🖐 players in line for breakout Premier League seasons

Yahoo

2 days ago

Whether it be young talents on the cusp of emerging or players with a different kind of point to prove, there are several men coming into the Premier League campaign hoping to break out and show what they can do.
We look at five players who fit that bill for 2025/26...
Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
Sometimes it is worth reminding yourself that the Arsenal teenager only turned 18 earlier this year, given his emergence onto the season as a reliable attacking option for Mikel Arteta.
Understandably until now, he has been treated with care and caution but the secret is out and it seems time that he is unleashed on Premier League defences on a rather more regular basis - especially after committing to a new long-term contract.
The attacker has all the tools in his arsenal (no pun intended) to be the breakout star of the Premier League season as the Gunners chase down that elusive title victory.
Special mention should also go to his team-mate Max Dowman who may be just 15 but dazzled during pre-season and could also be one to watch out for over the course of the campaign - albeit in much smaller doses.
Leny Yoro (Manchester United)
Arriving from France last summer with a big reputation and for an even bigger fee, the centre-back suffered a frustrating start to life at Old Trafford by picking up a pre-season ankle injury which sidelined him until December.
Upon his return, he showed glimpses of what he is capable of but by his own admission, struggled to assert himself in a United side suffering its own issues and upheaval with the mid-season replacement of Erik ten Hag with Ruben Amorim.
After a full and successful pre-season under his belt, it is now time for Yoro to assert himself and show exactly why United fought so hard with Real Madrid to sign one of the best defensive prospects in the game.
Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
While it feels like the 21-year-old is already something of an established talent having broken into the Lyon team and playing in Ligue 1 and the Champions League at the age of just 16, there is also a sense that he is yet to truly hit the heights expected in those early days.
Of course, given his age, there is plenty of time for the playmaker to deliver on that promise and the step up to a higher level under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola could be precisely what is required to bring out the best in him.
A clever runner with lethal close control, the France international is also coming off the back of a season in which he scored 12 times and provided 20 assists - it is now time to take his undoubted talents to the next level and prove himself on a bigger stage.
Chris Rigg (Sunderland)
Sunderland have fought off interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and other established big boys to keep hold of their homegrown talent, who could be set to show what he is all about on the big stage.
The midfielder, now 18, became the Black Cats' second youngest player ever when he made his debut and gone from strength to strength since and will likely the 100 career appearances mark this season - a sign of how much he has been trusted so far in his fledgling career.
Competition for places has increased but Rigg, who is the complete modern midfielder, will certainly be given opportunities (although having recently returned from injury expect him to be eased back into action) and looks primed to show the world what makes him one of the finest prospects the Academy of Light has ever produced.
Estêvão Willian (Chelsea)
The Brazilian youngster, who turned 18 this year, looks to be very much the real deal and the next big Seleçao star - justifying the potential £55m Chelsea have committed to him if all of the bonuses in his deal are triggered.
He has already found the net for the Blues in pre-season (and against them at the Club World Cup), possesses electrifying pace and is a confident and dangerous dribbler with the ball at his feet.
If reports are correct, Chelsea's plan was, understandably, to ease him in and they are not short of attacking options (Estêvão is comfortable both as a No. 10 and on the flank) but his early showings are evidence that they may not be able to keep him under wraps for long.
📸 JOHN THYS - AFP or Licensors