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Some of the best players in world football continue to light up stadiums on a consistent basis with their excellent performances.
More and more teams are promoting young players to reduce the average age of their squads. Many world-class players are currently 27 or under, and there are a lot of them in the game at the moment.
On that note, here's a look at the five best U-27 players in the game now:
#5 Mason Mount (Chelsea)
Chelsea's academy continues to produce gifted young stars on a regular basis, but very few manage to make it to the first team. Mason Mount and Reece James are among a select few, though.
Mount, in particular, has come a long way since breaking into the Chelsea first team under Frank Lampard in the 2019-20 season.
Lampard and England manager Gareth Southgate were initially criticised for picking Mount consistently. But the arrival of Thomas Tuchel has changed the narrative about Mount.
Tuchel has made Mount a key player in the Chelsea project, and the 22-year old has not disappointed. Technically gifted and extremely versatile, Mount was Chelsea's Player of the Year last season.
#4 Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Bruno Fernandes just turned 27, so he manages to sneak into this list. The midfielder has barely put a foot wrong since his arrival at Manchester United in January 2020.
He has played a key role in elevating Manchester United back to the elite. The Portugal international is a highly energetic, creative midfielder who has led by example. His drive and determination has proved to be infectious, and his transfer and impact has been compared to that of Eric Cantona.
The 27-year-old is well on his way to achieving legendary status at the club. If Fernandes helps Manchester United to major trophies, he could stake his claim as one of the best players in the game.
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#3 Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
Joshua Kimmich is a true superstar of the game, and one of the best players in the game right now.
Kimmich has been world-class for some time now. He was signed by Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig in 2015 as a highly-rated midfielder for nearly £8 million. A prime example of Bayern Munich's shrewd business policy, Kimmich has had amazing development at the club.
The Germany international is a top-quality player in two positions; right-back and midfield. Kimmich has been compared with Bayern Munich legend Philipp Lahm, and the Bavarians will be happy they could replace Lahm quickly. The 26-year-old Kimmich looks like a future Bayern Munich captain.
#2 Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)
Erling Braut Haaland is one of the best strikers in the game, and the best young striker right now.
Haaland is sensational. Highly prolific and gifted with physicality as well as intelligence, the Norway international is a complete striker. Haaland's laser-eyed focus on making himself a better player has been well-covered. He has been nicknamed 'The Terminator' due to his attributes.
The 21-year-old is unlikely to stay as a Borussia Dortmund player for too long. There is likely to be a long line of suitors for him next summer. Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea have all been linked with him.
#1 Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)
Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland look set to take over from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the dominant forces in football.
Mbappe was a prodigious talent during his AS Monaco days, and has done well for himself. The France international is a superstar who has won almost every possible trophy at the age of just 22. Mbappe is one of the most key players for both club and country.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup-winning player looks set to leave his current club next summer. His contract with Paris Saint-Germain will expire after a year, and Kylian Mbappe has reportedly set his mind on a move to Real Madrid. Los Blancos made two huge unsuccessful bids for him this summer
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