PREM-TY OF POTENTIAL: 5 MOST UNDERRATED YOUNGSTERS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT!

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Tyrick Mitchell

Having broken through into the Crystal Palace first team towards the end of last season, Tyrick Mitchell has gone on to start all but one of Palace’s league fixtures this season, missing out against Wolves via injury. To have done that in a short space of time as Mitchell has just tells you straight away about the talent he possesses. A strong defender, the Englishman has fit right into a Palace side which prides itself on being able to hold out against attacking sides. With his contract expiring this season, he could be a target for clubs looking for someone to be their left back for a long time.

Steven Alzate

At 22, Steven Alzate just about qualifies as a youngster, but there is no doubt of his potential to grow into a great Premier League central midfielder. After Brighton signed him from Leyton Orient in 2017 for an undisclosed fee, Alzate got his debut upon the arrival of Graham Potter, who played him against Bristol Rovers, before naming him on the bench against Burnley in the league. A tidy player, who works best with the ball at his feet, Alzate has made five appearances with four starts so far this season. The Colombian tends to operate in Brighton’s two-man midfield, often with a more creative player like Adam Lallana alongside him. I do not think it would be a surprise if Steven Alzate became someone who plays in that Brighton side week in week out, for years to come.

Ben Johnson

Although he has not played too much for West Ham in the league, Ben Johnson has already established himself as one for the future with his solid performances when called upon. Almost a victim of West Ham’s decent form, Johnson has only made one sub appearance in the Premier League but started all three of the Irons EFL Cup games. A strong defender, who can play both left back and right back, Johnson excels in the defensive side of the game. Even though he isn’t the tallest defender, standing at 5’9, Johnson has a surprising aerial presence. Despite a lack of first team football this season, Johnson looks set to be in and around the West Ham first team for the foreseeable future.

Max Kilman

A staple of the Wolves back three in the last few weeks, Max Kilman has impressed everyone in recent weeks with his technical ability and good defending. Coming from a futsal background, Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been very vocal about how good Kilman is, especially with the ball. Kilman isn’t exactly a tough tackler but he has a strong read of the game and that makes him an important player alongside the more battle-hardened Willy Boly and Conor Coady. In a very good Wolves defence, Max Kilman has the ability to develop into a future England starter at centre back.

Jamie Shackleton

Despite mainly coming off the bench, Jamie Shackleton was another important cog in the Leeds machine as they won promotion to the Premier League. Having made 22 Championship appearances, the 21-year-old has gained plenty of experience under Marcelo Bielsa and has taken that into his three Premier League appearances so far this season. A central midfielder, Shackleton is good at holding onto the ball and moving it on with efficiency, and he is also a more progressive midfielder, which is to be expected from a Bielsa side. While he is not playing too much, Shackleton has the potential to establish himself as a regular in Bielsa’s Leeds team.