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#3 Illan Meslier | Leeds United
Illian Meslier's Premier League introduction has been quite special, with the young goalkeeper delivering a series of outstanding displays between the sticks for Leeds United. Much was expected of Marcelo Bielsa's side after securing promotion, with the Whites returning to the Premier League after 16 seasons in the lower divisions.
With an inexperienced goalkeeper like Meslier in goal, Leeds looked like they could be there for the taking. However, the young Frenchman has proved that he is amongst the best young players in the world in his position and has been an ever-present in the Premier League this season.
Meslier is an incredible shot-stopper and recently became the first goalkeeper in Premier League history under the age of 21 to keep eight clean sheets in a single season. The 21-year-old is a top talent and has reportedly caught the eye of several big clubs across the world.
#2 Emile Smith Rowe | Arsenal
Emile Smith Rowe finally got his big break at Arsenal this season, with Mikel Arteta's trust in the young midfielder paying off since the turn of the year. The Gunners were in a torrid run of form towards the latter part of 2020 and were running the risk of being dragged into a relegation dog fight.
However, Smith Rowe's introduction to the team coincided with their upturn in fortunes, with the energetic midfielder running the show in the center of the park. In 23 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal, the former Leipzig loanee has recorded one goal and four assists and proved to be Arsenal's catalyst in 2021.
Smith Rowe is currently injured but is set to return to the starting XI in the coming weeks, as Arsenal look to secure a place in Europe next season.
#1 Matheus Pereira | West Bromwich Albion
In what has been a tumultuous season for West Bromwich Albion, Matheus Pereira's performances have been a silver lining. The Brazilian midfielder recently put Chelsea to the sword with a magnificent display at Stamford Bridge and has proved to be the star attraction at the Hawthorns.
Known for his long-range shooting and dribbling ability, Pereira is one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in the country and could well be capped by Brazil later this year. In 27 Premier League appearances this season, he has racked up eight goals and five assists for a side in the relegation zone, proving that he is a talismanic figure at the club.
West Brom are resigned to the drop, but if the 24-year-old carries on performing like this, he could well earn himself a big-money move this summer.
