Five to watch in 2017

We pick out five talented youngsters who could be set for a big year ahead in the Premier League.

It’s a competition full of big-money signings but that has not stopped the very best young players from making an impact.

Here we pick five who could do big things in 2017…

Ben Woodburn

Academy product Ben Woodburn became the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool’s history when he turned the ball home in Liverpool’s EFL Cup win over Leeds United in November. At just 17 years and 45 days old, he eclipsed Michael Owen’s record and sparked wild celebrations at Anfield.

It was a spine-tingling moment for the teenager, who had made his Premier League debut as a substitute against Sunderland only three days earlier. Woodburn can play in attack or midfield, and Jurgen Klopp has fast-tracked him into the first team after an eye-catching rise through the youth ranks.

The Liverpool manager has vowed to “protect” Woodburn from the media spotlight, but that might prove difficult in the year ahead. The youngster is already at the centre of an international tug of war between Wales and England. His burgeoning reputation is growing all the time.

Reece Oxford

West Ham’s youngest-ever player Reece Oxford made the headlines in August 2015 after playing a key role in the Hammer’s opening-day win at Arsenal last season. The defender, who featured as a holding midfielder in that game, was only 16 at the time and tipped for lots more first-team action.

Oxford called it a “dream debut”, academy boss Terry Westley identified him as someone who wanted to be challenged at “the very highest level” while Slaven Bilic …

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