The EFL Cup is often viewed as something not as important as the other competitions in football. However, it has been consistently treated like a breeding ground for young talents who have the potential of becoming future stars. Through the years that had passed, Premier League clubs have trained young talents through tournaments, offering a platform where they will be able to show their skills on a bigger stage. Big players like Wayme Rooney and David Beckham have taken their first soft baby steps into stardom through this competition. To know more about their journey throughout football, visit Bongdalu.
In the current season, appearances of several younger players capture the spotlight with their extraordinary debuts which became the talk of the town. Among these are 16-year-old Arsenal goalkeeper Jack Porter, Manchester City’s flexible defender Kaden Braithwaite, and winger Kadan Yang from Aston Villa. These rising stars, working alongside their co players who are also emerging talents are making their way to the EFL Cup and leaving an unforgettable future shine through in football. Bongdalu presents to you a few of the many record breaking stars of the next generation in this 2024 edition.
Arsenal is known for producing talented players in the past, and now, they have again added a new player into the pact as 16-year-old Jack Porter joined as the youngest player to ever start for the Gunners. In their 5-1 victory over Bolton, Porter surpassed Cesc Fabregas’ long standing record that had been set in the year of 2003. Being only 16 years and 72 days young, Porter stole the spot as the youngest player to ever start a match for the North London club.
Porter, who has already made an impression at the England U17 level was able to step into the spotlight because of the injuries and cup-ties their team’s players encountered. However, despite the recurring pressure, Porter remained composed and matured beyond his actual age in years. With this, Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal was impressed and praised the young star’s performance in the match. "He was over the moon when we told him. He was nervous but handled it like a true professional," Arteta stated when asked about Porter.
In contrast to Arsenal, Manchester City is renowned for its world class squad depth, however, above all that, Pep Guardiola’s reliance on academy products is also one of his game strategies. This is where 16-year-old Kaden Braithwaite enters the picture. Braithwaite was able to make his senior debut in City’s 2-1 win over Watford in the EFL Cup.
Braithwaite was the third youngest player to appear for Manchester City and was also the youngest player Guardiola has chosen. Braithwaite is a versatile player and is not only comfortable at one position but takes multiple roles as center-back, left-back, and even as a defensive midfielder. This is a testament of how versatile Braithwaite is as a player, this is especially useful during times that the team faces fixture congestion. The Manchester-born youngster has been rapidly progressing through the rankings where he was placed at every level from U9s to U18s.
Toby Collyer of Manchester Collyer was able to make his full debut in a thrashing match with Barnsley where they won in a 7-0 victory for EFL Cup. This is a milestone that began at Brighton Academy. Collyer is the only one who was signed by United under their former manager Ralf Rangnick. Collyer’s performances steadily made a reputation for himself. As a hardworking and intelligent midfielder Collyer was ab;e to rank for the U21s.
Toby Collyer was primarily a defensive midfielder who had a strong pre-season performance. This made him earn the trust of United manager Erik ten Hag. His debut against Barnsley sparked a more prominent role ahead for his career as the United’s midfielder. His contract runs until 2027, so United sees him as a long term asset that could make big things for them. He has the ability of breaking up play and distributing the ball effectively in the field which is why people see him thriving under Ten Hag’s management.
Lucas Bergvall, a swedish 18-year-old midfielder turned down an opportunity in Barcelona Spain, just to join the Spurs. This controversial decision seems to be paying off as he gains the chance of being in the premier League. His appearance on the field is already gaining a lot of attention and excitement from fans all over the world.
Bergvall was able to start in Spur’ 2-1 EFL Cup victory against Coventry. In the match, Bergvall showcased his potential as a box-to-box midfielder. Though the young star is still adjusting his pacing of the English game, his courage and determination to approach has impressed the Spurs’ manager Ange Postecoglou. According to Postecoglou, Bergvall "has a maturity beyond his years." Complimenting his recent debut.
As the EFL Cup continues to unfold. The teams are offering us a glimpse into the future of English football. Whether it's Arsenal's record-breaking Jack Porter, Manchester City's versatile Kaden Braithwaite, or Aston Villa’s Kadan Young, the rise of these young stars are essential for the growth of each team. There are a lot of other rising stars that are also excelling in the field, the ones provided are only a few of them. However, one thing is for sure, big steps start from small ones, so it is important to recognize the potential of these people who will be able to lead the team into greatness.