Despite it being a difficult time for Irish football, the talent keeps coming. See our list of the top young Irish players who could become legends in the near future.
The Irish and Northern Irish national teams are currently struggling and at a low point that may not seem like rising anytime soon. However, there is much to be hopeful for across the Emerald Isle.
The Premier League, widely regarded as the best league in the world, is home to some of the most promising talent. Thankfully, some of that talent hails from Ireland.
Read on to discover our list of the top five young Irish players that could become legends in the near future.
5. Chiedozie Ogbene – the Premier League’s fastest player
The first on our list of young Irish players that could become legends is Chiedozie Ogbene, currently making his mark upon the Premier League with new boys Luton Town.
Ogebene kicked off his footballing career at Cork City and Limerick. He then signed for Brentford in 2017, moving to Rotherham permanently in 2019, before signing for Luton Town on a free transfer in July 2023.
The Independent reported in December 2023 that Ogbene has clocked the highest speed in the Premier League this season, at 36.963 kph.
The 26-year-old, while not technically a young player anymore, is starting to make his mark during his debut Premier League season. With over 20 appearances this season so far, he is sure to impress further.
4. Tom Cannon – a rising talent up front
Tom Cannon certainly proved his promising talent during the 2022/23 Championship season, when he scored eight goals and provided one assist in 20 games on loan at Preston North End.
The former Everton man then permanently signed for Championship side Leicester City just this season, and has scored a couple of goals to date.
Born in 2002, the 21-year-old, who was born in England, has yet to play for the Irish national team but plays for the under-21 side. Perhaps a mark of his potential is the fact that the English FA has approached Cannon about playing for England. Let’s hope he declares for Ireland.
3. Nathan Collins – one of the best young Irish players who could become legends
Third on our list of young Irish players who could become legends in the near future is Nathan Collins. The Leixslip man joined Wolves in 2022 for £20.5 million, then went to Brentford a year later for a club-record £23 million.
Collins has established himself as a top centre-back in the Premier League, and has, to date, made 18 appearances for Ireland.
Collins is highly regarded as a top-class centre-back, and the 22-year-old will only improve with more games and time at the top level. Ireland have a gem on their hands in Nathan Collins.
2. Conor Bradley – Liverpool superstar
Although he has declared for Northern Ireland’s soccer team, Conor Bradley more than earns a spot on our list of the top young Irish players who could become legends.
Born in 2003, Bradley has become a sensation in the Premier League this season, putting on top performances against the likes of Chelsea already. Bradley has performed so well recently for the Reds that he won Liverpool’s Player of the Month award for January.
Across January’s six games, Bradley recorded five assists and a goal, a remarkable set of stats for a player of his age. Bradley has earned plaudits from across the footballing world and is destined to become a legend.
1. Evan Ferguson – Ireland’s top talent
No one other than Brighton striker Evan Ferguson could earn the right to top our list of the best young Irish players who could become legends in the near future. There is certainly no doubt that Even Ferguson will do just that.
Alan Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time top scorer, said he likes “everything” about the young Irish striker. We agree. Ferguson is valued at around £65 million, but will likely go for around £100 million if and when he does leave Brighton, with Chelsea heavily linked.
Still only 19 years old, you would be forgiven for finding it hard to believe how talented – and rated – the striker is. He has currently scored six Premier League goals this season for Brighton, with more to come.
He already has ten caps for Ireland and will hopefully lead the Irish line for the next decade or two. It is hoped he will have the firepower to send the team to their next international tournament.
SEE THE BONA FIDE LEGENDS: Top 10 best Irish soccer players of all time.
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