CIES name their top 13.
Respected statistics company CIES Football Observatory have named the top players under 23-years-old in Europe this season and there are two representatives from the Premier League.
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The results are decided on stats taken from shooting, chance creation, take on, distribution, recovery and rigour and their results have been tweeted by former player and current BBC pundit Mark Bright.
Nabil Fekir, Lyon – 21
A stalwart in the starting XI of the current Ligue 1 table-toppers, Fekir is a France Under-21 international who has scored 10 times in 24 games this term from his position in attacking midfield.
Jose Gimenez, Atletico Madrid – 20
A Uruguayan who has already played 13 times for his country and has been making great tracks a the Vicente Calderon Stadium as a long-term successor to fellow countryman Diego Godin.
Isco, Real Madrid – 22
In a squad full of ‘galaticos’ at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu this attacking midfielder looks right at home and was keeping Gareth Bale out of the starting XI earlier in the season.
Phil Jones, Manchester United – 22
Our first player from England now and although the Red Devils have hardly been credited for having a great back line this campaign, when fit Jones has looked solid in defence.
Koke, Atletico Madrid – 23
Back to Atleti now and despite his young age the Spain international recently played his 200th match for the reigning La Liga champions and is a great asset to head coach Diego Simeone.
Layvin Kurzawa, AS Monaco – 22
Has been attracting plenty of attention from across Europe for his classy performances at left-back and is sure to be snapped up by one of the continent’s elite soon.
Lucas Moura, Paris Saint-Germain – 22
PSG splashed a lot of cash on this Brazilian back in 2013 and now he is starting to realise his true potential, although for a player who already has 31 caps for Brazil it was always likely.
Marquinhos, Paris Saint-Germain – 20
Staying at the Parc des Princes and another of the Samba Boys now, with this centre-back making a good name for himself in the French capital despite being up against fellow countrymen David Luiz and Thiago Silva.
Neymar, FC Barcelona – 22
It’s probably little surprise to see this forward on the list, with many believing Neymar can be Lionel Messi’s true successor to the title of being the king of the Nou Camp.
Paul-Georges Ntep, Stade Rennais – 22
This winger has been making a big name for himself in the French top tier by scoring seven league goals in 20 matches from his position out on the left flank.
Marc Stendera, Eintracht Frankfurt – 19
You could probably be forgiven for not having heard of this midfielder, but judging by these stats Stendera could be just the latest talented young German to make it big.
Raheem Sterling, Liverpool – 20
It’s easy to forget just how young this reigning Golden Boy winner is because he has been so influential for club and country over the past couple of years.
Marco Verratti, Paris Saint-Germain – 22
In a PSG squad brimming with expensive talent this midfielder has held his own and then some and is now a stalwart in their midfield and regular for the Italy national team.