Who are the best non-league youngsters right now?

Jake Burger (19) - Rochdale - National League

A midfielder who has a lot of bite to his game, Burger is relishing playing in Rochdale’s midfield. Burger puns aside, the former Luton youngster has flourished since his permanent move North, playing in a possession based side, allowing him to showcase his technical qualities.

What an atmosphere and win - KM9 on fire 💙🔥 https://t.co/sGGH2zPTYV

— Jake Burger (@JakeBurger18) October 12, 2024

Burger sees plenty of the ball, but isn’t afraid to work hard off the ball too, making him a very well rounded midfielder. He’s also one that plays with a maturity that belies his years, which has allowed him to flourish in Rochdale’s system. To be an established first team player at 19 for one of the best sides in non league is extremely impressive, as was his performance in Rochdale’s unfortunate 4-3 loss to Bromley in the FA Cup.

George Morrison (19) - Tamworth - National League

A lot has been made of Tom Tonks and his throw in since Tamworth’s upset of Huddersfield in the FA Cup, and rightly so. But his midfield partner for much of the season is teenage loanee Morrison, who joined the club in the summer from parent club Fleetwood. In fact, Morrison’s performances were so strong at the start of the season that he was actually keeping Tonks out of the side, bringing a combination of energy and quality on the ball.

It remains to be seen if Morrison will remain with the Lambs, or if indeed Fleetwood will call him back; and they’d have every reason to as well. He flourished last season at Step 2 with King’s Lynn Town, and now he has handled yet another step up in his career; he could certainly handle League 2 football.

Danny Ormerod (18) - Chorley - National League North

Fylde have a crop of youngsters, including Taelor O’Kane, who reportedly almost made a move to the EFL on deadline day in the summer. But the standout youngster at the Coasters has to be forward Danny Ormerod, who netted 7 goals in just 16 starts last season under Chris Breech. It’s been a less profitable campaign this term for the young forward, who isn’t afraid to run in behind, and stretch opposition defences.

Brilliant signing for Chorley

Danny Ormerod has scored goals at such a young age already, at a higher level too

Tbh, though Fylde might keep him. Very good signing 👏 https://t.co/3vNFxf3PI6

— tomhwilliams23 (@tomhwilliams23) November 1, 2024

But whilst the goals haven’t been flowing, positive signs have been there. It was somewhat of a surprise therefore that he was loaned out to National League North side Chorley, with the hard working forward feeling like something of a coup for National League North level. He’s only made a few appearances off the bench for Andy Preece’s side thus far, but once he finds his feet, he should score plenty at that level.

Tom Cursons (23) - Ilkeston Town F.C.- Northern Premier League

A player who is making a splash at Step 3 is Ilkeston Town forward Tom Cursons. Sides from higher up are consistently watching the young forward, and with 15 goals to his name in just 16 games, it’s easy to see why. A ruthless goalscorer, Cursons is capable of all types of finishes, and it’s his hunger and desire to score goals that marks him out from the rest of the forwards at the level.

🤩 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

📸 Tim Meakin #OneTownOneClub pic.twitter.com/9IGJT1dqlI

— Ilkeston Town FC (@ilkestontown_fc) October 23, 2024

He’s equally happy scoring a tap in as he is a 30 yard screamer, and it’s that relentless nature that allows him to produce such consistent goalscoring numbers. Ilkeston have already rejected bids from other clubs for his services, but Cursons surely won’t be sticking around in non league for long.

Millar Matthews-Lewis (19) - Farnborough FC - National League South

Only 4 players have more goals in National League South than 19 year old Matthews-Lewis (7), who is enjoying a real breakout season with Farnborough. The young forward has been with the club for over half a decade, and is a testament to the talent that can be produced in non league.

🎥 Millar Matthews-Lewis on the scoresheet again! 🔥⚽ pic.twitter.com/wn3Tx1I8MD

— Farnborough FC (@FarnboroughFC) November 6, 2024

A player who certainly doesn’t look out of place physically, his goal record is sure to have caught the eye of sides higher up, especially those in the EFL who have an eye for talent in the lower leagues.

Matthews-Lewis has all the hallmarks of a player who will make the step up into full time football. Not only does he have the raw attributes you look for in a forward, as well as the tenacity and hunger, but his goal record also speaks for itself. With numbers like that backing him up, there’s no reason he can’t go to the very top.