The EPL rising stars to watch in 2025/26 aren’t just names on a roster—they’re the future heartbeat of the Premier League. At IndiGoal, we believe the next generation of talent carries stories as compelling as their skills. This isn’t about established superstars—it’s about those who could become them.
Below, IndiGoal dives into fresh faces lighting up training grounds, breaking into first teams, and already hinting at their potential to redefine clubs. From wonderkids in Big Six academies to under-the-radar gems at midtable sides, here are the EPL rising stars to watch right now.
Why This Season Is A Turning Point For Young Talent
The Premier League has always thrived on youth — from Rooney to Sterling to Foden — but 2025/26 may be a watershed. Clubs are under financial constraints, more willing to promote, but the payoff is higher: solid minutes, exposure, and potentially meteoric growth.
For many of these names, the next 12 months might be the difference between being a prospect and being a star. As tactical setups demand more pressing, versatility, and physical maturity—even in teens—those who can adapt fast will thrive.
Top 7 Next-Gen Stars Shaping EPL Futures
Below is IndiGoal’s curated list of young players already turning heads this season. All are 21 or younger and expected to challenge for regular minutes.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Versatile, fearless, and already making history. Lewis-Skelly emerged out of Arsenal’s Hale End to earn a senior England call-up in 2025. In his debut for England, he scored and won Man of the Match—becoming the youngest England player to score on debut.
He primarily plays at left-back or midfield, showing excellent defensive acumen and attacking intent. With Arsenal’s youth-first philosophy, Lewis-Skelly could be central to the next era under Arteta.
Max Dowman
Barely a teenager and already a landmark name. Born in December 2009, Dowman made his Premier League debut at 15 years and 235 days, becoming the second-youngest in English top-flight history. He also holds the record as the youngest scorer in the UEFA Youth League.
Though still developing physically, Dowman’s positioning, vision, and composure in tight spaces have drawn comparisons with elite playmakers. 2025/26 may be the season he cements a place in first-team rotation.
Rio Ngumoha
One U21 breakout pick. He became Liverpool’s youngest ever starter in a cup tie and is known for pace, direct dribbling, and goal instincts.
He still needs to refine his end product, but Klopp’s track record for trusting youth suggests strong chances for rotation minutes, particularly in cups or rested fixtures.
Tyrique George
A dynamic winger blending pace, strength, and flair. George has already notched his first Premier League goal and impressed in European competitions for Chelsea.
He can stretch defenses wide, cut inside, and even take on fullbacks one-on-one—traits highly valuable in modern wide systems. If he continues getting minutes, he could be Chelsea’s next great attacking outlet.
Elliot Anderson
Though already a known name, Anderson still qualifies for rising-star talk. After his move to Nottingham Forest, he’s aiming to add more consistency to his game.
He’s creative, has a gaze for through passes, and can play centrally or on the wing. His key pass metrics and expected assist numbers show he’s more than hype—he’s productivity in the making.
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba
A name less in the headlines but one club watchers are buzzing over. Jimoh-Aloba is a midfielder with a strong engine, solid tackling, and positional sense beyond his years.
Villa’s academy has lately shown it’s willing to hand chances (see Carney Chukwuemeka, Ezri Konsa). If injuries or rotations come, Jimoh-Aloba could grab opportunity and not let go.
Eze (Brighton / elsewhere)
Brighton’s system is known for turning youth into first-team contributors. Eze (not to be confused with Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze) has shown glimpses in U23s and cup matches.
His technical finesse, ability to carry the ball, and creative instincts make him one to monitor as Brighton rotate deeply for domestic cups and midweek fixtures.
How They Compare: Metrics & Traits That Matter
To understand why these players stand out, here’s a look at common traits and performance indicators for rising talent today:
|
Trait / Metric |
Why It Matters |
Which Players Show It |
|
Progressive passes / key pass rate |
Modern midfielders are judged on creating chances |
Lewis-Skelly, Anderson |
|
Dribbling success & take-ons |
Wingers and forwards must beat defenders |
George, Ngumoha |
|
Versatility across positions |
Depth is valuable; players who can adapt get more minutes |
Lewis-Skelly, Dowman |
|
Physical readiness — stamina, strength |
Young players require body resilience for top-flight demands |
Jimoh-Aloba, Anderson |
|
Composure in big moments |
Breaking into cups, European matches tests mental fortitude |
Dowman, George |
When clubs evaluate youth, they look not just at potential but evidence. These names already deliver glimpses in high-pressure settings.
Challenges and Roadblocks Ahead
Being a rising star isn’t without hurdles:
- Competition and rotation – At top clubs, stars and veterans occupy many spots.
- Injury risk – Bodies are still maturing; managing fitness is critical.
- Mental pressure – Fans, media, and expectation can magnify mistakes.
- Tactical fit – If club strategies shift (e.g. dee, fewer transitions), certain traits may be underused.
The players making the leap will be those who learn fast, adapt their style, and deliver when called upon.
Where These Stars Can Make an Impact
- Domestic Cups & Carabao Cup: Many of these will get the first taste of senior minutes here.
- Europa League / Conference fixtures: Rotations in continental play give young players a runway.
- Injuries or fixture congestion: Squad depth gets tested across tight schedules.
- Substitutions in league games: Late-game chances to change outcomes help them build trust.
Clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, Brighton, and Chelsea are more comfortable mixing youth with senior stars. The next generation will gradually shift how lineups are built.
What To Watch Through The Season
- In which matches do they start rather than come off the bench?
- Do they maintain form when under pressure?
- Are they trusted in defense transitions, pressing phases, and defensive moments?
- How many assists, expected assists (xA), key passes, or successful dribbles will they end up with?
- Will any national call-ups or U-21 performances push their reputations?
These are the markers of real elevation—not just hype, but sustained impact.
Conclusion
EPL rising stars to watch in 2025/26 offer more than promise—they represent a coming shift in how clubs build squads and shape matches. From Myles Lewis-Skelly’s fearlessness to Max Dowman’s precocious composure, each name carries the potential to become a household icon.
IndiGoal encourages you to keep eyes on them—not just in cup upsets, but in league matches where minutes count. Return here for updates, stats, and stories as they step into limelight. Let’s follow their journeys together and see which rising star becomes the next superstar.