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The 2019-20 Premier League campaign has seen several young players burst onto the scene and establish themselves as key players for their respective clubs. England's current crop of youngsters are looking increasingly like the real deal and clubs across the country have begun putting faith on their academies, as transfer fees continue to soar.
Unlike the years that have gone by, the top-flight sides have awarded opportunities for their academy players to shine at their parent club rather than loaning them out.
Chelsea, in particular, have been exemplary in this regard. Due to their two-window transfer ban which only expired this summer, the Blues were unable to reinforce their squad with additions last year.
However, Frank Lampard and his exciting young crop have dazzled the top flight and punched above their weights, having made a name for themselves as one of the most exciting teams in the Premier League.
While the likes of Phil Foden, Declan Rice and Jack Grealish already plied their trades in the Premier League prior to the start of the current campaign, several young players started the current campaign as relatively unknown players and made a name for themselves.
Here are ten such players who enjoyed breakthrough seasons in the Premier League and played vital roles for their clubs this season.
#10 Curtis Jones | Liverpool
A boyhood Scouser, Curtis Jones' life has changed dramatically in the past 12 months. The young midfielder has made rapid strides this season and has forced his way into Jurgen Klopp's squad with a series of eye-catching displays in the domestic cups.
Jones' standout moment of the season arrived in the FA Cup when he curled an unstoppable effort into the top corner against Everton. Since then, the 19-year-old has gone from strength to strength and featured five times in the Premier League for the champions, scoring one goal.
Jones has signed a long-term deal with Liverpool and looks set to play a key role next season, having burst onto the scene this time around.
#9 Steven Alzate | Brighton & Hove Albion
Steven Alzate's name was relatively unknown outside of Brighton going into the season, but the youngster has made quite the impression at the Amex Stadium in the past 12 months.
Renowned for his work rate and versatility, Alzate has played in several positions for Graham Potter this season, as he continues to enhance his reputation in the Premier League. Primarily a central midfielder, the young Colombian has been deployed as a right-back and earned rave reviews for his energetic displays.
Alzate made his Premier League debut earlier this season and went onto make 19 appearances in total before a groin injury ended his season prematurely. Brighton have high hopes for the youngster, who looks set to play a significant role in Potter's plans going forward.
Also check out: the Premier League Winners by season
#8 Mason Holgate | Everton
At the age of 23, Mason Holgate has finally established himself as a reliable Premier League player under Carlo Ancelotti. The young Englishman has arguably been Everton's best centre half this season and earned plaudits for his ability to play out from the back.
Holgate is comfortable with the ball at his feet and is also blessed with excellent pace. Additionally, his 6'2'' frame makes him a towering figure in the backline, making him a key feature of the Everton rearguard.
With 27 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees, the former Barnsley man has made a big impression this season and will look to improve further under Ancelotti.
#7 Reece James | Chelsea
Reece James is one of Chelsea's crown jewels and the youngster has done his reputation no harm this season. Having made a name for himself with a stunning loan spell with Wigan Athletic last season, James returned to Stamford Bridge last summer and was made to wait for his opportunities.
The 20-year-old made his debut in late October and slotted in seamlessly into the side in the weeks that followed with a series of stunning displays. Blessed with a fantastic crossing range and electric pace, James' ability to bomb up and down the pitch from the right-back made him a valuable asset for the Blues.
The England U-21 international has featured 22 times in the Premier League for this Chelsea this season and looks to be the club's long-term solution for the right-back spot.
#6 Todd Cantwell | Norwich City
Norwich City's dismal Premier League campaign has been forgettable, to say the least, as they suffered relegation after a solitary season in the top-flight. However, the emergence of Todd Cantwell is a silver lining for the Canaries, as the young Englishman held his own in the Premier League for his boyhood team.
Cantwell's industrious displays in the centre of the park earned his rave reviews and he could well earn himself a big-money move this summer. The 22-year-old has featured in every Premier League game for Norwich this season and has chipped in with six goals and two assists for the 20th placed team.
The Canaries were ultimately relegated to the Championship but Cantwell can hold his head high for his performances, having scored crucial goals against the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Everton.
#5 Douglas Luiz | Aston Villa
Douglas Luiz's move to Aston Villa paid dividends for him, as he finally made his presence felt in the Premier League after failing to get a work permit at Manchester City.
The Brazilian midfielder has been one of the standout players for the Villains this season and has impressed as a defensive midfielder in a 4-3-3. Luiz's ability to sniff out danger coupled with his tough-tackling nature makes him an invaluable asset for his side, while his passing range has also been on display numerous times this season.
With 36 Premier League appearances to his name, the former Manchester City man has notched up three goals and two assists from central midfield. Villa could be relegated in the coming week, but Luiz has done enough to earn himself a move elsewhere if Dean Smith's side fail to avoid the drop.
Also Read: Barcelona: Weekly wages of first-team stars revealed | La Liga 2019-20
#4 Dwight McNeil | Burnley
Dwight McNeil's emergence has gone under the radar this season due to a raft of English players making a name for themselves at the top-six clubs. However, the 20-year-old has quietly gone about his business and established himself as an indispensable member of Sean Dyche's team.
McNeil has made the left midfielder position his own in a wide 4-4-2 and delivered eye-catching displays for the Clarets. Aside from his crossing ability and work rate, the Englishman's ability to drive forward with the ball at his feet is his standout trait, having started every Premier League game for Burnley this season.
The Rochdale-born winger is one of the brightest talents in the country and has already made over 50 appearances in the top-flight despite making his debut last season, a stunning return for a 20-year-old.
#3 Bukayo Saka | Arsenal
Bukayo Saka is another young Englishman who has burst onto the scene this season. Part of an exciting young generation for the Three Lions, Saka made his debut under Unai Emery and has become a key player under Mikel Arteta, who has used him in several positions.
Originally a left-sided winger, the 18-year-old has also been deployed as an advanced midfielder as well as a left-back. Saka has displayed his electric pace and drive on the ball multiple times this season and has chipped in with four goals and 11 assists in all competitions for the Gunners.
Arteta has not been afraid to throw the youngster into the limelight and his faith has been rewarded, as he continues to go from strength to strength. Having signed a long-term contract recently, Saka is set to be a key player for Arsenal in the coming years.
#2 Mason Mount | Chelsea
Mason Mount's emergence has been a massive plus point for Chelsea this season, as the young midfielder continues to grow under the tutelage of Frank Lampard. Having previously worked with the Blues legend at Derby County, the pair have joined forces at Stamford Bridge this season, where they've carried on from where they left off at the Championship.
An attacking midfielder by trade, Mount is also capable of playing out wide and has been a regular feature for the London club this season. With six goals and five assists in 35 Premier League games, the 21-year-old has enjoyed a stunning rise to stardom and is amongst the most exciting players in world football.
Mount looks set to play a key role for club and country in the years ahead and has proved that he belongs in the Premier League.
#1 Mason Greenwood | Manchester United
Hailed as one of the most exciting youngsters in world football, Mason Greenwood has been a revelation this season and quickly established himself as a key player for Manchester United.
The 18-year-old has a sense of unpredictability about him due to his ability to strike the ball with both feet and has also exhibited incredible calmness in front of goal.
Greenwood has notched up nine goals and an assists in 29 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils, a staggering return for a youngster enjoying his first full season as a senior pro. Manchester United have unearthed several terrific attacking players over the years and even by those standards, the 18-year-old looks like a special player in the making.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer described him as one of the best finishers he has ever worked with, which is the most startling example yet of his outrageous ability. Greenwood has remained grounded despite what he has achieved this season and looks destined to become one of the best players in the world in his position.
Also Read: 10 biggest transfers that could happen this summer
