In Focus: Five Premier League starlets shining bright in pre-season

A host of Premier League youngsters are grasping the chance handed to them in pre-season.

While gaining fitness and implementing tactical ideas is the priority in the summer friendlies, it is also a chance for supporters to catch an exciting glimpse into the future.

We pick out five starlets who have shone the brightest as preparations for the new season continue.

Cole Palmer (Manchester City)

An encouraging pre-season has boosted talented attacker Cole Palmer's hopes of finally featuring regularly for Manchester City in 2023-24.

Local lad Palmer, 21, was key to England's European Under-21 Championship victory, shortly after aiding City's Treble-winning campaign.

Riyad Mahrez's expected departure to Al-Ahli could open up a spot for Palmer next season and the skilful winger looks ready for minutes — whether that be at the Etihad or on loan elsewhere.

Ian Maatsen (Chelsea)

Amid Chelsea's wealth of new faces, one of their Cobham academy products has been a standout performer during their pre-season escapades in the USA.

Dutchman Ian Maatsen lit up the Championship for title winners Burnley last season and has been a regular feature on the left for Mauricio Pochettino's Blues, netting twice in a 5-0 win over Wrexham last week.

A return to Turf Moor had been strongly rumoured but the Argentine boss may well decide to keep the 21-year-old around given left-back Ben Chilwell's injury struggles over recent years.

Elliot Anderson (Newcastle)

Elliot Anderson looks poised to play a key role for Newcastle during their return to the Champions League next season.

The lively attacking midfielder featured 22 times in the Premier League last term and has netted against both Gateshead and Aston Villa over recent weeks.

Eddie Howe's men have flexed their financial muscles this summer but Toon fans can also get excited at the prospect of one of their own lining up in Europe's elite competition.

Jaden Philogene (Aston Villa)

Aston Villa are another side who are showing plenty of intent in the transfer market but Jaden Philogene is doing everything he can to make himself part of Unai Emery's plans.

The talented right winger, 21, scored five goals on loan at Cardiff last season and was selected in a strong Villa XI that drew 3-3 with Newcastle in Philadelphia earlier this week.

While he is competing with new record signing Moussa Diaby for a place in the Villans' attack, their involvement in the Europa Conference League may open the door for some minutes.

Hannibal Mejbri (Manchester United)

Manchester United youngster Hannibal Mejbri got his first real taste of senior action on loan at Birmingham last term, catching the eye with a goal and five assists.

The 20-year-old all-action midfielder even went to the 2022 World Cup with Tunisia — but making the grade at Old Trafford will be a different proposition.

Mejbri has started three out of United's four pre-season outings and while he may have to wait for his chance under Erik ten Hag, he looks a handy loan addition for any Championship team.