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Premier League players are very particular about their choice of jersey number.
Jersey numbers were initially introduced for players to have distinct identities on the pitch for the ease of the referee.
It has developed into a much bigger marketing concept now with players feeling the urge to wear the more special numbers on their back.
On most occasions, footballers in the Premier League are assigned the numbers based on their roles.
Jersey number 36 is rare in the Premier League
Dele Alli is the latest man to have taken this number.
Had he not taken the number after his recent move to Everton, it would not have come to anyone's mind. But Alli isn't the only one, as four other names have also worn the number in the Premier League. These are all active players in the Premier League, and one of them even plays for a big club.
Let's find out who they are.
#5 Finley Stevens
Finley Stevens is one of the many young talents on the books at Brentford. Stevens spent his youth days at Arsenal's academy but was acquired by Brentford at a young age. Brentford never disclosed the fee, but Stevens had a two-year deal with the option for a third. He was added to the B Team squad but was called up to the first team on the first day of the season.
Stevens has been on the periphery of the first team in the current season. He was named in the first-team squad for the first few matches but had to wait to make his debut. Steven's Premier League debut came against Southampton.
Stevens is young and talented, but his game needs tinkering. He is also the captain of the Wales U-21 side and it will be interesting to see how he grows as a senior footballer in the future.
#4 Nathan Ferguson
Crystal Palace is becoming a stock pool of young talent as it has invested heavily in prospects. Nathan Ferguson started his career for West Bromwich Albion. He showed his ability in the Championship and quickly became a starter for his club.
Crystal Palace chased him through a couple of transfer windows before getting their man. He has been using sporadically, and an injury hasn't helped his case at all. Nathan's natural position is the left-back position, where he has been outdone by another young defender in the form of Tyriq Mitchell.
Ferguson will have to wait for his chances. He can make it big, but the more important question is when to get his chances.
#3 Sean Longstaff
Sean Longstaff is considered by many at Tyneside to be a talented footballer in the Premier League. Sean is the older of the two Longstaff brothers, and his growth in the Premier League caught the eye of many teams.
Longstaff has been at Newcastle United throughout his career and has come up through the ranks in the academy. Kilmarnock and Blackpool's loan spell helped establish him as a first-team regular in the Premier League. Longstaff ideally plays the best as a box-to-box midfielder. His exploits with Newcastle even led to Manchester United reportedly getting interested in him.
This season, Longstaff has played 17 times and has a goal and an assist to his name. But his performances have fallen from the high they had reached once. It will be interesting to see how Longstaff can get back to the form that brought him to notice of bigger clubs.
#2 Anthony Elanga
Manchester United have had a history of brilliant prospects coming through the academy. Anthony Elanga was highly rated by many associated with the academy. The appointment of Ralf Rangnick has made Elanga's life good. Manchester United have no talent shortage in the attacking department, but Elanga has still managed to make a case for himself.
While it's hard to determine the best position for a young footballer, Elanga seems to be the most comfortable at the left-wing position. Elanga's greatest strength seems to be his pace and reliance on skill to get the best out of his opponents.
Elanga has already made nine appearances for the senior side, most of them coming in the Premier League. He has looked extremely promising in the opportunities he has had so far and will continue to develop to become a first-team regular.
#1 Dele Alli
Dele Alli's rise and fall has been a testament that only ability isn't enough to succeed in the Premier League. Alli looked like the next big superstar, given how he stole the limelight at Tottenham Hotspur. He was one of the best players under former manager Mauricio Pochettino, with calls coming from big clubs for his service.
Alli regressed massively under Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese criticized his work ethic and professional attitude. The words did a lot of damage as Alli couldn't reach the former heights. His performances deteriorated massively, and his minutes on the pitch were reduced.
Of all the names on this list, Alli has the most to prove. He has switched to Everton on loan and taken up the number 36 jersey at Merseyside. He will now look to make the most of the opportunities he receives at Goodison Park.
