Stars abroad: Irish youngsters to light up Premier League
Credit: Conor Ryan (ETPhotos)
The news about West Ham United securing the signature of Cliftonville winger Sean Moore are as exciting as they get. In a season that the Hammers have struggled to get a footing in domestic action, this will be the best lift for the London side’s fans. It hasn’t been communicated officially but there’s all the indication the confirmation from West Ham is coming soon.
Sean Moore has attracted the interest of a number of clubs in the Premier League, League One and even the Scottish Premiership. He is touted to be one of the next big stars of Irish football, to follow in the light previously shone by the likes of Roy Keane, Seamus Coleman, Matt Doherty and more. This deal, once confirmed, will add to the number of sparking, talented youngsters plying their trade in one of the best leagues in the world. Here are some of the top young talents currently playing in the Premier League, and are expected to go on and become big names.
Evan Ferguson
Joe Evan Ferguson: Brighton forward Ferguson is doing his third year in the Premier League after moving from Bohemians in 2020. The better part of his last two years was spent playing for the Brighton junior teams but this season he has broken into the first team and with great impact. Featuring in 13 matches already makes it his most active participation in the English top flight and his four goals so far tell a story of his impact. He is an integral part of the Brighton machine and one of the reasons today’s sure win predictions for football on SportyTrader depict Brighton as favorites.
Gavin Bazunu: Southampton may be having the toughest season of their stay in the Premier League, but one man’s qualities have stayed clear for all to see – goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu. Having established himself as the first-choice keeper at the Saints, Bazunu, at 20 years old, seems destined for greatness, whether Southampton survives in the Premier League or not. He did make his entry to England through Manchester City, before Southampton snapped him up and it emerges this is just the move he needed, after a fee of £12m was paid for his services. Playing behind one of the most porous defences in the league, Bazunu has stood out with his saves. He even won an award for one of them – the November/December Premier League’s Best Save.
Nathan Collins
Nathan Collins: Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Nathan Collins is another fast-rising star, putting in shifts that defy his age, at 21. His transition from the Championship to the Premier League didn’t go well in his first season as Burnley got relegated. However, his qualities had been spotted by Wolves who went in for him and he has gone on to play 21 times as at the 32nd round of matches in the Premier League. He may not have scored a goal in the league this season, but his defensive attributes have made him a pillar in Julen Lopetegui’s team.
With the likes of Seamus Coleman soon bowing out, there is no doubt that the future remains promising for Irish talent in the Premier League. Just like Damien Duff, Robbie Keane and the rest lit up the league, so will the fantastic crop of young players coming up.
