The Premier League is full of established stars, but who are the best young players on each team?
The Premier League isn’t renowned for its emphasis on youth. The money in the league means it’s often easier for clubs to solve their personnel problems in the transfer marker than it is by looking at their own academies. While the likes of Southampton, Tottenham and Everton have looked within to improve their teams, the league remains a difficult one to crack for all but a handful of young stars. However, if you look closely, each team has a youthful player that can make an impact. Here is the best young talent on every Premier League team. The rules are simple. To qualify, a player must (a) have under 30 Premier League appearances and (b) be under 21 years old.
Everton: Mason Holgate
Mason Holgate is one of the most exciting prospects in the Premier League. The Everton defender has pleased new Everton boss Ronald Koeman, starting 10 games in all competitions over the course of the season. Holgate grew up in Doncaster, England and signed for Barnsley as a 9-year-old, before making the move to Merseyside in 2015.
The English defender has thrived specifically when Koeman has played three centre-backs. Holgate is superb at playing in the system because of his diverse playing ability. He’s good in possession, but also has the athleticism for a more physical battle against opposition attackers. There’s still a lot for Holgate to learn at only 20 years old, but his versatility should help him get plenty of opportunities.
His game is comparable to that of Cesar Azpilicueta, who excelled as a traditional full-back under Jose Mourinho but is now starring on the right of Antonio Conte’s back three at Chelsea. Holgate has the tenacity to play in the centre-back position if needed, but the speed and skill to succeed as a forward thinking full-back.