For a side who were tipped to struggle near the foot of the table this season, Brentford\u2019s commendable start sees them knocking on the door for a top-half spot.<\/span><\/p>\n The average age of the Bees squad dropped slightly after now-ex-captain Ivan Toney departed for the riches of Saudi Arabia<\/a>, and in doing so concerns over where goals would come from at the Gtech were exacerbated.<\/span><\/p>\n Fear not, for the likes of Yoane Wissa – who is a relative senior amongst a team of young gems – and the enigmatic Bryan Mbeumo have more than filled the void.<\/span><\/p>\n The summer arrivals of Fabio Carvalho, Sepp van den Berg, Gustavo Nunes and Jayden Meghoma – all of whom are 22 and under – have laid strong foundations for an exciting future at Brentford.<\/span><\/p>\n For a club who have been forced to operate on the breadline, they have remained typically sangfroid in their youthful, algorithm-led approach.<\/span><\/p>\n After a turbulent start to life in the Premier League<\/a> for Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth were one of the surprise packages of 2023\/24.<\/span><\/p>\n Iraola\u2019s jaunty character has been infectious on the south coast, and Las Vegas-based owner Bill Foley was more than happy to invest considerably over the summer.<\/span><\/p>\n \u20ac104m to be exact, with all but one of the six arrivals aged 23 or under.<\/span><\/p>\n This only adds to an eclectic mix of blossoming youngsters who are slowly transforming Bournemouth into one of the most compelling attacking units in the top-flight.<\/span><\/p>\n The likes of Alex Scott (21), Dango Ouatarra (22) and Milos Kerkez (20) are all fulfilling their potential so far this season, and find themselves in an environment that nurtures individuality.<\/span><\/p>\n Although Brighton only find themselves in third in terms of the lowest average age in the Premier League, there are few better examples of returns on investment in youth.<\/span><\/p>\n Not only have Brighton been one of the few sides to consistently report a positive net spend<\/a> in recent years – bar an uncharacteristically expensive summer<\/a> by their standards – but their ability to shed their skin and promote a new wave of young players is unmatched.<\/span><\/p>\n Lucrative departures in the shape of Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Leonardo Trossard and Alexis Mac Allister threatened to derail a side who strictly operate within their means.<\/span><\/p>\n However, a frighteningly effective scouting network in South America has continued to churn out effective replacements – namely Pervis Estupi\u00f1an and Julio Enciso.<\/span><\/p>\n Add to that frivolous investment in youth in the transfer market over the summer, second only to Chelsea, Brighton\u2019s capacity to compete with a low average age continues to challenge the status quo.<\/span><\/p>\n Their disposition to invest in youth even stretches to the bench, with Fabian Hurzeler the youngest manager to ever take charge of a Premier League side at 31.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s taken Georginio Rutter no time at all to show his ability. He\u2019s an entertainer, unselfish, capable of moments of magic and one of the most likeable characters.<\/p>\n Inevitable that he\u2019ll be a fan favourite at Brighton instantly.pic.twitter.com\/MIzDt7VICM<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Ben Mattinson (@Ben_Mattinson_) October 21, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n=4. Bournemouth – 25.1<\/b><\/h4>\n
3. Brighton – 24.8\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n
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