The Premier League prospects set to break out in 2023/24 - including Man Utd, Liverpool, and Newcastle gems

The Premier League opening weekend is upon us at long last, and teams from across the division will be desperately hoping that their summer transfer business can provide them with the extra boost they need to achieve their respective goals this season.

But while one eye will be firmly fixed on the players brought in for exorbitant amounts of money, there will also be a keen focus on the young and talented prospects who will be aiming to make 2023/24 their breakout campaign. We’ve picked ten of the most intriguing and exciting from across the top flight who we believe could be on the cusp of something huge.

Check out our selection below...

Elliot Anderson - Newcastle United

For all of their wealth and all the excitement surrounding their new signings this summer, few players have quickened the pulse in pre-season quite as much as Elliot Anderson. The energetic midfielder couldn’t stop scoring over in the United States, and has given Eddie Howe plenty to think about heading into the new campaign. A local lad who could go on to become a real cult hero.

Jaden Philogene-Bidace - Aston Villa

Another who has impressed in pre-season Jaden Philogene, as he is most widely known, spent last season out on loan with Cardiff City, but will be knocking on the door at Villa Park this term. Predominantly a winger, the hope will be that he can kick on and really force his way into Unai Emery’s plans in the coming months.

Evan Ferguson - Brighton

Perhaps more established than some others on this list, Ferguson is already a regular in the Brighton first team, and registered six goals and two assists in 20 Premier League outings. At just 18, his potential is almost unfathomable, and whether it is this year or next, he is surely set for a massive break out campaign at some point.

Ethan Nwaneri - Arsenal

Ethan Nwaneri made headlines last season when he became the youngest ever player in Premier League history after making a cameo appearance against Brentford at the age of 15. Since then, he has continued to impress at youth level, and has looked particularly adept in pre-season, showcasing his sublime technical ability and superlative close control. Again, don’t expect frequent first team minutes just yet, but he is certainly one to watch.

Ben Doak - Liverpool

The diminutive Scot has looked absolutely electric since joining from Celtic, and the word on the street is that Jurgen Klopp has been so impressed with his progress that he plans on rejecting several loan offers to keep him at Anfield this season. A winger with an eye for goal, the 17-year-old is one to keep a very, very close eye on.

Lewis Dobbin - Everton

Across Stanley Park, Everton have a promising youth prospect of their own in the form of attacker Lewis Dobbin. A product of the Toffees’ academy system, the 20-year-old spent last term with Derby County, but has caught the eye of several influential figures at Goodison Park, including captain Seamus Coleman. Speaking to Sky Sports about the youngster, he said: “I don’t really like to single one player out, because I’m probably forgetting someone else, but I think Lewis has done well in pre-season. He’s come through the club and been training with the first team this year. He’s a really nice lad and he’s looked very sharp.”

Kobbie Mainoo - Manchester United

Kobbie Mainoo got plenty of tongues wagging with his performances in pre-season, and the general murmur among Manchester United fans was that he was ready to start pushing for a place in Erik ten Hag’s first team plans ahead of the new campaign. A nasty ankle injury has, however, sidelined him for the foreseeable future, but the hype surrounding the midfielder remains, and once he is fit again, don’t be surprised to see him given more and more minutes.

Destiny Udogie - Tottenham

Signed a little while ago but initially sent back on loan to Udinese in his native Italy, Destiny Udogie is a hugely precocious full-back, and if Ange Postecoglou’s pre-season selections are anything to go by, could start the campaign as Spurs’ first choice option on the left side of defence.

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi - Crystal Palace

Anybody who has been fortunate enough to witness Jesurun Rak-Sakyi play already knows that he is a very special talent. A proper game-changer, the Crystal Palace attacker spent last season with Charlton Athletic, and while he could head back out on loan to a Championship club this time around, there is also a possibility that the Eagles keep him around to see if he can break into their first team plans.

Carney Chukwuemeka - Chelsea

And finally, Chelsea’s current lack of midfield options (I am writing this at a time when Moises Caicedo is keeping the entirety of the footballing world in a state of glorious suspense) could mean that Carney Chukwuemeka features significantly for the Blues this season. The former Aston Villa teenager has played regularly in pre-season, and could even start in the number ten role against Liverpool on Sunday if other signings in other areas don’t come off. Skilful, athletic, and razor sharp, he is set for a big, big future.