By Henry Swain
When considering young players in the league, I decided that anyone under the age of 23 fell into this category. A 4-3-3 flat seemed to be the best way to incorporate the players I felt deserved to make the lineup.There will be an honourable mentions list for all players I had on my shortlist that didn’t make the XI. All stats from whoscored.com, as of Monday 15th Feb
GK – Illan Meslier
Leeds United’s shot stopper takes the No.1 shirt without doubt. At only 20 years old, he has played in 22 of the 23 games for the West Yorkshire side this season, keeping an impressive 7 clean sheets over the course of this term so far. At 6”3 he is certainly no slouch, yet only wins 0.6 areil duels a game, leading his confidence in these situations to be questioned. As a young player in the most physical league in the world, experience will only make him stronger.
Playing in an extremely attacking side, the young Frenchman is called upon to make game changing saves, with an average of 3.8 per game, from the 14.3 shots conceded by his team on average each matchday. Meslier opts to punch the ball rather than catch it and is generally most comfortable when saving shots from close range. We have seen signs of rash decision making, against Arsenal away for example where he was caught out multiple times, giving away a penalty for a foul on Saka in the 4-2 loss. Even so, I have full confidence that he will go on to become a very reliable pair of hands, and feet for that matter.
RB – Tariq Lamptey
As a Palace fan it is truly painful to see such a talent playing for my rival club, but wow, what a player he seems to be. With incredible pace, a good work rate and seemingly quality attacking contributions there is no surprise so many top teams across the continent are after his signature. As with Meslier he is only 20 and after suffering a hamstring injury in Brighton’s away draw to Fulham in mid December, he has only accumulated 11 league appearances so far this season. He will undoubtedly return to the starting XI once fit. As a natural wing back, Lamptey loves to cross the ball and dribble, with an impressive ability to intercept forward passes from the opposition. 1.7 interceptions and 1.5 tackles per game are solid numbers, but he is only dribbled past a remarkable 0.6 times per game, likely due to his pace being extremely hard to match. Lamptey has shown signs of poor discipline however, with 1.9 fouls comitted per game, 2 yellows and 1 red card to his name so far this season.
Going forward is such a crucial part of effective full-back play nowadays, and Lamptey certainly shows signs of having this positive effect in attack. Averaging 0.5 shots, 0.9 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game, he definitely has the foundations of a strong attacking player. Lamptey boasts 1 goal and 1 assist, with the goal coming in the 2-1 loss to Tottenham and that assist made against Chelsea, a player who can definitely turn up in the big games. Overall a blitzing, exciting full back that absolutely takes the No.2 shirt.
CB – Wesley Fofana
Taking the first spot in central defence is a player who has made a huge impact since signing for Leicester in the summer from Saint Etienne, seemingly a breeding ground for young CBs. Fofana had only made 13 appearances prior to his move to the Foxes and has since played 16 times for his new club since his reported £36.5m move. In his 1393 minutes played so far, the 20 year old averages 1.7 tackles, 2.6 interceptions and 4.4 clearances per game. These numbers are imposing to say the least, with his presence alongside Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu as a back three having been so effective, similarly the case when he has been deployed in a two. He wins 0.5 offsides per game, and only commits 1.2 fouls. Overall defensively Fofana is strong in aerial duels, winning an average of 3.3 of his 5.6 duels per 90 and is a strong interceptor.
In terms of on the ball performance, Fofana looks to be a comfortable ball playing centre-half, making 58 passes per game, with an evermore attractive 86% success rate. Leicester have been a formidable attacking force this season, sitting pretty in 3rd place. Whilst most credit goes to the attacking outfit that have been so deadly, the bedrock for this success is their robust defensive output, conceding only 22 goals so far this season. In a team that look set to play Champions League football next year, Fofana has shone and as a result takes the first position in the centre of defence for this XI.
CB – Ruben Dias (c)
From last season’s disappointment of not defending their Premier League title, it was clear that City needed a change in defence. Since Kompany’s departure in 2019, the Citizens have missed a strong defensive leader to compliment their incredible attacking and midfield lineup, Dias appearing to be the perfect fit for Guardiola’s system. At 23 he just sneaks into the age boundary for this XI, but the positive influence he has had on other players and overall success at the Manchester club so far make him worthy of a place.
Dias is a strong, ball playing central defender and his incredible concentration levels lead to very few mistakes, the only notable one since his £80m move coming against Liverpool when he switched off for a brief second to allow Salah in behind, giving away a penalty for a tug on the Egyptian. In 20 appearances, the Portugese has built averages of 0.8 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 2.9 clearances per 90, numbers that don’t seem too impressive at a glance, especially when compared to his partner Fofana, but of course the Man City effect has to be taken into account. A team that doesn’t tend to give up too many chances to the opposition with 14 Premier League clean sheets, conceding only 14 goals all season from just 4.8 shots per game.
It is Dias’ quite frankly stunning on ball ability that is apparent when watching him play, with a mindblowing 93% pass accuracy from 84.6 average passes per 90, along with 3.2 long balls per game. In the league this season, City have averaged 681 passes per game, Dias making 12.4% of these. Noticeably, the performances of those around him have skyrocketed, Stones being the best example, showing his natural leadership qualities. As a result he simply had to make this XI and alongside Fofana at centre-back I would have Dias captain this side.
LB – Tyrick Mitchell
I was always going to try and sneak a palace player into this lineup, but I do genuinely believe Mitchell is more than worthy of this place in the squad. He grew up playing in a more attacking position on the left hand side but after injuries sustained to Van Aanholt he was first given a chance towards the end of last season on the left hand side of a back four and has made a total of 12 Premier League appearances for the Eagles so far this term. The 21-year-old has averaged 3.6 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per 90, showing signs of a player who loves to defend and is pretty solid at doing so. Young players with passion for their club similar to that of the supporters are hard to come by, but Mitchell has shown signs of that fight, with his only yellow card coming from a bust up in the game against rivals Brighton.
Going forward, Palace don’t tend to utilise the full backs as much as you’d expect with the likes of Christian Benteke in the box, and Mitchell’s average passing statistics reflect this style of play. A 72% pass accuracy is not mindblowing but his 33 passes per game is relatively solid. He likes to play the ball long, averaging 1.8 long balls per game. As with every player in this XI, we have to take into consideration the team they are playing in, and those players surrounding him. For Mitchell he has played in a relatively negative system and has still managed to stand out, showing how he may follow Wan-Bissaka in his journey to a top club, with interest from the likes of Arsenal already being shown after so few appearances.
CM – Emile Smith-Rowe
I wasn’t too confident in the abilities of Smith-Rowe when I first saw him play, as much in the fact I couldn’t figure out which position he was best deployed in. Having had a progressively important contribution in Mikel Arteta’s side, I’ve decided to place him in this XI as a ball playing central midfielder, getting forward more so than offering support defensively.
The 20 year old has made 10 Premier League appearances this term, providing 4 assists for teammates and putting up impressive numbers when carrying the ball forward and progressing the play. He offers an average of 40.4 passes per game, with an 87.4% success rate, showing similarities to past Gunners players such as Robert Pires (according to Gary Neville) with his key passes of 1.6 per game providing a further attacking threat for his side. Putting up 0.6 tackles and interceptions per game, it is evident that Smith-Rowe favours the attacking side of the game and I think that his contribution will be crucial to Arsenal returning to success in the coming years.
CM – Curtis Jones
When going through the young midfielders playing in the league at the moment, there are very few out and out defensive minded players. As a result I’ve decided to go for a player who I can see developing into a strong box-to-box centre mid, offering both offensive and defensive quality in the future. Already a strong passer and dribbler, tweaking his defensive output could turn him into a real midfield enforcer, similar to the likes of Gerard before him.
In his 9 Premier League appearances Jones has produced an average of 45.5 passes per 90 with a 92.6% accuracy rate and providing 1 assist so far this term. 1.1 dribbles per game is supported with 0.8 shots and 0.5 key passes per 90, all strong base numbers for him to kick off from. He is however dispossessed 1.6 times each game which suggests his decision making and speed on the ball needs to be improved, almost a given with experience. Defensively Jones is making 0.9 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game, numbers that whilst not being too apparent are again a good foundation for him to develop from. Jones is a player who seems to have so many different routes to success, with an all round solidity to his performances representing a sign of things to come for the 20-year-old.
CAM -Phil Foden
I genuinely believe that Foden can and will go on to become one of the best players in world football. He has a silkiness and flair to his play, gliding through opposition defences seemingly without fuss, and an element of finesse that is recognisable of great players in their primes, not a 20 year old academy graduate. The question of Foden was always whether he’d be tall enough to make it as a pro yet just as a certain Lionel Messi did all those years ago, Foden is certainly leaving no one in any doubt.
Across this season so far he has made a total of 12 Premier League appearances, scoring 5 goals and setting up 3. Achieving a notable 1.7 key passes and dribbles per 90, Foden clearly loves to get forward and offer a creative spark. Having been under the mentoring of David Silva for his last seasons at the Etihad, El Mago certainly had his influence. He follows in Silva’s steps in terms of his passing ability, with an average pass success rate of 87.5% from 28.3 passes per game.
When watching Foden play, you see exactly the characteristics that he has as an attacking midfielder that make him so good. Firstly, he is incredibly difficult to get off the ball, using his frame well to manipulate opponents into conceding free kicks, along with his intricate short passing and immaculate finishing ability, demonstrating signs of a true superstar in the making. Definitely one to keep both eyes on now, and certainly in the future for City and for the England national team.
LW – Harvey Barnes
As with Ruben Dias, at 23 years old Barnes just about makes the XI. A player who has been increasingly influential under Brendan Rodgers at Leicester, taking advantage of the opportunities he’s been given and improving his attacking numbers tenfold. If you’re looking for defensive cover from your winger Barnes certainly won’t offer you that, with 0.8 tackles and 0.3 interceptions per 90 mins. Although not being a serious issue now, this may prove to be a downfall in his game that could lead to a lack of opportunities at bigger clubs or internationally for England.
Going forward however, he appears to be the perfect player to compliment the counter attacking style of play that has become so iconic with the Foxes since their 2013/14 promotion. In 23 Premier League appearances Barnes boasts an impressive 8 goals and 3 assists. He loves to shoot, striking 2.2 times per game as well as dribbling 1.7 times and making 1 key pass also, displaying his creative eye. He’s fouled on average 1.3 times per game and knows how to time his runs well, offside on just 0.1 occasions per 90. 75% passing accuracy is relatively solid for a winger who often carries and releases the ball at great speeds. His crossing ability is one area of his game that needs development providing only 0.1 crosses per 90, which shows his preference of cutting inside to create chances for himself or passing off to a teammate. When we look at his wide partner on the right for Leicester, which has been a combination of Marc Albrighton or Ayoze Perez, they have only contributed 0.5 and 0.3 crosses per 90 respectively. This suggests that Barnes’ lack of crossing is a result of the instructions given to the wide players by the manager and not so much any form of greed or selfishness from Barnes himself. He loves an equaliser and certainly is one to watch for the future again domestically and also internationally.
RW – Bukayo Saka
A guarenteed inclusion in many people’s views, Bukayo Saka has claimed the No.7 shirt at Arsenal and is certainly doing it justice so far. At just 19 years old, Saka can be deployed in a number of positions; Left back, centre mid, left mid and right mid, and in this XI he’s taking position on the right hand side of attack. The young Gunner has made 21 appearances so far this season, 9 of which he has occupied this position. 5 goals and 2 assists make for good looking numbers, especially in an Arsenal team that has found itself struggling recently.
His overall figures are revealing of a confident, hungry player, determined to steer his club back to the heights they are used to performing at, with the youngster putting up 2.2 shots, 1.2 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per game. Fouled 2.2 times per 90, this demonstrates an intelligence to his play that leads to winning penalties such as against Leeds United’s aforementioned Meslier. Saka displays an impressive passing ability, with a success rate of 80.6% from an average 31.2 passes per Premier League game he plays. Similarly to Barnes, these numbers are impressive as the speed that Saka carries the ball makes lending it to teammates accurately slightly more difficult. Standing at just 5”8, his nimble frame plays a major role in his ability to manipulate the ball through opposition defences, being dispossessed just once every game. Analysing Saka’s defensive numbers, he puts up 0.9 tackles and interceptions per 90, although has shown his strengths defensively when played in the left back position. In the air he is not successful, winning on average 0.4 of his 2 duels per game and subsequently I think he is better suited as an attacking winger rather than a left back.
ST / CF – Pedro Neto
The final player to make up the XI is Wolves and Portugal forward Pedro Neto. Signed from Lazio for a fee in the region of £18m, Neto has been a revelation in the Black Country. He is a hard working, high confidence player who has been quoted to have ambitions of becoming the best player in the world. A player who’s potential has no ceiling, there is no reason why he can’t make this ambition a reality.
Neto has made 24 appearances so far in the Premier League this season, having a part to play in every single game the club have played this term. With 5 goals and 4 assists to his name along with 5 Man of the match awards, the 20 year old has certainly been the eye-catcher in the absence of Raul Jiminez. Going forward, Neto seemingly has it all; he’s fast, confident in front of goal, can take set-pieces and loves carrying the ball. Providing 2 key passes per game and taking 1.8 shots each 90, the Portugese has become the spearhead of the Wolves attack. Dribbling with the ball 2.3 times per game demonstrates his confidence, whilst being fouled 1.4 times shows that he is a very difficult player to stop. As with Barnes, Neto has a brilliant ability to time his runs well, offside just 0.1 times per 90. When passing the ball, his 88.1% accuracy from a matchday average of 32.6 passes is very impressive, displaying his capability of bringing those around him into play. If he continues to perform to the level he is currently at and manages to avoid injury, the sky really will be the limit for Neto.
Honourable Mentions
So that makes up my Ultimate XI of Premier League youngsters, a team I definitely believe would compete with the very best in the league. There are definitely some honourable mentions that didn’t quite make my XI for various reasons;
- Callum Hudson-Odoi
- Mason Greenwood
- Mason Mount
- Ebere Eze
- Brandon Williams
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin
- Reece James
- Christian Pulisic
- Billy Gilmour
- Gabriel Martinelli
- Declan Rice
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Over to you –
Which current Premier League manager do you think would do the best job with this team? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for reading!
