It is always fun, as we build up to a new Scottish season, to predict who will make their breakthrough this year. There are a host of talented players who started to show some potential amongst the Scottish teams. Could the 2020-21 season be the time that they show their full potential?
Here we list the most exciting talent coming out of Scotland. These are the guys you will be hearing the commentators say “he’s a match-winner” as he takes the field.
Karamoko Dembele, Celtic (pictured)
This winger is a really tricky customer to play against. He is quick - very quick and a growing reputation as a potential game-changer. He is currently one of the most anticipated players to take the field in the SFPL. England has shown a strong interest in the star, who could cross the border. Therefore, it is open to question whether he will continue to be regarded as a Scottish footballer for much longer.
He is a little on the small side for elite football, but the speed of his feet could counter this. Many teams might be looking to get in there before his value soars. Right now, the price tag will be about £2.5 million. However, a strong season could see his value top £50 million.
Aaron Hickey, Hearts
Hickey is only 17 and has already been linked to some of the biggest European clubs. He has certainly had an explosive start to his season. Although he is a well-rounded full back, he would do well to find a place where he can develop his talent and get some first-team play. It could be easy to get carried away and many young players have found moves to top-flight clubs to be frustrating.
Hickley thrives on the left but has the feet to manage the right-back too - a perfect player for a manager who likes to switch it up throughout the game. It might be a good idea for the scouts to get in there quick while he is still valued under £100,000. He could be the bargain of the century in the right managerial hands.
Harry Cochrane, Hearts
Hearts seem to have done well in developing youth players, as Cochrane is another talent with huge potential. He is the club’s youngest goalscorer and has a real swagger about his play. Although he has a strong eye for the goal, he would be a talented midfielder in any premier league across Europe.
What is most exciting about Cochrane is that there are no real weaknesses you can pinpoint, which is rare in such a young player. He could be the best to buy at a surprisingly low £44,000.
James Scott, Motherwell
So, Motherwell has a rich vein of young talent that is worth a look - including David Turnball, Barry Maguire and Alan Campbell. Yet, of all the talent, Scott seems to be on the cusp of his breakthrough year. At 19 years old, it is probably time he pushed through, as many of his peers in other leagues are already making their mark - just look at Mason Greenwood at Manchester United as an example. You would want him in your team for his natural ability as a predator goal-taker. However, more important is his grit - he has an amazing attitude and a presence in the dressing room that could help any coach. His value of £236K might feel cheap this time next year.
Kyle Magennis, St Mirren
You could argue that Magennis has already made his mark, as he is an established starter in the midfield for the Scottish club. He has already made over 60 appearances for St Mirren so far and is considered a world-beater. He can handle the ball at his feet and has the potential to let off an amazing long shot. He airs just on the right side of aggressive, which is the perfect attitude for an attacking midfielder. He might need a big move to a top club if he wants to boost his value, currently set at £385k.
Harvey St Clair, Kilmarnock
You might think we have lost the plot a little here. After all, St Clair is currently only playing for the club on loan from Venezia. He seems to lack the natural technical ability to be considered a top player. However, he has pace and he has resilience. He could end up being a top wingman for a high-quality striker - the sort of player that is a solid member of the squad who will always show up. He won’t turn into that star signing that makes you look impressive in the press, but he will give you options from the bench.
Josh McPake, Rangers
We end with probably our strongest prediction for a breakthrough player in the new season. As an attacking midfielder, McPake has the ability on and off the ball to be a constant threat to a defence. He understands how to move, which is so rare in a young player. It shows he has a footballing brain that will only improve with experience. He is an absolute bargain at £25k and it seems reasonable to suspect he will make a move sooner rather than later.