Leicester City has generated a lot of elite talent and will be hoping that the next crop is even better.
The Foxes have a reputation for developing exceptional players in recent years, with Ben Chilwell and Harvey Barnes collecting large sums from Chelsea and Newcastle United, respectively, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall continuing to shine in the midfield.
Despite the plethora of experience at his disposal, Enzo Maresca, a manager with a track record for fostering potential talent while with the Manchester City Elite Development Squad, has already offered a road for several young players to make their mark.
Goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk has already made his debut for the club in both cup and league competitions this season, while creative talents Wanya Marcal-Madivadua and Kasey McAteer have grabbed the spotlight.
Marçal has received regular first-team minutes after impressing with the Premier League 2 squad, netting the opening goal in a 2-1 win over Cardiff City.
McAteer, meanwhile, was on a roll in South Yorkshire, scoring twice in a 2-1 win over Rotherham United to cement his place on the big stage.
With players taking advantage of their opportunities, FLW looks at three players who might be the next to play under Maresca and establish themselves as first-team regulars.
The most experienced player on this list, Raikhy joined the club this summer after his time at Aston Villa came to an end.
The 20-year-old was a regular at both U18 and U21 level for Villa, winning the FA Youth Cup in 2021 against Liverpool.
The midfielder enjoyed a first taste of senior football during the 2021/22 season, initially joining National League side Stockport County on loan, where he played five times in the league as a teenager. He was later recalled and sent back out to the fifth tier with Grimsby Town, recording another seven appearances as he helped the Mariners secure promotion back to the Football League via the play-offs.
He spent last season in the Premier League 2, playing 19 times as the Second City outfit finished in the play-offs before moving on to a new adventure with Leicester City, beating out competition from teams across the tiers to secure his services.
Amani Richards
Richards, a standout with the U18s, won the club’s Academy of the Season title last season after scoring 12 goals and assisting on multiple occasions in a critical year in his development.
Arriving from Arsenal’s youth system over two years ago, he has already piqued the curiosity of Newcastle United, West Ham United, and Brentford, according to Darren Lewis of Mirror Football earlier this transfer window.
The forward has advanced to the U21s squad and is already a regular in front of goal, whether it’s setting up teammates or scoring himself. While it is critical that his growth is not pushed, the 18-year-old could make an appearance later in the season if he maintains his excellent form in PL 2.
Sammy Braybrooke
Leicester City are eagerly awaiting the return of the highly rated prospect, who had an ACL injury earlier this year.
The 19-year-old midfielder earned his first-team debut last season in a 3-0 EFL Cup triumph over Newport County while also playing for the Foxes’ U21 side.
The England youth international played 35 times across the past two seasons prior to his injury, an established star in youth football who was rewarded with a new long-term contract in the wake of his absence with the club having high hopes for the teenager.
While his promotion to the senior squad is improbable, he will be surrounded by seasoned competition to learn from and develop alongside. The likes of Harry Winks and Dewsbury-Hall will be crucial in making the transition to the Championship, with the latter exemplifying the road from academy potential to first-team star at the King Power Stadium.
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