Top 12 Teenagers to Watch in the Premier League This Season

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LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Emmanuel Frimpong of Arsenal in action during the Emirates Cup match between Arsenal and AC Milan at Emirates Stadium on July 31, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

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This season's Premier League appears to be bristling with more bright young things than ever before.

As clubs look to secure their futures and avoid paying huge transfer fees for proven 20-somethings, teenagers are to the fore.

Some have been developed by the clubs themselves; others plucked from lesser teams for amounts that may ultimately seem insignificant if they fulfill their potential.

In no particular order, here are 12 teenagers to watch in the Premier League this season...

Carl Jenkinson

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Carl Jenkinson joined Arsenal from Charlton this summer and the 19-year-old made his debut in last night's Champions League qualifer against Udinese.

The full-back will surely get his chance of the next few weeks with Arsenal suffering an injury crisis.

Romelu Lukaku

Chelsea signed Romelu Lukaku from Anderlecht this summer after months of speculation linking them to the 18-year-old.

The Belgian international striker is already a proven goalscorer and potentially a man to lead their line for their next decade.

Connor Wickham

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Sunderland paid an estimated £15 million to bring Connor Wickham to the Stadium of Light from Ipswich this summer.

The 18-year-old striker had seen his reputation soar with his performances in the Championship and as part of England's Under-19s and Under-21s.

Phil Jones

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Phil Jones broke into the Blackburn Rovers team last season and proved himself a remarkably assured defender considering his tender years.

Manchester United took notice and shelled out around £17 million to bring the 19-year-old to Old Trafford.

Early injuries to Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand would suggest he'll get a run in the United first team sooner rather than later.

Emmanuel Frimpong

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Ghanaian-born midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has been with Arsenal since he was nine years old.

Now 19, he will be looking to build on a couple of first-team appearances last season this time around. Frimpong is already popular with Arsenal fans, who love his physicality, commitment and direct running.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 29: Alex Chamberlain of Southampton points during the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON 4th Round match between Southampton and Manchester United at St Mary's Stadium on January 29, 2011 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Ros

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Arsenal paid £12 million for Southampton's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, basing their decision on just one hugely impressive season.

The 18-year-old has pace to burn and Gunners fans will soon warm to his direct attacking play if he gets a run in the team this season. It looks extremely likely judging by their injury problems.

Jack Wilshere

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When you consider the reputation of Jack Wilshere on both the domestic and European stage, it's remarkable think the Arsenal midfielder is still just 19.

Arguably the most technically proficient midfielder of a new generation in the Premier League, Wilshere has the ability to rule in England for the next 15 years.

Jack Robinson

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Defender Jack Robinson won plaudits last season for his performance for Liverpool against Arsenal in the Premier League.

The 17-year-old has had limited opportunities so far, but this could be the campaign he comes to the fore. Expect to see him gently introduced in the Carling Cup.

Josh McEachran

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - JULY 21: Joshua McEachran of Chelsea in action during the pre-season friendly match between Malaysia and Chelsea at Bukit Jalil National Stadium on July 21, 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images)

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A ball-playing central midfielder who's been compared to Liam Brady, Josh McEachran made his first appearances for Chelsea's first team last season.

The 18-year-old can expect even greater opportunities this time around and could ultimately prove himself the natural heir to Frank Lampard in the heart of the Chelsea midfield.

James Hirst

READING, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: James Hurst of West Bromwich Albion reacts as team mate Jonas Olsson is sent off during the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON 3rd round match between Reading and West Bromwich Albion at Madejski Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Reading,

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West Brom's James Hirst made his senior debut for the club last season and will be hoping for more opportunities this campaign.

An England Under-19 international, the full-back was a sought-after commodity when he joined first Portsmouth and then the Baggies.

Oriol Romeu

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Chelsea signed 19-year-old Oriol Romeu from Barcelona this summer, giving him the number six shirt and with plenty of hype suggesting the midfielder could have a role to play this season.

Barcelona clearly rate him. They've included a buy-back clause in the deal to make sure they don't miss out on a world-beater.

John Flanagan

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Liverpool's Young Player of the Year for the 2010-11 season, John Flanagan made his first-team debut towards the end of the campaign and will be looking to assert himself further over the next few months.

The 18-year-old full-back started Liverpool's opening Premier League game against Sunderland on Saturday.

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