The Premier League has a wealth of teenage talent on offer with many teens breaking into the first team of their clubs last season. All clubs are looking to find a gem hidden in their youth systems that has the potential to develop into a superstar.
Who are the best ten teens in the league?
#10 – JAMES WARD-PROWSE - SOUTHAMPTON – ENGLAND
James Ward-Prowse enjoyed a second fine season in the Southampton first team. The 19 year old had a good relationship with former boss Mauricio Pochettino and started the first game of the season. The England Under 21 international made 34 appearances for the Saints helping them to a top eight finish and earning a host of admirers. If Ward-Prowse can continue his rapid development he could grow into one of the league’s finest midfielders.
#9 – MARCOS LOPES – MANCHESTER CITY – PORTUGAL
Marcos Lopes is currently the only teenager on Manchester City’s books but was loaned to French side Lille for the 2014/15 season. The 18 year old made four appearances for the Citizens last season and was named man of the match against West Ham in the Capital One cup. The Portuguese Under 21 international was signed from Benfica and is tipped to have a bright future. Manchester City elite development squad boss Patrick Vieira hailed the move to send the youngster out on loan who feels it would be a fantastic experience for the midfielder who could appear in the Champions League.
#8 – CALUM CHAMBERS – SOUTHAMPTON – ENGLAND
Southampton have uncovered another hidden gem in 19 year old right back Calum Chambers. The defender has captained the England Under-19 side and Roy Hodgson has considered him for a full England cap. With Bacary Sagna departing for Manchester City, Chambers was linked with a move to Arsenal and view him as good competition for Carl Jenkinson.
#7 – NABIL BENTALEB – TOTTENHAM – ALGERIA
Tim Sherwood’s temporary spell in charge of Tottenham saw young Algerian star Nabil Bentaleb end the season making 20 appearances for the Lilywhites. France and Algeria entered a minor battle for his international alliance before the 19 year old opted for his parent’s heritage. Bentaleb was the lynchpin of the Algeria midfield in their solid World Cup campaign and returns to Tottenham with Mauricio Pochettino at the helm; a manager who Bentaleb can strive under due to his faith in youngsters. The Argentine tactician can take Bentaleb to the next level and make him into one of the club’s best players.
#6 – SERGE GNABRY – ARSENAL – GERMANY
Serge Gnabry has found himself with more first team action then he was expecting this season with injuries to Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain leaving Gnabry to fill in. The German winger has not looked out of place and Gunners fans have been pleasantly surprised by his impact performances. The 18 year old possesses electrifying pace and attacking intelligence making him a devastating attacker.
#5 – JOHN STONES – EVERTON – ENGLAND
John Stones was bought from Barnsley for around £3m, a fee at the time that looked big. However, Roberto Martinez picked up a bargain in the England defender making the price tag look measly. Phil Jagielka’s injury earlier in the season was a blessing in disguise for the Toffees with Stones given the chance to impress in the first team. That he did and was placed on the standby list for England’s World Cup squad. Stones will become an regular England international over the next few seasons and one of the best defenders in the country.
#4 – LUKE SHAW – MANCHESTER UNITED – ENGLAND
Luke Shaw recently completed his £30m to Manchester United to become the world’s most expensive teenager. Shaw signed a four year contract worth £100,000 a week after a stellar campaign for Southampton. The English left back was named in the Premier League Team of the Season and was named in England’s World Cup squad starting the last game of the groups against Costa Rica. The 18 year old has already demonstrated his Premier League talent and can reach new levels under Dutch mastermind Louis van Gaal.
#3 – ADNAN JANUZAJ – MANCHESTER UNITED – BELGIUM
Adnan Januzaj signed for the Red Devils at the age of 16 from Anderlecht and last season was his breakthrough campaign at Old Trafford. Under David Moyes, Januzaj scored twice on his debut to complete a Manchester United comeback over Sunderland. After Paul Pogba left Manchester on a free transfer, United quickly secured a five year deal for the Belgium starlet. Under van Gaal, Januzaj will be hoping to continue his development into one of the best in the Premier League.
#2 – ROSS BARKLEY – EVERTON – ENGLAND
Ross Barkley has been arguably the most impressive Everton player this year with his outstanding performances earning him a place in England’s World Cup squad. There was even argument that Barkley should start ahead of Wayne Rooney in the Three Lions starting eleven. Barkley has reportedly attracted interest from both Manchester City and Chelsea but looks likely to remain at Goodison Park and lead their top four charge again next season.
#1 – RAHEEM STERLING – LIVERPOOL – ENGLAND
Raheem Sterling was one of the players who propelled Liverpool to the summit of the Premier League only to miss out on the title by two points. Alongside Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, Sterling excelled under Brendan Rodgers in Liverpool’s counter attacking formation. His performances booked his ticket to the World Cup where he was one of the few England players to impress in Brazil. Next season, he could have to shoulder more responsibility in scoring and creating chances should Suarez’s transfer to Barcelona be completed. Nevertheless, Sterling will be a vital part of the team if Liverpool are to mount another title challenge next campaign.
Do you agree with the top ten Premier League teenagers?
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Source: DSG
