15 Premier League youngsters who could have breakout 2020-21 seasons

Manchester United ST Mason Greenwood

Mason Greenwood is one of the biggest names on this list and is held in high regard for his finishing prowess. There are only a handful of more promising prospects in European football, least of all at the striker position. In Marcus Rashford and Greenwood, the Red Devils aren’t short on future star power up front.

Greenwood is only 18 years old, but he already has the makings of an incredibly efficient scorer as United ease along his minutes slowly. The England international scored five goals in 648 Premier League minutes and another five goals (with an added assist) in 460 Europa League minutes this season. No player on the Red Devils averaged more goals per 90 minutes than Greenwood’s 0.70, and he tied Anthony Martial for the team lead with 0.98 goals per 90 minutes in the Europa League.

As close to a slam dunk as there is among teenage strikers, Greenwood is the total package. A crisp passer and technically prolific forward, the 18-year-old high football IQ could make him a massive star as early as 2020-2021 if the opportunity comes knocking.

Manchester City CM Phil Foden

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City value Phil Foden so highly that Lionel Messi‘s former manager called the English teenager the most talented player he’s ever seen.

While that statement was encouraging in its hyperbole, Foden is indeed a special talent who has flashed brilliance whenever on the pitch. His dribbling ability and technical quality seem almost innate, and City have done well to ease along the 19-year-old.

Foden was quiet in the Premier League with 11 of his 14 appearances coming off the bench, but he put in two goals and two assists in the Champions League despite featuring in under 200 minutes. With 1.5 key passes per game and two dribbles per game in European competition, Foden provided more than goal contributions to the Citizens.

It’s unclear how big of a role Foden will play in the 2020-21 season for Guardiola’s loaded City side, but the 19-year-old attacking-minded midfielder is clearly ready for superstardom.

AFC Bournemouth GK Aaron Ramsdale

The list ends with another goalkeeper in Aaron Ramsdale, and while the England U21 international’s resume doesn’t sparkle quite as much as Manchester United’s Dean Henderson’s, he is an excellent young keeper in his own right.

The 21-year-old won a number of Bournemouth’s Player of the Month awards in 2019-20 and looks headed for a massive breakout 2020-21 season after making his debut last year.

Ramsdale ranked 12th out of 36 Premier League keepers in post-shot expected goals minus goals allowed, and he finished in the top half of the league in save percentage. The young shot-stopper played at a high level on a team filled with defensive holes, but his talent should not be overlooked heading into 2020-21.