As Premier League clubs continue their pre-season tours, one of the key dynamics is which youngsters are given the chance to shine. Tottenham's Luca Williams-Barnett, 17, scored a panenka against Sydney FC on Wednesday, while Rio Ngumoha, 17, impressed for Liverpool in their victory over Wrexham.
Many teenagers in pre-season squads are filling gaps while first-team stars return from the World Cup, and several will subsequently head out on loan to the EFL. But some of those excelling now may be breaking through at exactly the right time.
Rio Ngumoha, Liverpool, age 17
Ngumoha needs little introduction. His memorable goal against Newcastle at the start of last season raised his profile further, though Arne Slot was cautious with him for the remainder of the campaign, limiting him to just five Premier League starts, all coming after February.
Ngumoha made his England debut ahead of the World Cup, and with Mohamed Salah now gone there is a vacancy on Liverpool's right wing. While Ngumoha prefers the left alongside Cody Gakpo and potential new signing Bradley Barcola, this could be his moment for a proper breakthrough campaign.
Max Dowman, Arsenal, age 16
Dowman is the youngest scorer in Premier League history, yet he rarely featured for Arsenal last season as Mikel Arteta tried to protect him. With Bukayo Saka appearing to need a rest after the World Cup, and the Gunners searching for attacking reinforcements, an opportunity could open up for the 16-year-old.
Estevao, Chelsea, age 19
The Brazilian showed glimpses of his talent last season but was hampered by injuries and Enzo Maresca's cautious approach to his first campaign in English football. Estevao announced himself with an injury-time winner against Liverpool in October and impressed in Chelsea's 3-0 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League the following month.
Xabi Alonso, the third Chelsea manager he has worked under, is renowned for developing young attacking talent, which could help Estevao reach another level in 2026-27.
Ayden Heaven, Manchester United, age 19
Heaven made the switch from Arsenal to Manchester United in February 2025 in search of first-team football. The defender has played 24 times for United and enjoyed a couple of lengthy runs in the side last season. With Lisandro Martinez returning late from the World Cup and injury concerns around Matthijs de Ligt, Heaven could find himself moving up the pecking order as United return to European football.
Shea Lacey, Manchester United, age 19
A homegrown attacking player who has shone in United's academy for several years, Lacey made his debut against Aston Villa last December. He was sent off in just his third appearance for the club, yet has impressed again in pre-season.
With a lack of natural wingers at Old Trafford, a situation partly caused by Ruben Amorim's preference for wing-backs, Lacey is expected to be part of the first-team squad. Michael Carrick is reported to be a fan, and reports this week indicated he wants to keep Lacey around the squad for the first half of the campaign rather than send him out on loan.
