Ranking the 5 most valuable U-23 midfielders in the world right now (2021)

The midfielders of a team are usually at the heart of the game's identity. Their functions are what makes the team tick. From progressing play from deep to creating extraordinary chances for forwards to score, the modern midfielder is a true workhorse.

Football in the modern age has been subject to many incremental changes.

The specific emphasis on youth structures which yield young prodigies has been of prime importance. The flow of heavy investment into youth competitions and academies is producing spectacular talent for clubs internationally.

The 2021 class of u-23 midfielders is surely one to behold as exceptionally talented young players are ready to set records in elite footballing competitions.

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U-23 Midfielders: The most valuable players in 2021

Note: All stats have been obtained from transfermarkt.com

#5 Declan Rice - €70 million

Aston Villa v West Ham United - Premier League

Declan Rice forms a massive part of the high-flying Hammers, with West Ham United undergoing a revolution under David Moyes. He is one of English football's most sought after players, dominating the game as a commanding defensive midfielder.

The 22-year old Englishman came through the West Ham academy and first broke into their first team in 2017. Rice has since been a key part of their defensive midfield and has also been a starter for his national side.

Declan Rice has made 160 appearances for West Ham United and 27 appearances for the English national team. He is valued at a remarkable €70 million.

He ranks fifth on our list of the 5 most valuable U-23 midfielders in the world right now (2021).

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#4 Jude Bellingham - €70 million

Besiktas v Borussia Dortmund: Group C - UEFA Champions League

18-year old Borrussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham is one of England's most exciting and emerging talents.

After impressing in the Championship, England's second division, with Birmingham City, Bellingham signed for the German side in 2020 after a tussle with English giants Manchester United.

The teenage midfielder has now become an undroppable part of Dortmund's first team. The key performance which announced his talents to the world was in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League against Manchester City. He scored a brilliant goal and was one of the most creative midfielders on the day.

He ranks fourth on our list of the 5 most valuable U-23 midfielders in the world right now (2021).

#3 Mason Mount - €75 million

Manchester City v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League Final

Mason Mount is yet another valuable U-23 English talent who features on our list.

The Englishman has taken a massive step forward under current manager Thomas Tuchel as Chelsea sit top of the Premier League table. After first breaking into the first team under former manager Frank Lampard, Mount has gone on to produce exceptional performances in Chelsea's midfield.

He also played a major role for Chelsea on the road to winning the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League title. In 120 professional appearances for Chelsea, Mount has scored 20 goals and made 17 assists.

He is valued at €75 million and ranks third on our list of the 5 most valuable U-23 midfielders in the world right now (2021).

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#2 Phil Foden - €80 million

Manchester City v Port Vale - FA Cup Third Round

Phil Foden is surely the most thrilling talent to come through Manchester City's academy. He is often described by most as a generational talent.

Foden is already a three-time English Premier League winner, four-time English League Cup winner and winner of the 2019 F.A. Cup. With Pep Guardiola's impeccable stewardship, the English midfielder is set to become English football's next superstar.

The 21-year old has made 137 appearances for Manchester City and has scored 36 times in all competitions for his team. Foden's explosive pace of breaking into attacking opportunities and brilliant playmaking make him a sight to behold.

Phil Foden is currently valued at €80.00m and ranks second on our list of the 5 most valuable U-23 midfielders in the world right now (2021).

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#1 Pedri - €80 million

SL Benfica v FC Barcelona: Group E - UEFA Champions League

Pedri is surely one of the best U-23 midfielders in the world right now playing for Spanish giants Barcelona.

Thanks to his impressive performances at Las Palmas, Barcelona signed him in 2019 for an estimated €5 million deal. It is quite a remarkable return that the player has produced for the club in what is a financially difficult time for the club.

Now, with Xavi back as manager for the Catalans, Pedri promises to be one of the leading names in the club's first team and could be the face of a new revolution.

The 18-year old is already a winner of the 2020-21 Spanish Cup and has made 56 appearances for Barcelona. He is valued at €80.00m and ranks first on our list of the 5 most valuable U-23 midfielders in the world right now (2021).