It may be still early in the season, but already Premier League players are making a name for themselves.
At many of the top-flight clubs, plenty of youngsters are contributing to their side’s early success and are some of the biggest names in the league.
Here’s a guide to the top five starlets in the running for the prestigious PFA Young Player of the Year Awards, which takes place towards the end of the season.
Gabriel Jesus
For those interested in football betting, Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus is currently the online bookmakers’ favourite for the crown.
The Brazilian forward has seven goals and one assist to his name so far and you’d expect that tally to grow considerably by the time the campaign ends.
He’s the evident heir to City’s all-time scorer Sergio Aguero’s crown, and is already being rotated with the Argentinian regularly. Pep Guardiola is ensuring Jesus gets the right amount of game time ahead of the World Cup, where he’s sure to star for Brazil.
At present, Jesus is the Premier League’s most prolific striker ever, registering a goal every 89.6 minutes, putting him ahead of Aguero, who clocks one every 107 minutes.
Bookies Odds: 6/4 (PaddyPower)
Leroy Sane
Nominated for the award last season, Leroy Sane has kicked off an impressive debut with Manchester City.
As well as scoring six league goals so far this season, the German international has also provided five assists and has shown to be one of the most valuable wingers. He has played a vital part in City’s superb start, with his quick and intelligent play making his side such a threat going forward.
If there are any free bets available from trusted bookmakers, we’d recommend taking a punt on Sane being crowned the league’s best young player come the season’s end.
Bookies Odds: 3/1 (BetVictor)
Raheem Sterling
The third City star to make our list, England international Raheem Sterling, is the joint top scorer alongside co-star Gabriel Jesus, of all the young contenders.
There were rumours speculating that Sterling was on his way out of the Etihad during the transfer window, but City’s refusal to sell has been worthwhile. Raheem has scored 10 goals in all competitions this season, showing his real knack for being in the right place at the right time.
The winger has certainly rejuvenated his City career and will be looking to take his club form onto the international stage this summer.
Bookies Odds: 4/1 (PaddyPower)
Dele Alli
The 2016 & 2017 winner of the PFA Young Player of the Year Award will be hoping to become the first player to win the accolade for the third time.
However, the former MK Dons man is currently struggling to replicate last season’s incredible form, but remains amongst the bookies’ favourites due to his undoubted quality.
Dele Alli’s recent match-winning performance against Real Madrid highlighted that his form could be returning. Alli will be looking to improve on his three league goals and one assist in the coming weeks to help get Tottenham back into the title race.
Bookies Odds: 6/1 (BetVictor)
Marcus Rashford
No longer a teenage superstar, Marcus Rashford is setting his sights on the Premier League’s top honours.
The England International has already featured in 17 games for Manchester United this season and has been crucial to the team in both the league and in Europe.
However, compared to the other contenders for the PFA Young Player Award, the forward’s strike rate hasn’t been as impressive as his counterparts from across the city.
Rashford may need to add more goals to his game if he’s to clinch the crown and play a crucial role in United’s search for their first Premier League title in five years.
Bookies Odds: 9/1 (PaddyPower)
With so much of the season to go, there are surely going to be market movers over the next few months, with other contenders such as Eric Dier, Harry Winks, Anthony Martial and John Stones certain to play a commanding role for their sides in the fight for the top spot in the league.