Nathan Baker, 21, Aston Villa
Thrust into the action last season amidst an injury epidemic, Baker has strode on this term with some impressive performances that belie Villa’s lowly position.
Comfortable in the centre or on the left side of the defence, he frequently has little to no regard for his personal safety as he has often been substituted having injured himself in someway. Like a galloping Great Dane, he will run all day for you, but mostly into a closed patio door.
Kevin De Bruyne, 21, Chelsea
Chelsea will do well to keep hold of the Belgian midfielder after he has taken the Bundesliga by storm during an impressive loan spell with Werder Bremen.
Like his compatriot, Lukaku, a loan move to another Premier League club could be on the cards for the intelligent attacker. Whoever Chelsea’s new boss happens to be should be advised to use De Bruyne as he has now proven himself at the top level. A full Belgian international, he is able to link up will with those around him and has the vision to utilise space that others cannot see.