Vaelendrix Xyriath 
As the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership season gains momentum, fans are beginning to see the emergence of new talent alongside the league’s established stars.
From young prospects stepping into the spotlight to under-the-radar players poised for deserved recognition – as we are nearing the end of the season’s first international break, there’s time to highlight and assess five individuals who are already making their mark and are set for breakout campaigns this season.
Nicolas Kuhn – Celtic
Nicolas Kuhn joined Celtic at the turn of the new year but faced challenges adapting to his new environment. Despite his potential, he managed only three goals and three assists in 18 appearances during the latter part of the 2023/24 season. However, Kuhn has entered the 2024/25 season with renewed confidence and impressive form. He has scored three goals and assisted a further three times in the five games he has featured in heading into the September international break. This early resurgence highlights his ability to adapt and contribute effectively, showcasing his technical skills and attacking prowess.
Kuhn’s role as a right-winger allows him to utilise his speed, dribbling, and creativity to stretch defences. His vision and ability to link up with teammates make him a vital asset in the early shape of Celtic’s attacking play. As Celtic seeks to defend their league and Scottish Cup titles and make a stronger impression in Europe, Kuhn’s contributions will be vital. His flair and versatility in the final third can provide the spark needed to unlock opposing defenses and enhance Celtic’s attacking options. If the 24-year-old continues his strong form, he could become a standout performer and a crucial part of Celtic’s continued domestic success and pursuit of improvement on the European stage.
Seb Palmer-Houlden – Dundee FC
Seb Palmer-Houlden is a promising young striker on loan at Dundee FC from Bristol City for the duration of the 2024/25 season, which is seen to potentially be a key step in his development as he seeks to prove himself at a senior level in the Scottish Premiership.
He has been praised for his capability to win aerial duels despite not being the most physically imposing individual, and he is also mobile enough to make intelligent runs behind the defence. The 20-year-old possesses a natural goal-scoring instinct, being in the right place at the right time to capitalise on chances, which he proved instantly on the opening day of the season in the Dundee derby as he bagged his first goal for the Dee against the Tangerines. His finishing is composed, and he can score with both feet, making him a versatile threat in front of goal. He has hit the ground running in Scotland with five goals and one assist in eight appearances on the back of a successful loan spell last season with Newport County, too. Palmer-Houlden is on course for a stellar campaign in Scotland’s top flight.
Lennon Miller – Motherwell –
Lennon Miller is one of the most exciting young talents emerging from the Motherwell ranks, and the 2024/25 season could be his time to break through truly. Football runs in his veins. He is the son of former Motherwell striker Lee Miller, and he has already begun to make a name for himself in Scottish football since becoming Motherwell’s youngest-ever player at just 16 years and six days when coming on as a substitute against Inverness Caledonian Thistle in August 2022. He has made a total of 46 appearances, scoring twice and assisting five times in the process.
He operates primarily as a central midfielder, where his ability to dictate the pace of play stands out. He’s comfortable on the ball, with excellent vision and passing accuracy, allowing him to control the tempo of matches from the middle of the park. His awareness and intelligence on the field belie his young age, as he often makes mature decisions under pressure, distributing the ball efficiently to create opportunities for his teammates. With his talent and pedigree, Lennon Miller is poised not just to follow in his father’s footsteps but to carve out his own legacy at Fir Park.
Roland Idowu – St Mirren
An attacking midfielder on loan from Shrewsbury Town, Roland Idowu already has a wealth of experience at the age of 22, having featured for his parent club in EFL League One, as well as the likes of Waterford FC and Bohemians in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland.
Despite being out of action for six months before his switch to the Paisley-based outfit, Idowu has made an instant impact for the Buddies, having scored in a 3-0 opening day league victory over Hibernian and featuring prominently in the club’s UEFA Conference League qualifiers.
Idowu’s pace, dribbling, and creativity have quickly integrated him into St Mirren’s attacking setup. His versatility allows him to excel in various midfield roles, contributing both goals and assists. As he continues to adapt and perform, Idowu is poised to be a key player for St Mirren, potentially becoming one of the standout talents in Scottish football this season.
Adama Sidibeh – St Johnstone
This pick may not come as a surprise to some, but Sidibeh is a name that cannot be brushed under the carpet by any means. The 26-year-old striker has experienced an incredible rise from humble beginnings as he kickstarted his senior career for Marimoo FC and Gambia Ports Authority in his home nation before moving to England. Sidibeh had spells with North West Counties League Division One sides AFC Blackpool and Cheadle Heath Nomads. He rapidly developed his game at Warrington Rylands in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier
Division under the guidance of well-renowned non-league manager Michael Clegg.
Since joining St Johnstone last February, Sidibeh has scored nine goals in 23 appearances, four of which have come this season. Sidibeh made his senior debut for the Gambia national team and scored in a 5-1 victory over Seychelles in a World Cup qualification match in June, too. Despite recently being issued a four-game ban for naive behaviour, resulting in being brandished two red cards in a game against Dundee United, which sees Sidibeh out of action until October, there’s no doubt that he will learn from his mistakes with the correct guidance. His relentless pace and physical presence, combined with a knack for finding the back of the net, are the key attributes spearheading him to being on course for a breakout season in Scotland.
For those aiming to improve their betting strategies this season, utilising a matched betting calculator may be beneficial, as the rise of these emerging players could potentially impact fixture outcomes.
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