Youthful Injection - Part Two
We continue reviewing the top young prospects in the Premier League in Part Two.
Reece Oxford // West Ham United // 18 // England
Oxford made his debut for West Ham's First XI on the opening day of last season at just 16 years of age and managed seven appearances in total for the Hammers in the Premier League.
Many were expecting big things from Oxford the season with his confidence in defence a real talking point. West Ham decided to send him out on loan in search of more game time.
Oxford though has struggled whilst on-loan at Reading in the Championship this season. The highly rated defender secured a move away on deadline day but has not been able to establish himself in Jaap Stam's side.
Bartosz Kaputska // Leiecester City // 20 // Poland
Yet to make his Premier League debut, Kaputska was brought in by now sacked Manager Claudio Ranieri (too soon to mention?). Already capped
at International level, Kaputska is expected to play second fiddle to Marc Albrighton and Demarai Gray in midfield.
Kaputska is still raw and has plenty to improve on with the big leap up from the Polish First Division to the Premier League. He's showed glimpses of his best at Euro 2016 threatening on the counter-attack which fits perfectly with Leicester's style of play.
Ben Woodburn // Liverpool // 17 // Wales
Playing mainly off the bench this season, Woodburn burst onto the scene with some scintillating displays in Liverpool's youth teams. The young Welshman is already being described as the next Gareth Bale and whilst such large plaudits have been placed on him, Woodburn has taken it all in his stride.
The left winger has scored six goals and provided service for another six in his 12 appearances for Liverpool's Second XI this term, highlighting his all around quality up front.
It is hard to crack the Red's front line but with injuries to Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana, a window has opened for the Welshman which could see more game time heading into the final run of games.
He was an unused substitute for Wales' recent World Cup Qualifier against Ireland and is yet to make his full International debut.
Josh Onomah // Tottenham Hotspur // 19 // England
As a graduate from Tottenham's youth academy, Onomah should have plenty to smile about after seeing the success story that is Harry Kane. Spurs have always been proactive in blooding young stars into their First XI and Onomah fronted up 19 times across all competitions last season.
Whilst able to operate at the back, Onomah's preferred position is higher up the park in midfield. He has has seen limited opportunities this term with Pochettino preferring to stick with the players that give him consistent performances.
He has represented England at all youth levels which is a good indicator that he may one day turn out for the England National Team.
Gabriel Jesus // Manchester City // 20 // Brazil
Jesus burst onto the scene with the Sky Blues earlier this year with a goal on debut after his drawn out Visa issues. Since his arrival, there have been further calls for Jesus to replace Sergio Aguero up front with the young Brazilian seen as the future leader at the head of City's attack.
Surprisingly, at such a young age, Jesus has forced his way into the full Brazilian National Team featuring six times with five goals to his name. He will surely form a formidable partnership with Neymar and Phillipe Countinho over the next few years and cause plenty of headaches for defenders around the world.
Recently injury issues have kept him out of action with his return expected shortly for City's final run-in of games. Crucial games for them to confirm European football for next season.
