The Top Flight
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Five Youngsters to Watch Out for in the 2022/23 Premier League Season

By Isabel Crofts

Brennan Johnson of Nottingham Forest celebrates during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final match against Huddersfield Town at Wembley Stadium. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Brennan Johnson of Nottingham Forest celebrates during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final match against Huddersfield Town at Wembley Stadium. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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Michael Olise Crystal Palace
Marcos Alonso (L) and Michael Olise (R) during the FA Cup Semi-Final match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /

Michael Olise
Age: 20
Club: Crystal Palace
Nationality: France

Sharp, skilful and suave – Michael Olise oozed class whenever he stepped onto the pitch for Crystal Palace last season.

The 20-year-old struggled in contention for a starting place in Patrick Vieira’s side and made only 12 starts across the season, then adding another 14 to his tally through substitutions.

Despite his limited game time and injury issues, he racked up just two goals and six assists. However, when Olise was on the pitch, he was involved in 44 per cent of the Eagles’ goals – achieving a higher percentage than main man Wilfried Zaha, as per FBref.

Even more remarkably, the youngster was ranked fifth in the assists return per 90 minutes table, one place behind Premier League Golden Boot winner Mohamed Salah.

The Frenchman then beat the likes of Premier League winners Kevin De Bruyne and Salah in the expected assists rankings, only falling short to Liverpool’s “assist king” Trent Alexander-Arnold.

When taking into account Olise’s lack of playing time against these regular starters, it’s extraordinary he was able to provide so much threat in such little time on the field.

The 2022/23 season gives Olise a chance to fight for his place in the starting eleven. His forward vision and wand of a left foot suit perfectly to the attacking style of play Vieira is trying to implement with this new look Palace team.

Djed Spence
Age: 21
Club: Middlesbrough (move to Tottenham Hotspur imminent)
Nationality: England

After playing a crucial role in Nottingham Forest’s promotion to the top flight, it’s no surprise that Antonio Conte has his sights set on Djed Spence from the moment the transfer window opened.

With Conte looking to bolster his new look squad ready for a demanding season ahead and with Champions League football secured, Spence has the potential to become a household name in 2022/23 working under one of the best managers in the game.

The U21 international secured a hat-trick of awards in March 2022; EFL Young Player of the Month, Championship Player of the Month and Championship Goal of the Month – outstanding achievements for a right-back of his age.

His ability to dribble forward and create attacks through the right-hand side will work hand-in-hand partnered with prolific goalscorers Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, who finished last season joint top goal-scorer in the league after being tied with Salah on the final day.

A wingback pairing of Spence and Ryan Sesegnon has the potential to tear through defences for years to come.

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Spence is young and eager to establish himself as one of the best in his position across Europe. Playing a role in this tantalising project Conte is building in North London will make for exhilarating viewing for neutrals – and not so exciting for fellow Premier League supporters.

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