Every Premier League season produces a handful of players who arrive early and never let go of the spotlight. A few weeks into 2026-27, these are the names already making a case.
## Riccardo Calafiori
Arsenal’s defender needed just 24 seconds to open the scoring in the Community Shield rout of Manchester City, and his willingness to break forward from defence has become a genuine attacking weapon. Our full report on that Community Shield performance shows just how influential he was.
## Myles Lewis-Skelly
The teenager’s assist for Calafiori’s opening goal in Cardiff was no fluke. Composed on the ball and fearless going forward, Lewis-Skelly looks like one of the league’s most exciting young full-backs this season.
## Christos Tzolis
Arsenal’s summer arrival made an immediate impression in the Community Shield, setting up Havertz’s goal with a smart, disguised header across the box. Early signs suggest he could be one of the window’s smartest signings.
## Elliot Anderson
City’s midfield addition from Nottingham Forest is under real pressure to fill the void left by Rodri’s absence. His delivery for Erling Haaland in the Community Shield hinted at genuine quality, even in a difficult team performance.
## Sergio Martinez
Not yet a Premier League name, but worth watching regardless. The 19-year-old Racing Santander midfielder has drawn serious interest from Real Madrid this summer, a deal we cover in full in our breakdown of his move.
## Why Early Breakouts Matter
Players who start strong often carry that confidence through the rest of the campaign. For context on how these performances are shaping the title picture, our contenders ranking and early-season form guide both dig deeper into the bigger picture.
## One to Watch This Weekend
Keep an eye on how these players perform when Crystal Palace host Manchester City, a fixture previewed in full in our weekend roundup. Breakout seasons are rarely built in one match, but they’re often confirmed in the next one.