Top 10 U-21 English talents in football

After nearly a decade of enviously watching on as nations such as France and Germany produced several high-profile talents, England's wait appears to have finally come to an end. The Three Lions have suffered since the dismantling of their 'Golden Generation', and the quality of footballers they produced since then pales in comparison to the rest.

The team was no longer filled with the galaxy of superstars of the past. Even with a few of them still present, England suffered an embarrassing group-stage exit in the 2014 FIFA World Cup after defeats to Italy and Uruguay.

However, that all changed in 2018. A few years since that unceremonious exit, England suddenly saw a spike in production of top-tier talents. That, combined with Gareth Southgate's refreshing approach saw England post their best finish at a World Cup (fourth place) since the turn of the century.

As English talents continue to impress particularly in the Premier League, here, we take a look at the ten best talents in the top-flight aged 21 or under.

#10 Callum Hudson-Odoi | Chelsea | Age: 19

Callum Hudson-Odoi in action for Chelsea

The gifted winger was at the heart of a transfer saga last summer as Bayern Munich tried their best to lure him Germany. Chelsea, aware of the sublime talent possessed by Callum Hudson-Odoi, swiftly tied him down to a staggering £120k-a-week contract to keep him at the club. There was reason behind Chelsea's concern of losing him as Hudson-Odoi has the potential to grow into a game-changer.

A superb dribbler with an eye for a killer pass, the fleet-footed winger, has drawn immense praise from his ability, particularly from Real Madrid star Eden Hazard. Speaking on his former teammate, the Belgian said,

"He's the future of Chelsea. I've told him already. He's still young but when you see him he looks like he's played 10 years."

While his limited game time this season has hampered his progress, there is little doubt that Hudson-Odoi is one of the most promising English attackers. The 19-year-old has 21 league appearances (only seven starts), in which he set up five goals and scored one as well.

#9 Dwight McNeil | Burnley | Age: 21

Dwight McNril celebrating a goal for Burnley

Dwight McNeil has seen a commendable rise in the Premier League over the last couple of seasons. Ever since he broke onto the scene, he has rarely ever been dropped, and has started all of Burnley's 37 league games this season. The player, who was released by Manchester United, is now being linked with a move back to Old Trafford as well.

The 21-year-old has done an outstanding job playing out-wide for Sean Dyche's side. McNeil has put in one tireless shift after another for the Clarets, including large amounts of defensive dutiesl. He's averaged 1.4 tackles per game since he broke through last season, which is a laudable number for a left midfielder.

His crossing has been particularly impressive as well, especially from the flanks. The left-footed wide man registered six assists and two goals in the league this year. Going by his performances in the 2019/20 campaign, it won't be long before a bigger club come calling for his services. There are reportedly a number of clubs interested in McNeil and he could soon be on his way out.

#8 Reece James | Chelsea | Age: 20

Chelsea FC v FC Bayern Muenchen - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: First Leg

Chelsea's defensive unit as a whole has endured a nightmare 2019/20 season. They have conceded 54 goals in 37 games; the worst tally by a margin in the top half of the table. However, the emergence of Reece James has been truly remarkable and is one of their backline's only shining lights.

The English full-back has taken to Premier League football well after a loan spell at Wigan and has established himself as Chelsea's most effective wing-backs. The 20-year-old's swashbuckling runs up and down the right flank combined with his tireless pressing make his presence felt.

James' ability to whip the ball into the box has also been on display on several occasions. Although his numbers might not suggest so, Chelsea have relied on James to deliver dangerous deliveries from wide areas. He's even got a lethal strike on him and scored two absolute scorching goals in cup games.

It is worth noting that he is still a raw talent, albeit one with great potential. The 20-year-old has a big future ahead of him and could occupy Chelsea's right flank for years to come.

Also check out: the Premier League Winners by season

#7 Declan Rice | West Ham United | Age: 21

West Ham's combative lynchpin Declan Rice is quickly becoming one of the most effective deep-lying midfielders in the league. His form, mainly since the restart of football, has been eye-catching, to say the least.

Although this isn't his breakthrough season per se, it definitely has been a defining campaign in the young defensive midfielder's career. Rice has played a staggering 3,330 minutes of league football for the Hammers, and could complete the season without missing a single minute. The 21-year-old has been consistent during this run as well, averaging 3.1 tackles a game and completing 85.6% of his attempted passes.

He's combined his no-nonsense approach to winning the ball back relentlessly with superb line-breaking passes from deep. The midfielder won 70 out of the 93 tackles he's attempted, ranking as one of the best figures in the league. Although Rice began his career as a centre-half, he looks comfortable in midfield and is already on the radar of Chelsea and Manchester United.

It won't be long before England pin their hopes on him to anchor their midfield on the international stage as well.

#6 Aaron Wan-Bissaka | Manchester United | Age: 21

Wan-Bissaka has been a permanent fixture in United's XI

One of Manchester United's two marquee defensive summer signings, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has had an impressive start to life as a Red Devil. Despite 2019/20 being the Englishman's second full season as a senior player, he's done remarkably well to solidify the right side of United's defence.

Wan-Bissaka has started 33 games for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side in the league, racking up four assists in the process. The right-back has amassed over 3,000 minutes of Premier League football and averaged a whopping 3.6 tackles per game. He has made the most number of successful tackles in the top-flight as well.

Although his offensive game has improved through the course of the season, Manchester United's #29 still has a way to go in that regard. However, the £50m signing's notable defensive prowess has been on full display, and he has contributed massively to the joint third-best defence in the league.

Wan-Bissaka is set to make the right-back spot at Old Trafford his own for the foreseeable future, and he is likely to get even better.

#5 Bukayo Saka | Arsenal | Age: 18

Bukayo Saka has quickly become one of Arsenal's most important players

Bukayo Saka's meteoric rise has been one of the only shining rays of hope in what has been a dismal season for the Gunners. The 18-year-old has been an immaculate performer for Arsenal this season and has displayed a wide array of skills in his locker.

Primarily played as makeshift left-back earlier on, he gradually gained experience and was deployed in his preferred position (left-wing) by Mikel Arteta. His ability to deliver pinpoint passes to find his teammates, combined with his composure on the ball make Saka a reliable player.

Perhaps his most commendable ability is his versatility. Saka has played at left-back, central midfield, left midfield, left-winger, right-winger, and other positions in 38 games across all competitions for Arsenal.

He has made smart decisions with the ball and looked comfortable playing at a senior level, although this is his first year. With 12 assists overall to show for, he's Arsenal's first teenager to have over ten in a season since Cesc Fabregas. Bukayo Saka went from being Hale End's crown jewel to that of the Emirates and is set to be Arsenal's new #7 next year.

#4 Phil Foden | Manchester City | Age: 20

Manchester City's crown jewel Phil Foden

Manchester City's prized asset Phil Foden has always touted to be the future for both club and country. The creative midfielder has made headlines ever since he was awarded the Golden Ball at the U-17 World Cup. He scored two goals in the 2017 event's final and guided the Young Lions to glory.

Foden, a gifted left-footed player, primarily occupies the role of a creative midfielder. His versatility has been tested in his career so far at City, having played on both wings, as a wing-back, and as a central midfielder by Pep Guardiola.

His ability to drift past players and manoeuver the ball in tight spaces is simply sublime. An elegant player on the ball, Foden has often displayed his vision to pick the perfect pass. Speaking on the 20-year-old starlet, his manager Guardiola said;

"I’ve seen many players in my life – I have trained incredible, incredible players and Phil [Foden] will be one of them."

Despite his undeniable talent, he has unfortunately not seen as much game time as many others have on this list. The Stockport-native has played just 847 minutes of league football this season, but scored five goals and set up a further two. Nonetheless, he is undoubtedly one to watch out for in the 2020/21 season.

Also read: 5 Most valuable U-23 forwards in the world

#3 Mason Mount | Chelsea | Age: 21

Mount has clocked up over 50 games across all competitions

Mason Mount has genuinely enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at his boyhood club. The Chelsea academy product has been one of Frank Lampard's go-to men in midfield during his debut campaign.

The creative midfielder possesses a blend of tireless running and superb work ethic along with precision passing. His ability to press the opposition and win the ball back as well has been a key feature in Mount's game. He appears comfortable playing at the top level and occupies pockets of space to try add an extra body in attack.

The 21-year-old has also displayed an eye for goal, having come up with few key goals this year both from a distance and close range. Additionally, he's also a versatile player, having played as an advanced midfielder, central midfielder as well as a left-winger for Lampard. Still only 21, all these attributes are sure to grow further as well.

Mount has been involved in every Premeir League game this season bar one, and has started 31 of those. This is despite the 2019/20 season being the first full season in the English top-flight, further reiterating Lampard's trust in him. He's earned close to 2800 minutes of league football, scoring six and assisting four in the process. Across all competitions, he's surpassed 50 games for the Blues.

#2 Mason Greenwood | Manchester United | Age: 18

Mason Greenwood has enjoyed a stellar season with Manchester United

In 2018, Jose Mourinho called up 16-year-old boy named Mason Greenwood to United's USA pre-season tour, a decision which raised eyebrows. That was, at the time, a glimpse at a player who was considered exceptional by United, as he was the youngest player to travel by some distance. Two years later, that same boy gears up to create Manchester United history — a goal against Leicester City could make him United's highest-ever scoring teenager.

Mason Greenwood took to top-flight football with the utmost ease, going past players and scoring goals like he did at Carrington. Having featured on the right side of Solskjaer's attack since the restart, he's been in a sumptuous vein of form. The 18-year-old started just 11 of his 30 league appearances this season, scoring a stunning ten goals and setting up another in that period.

The two-footed star has impressed profoundly with his ability to finish powerfully with either foot, at the tightest of angles. This makes him hard to read and devastating to come up against. Overall, the forward has racked up 17 goals and two assists this season, and he's level with Wayne Rooney, Brian Kidd, and George Best as a teenage goalscoring sensation. Premier League record scorer Alan Shearer lavished him with even more praise, saying;

"I think in 12 or 13 years time, we could be talking about a Premier League record goal scorer. I know there are so many things that can happen in someone’s career, but I think he’s that good."

He's been groomed by Solskjaer from the moment the Norwegian arrived at the helm. Solskjaer even referred to him as "the best finisher" he has ever seen. Greenwood has an undeniably exciting career ahead of him for club and country. By all accounts, he is one of Carrington and the Premier League's crown jewels.

#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold | Liverpool | Age: 21

Alexander-Arnold is arguably the best right-back in the world

It's often hard to believe that Trent Alexander-Arnold is still 21. Even if the Liverpool right-back retires come 2020/21, he's already achieved things that club legends of the past couldn't. The Englishman has established himself as one of the best attack-minded full-backs in the world. His ability to deliver inch-perfect crosses from wide areas is unparalleled, as he has displayed on numerous occasions.

Alexander-Arnold set the record for most assists by a Premier League defender in 2018/19, setting up 12 goals for his teammates. He surpassed that tally with a jaw-dropping 13 assists this season, along with four goals. His strikes have been absolutely stunning as well, with two of them coming from free-kicks and a devastating hit against Leicester City.

The Englishman has been colossal for Jurgen Klopp's side, effectively functioning as an additional playmaker in the wider areas. His set-piece prowess, gifted ability in direct free-kicks, and crossing from open play have all been invaluable assets to this Liverpool side. To add to all this, he's an impressively intelligent player who reads the game well.

It would be foolish to say that Alexander-Arnold is the future of Liverpool because their illustrious present might not have been possible without him. At 21, he is already one of the most integral cogs for his boyhood club and is a bonafide Premier League legend in the making.

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Edited by Sai Teja

Top 10 U-21 English talents in football | Premier League 2019-20