GEORGES IIENIKHENA -
Monaco & France
AS Monaco's latest unearthed jewel, Ilenikhena is a strong left-footed number nine with the capabilities of using his physicality as a target man or to run in the channels as a wide forward.
The 18 year old joined the Ligue 1 club in an £18.75m deal this summer, after attracting interest from Europe's elite while in the Belgian Pro League for Royal Antwerp scoring 14 goals in the 2023-24 season.
He flourished in the youth set-up at Amiens, scoring 24 goals at Under-17 level and then he became the youngest ever scorer in the French second division scoring against Bordeaux aged 16 years and 150 days.
After departing France for Royal Antwerp last summer he continued to break records, his 92 minute winner against Barcelona in the Champions League group stage not only earnt Royal Antwerp their first ever win in the competition but he was the youngest goal scoring Nigerian too.
He appears a big-game player, his first goal for Monaco was a 71st minute winner in their Champions League opener against Barcelona, the second time in less than a year he has condemned the La Blaugrana to defeat.
So far, he has largely been an impact substitute for Adolf Huttner early on this season as he finds his feet in the top division of French football after scoring 14 goals in 50 appearances in Belgium last campaign.
tyler dibling -
Southampton & England
The 18 year old has been a revelation amidst the early despair during Southampton's return to the Premier League making two starts and scoring a goal against Ipswich Town.
Former Saints manager Ralph Hassenhutl earmarked the talented winger in 2022, promoting him to the first-team bench at just 16 years old but shortly afterwards before making his senior debut Chelsea had poached the attacker.
Since swiftly returning to the South coast his new manager Russell Martin has been keen on integrating him into his starting line-up referring to him as as player capable of doing things "he's never seen".
Martin's belief in the academy graduate is paying early dividends, he has been Southampton's most influential creative spark in their opening five matches creating 15 chances.
His first start this season was at the Theatre of Dreams, and he made an instant impact drawing a foul from Diogo Dalot to given his team an early penalty which Cameron Archer squandered.
This early promise in the top flight he attracted interest from Newcastle, Manchester United and Spurs but if Southampton are to achieve a miraculous survival this season their number 33 is going to be crucial.
oscar hojlund -
Frankfurt & Norway
While his older brother might take the spotlight at the moment, Oscar has quickly followed in his footsteps leaving Copenhagen for the heights of Europe joining the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt.
The 19 year old is a dynamic end-to-end central midfielder who possesses great athleticism and strength. His rise to the German top flight has been sudden after making his first team debut for Copenhagen last season and going on to play 23 times.
The number six, is just the third Dane to play for Frankfurt after Jesper Lindstrom and Fredrick Ronnow and made his Bundesliga debut against Borussia Dortmund.
Despite this being about young prospects expected to shine this season, Hojlund has just broken his ankle and is expected to be sidelined until the new year.
Nevertheless, after featuring in six Champions League games last season including the Round of 16 tie against Manchester City he is quickly establishing himself as a promising midfielder with the attributes to reach the very top.
jonathan rowe -
Marseille & England
The Canaries star talisman last season in the Championship, Rowe won Player of the Season for the Norfolk club after 13 goals in 38 matches to propel an underperforming Norwich into play-off contention.
A myriad of Premier League clubs circled the 21 year old this summer including West Ham, Crystal Palace and Everton but the attacker opted to switch East Anglia for Marseille... a big shift.
Despite scepticism from his family about leaving England, Rowe has always been a confident and self-assured individual who has surpassed adversity with hard-work and determination to reach the very top.
The prospect of joining former Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi at a club rich in European pedigree was too much to refuse. He showed a glimpse of his potential with his 95th minute winner against Lyon in the league, a sumptuous 20 yard curler.
Last season he became the youngest Canaries player to score 12 goals in a league campaign and he displayed his versatility upfront scoring a range of goals from different opportunities.
This season, could be his time to earn the big money move to the Premier League he was deprived of this summer and within this exciting Marseille team he can reach the next level.
willy kambwala -
Villarreal & France
The 20 year old was an unpopular departure from Old Trafford this summer, leaving Manchester United on a free transfer for Villarreal.
Last season, Erik Ten Hag afforded the centre-back first team opportunities amid long-term injuries to Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez with the Frenchman featuring in eight league games.
Many United fans were impressed with his solid displays and it appeared to be a good foundation to kickstart his future at United, however instead the club decided to invest in buying a new centre-back rather than support Kambwala's development.
This season appears the perfect opportunity for the defender to shine in La Liga after a fresh start, where he can prove what United missed out on. His debut for Villarreal was an impressive 2-1 win against Sevilla.
However, he picked up a muscle injury but once fit again he could develop away from Old Trafford into a top centre-back who has a huge future ahead of him.
Written by Lewis Eadie
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