Last season, Evan Ferguson was brilliant in Brighton, Nathan Collins became an important player for Brentford, and Jake O’Brien looked impressive in Ligue 1 playing for Lyon. The global betting company 1xBet has picked out 5 Irish footballers who can make a name for themselves at a high level in the near future.
Troy Parrott (Alkmaar Zaanstreek, 22 years old)
At the age of 17, Troy Parrott made his debut for Tottenham, but failed to get a spot in the Londoners’ first team. After several loans, the forward joined the Dutch Excelsior, where he scored 17 goals in one season and received an invitation from AZ. Troy made a convincing start for the team from Alkmaar, scoring 7 goals in 13 Eredivisie games this season.
Troy Parrott made his debut for Ireland early on and has already played 26 matches for the national team. If the former Tottenham player continues to score regularly for AZ, clubs from top leagues will surely be interested in him.
Anselmo García MacNulty (Zwolle, 21 years old)
The Dutch Zwolle player was born in Spain and has never played in Ireland or England, but is capable of becoming the national team’s best centre-back for the next 10 years. Anselmo García MacNulty is one of the leaders of the Ireland youth national team. He’s tall, has good speed and an excellent first pass – such players are in great demand nowadays. Anselmo García MacNulty is recognised not only in 1xBet review, but also by Leeds United scouts. The English club is already interested in the Irish defender, and after another successful season, there will be more teams willing to sign MacNulty.
Johnny Kenny (Shamrock Rovers, 21 years old)
In the 2024 season, the Shamrock Rovers forward scored 13 goals and became one of the top scorers in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Besides, he scored 5 goals for Shamrock in Europe. Celtic owns the rights to the forward, and he could compete for a spot in the Scottish champions’ squad in the future. But even if Kenny doesn’t succeed in Glasgow, he’ll have no problems finding another club.
Sam Curtis (Peterborough United, 19 years old)
Right-back Sam Curtis is one of the country’s most promising footballers. When he was 14, he made his first appearance in a League of Ireland First Division match becoming the youngest debutant in the Irish leagues’ history. After joining St Patrick’s Athletic, Curtis quickly made his way into the main squad. Then, at the age of 18, the boy moved to Sheffield United and made his EPL debut. This season, Curtis is on loan at Peterborough United getting important practice at League One level. Sam can also play as a centre-back, and his versatility is sure to interest some Premier League clubs.
Mason Melia (St Patrick’s Athletic, 17 years old)
At the age of 15, Melia became the youngest ever goal scorer in the League of Ireland Premier Division and excelled in the Ireland U17 national team. Last season, the forward played regularly for St Patrick’s Athletic and scored 6 goals in the league. Melia is rumoured to have interested Manchester City and Tottenham, so there will be serious competition for him in the near future.
Follow the progress of new Irish stars with 1xBet Ireland!