Football has been put on pause amid the Coronavirus pandemic but while we wait eagerly for its return, we can take stock of the season so far.
This is an opportunity to focus on some of the new players who have burst onto the scene this term.
Here, we list the Premier League’s five breakthrough stars of this season, only considering players who have made a maximum of 10 appearances in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
MASON GREENWOOD
Mason Greenwood
Nicky Butt, who has been associated with Manchester United as a player and then coach for over two decades collectively, says Mason Greenwood is the best youth player he’s ever seen. Others have bestowed similar high praise on the teenager but ultimately it’s about what is produced on the pitch.
In Greenwood’s case, his performances in the senior team has only confirmed the extent of his phenomenal talent. Physically and in terms of his overall game, the 18-year-old is still developing but he’s already an accomplished stone-cold finisher.
The striker has 12 goals for the club this season and five in four league starts. He’s bagging a goal every 129 minutes despite often being played wide. Genuinely two-footed, quick and with incredible composure in front of goal, Greenwood was born to score goals.
BUKAYO SAKA
After some impressive performances in the Europa League, Bukayo Saka began to establish himself as Arsenal’s first choice at left-back with the team’s options dwindling due to injuries.
The 18-year-old is a winger by trade but his commitment and energy has seen him fill in admirably in defence. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang drifting into the middle, Saka is always encouraged to bomb forward down that left flank and has proved to be a potent threat.
The Englishman has provided three assists in the league to go with five in Europe where he also scored two goals. Under Mikel Arteta, Saka seems destined to go from strength to strength.
AARON RAMSDALE
Given that Dean Henderson’s excellent performance in the Championship last season made him so well-known, we’ve focused on another young keeper in Aaron Ramsdale who seems more suited to fall in the ‘breakthrough’ category.
The 21-year-old shot-stopper made his debut for Bournemouth at the start of the season and has established himself as Eddie Howe’s number one. A porous defence ahead of him certainly keeps Ramsdale busy as only Martin Dubravka (157) and Tim Krul (151) have faced more than his 149 shots.
The Cherries’ custodian has made 105 saves this season and even has an assist to his name thanks to a mix up in the Southampton defence. Ramsdale already looks like an assured keeper and is even being linked to a move to Chelsea.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI
After a fine start to life at Arsenal, Gabriel Martinelli has been one of the positives during a difficult season for the Gunners.
The 18-year-old striker has shown plenty of promise with impressive performances in the Europa League leading to a few appearances in the league where he’s scored three times in six starts, bagging a goal every 219 minutes.
With the ability to play anywhere across the front line, more opportunities will follow for the young Brazilian. Arsenal fans probably haven’t been this excited about a young player since Jack Wilshere.
AARON CONNOLLY
Aaron Connolly burst onto the scene with his first Premier League start back in October, scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Tottenham at home.
Despite failing to score since, the striker remains a bight prospect. He’s made 14 league appearances for Brighton and has often looked a threat with his pace and dynamism. Manager Graham Potter has compared the 19-year-old to United newcomer Daniel James in terms of style.
Connolly has a long way to go yet but has the raw materials to succeed and is already being tipped for a big future with Brighton as well as the Republic of Ireland.
