5 Premier League youngsters who have stagnated this season

Brandon Williams is one of several Premier League youngsters who have disappointed this season.
Brandon Williams is one of several Premier League youngsters who have disappointed this season.

#3 Dwight McNeil | Burnley

Dwight McNeil
Dwight McNeil

Burnley’s dynamic winger Dwight McNeil enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the 2018-19 Premier League but has not hit the same heights this season.

McNeil made his debut in the final game of the 2017-18 Premier League season and soon established himself as one of the first names in Burnley’s team sheet. With three goals and five assists in 21 Premier League appearances in his first full season in the competition, McNeil impressed fans and critics alike, earning a more prominent role under Sean Dyche.

The 21-year-old appeared in each of the Clarets’ 38 Premier League games in the 2019-20 season, registering two goals and six assists. Much like Burnley's fortunes, though, McNeil’s goal contributions have dried up this season. He tallied just two goals and three assists in the 2020-21 Premier League before Burnley’s thumping 4-0 win over Wolves last month.

McNeil’s two assists in that game might have boosted his stats for the season, but the youngster has had a very quiet campaign for the Clarets in 2020-21.


#4 Rhian Brewster | Sheffield United

Rhian Brewster
Rhian Brewster

Sheffield United’s record signing Rhian Brewster has massively misfired this season. His poor returns in front of goal have been partly responsible for the Blades’ dismal goal tally of 18 goals in the Premier League this season.

The Englishman earned his name as one of the country's best upcoming talents, especially after his fine showing in the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup in India. Brewster played a starring role in England’s World Cup triumph, winning the Golden Boot for his tally of eight goals and an assist in the tournament.

The former Liverpool youth product enjoyed a hugely successful loan spell with Swansea City in arguably English football’s most gruelling competition, the Championship. The 21-year old scored 11 goals in 22 appearances in the competition, including a goal in Swansea’s playoff clash against Bristol City.

Thanks to his stellar showings belying his young years, Brewster earned a club-record £23.5 million move to Bramall Lane.

However, the Champions League winner is going through one of his worst seasons, as he has failed to register a single goal or assist in 28 appearances for the Blades. That is something he'll look to improve upon next campaign.


#5 Steven Alzate | Brighton & Hove Albion

Steven Alzate
Steven Alzate

Steven Alzate burst onto the scene for Brighton in the 2019-20 Premier League season, earning the Man of the Match award in his debut match against Newcastle United.

The Colombian is rated highly, especially for his versatility which allows him to operate in a full-back role or in his preferred position in central midfield. Alzate is also known for his technical prowess along with his maturity beyond his years, which has earning him 19 Premier League appearances in his debut campaign.

Even though the 22-year-old failed to find the back of the net, he was hugely impressive for the Seagulls and was tipped to a permanent fixture for Brighton.

However, Alzate’s career has somewhat stalled this season, as he has made only 15 appearances across all competitions this season, including nine Premier League starts. With 807 Premier League minutes in the 2020-21 season, it would be fair to say that Alzate has not lived up to expectations.

His diminishing exploits this season might see him miss Colombia’s upcoming Copa America campaign this summer.

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