(2018 Edition) Top 10 English Teenagers in Football

10 — Karamoko Dembele (Age 15 — Celtic)

The First, youngest, and probably most controversial entry on the list is Celtic’s 15 year old prodigy winger Karamoko Dembele. Celtic’s young winger is eligible to play for both Ivory Coast, as well as Scotland and England, and has played for both of the latter two already at youth level. Dembele is often described as one of the biggest young prospects in football, and undoubtedly would be a great addition to the Three Lions if he were to live up to his sky high potential.

9 — Reece James (Age 18 — Chelsea*)

*On Loan at Wigan

One of the more humorous moments of this summer’s transfer window was when Wigan sold left back Reece James, then aged 24, and replaced him with, guess who? Reece James. Aged 18. The teenager has already played 17 times in the Championship for a newly promoted Wigan side doing a good job to steer clear of the drop zone. Reece has shown undoubtable quality in defence, gaining valuable senior experience for the future.

8 — Emile Smith-Rowe (Age 18 — Arsenal)

If You’ve been on twitter in the last year, then you’re likely to have come across Arsenal fans hailing Emile Smith-Rowe as the future of their club, and they’re probably not wrong, the midfielder is looking extremely promising, having played in the Europa League group stages, even scoring once against Azerbaijani side Qarabag. However, regular first team football may be needed for Smith-Rowe to truly develop into a world beater.

7 — Callum Hudson-Odoi (Age 18 — Chelsea)

Another London based player at number 7. This time, Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi. The winger has looked very promising in the time he’s played at Chelsea, even if it is little, though rumours suggest Maurizio Sarri is to loan out the wonderkid in January, with Aston Villa among the clubs looking to secure a deal with the winger.

6 — Morgan Gibbs-White (Age 18 — Wolves)

Morgan Gibbs-White is already getting first team minutes at Wolves, having already played 25 league games for the Premier League new boys. He made his Premier League debut against Everton, and also came on as a substitute against Tottenham, where despite Wolves losing, his performance was praised greatly. His only full 90' of the season came when he played all 120 minutes of his side’s 3–1 penalty defeat to Leicester, after the game ended 0–0 after extra time.

5 — Reiss Nelson (Age 18 — Arsenal*)

*On Loan at Hoffenheim

Coming in at number 5 is Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson, who is currently on loan in the Bundesliga at Hoffenheim. And he’s not doing badly either, netting 6 goals in 7 games, he’s shown just what he’s capable of, and I’m sure regular playtime at Arsenal will be waiting for him at the end of his loan spell.

4 — Phil Foden (Age 18 — Manchester City)

One of the golden boys of English football, I bet a number of people would be surprised to see Phil Foden so far down the list. However, the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner has only played 11 league games for Manchester City, making a slight difference, but not as of yet finding the net from his efforts, though come the 2022 World Cup, or even Euro 2020, we could easily be chanting Phil’s name. A future star in the making for certain, Foden has ‘Manchester City Legend’ written all over him for the future.

3 — Mason Mount (Age 19 — Chelsea*)

*On loan at Derby

Into the top 3 now, and we have Mason Mount. The Chelsea starlet is currently on loan at Derby County, where he is linking up greatly with fellow loanee Harry Wilson (the one who bangs in free kicks) Having previously spent a season on loan at Vitesse, where he won the club’s player of the year award, and being named in the League’s young team of the season. He was also called up for the England senior squad in October, but failed to make an appearance. It definitely won’t be his last call up though, he’s killing it for Derby and at 19 he has plenty of years ahead of him.

2 — Ryan Sessegnon (Age 18 — Fulham)

Ryan Sessegnon is still only 18. Somewhat unbelievable, right? The winger, who can also play at the back, already looks like a seasoned professional, having already played 80 league games for Fulham, scoring 21 goals in the process. At the end of the 2017/18 season he won a clean sweep of 5 awards at the Championship end of season awards ceremony. He was also nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year, the first ever championship player to be so, however, Leroy Sané deservedly won the award. Also, he became the first 2000s born player to score in the Premier League in October, scoring in a 4–2 Loss to Cardiff.

1 — Jadon Sancho (Age 18 — Borussia Dortmund)

Coming in at number one, and the only player in the list to have been capped by the England senior team. Jadon Sancho. He’s been making waves in the Bundesliga ever since making his debut for Borussia Dortmund, including winning the October Player of the month award after scoring 3 and assisting 3 more in just as many games. Sancho is also the first 2000s born player to make a senior England debut. And it certainly won’t be his last. I’m fairly certain that he could be one of the best players of his generation, and is a great testament to English youngsters looking for game time, as he’s thrived ever since leaving Manchester City for a bargain £8m in search for playing time. The Citizens are bound to regret that deal — I could easily see a Pogba-esque return for a mammoth fee in the future.

Honourable Mentions

Ben Brereton

Dru Yearwood

Oliver Skipp

Max Aarons

Joshua Maja

Angel Gomes