The rising Premier League stars on the NXGN wonderkid list

First created by GOAL in 2016, the list is designed using an extensive network of youth football experts to celebrate 50 of the world's most talented young players.

Previous lists have featured the likes of Jude Bellingham, Jadon Sancho, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Youri Tielemans - all of whom were named the top-ranked player in their respective seasons.

This season, the criteria to be eligible requires players to have been born on or after January 1st, 2004, making the majority 18 and under.

The Premier League is represented well on this year's list, which is unranked, with a range of names featuring despite varying levels of experience in the top flight.

Andrey Santos (Chelsea / Vasco da Gama)

Andrey Santos joined Chelsea in January and although he has not yet made an appearance for the Blues, his signing could prove to be an astute one.

Currently on loan in his homeland with Vasco de Gama, Santos has made great strides after captaining Brazil to success at the U20 South American Championship before earning a first call-up to the senior squad.

Stefan Bajcetic (Liverpool)

Liverpool have had some issues in midfield this season which led to Stefan Bajcetic being forced in, but he took that opportunity with both hands.

The Spaniard cemented his place in the side since the turn of the year providing the Reds with some bite in the middle, although his season was curtailed early due to injury.

Facundo Buonanotte (Brighton)

Facundo Buonanotte caught Brighton's attention after a strong 2022 season with Argentine side Rosario Central with the Seagulls capturing his signature in November.

The 18-year-old has already made his Premier League debut coming on as a substitute in the Seagulls' win over Bournemouth last month, while he made his first start in an FA Cup fifth-round win against Stoke.

Ben Doak (Liverpool)

Joining Liverpool from Celtic last summer, winger Ben Doak is already making an impact for the club at various youth levels.

The Scotland U21 international has already appeared in the first team in the Premier League, coming on in the Boxing Day win against Aston Villa earlier this term.

Evan Ferguson (Brighton)

Striker Evan Ferguson already looks to be a star in the making having transitioned into senior football seamlessly from the youth level.

Already an international for the Republic of Ireland, Ferguson seems to have gained the trust of Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, allowing him to tally seven goals so far this season.

Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)

The Manchester United faithful have immense hope for Alejandro Garnacho and they will keep that up given he has also been named as one of nine winners on the inaugural NXGN Nine list - a select group of players at the very top of the class.

Garnacho made an immediate impact for the Red Devils at youth level upon his arrival from Atletico Madrid last summer, helping the club win the FA Youth Club last season.

The nippy winger has also shown plenty of glimpses of his talent in the senior squad under Erik ten Hag and has already earned a call-up to the Argentina national team.

Lewis Hall (Chelsea)

A tough season for Chelsea has presented some first-team opportunities for Lewis Hall, who has at points been trusted to start at left-back by Graham Potter.

Hall's versatility in that he usually plays in central midfield could prove to be useful for the club should he continue to stick at the senior level.

Garang Kuol (Newcastle / Hearts)

Garang Kuol attracted plenty of attention during his time at Australian A-League side Central Coast Mariners which prompted Newcastle to fend off big-name competition for his transfer in January.

Kuol made two appearances for the Socceroos during the group stage of the World Cup before he moved to Scottish side Hearts to bolster his experience.

Romeo Lavia (Southampton)

A shining light on a difficult season for Southampton, Romeo Lavia has excelled for the Saints in spite of their relegation campaign.

The Belgian, who moved to the south coast from Manchester City, is thriving in his first full season of first-team football having put up a number of mature displays in central midfield.

Alongside the aforementioned Garnacho, Lavia is also one of nine winners of the brand-new NXGN Nine award.

Rico Lewis (Manchester City)

Rico Lewis has burst onto the scene for Manchester City this season and earned the trust of manager Pep Guardiola, who has kept him in and around the first-team squad.

The England U19 international capped his first start for the club with a goal in a win over Sevilla, in the process becoming the youngest player in Champions League history to net on his debut at 17 years and 346 days.

While being used predominantly at right-back, Lewis' versatility should also be lauded given he has also been trialled on the opposite flank and in defensive midfield by Guardiola. 

Brooke Norton-Cuffy (Arsenal / Coventry)

Brooke Norton-Cuffy first started turning heads while on loan at League One's Lincoln last season and that has continued into the current campaign.

The right-back took a step up by joining Championship side Rotherham in the first half of the season and is now grinding it out for Coventry, who are pushing to reach the play-offs. 

Norton-Cuffy also made a good impression at international level, playing every game as England won the U19 European Championship in the summer.

Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)

The praise on Arsenal's Hale End academy continues with Ethan Nwaneri, who everyone was talking about in September when he became the youngest player in Premier League history as a substitute against Brentford.

Although he has not made another senior appearance since then, the 16-year-old attacking midfielder has continued to thrive in the club's youth system.

Gabriel Slonina (Chelsea)

Gabriel Slonina, who Chelsea signed after an impressive season as the first-choice for MLS' Chicago Fire, is the only goalkeeper to feature on this year's list.

Slonina has not made a first-team appearance for the club yet and is currently sitting behind Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy in the pecking order.

He has already been capped for the USA national side, which came in an international friendly against Serbia in January.