Every year, new stars emerge in the Premier League as youngsters graduate from their respective academies or earn moves to new clubs.
2021/22 saw the likes of Jacob Ramsey, Tino Livramento, Tyrick Mitchell and Joe Gelhardt burst onto the Premier League scene, and we’re expecting more of the same from those four this term.
As ever though, there will be some young stars looking to follow in those footsteps, and with that in mind, we’re going to have a go at predicting the breakout XI in the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.
GK – Gavin Bazunu – Southampton
Gavin Bazunu caused uproar on the south coast after signing for Southampton off the back of an impressive loan spell with Portsmouth.
The Irish goalkeeper is yet to make his Premier League debut, but he already looks every bit a Premier League goalie.
Indeed, as a fully-fledged international, Bazunu has already faced off against some of the world’s best – perhaps most notably Cristiano Ronaldo whose penalty he saved in spectacular fashion last year.
RB – Neco Williams – To be confirmed
Neco Williams is currently contracted to Liverpool, but it looks for all the world like he’ll be leaving Anfield this summer in search of regular Premier League minutes.
Nottingham Forest, Southampton and Fulham are all keen, and after a superb six months at Craven Cottage last term, the Welshman looks ready to make this step up.
CB – William Saliba – Arsenal
It doesn’t feel quite right having a France international in a breakout XI, but after three years at Arsenal, William Saliba is still yet to make his Gunners debut.
After a very impressive spell out on loan at Marseille, many are expecting Saliba to play a big part at Arsenal this season and he could quickly establish himself as one of Mikel Arteta’s most important players.
CB – Malang Sarr – Chelsea
Another defender from a big six club, Malang Sarr could establish himself as a Chelsea regular this season.
Antonio Rudiger has already left the Blues, while Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta could follow him out of the door at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have a real lack of depth at the back, and that could present a real opportunity to Sarr.
LB – Leo Hjelde – Leeds
Dubbed ‘the next Virgil van Dijk’ Leo Hjelde is just as comfortable at left-back as he is at centre-half.
The former Celtic man made a real impression at left-back against West Ham back in January, and with Stuart Dallas injured and Junior Firpo out of form, he could see some minutes next season.
CM – Hannibal Mejbri – Manchester United
Hannibal Mejbri has long been touted as one of the next stars out of Manchester United’s academy, and he could establish himself in the Red Devils’ midfield this term.
An aggressive midfielder full of bite, Hannibal made his mark against Liverpool earlier this year, and under Erik ten Hag he could reach the next level.
AM – Fabio Carvalho – Liverpool
One of the best young players in the Championship last season, Fabio Carvalho has just signed for Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp showed last season with Harvey Elliott that he’s not afraid to give young players chances, and after showing so much quality in the second-tier last term, it shouldn’t take long for Carvalho to force his way into this Liverpool side.
CM – Luke Harris
The man who could well replace Carvalho at Fulham, Luke Harris looks like a star in the making at Craven Cottage.
13 PL2 goals last season from midfield tell you all you need to know about this 17-year-old, and with Fulham needing to plug the gap left behind by Carvalho, there could be big chances on the horizon for Harris.
RW – Cole Palmer
A player Pep Guardiola rates incredibly highly, Cole Palmer would have played a lot more football last term if it weren’t for injury.
Now back fit, Palmer could be handed plenty of opportunities in City’s frontline as rumours persist about the future of both Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus.
Don’t be surprised if Palmer is a regular for the champions this term.
ST – Sam Greenwood
Sam Greenwood starred in midfield on the final day of the season for Leeds, but he’s more naturally a striker.
A very intelligent forward with incredible technique, Greenwood could be reunited with his former U23 partner Joe Gelhardt in the senior side this term.
Jesse Marsch rates him highly, and if Patrick Bamford doesn’t hit the ground running upon his return from injury, Greenwood will be breathing down his neck.
LW – Jesurun Rak-Sakyi
Breaking into Crystal Palace’s frontline is no easy feat, but Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has a great chance of doing just that next season.
The 19-year-old made his Premier League debut this term, and we should be seeing a lot more of him this time around.
18 PL2 goals made him one of the most prolific youngsters in the country last term, and it may not be long before he’s finding the back of the net at senior level.
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