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Monday, August 5, 2013

These kids are all right! The up-and-coming Premier League hot shots hoping to make the first team this season

As the 20 managers of the Premier League finalise their plans for the new season, it's an exciting time for young players hoping to make their mark on the biggest stage.

Sportsmail's team have selected the up-and-coming players that will be wanting to make a first-team breakthrough over the next nine months.

Arsenal

Serge Gnabry
Age: 18 Position: Midfielder/Winger Twitter: @SergeGnabry
During Theo Walcott’s contract wrangles last season the suggestion was Arsene Wenger believed this dynamic winger could fill any potential void. The Germany youth star with an Ivorian father is a direct runner with a powerful shot and has already played Premier League and Champions League football despite just turning 18. 
Flying: Serge Gnabry has been involved in some of Arsenal's pre-season friendlies in Japan this summer
Flying: Serge Gnabry has been involved in some of Arsenal's pre-season friendlies in Japan this summer

Aston Villa

Samir Carruthers
Age: 20 Position: Winger Twitter: @SamirCarruthers 
Captain of Villa's victorious NextGen Series team last season and Republic of Ireland Under 21 player whose energetic performances in the continental tournament have been rewarded with a two-year senior contract. Could be ably assisted in Paul Lambert's side by countrymen Graham Burke and Michael Drennan this coming season. Carruthers is eligible to play for Morocco, England and Ireland. 
Euro star: Samir Carruthers shone for Aston Villa as they won the NextGen Series last season
Euro star: Samir Carruthers shone for Aston Villa as they won the NextGen Series last season

Cardiff

Kadeem Harris
Age: 20 Position: Midfielder Twitter: @kadeemHarris27
With bundles of pace and tricks, Harris is an exciting talent who can play on the wing or inside. He has only played one senior game for Cardiff so far but is considered a hot prospect. He was Wycombe's youngest ever player when he made his debut aged 16 and 201 days and went on to be named League Two apprentice of the year in 2010.
Hot prospect: Kadeem Harris (left) will hope to figure more for Cardiff during their maiden Premier League season
Hot prospect: Kadeem Harris (left) will hope to figure more for Cardiff during their maiden Premier League season

Chelsea

Bertrand Traore
Age: 17 Position: Attacking midfielder Twitter: @Bertrand_traore
The imposing attacking midfielder from Burkina Faso is only 17 and on a student visa so not yet officially a Chelsea player. But he has impressed on the club’s pre-season tour to the Far East, scoring twice, and Jose Mourinho is anxious to sign him up once 18 in September.
First team chance: Bertrand Traore has featured in Chelsea's pre-season tours
First team chance: Bertrand Traore has featured in Chelsea's pre-season tours
Crystal Palace
Reise Allassani
Age: 17 Position: Striker Twitter: @ReiseA10 
Two-footed forward who has quickly risen through the Palace youth ranks to the Under 21 development team at just 17 and also represents England. Scored a classy goal on international debut against Wales in the Victory Shield last year. Tottenham and Celtic were among the clubs interested in Allassani before he committed to Palace.
Wanted man: Crystal Palace held off bids from Tottenham and Celtic to land hot shot Reise Allassani (left)
Wanted man: Crystal Palace held off bids from Tottenham and Celtic to land hot shot Reise Allassani (left)

Everton

John Lundstram
Age: 19 Position: Midfielder Twitter: @johnlunny33 
If much is expected from Ross Barkley this season, it won't be long before his fellow midfielder Lundstram is pushing for consideration at first team level. A regular for England at age group levels, he has been to three major tournaments already. Powerful in the tackle and passes the ball with elegance.
Tournament veteran: England youth international John Lundstram will be challenging for a midfield spot at Everton this season
Tournament veteran: England youth international John Lundstram will be challenging for a midfield spot at Everton this season

Fulham

Noe Baba
Age: 16 Position: Defender Twitter: @noebaba
Fulham beat Manchester United to the signature of highly-rated and versatile defender Baba, who was born in Cameroon but moved to Ireland at the age of 10. A combative player who has shown his leadership potential in captaining the Republic of Ireland Under 17s. Baba initially played as a striker when he arrived in Ireland as he didn't speak enough English to ask to play in defence. 
Combative: Noe Baba, who hails from Cameroon but plays internationally for Ireland, is highly rated at Fulham
Combative: Noe Baba, who hails from Cameroon but plays internationally for Ireland, is highly rated at Fulham

Hull

Max Clark
Age: 17 Position: Left-back Twitter: @maxclark4
A regular for England at youth level and for Hull's Under 18 team, who reached the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup last season. Clark can play anywhere on the left side and his potential was realised by the England selectors at the age of just 14. 
International duty: Hull City's Max Clark playing for England
International duty: Hull City's Max Clark playing for England

Liverpool

Jordan Rossiter
Age: 16 Position: Midfielder Twitter: @jordan_rossiter 
When this young midfielder made an appearance in the NextGen Series last season, Robbie Fowler tweeted that 'it's a big shout but this kid is like a young Stevie G'. Held in high regard at Liverpool's Academy, plays with aggression and always looks forward to bring his excellent passing into play.
Passing range: Liverpool's Jordan Rossiter takes on Chelsea's Lewis Baker
Passing range: Liverpool's Jordan Rossiter takes on Chelsea's Lewis Baker

Manchester City

Jose Angel Pozo
Age: 17 Position: Forward Twitter: @joseangelpozo1
It was quite a coup on City's behalf to lure this highly-rated Spaniard from Real Madrid, where he failed to get any significant opportunities. A gifted forward with an eye for goal, Pozo scored five times in the NextGen Series.
Pace to burn: Jose Angel Pozo represented a big coup for Manchester City when they signed him from Real Madrid
Pace to burn: Jose Angel Pozo represented a big coup for Manchester City when they signed him from Real Madrid

Manchester United

Adnan Januzaj
Age: 18 Position: Striker 
Having impressed on United's pre-season tour of Asia, Belgian teenager Januzaj will be hoping for more first team action as the David Moyes era begins. With Barcelona and Juventus among the clubs sniffing around for his signature, United would be wise to tie him down to a contract soon.
Impressive: The goals of young Belgian striker Adnan Januzaj have been a highlight of United's pre-season trip
Impressive: The goals of young Belgian striker Adnan Januzaj have been a highlight of United's pre-season trip

Newcastle

Adam Campbell
Age: 18 Position: Striker/Winger Twitter: @adamcampbell_ 
Alan Pardew has said a ‘big year’ is ahead for the 18-year-old forward, who is a product of the famous Wallsend Boys Club. He may look like Paul Scholes but his game is more akin to Wayne Rooney – a stocky build with explosive scoring ability. Campbell became Newcastle’s youngest European debutant when he came off the bench against Atromitos last August.
First team breakthrough: Adam Campbell (left) became Newcastle's youngest debutant in European competition last season
First team breakthrough: Adam Campbell (left) became Newcastle's youngest debutant in European competition last season

Norwich

The Murphy twins
Age: 18 Positions: Winger Twitter: @joshmurphy65 and @JacobMurphy95
Joshua and Jacob, 18-year-old twin brothers, propelled Norwich to FA Youth Cup victory in May. Situated on either wing, they possess almost telepathic connection but individually can inflict damage on defences. Think Raheem Sterling. Pre-season has been impressive, Josh scored on the USA tour while Jacob bagged four in a 5-1 win at Tooting & Mitcham.
Cup glory: Joshua Murphy helped Norwich to win the FA Youth Cup last season
Cup glory: Joshua Murphy helped Norwich to win the FA Youth Cup last season

Southampton

Calum Chambers
Age: 18 Position: Right back
The 18-year-old has been promoted to the first team this summer and will challenge Nathaniel Clyne for the right-back position as well as offering options in midfield. At 6ft, he is a presence on the pitch and possesses good awareness. Played for England Under 19s last season and scored against the Faroe Islands and Turkey. Perhaps most similar to Kyle Walker because of his attacking flair.
Competition: Calum Chambers will take on Nathaniel Clyne for the right-back berth at Southampton this season
Competition: Calum Chambers will take on Nathaniel Clyne for the right-back berth at Southampton this season

Stoke

Alex Grant
Age: 19 Position: Defender Twitter: @AlexGrant94 
Stoke moved to snap up the Australian starlet after he was released by League Two Portsmouth at the start of the summer, beating a host of Premier League clubs. Grant's only first team experience had come on loan spells with Conference South clubs Eastleigh and Havant and Waterlooville, but Mark Hughes may fast-track him at the Britannia. Grant was born in Manchester but is eligible to play for Australia, where his parents live.
Experience: Alex Grant spent time at Havant and Waterlooville in the Conference South while at Portsmouth and he is now at Stoke City
Experience: Alex Grant spent time at Havant and Waterlooville in the Conference South while at Portsmouth and he is now at Stoke City

Sunderland

Mikael Mandron
Age: 18 Position: Forward 
At 6ft 3in, the French-born forward provides a focal point up top, not unlike Andy Carroll. The 18-year-old, who was playing at Boulogne when Sunderland spotted him, qualifies to play for England or Scotland and was last season promoted to first team training after Steven Fletcher’s injury. He came off the bench for Premier League minutes against Aston Villa and Spurs.
In training: Mikael Mandron strikes the ball as Sunderland warm up for their Barclays Asia Trophy match in Hong Kong
In training: Mikael Mandron strikes the ball as Sunderland warm up for their Barclays Asia Trophy match in Hong Kong

Swansea

Goal getter: Rory Donnelly celebrates scoring against Yeovil Town in a Swansea pre-season friendly at Huish Park
Goal getter: Rory Donnelly celebrates scoring against Yeovil Town in a Swansea pre-season friendly at Huish Park

Tottenham

Kenny McEvoy
Age: 18 Position: Right winger Twitter: @kennethMcevoy
The joke doing the rounds online is that Spurs should sell Gareth Bale to Real Madrid but send McEvoy, the 18-year-old who looks just like the £85million man. But McEvoy deserves credit in his own right. He terrorised West Ham in the FA Youth Cup in January, scoring twice, and has pace to burn. Needs to improve decision-making.
The new Bale? Kenny McEvoy in action for Tottenham in the final of the Premier Under 21 League against Manchester United last season
The new Bale? Kenny McEvoy in action for Tottenham in the final of the Premier Under 21 League against Manchester United last season

West Brom

Callum Jones
Age: 17 Position: Centre back 
Given a taste of first team training and travel by Steve Clarke towards the end of last season, England Under 17 defender Jones is tipped to feature more prominently over the next nine months. Only 17, he's been a regular starter in the Baggies' Under 21 squad. 
First team experience: Steve Clarke was keen to bring Callum Jones into the senior fold
First team experience: Steve Clarke was keen to bring Callum Jones into the senior fold

West Ham

George Moncur
Age: 19 Position: Midfielder Twitter: @georgemonkz8
The son of Upton Park legend John, Moncur will be seeking further first team football after making his senior Hammers debut in the Capital One Cup last season and having signed a new two-year deal in March. He gained a great deal of experience when on loan at League Two AFC Wimbledon the year before that and has previously played for England Under 18s. 
Heavenly: George Moncur says prayers before playing for West Ham in a friendly at Southend United on Monday
Heavenly: George Moncur says prayers before playing for West Ham in a friendly at Southend United on Monday

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