40. Jonjo Shelvey (Liverpool)
The 21-year-old midfielder may divide critics at Anfield, but it’s easy to forget how far he’s come for a player his age. With good technique and an eye for goal, the former Charlton man looks like a real prospect for the Reds over the next few years. He has five goals for Brendan Rodgers’ side this season despite limited appearances, and is already a full England international. He could arguably benefit from having a stronger team around him, and should develop further if Liverpool can become a Premier League force again.
39. Luke Shaw (Southampton)
The Southampton youngster has had a brilliant breakthrough season for the Saints, becoming their first choice left-back in the Premier League at only 17 years of age, and showing a great deal of potential. Coming from a youth system that produced the likes of Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale, Shaw looks to have all the ingredients to become another Premier League star, and has attracted a lot of interest already from big clubs such as Chelsea and Arsenal. It would certainly be exciting to see the skillful full-back at a bigger club soon.
38. Serge Gnabry (Arsenal)
Little has been seen yet of the 17-year-old German winger, but he has caused a lot of excitement at youth level for the club since signing from Stuttgart in 2011. In limited first team appearances he looks like a confident player who likes to run at defenders and take shots, and he has shown this form in a stand-out campaign in both the Next Gen series and FA Youth Cup. With Arsenal’s fondness for nurturing young talent, he looks to be in the right place for his development and should appear more for the Gunners in the next few years.
37. Marquinhos (Roma)
One of the best defenders in Serie A this season, despite being in only his first season at Roma since joining from Brazilian side Corinthians. The 18-year-old looks a solid, tall and strong centre-back and has kept his experienced team-mate Nicolas Burdisso on the bench at the Stadio Olimpico for almost the whole season.
36. Nathaniel Chalobah (Chelsea)
Another young talent for England to be excited about, the 18-year-old Chelsea man has caught the eye this season on loan at Championship side Watford, aiding their push for promotion to the Premier League. They hope to keep him permanently, but may face competition from big names such as Arsenal for his signature. Chelsea are also keen to tie him down to a new deal after many clubs have shown an interest in him. A strong and physical player, he can play in both defence and a defensive midfield role and is a regular for the England Under-21 side.