Everton youngsters and Manchester United prodigy also included…
Here’s our Under-21 Premier League Team of the Season:
GK) Jack Butland – Stoke City
It’s actually proved impossible to pick a worthy candidate to start in goal, as young keepers have barely been given chances by any top flight clubs this season. Butland did make three starts for the Potters though, and is now doing well on loan at Leeds United, where he won the Man of the Match award following a debut clean sheet.
DR) Jon Flanagan – Liverpool
Flanagan’s predominantly been used as a left-back for Liverpool this term, but naturally favours the right side of defence. He hasn’t let down the table toppers down at all this season, working tirelessly up and down his flank. As a result, he has a very outside chance of a World Cup call-up.
DC) John Stones – Everton
The young Englishman has burst onto the scene with the Toffees this season, proving a very able depute for the injured Phil Jagielka. Stokes has improved every week, and is as adept at right-back as he is at the heart of defence for the Champions League hopefuls.
DC) Matija Nastasic – Manchester City
The young Serbian’s season has been blighted with injuries, but the Sky Blues have undoubtedly missed his composure on the ball and pace at the back in his absence. He’s made 13 starts in the top flight, but will hope to make plenty more next term when he’s fully fit again.
DL) Luke Shaw – Southampton
An extremely easy selection in the side, Shaw has been a fixture at left-back for Southampton, with his form earning him a debut England cap in February. This summer, the Saints will do extremely well to hold on to his services…
MC) Ross Barkley – Everton
The second of two Everton players in our XI, Barkley has begun to fulfil his undeniable talent under Roberto Martinez. He’s quick, can dribble and shoot – but it’s his strength and presence in the midfield that makes him truly stand out.
MC) Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – Arsenal
Oxlade-Chamberlain has been used in central midfield often this season, instead of out wide where he’s previously been favoured. He’s put in some very good performances, although injury problems have restricted him to 13 Premier League appearances.
AMR) Raheem Sterling – Liverpool
It’s crazy to think the Reds prodigy is still a teenager. His performance against Manchester City this weekend was particularly sensational. He can dribble and has extraordinary pace, but it’s his flawless decision making and creative spark that has come on leaps and bounds.
AMC) Coutinho – Liverpool
The third Liverpool player in the team, Brazilian magician Coutinho is wonderfully creative, and has mesmeric technical ability. Once he improves his shooting and begins to add goals to his game, he could quite easily develop into one of the league’s finest players.
AML) Adnan Januzaj – Manchester United
One of the shining lights of a pretty miserable United season, Januzaj was an unknown last summer, but is now regarded as one of the top flight’s most promising youngsters. Two goals on his full debut versus Sunderland got the football world talking, and he was recently voted as the world’s best young player by Gazetta.
FC) Romelu Lukaku – Everton
The Belgian is far and away the best young striker in the Premier League. The powerful Belgian has shone on loan for Everton from Chelsea, making many question why he was even allowed to leave in the first place. Despite his young age, he’s scored 13 times in the top flight so far this term.
