Promising, exciting and entertaining young talents continue to emerge from the Barclays Premier League each season.
From David Beckham to Gareth Bale, the world has witnessed several youngsters mature and even take their trade outside the England shores.
WhoScored.com has listed the top 5 players aged 21 or under so far this season using their unique statistical ratings.
Players such as Everton duo, Gerard Deulofeu and Brendan Galloway, Kelechi Iheanacho, Raheem Sterling and John Stones narrowly miss out.
- Nathan Ake (Watford) – 7.06 rating
While he is in the middle of a three-match ban for an ill-advised tackle against Tottenham’s Erik Lamela ahead of the New Year, in the main Nathan Ake has impressed during his loan spell at Watford. Indeed there are plenty of Chelsea fans that would be happy to see him recalled to Stamford Bridge before the season’s end. While that much is unlikely it’s an understandable opinion, with only two players to have made more than 10 appearances making an interception more often in the Premier League this season (every 22.5 minutes).
- Eric Dier (Tottenham) – 7.12 rating
Few would have expected Eric Dier to be quite so important to Spurs this season following the arrival of Toby Alderweireld but the youngster has adapted superbly to become a mainstay in midfield for Mauricio Pochettino’s men. As well as weighing in with three goals he has used his strength both on the deck (2.3 tackles per game) and in the air (2.3 aerial duels won per game) to great effect. Having been rewarded with an England call-up, his target will rightly be set on claiming a place in the Euro 2016 squad.
- Hector Bellerin (Arsenal) – 7.17 rating
It seems strange to think that not long over a year ago Hector Bellerin was the third choice right-back at Arsenal and barely considered a first team squad member. Thrown in at the deep end following injuries to Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers last season, the Spaniard is now well ahead of both in the pecking order and at 20 is already considered among the strongest full-backs in the league. His attacking talent is certainly there for all to see, with only three players creating more clear-cut chances in the league this season (seven).
- Anthony Martial (Manchester United) – 7.23 rating
He may have only recently ended something of a barren run in front of goal in the league but there’s no denying the fact that Anthony Martial has been United’s brightest attacking spark for much of the campaign. While some might suggest that hasn’t been too difficult, the youngster has made a seamless progression into English football, with five goals, two assists and an average of 2.9 successful dribbles per game – enough to rank sixth in the league.
- Dele Alli (Tottenham) – 7.27 rating
When discussing impressive starts to life in the Premier League, however, there have been few greater than Dele Alli’s this season. The teenager has made the leap from League One to the top-flight look like child’s play, scoring his fifth goal of the campaign last time out to accompany three assists to date. With 2.3 tackles and 2.4 interceptions per game added to an average of 1.9 shots per league outing, his energy in midfield has already seen the former MK Dons youngster touted as a potential starter for England at the Euros this summer.
