The Scottish Premiership is well and truly back following its summer break.
Celtic have made an extremely impressive start to the campaign, Rangers have been hugely underwhelming and Aberdeen have started like a train, having won all three of their opening games under new head coach Jimmy Thelin. It hasn’t been quite as successful in the capital though, with Hibs and Hearts picking up just one draw between them after a worrying start to the 24/25 season for both clubs.
With plenty of games to go though, clubs at the top and bottom of the table will be banking on their highest quality players, including a number of emerging youngsters, to produce the goods on the pitch in order to ignite their seasons.
A number of top youngsters are already showing promise across the league, with Rangers’ Connor Barron starting well in Glasgow, Aberdeen’s Topi Keskinen bagging an injury time winner on his debut and young Celtic defender Matthew Anderson impressing on the Hoops’ tour of America. But which young players will be the ones to keep an eye on this year? Who are the most highly rated teenager stars, and which club has the most exciting prospects?
Using popular statistics site TransferMarkt, we look at the 30 best young players in the Scottish Premiership, aged 21 or oder, ranked in order of transfer value, from lowest to highest.
17. Lewis Neilson - St. Johnstone
Scotland under-21 international Neilson first rose to prominence with Dundee United as teenager, making his senior bow during the 20/21 campaign. He later moved to Hearts and featured 16 times in the Scottish Premiership before injury curtailed his progress. Currently on loan with St. Johnstone, he played regular first team football at Partick Thistle last year. Has a market value of £384k. | SNS Group
18. Billy Koumetio - Dundee
The French full-back is looking to revive his career at Dens Park after a stop-start couple of seasons. If his debut in the 3-1 win over Hearts is anything to go by, Dundee have added a solid performer to their squad. Previously with Liverpool, Koumetio is valued at £426k. | SNS Group
19. Lyall Cameron - Dundee
The 21-year-old midfielder has shown improvement season upon season. He already has three goals and a further five assists in his seven domestic appearances this term. The Dundee-born player has a strong future ahead of him if he continues the progression he has shown since his breakthrough season in 22/23. Valued at £512k. | SNS Group
20. Nohan Kenneh - Hibernian
Liberian midfielder Kenneh arrives back at Easter Road looking to make his mark at Hibs after two years away on loan to Ross County and Shrewsbury Town respectively. The 21-year-old is a former Leeds United academy product and has a market value of £512k. | SNS Group