Pre-season has handed opportunities to several Premier League youngsters. We’ve profiled four players who have impressed during the summer schedules.
The Premier League youngsters impressing in pre-season
Max Dowman – Arsenal
Max Dowman is arguably closer to his Premier League debut than he is to taking his GCSEs. The 15-year-old has announced his arrival during Arsenal’s pre-season tour, impressing during a captivating cameo against Newcastle United in Asia. Dowman has been Arsenal’s worst-kept secret for some time but the teenager is proving, already, that he’s not far away.
It seems incomprehensible that a 15-year-old could feature for one of Europe’s top teams, but Dowman has looked at home among the first-team group. Arsenal will take a cautious approach with the midfielder, but there’s no doubt he’s knocking on the door. It would be no surprise to see him make a first-team squad in 2025/26.
15-year-old Max Dowman shined in his 30-minute cameo against Newcastle, earning a penalty for Arsenal’s winning goal ✨ pic.twitter.com/7aHtUd7U7E
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 27, 2025
Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and now Dowman. There’s something in the water at Hale End right now.
Harrison Armstrong – Everton
Everton’s squad surgery has handed opportunity to those on the fringes. A staggering six senior players and four loanees have left this summer, while incomings have been in short supply.
David Moyes has bulked his summer squad up with academy talent and Harrison Armstrong has been the standout. The England u-18 midfielder spent the second half of last season at Derby Country, impressing over 15 appearances. Despite having only turned 18 in January, he looks physically ready for first-team football. Everton lack options in midfield and Armstrong has put his case forward for inclusion this season.
18-year-old Harrison Armstrong with the interception.
35-year-old Idrissa Gana Gueye with the finish.Everton got their first goal of Summer Series, but it wasn’t enough. pic.twitter.com/EXH3xxdKOH
— Premier League USA (@PLinUSA) July 31, 2025
Rio Ngumoha – Liverpool
When Liverpool agreed a deal to sign Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea last summer, it was considered a coup. Regarded as one of Chelsea’s best academy prospects, he has begun to show that potential at Liverpool.
He became the youngest player to start a first-team game in the club’s history, aged 16 years and 135 days, against Accrington Stanley last season and has shone during the pre-season.
Love it, Rio ✨ pic.twitter.com/zKtd3kx3dP
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2025
A lively performance against AC Milan was followed by a brilliant run and finish against Yokohama F. Marinos, increasing his argument for more minutes. With Luis Diaz having departed, the 16-year-old could find himself as Cody Gakpo’s deputy on the left flank.
Freddie Potts – West Ham
Graham Potter is keen to introduce Freddie Potts to the West Ham first team after the midfielder’s return from loan. The 21-year-old impressed on loan at Portsmouth last term and has caught the eye in pre-season.
Potts looked comfortable among senior stars during the Premier League Summer Series win over Everton and has outlined his desire to become a regular. With West Ham’s engine room having been criticised for a lack of energy last season, Potts is hopeful he can inject new life into the centre of the side.
“I want to be playing at West Ham,” he said. “As a fan all my life, this is the club that I want to play for. So, I feel like there’s even more to give.
“I’ve learnt so much in the last couple of years and I want to showcase that.”
Freddie Potts in the middle 👏 pic.twitter.com/rSuY6jIZen
— West Ham United (@WestHam) July 27, 2025
Read – The biggest summer transfer so far in each of Europe’s top leagues
See more – One position each ‘Big Six’ team still needs to strengthen
