5 Premier League youngsters who have gone under the radar
The Premier League is known for producing world-class talent on a regular basis.
Some of the league's best talents are young. Premier League sides often look to their academy players while trying to address gaps, resulting in countless opportunities being handed out every year.
The likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold (23), Phil Foden (21) and Bukayo Saka (20) are testament to the Premier League's raw young talent. These are players who were previously unknown and stepped up to the task when called upon.
Now considered integral to their respective sides, these youngsters add a breath of fresh air to the league with their exciting style of play.
Let's take a look at five Premier League youngsters who have gone under the radar.
#5. Ben Johnson - West Ham United
Ben Johnson has emerged as one of West Ham United's most promising talents.
The young Englishman has been with the Hammers since the tender age of seven. He now finds himself among the squad's most important young players. Having made his professional debut in 2018, Johnson has since made 32 Premier League appearances.
West Ham's victorious game plan against Wolves revealed by delighted Ben Johnson #WHUFC
football.london/west-ham-unite…
Johnson is a special talent without a doubt. He is capable of playing at left-back as well as at right-back and displays excellent passing and close control. He has more than stepped up in the absence of first-team player Vladimir Coufal due to injury. Johnson has emerged as an extremely dependable commodity.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham in three-way transfer scrap for West Ham defender Ben Johnson after stunning season thesun.co.uk/sport/17803045…
Johnson won the award for West Ham's Young Player of the Year last year after making 14 league appearances. Still only 21, Johnson certainly has a bright future ahead of him.
#4. Luke Thomas - Leicester City
Luke Thomas has become a sensation among Leicester City fans.
The Englishman has been with the Foxes since 2008 and made his professional debut for the side in 2020. Primarily a left-back, Thomas began his career as the understudy for Ben Chilwell and Christian Fuchs.
Pick that one out! 🚀🎯
Luke Thomas with an inch-perfect strike into the top corner to give Leicester the lead!
His first Premier League goal too! https://t.co/CJ8q0PgKqJ
Since the departure of both players, Thomas has been integrated into the first-team. He has since become a starter and has made 17 appearances for the club this season.
Thomas made 14 appearances for the club last year and has furthered his bid as Leicester's premier left-back this season. He displays several characteristics of a winger. Extremely dynamic off the ball, Thomas often finds himself in excellent positions to make accurate passes.
What a day for Luke Thomas - from season ticket holder, to ball boy, to 1st team.
2001 born just outside Leicester.
Aged 7 joins their academy.
Aged 19 makes his 1st team debut.
10 months later he STARTS in an #FACupFinal.
Follow your dreams kids! https://t.co/HMBJk3OO7H
Thomas is also adept at handling his defensive duties and looks set to grow exponentially with time.