Premier League 19/20: Top 5 young defenders to look forward to this season
One of the biggest aspects that major football clubs put much of their focus on are young players who will become future stars. In the Premier League, club officials and supporters are constantly looking for the next 'Didier Drogba' and 'Nemanja Vidic' who will lead their team's attack or defence for the foreseeable future.
With that in mind, let's take a look at five young defenders who are highly talented, already playing at the top level of English football, and are sure to make waves in the coming season.
While some of them started off in their club's academy, others were brought in for massive transfer fees and are set to prove themselves to their new clubs. But what do they all have in common? They're all under the age of 23, they are sure to be fielded by their respective clubs, and also have the potential to be the best defenders in the world.
Without further ado, let's discuss the five young defenders to look out for this season.
#5 Issa Diop
Aged only 18, Issa Diop got his first professional game at French club, Toulouse. Within three years in France, Diop racked up over 80 appearances, prompting West Ham to buy him for €25 million.
Last season, he played for the Hammers, maintaining his position in the starting lineup, racking up 33 Premier League appearances, and helping the club to 10th position. Diop has certainly made a name with the supporters of his new club, and the young 6 ft.4 inch centre-back has the physical and technical qualities to become a star.
With nearly five clearances, two tackles, and two interceptions on average per match last season, Diop will surely have done enough to cement a consistent starting position this coming season. The youngster has a lot of work to do in improving upon aerial duels, as he averaged just two per game last season.
Diop is a very capable defender and has the ability to become an absolute star in the future/ His cause can be helped courtesy of some solid performances in the coming season, and the Hammers will be hoping that he exceeds expectations.