Ones to watch: Four young stars who are ready to sparkle

With the new Premier League season kicking off on Friday, AFP Sport takes a closer look at four gifted youngsters who look ready to emerge as breakout stars over the next 10 months:

Tammy Abraham

Despite helping Chelsea win honors at the youth level, academy graduate Abraham has only appeared three times for the first team, having spent the past three seasons on loan to Bristol City, Swansea and Aston Villa.

However, the 21-year-old will compete with French veteran Olivier Giroud and Belgian Michy Batshuayi to lead the Chelsea attack this term and, in a boost to Abraham's hopes of featuring prominently, he has been given the No 9 shirt by new boss Frank Lampard.

Former Derby manager Lampard knows what he has on his hands in Abraham after the England striker netted twice for Villa against the Rams last season.

"I've got a manager here who believes in the young lads and will give you a chance if you work hard in training. That's all I needed to hear," said Abraham, who scored 26 goals during Villa's promotion-winning Championship campaign.