can prove himself to the world. With City aiming for the Champions League next season, things can only get better and better for Phil Foden.
Diogo Dalot (20, Manchester United)
Diogo Dalot's name in this list can come across as a surprise to many. Well, indeed, Dalot wasn't able to do much this past season. But his club, Manchester United, wasn't able to do anything either.
Jose Mourinho, an experienced manager, had been interested in the bringing Dalot to Old Trafford. This shows that Dalot had the qualities required to play at the highest level. His agility and pace make him an instant upgrade over the existing fullbacks at the club. Being a good crosser of the ball, Dalot can initiate quick counters and move the ball around quickly.
Due to the United's terrible season, Dalot was deprived of many opportunities that could have allowed him to settle into the Premier League. A young player often needs some time and patience to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League.
As Manchester United look to rebuild themselves, Dalot comes across as a decent player that can improve even further in the upcoming years. He has to become of the key members of the squad going forward and can be a long term solution for their backline.
Feel free to sound off your opinion in the comments section and do mention any other young players that you think are promising.
