Who will be making headlines in the Premier League in years to come?
Following Emre Can’s quite stunning display against Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup for Liverpool, we look at six of the best and most exciting up and coming midfield talents under the age of 21 – does anyone form your team make the list?
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Emre Can – Liverpool
His more advanced role in the second half against Bolton as Liverpool changed the game will have and will have had Reds fans salivating at the future prospects of the German.
Still just 21-years-old, Can already shows the maturity of a Steven Gerrard or a Xabi Alonso in the middle and could be the lynchpin for the Reds in years to come.
James Ward-Prowse – Southampton
The Saints star suffered a nasty injury at the start of the season, but hasn’t let it curtail his impressive development having began this campaign as an almost regular starter – despite being just 20 years of age.
He recently signed a new deal to keep him at St Mary’s until 2020 having been with the South Coast club since he was eight and is surely a household name of the future.
Ross Barkley – Everton
All the potential to become Everton’s Steven Gerrard and one of the best players of his generation for the English national side.
There has been an enormous pressure placed on his shoulders, but Barkley has to be one of the most exciting prospects ever to come out of an academy after his breakthrough season and, perhaps rather sadly, you wouldn’t think a big money move away from Goodison was too unlikely.
Jack Grealish – Aston Villa
Compared to Andres Iniesta by his teammate Gabriel Agbonlahor, the Republic of Ireland international showed his commitment to Villa by penning a contract extension last season and has been rewarded with a number of appearances, nine from the bench in the Premier League, this season.
Has looked the bright spark in a particularly dour season for Paul Lambert’s side.
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain – Arsenal
Shockingly, the England man is still just 21 despite seeming to be around for years.
A serious knee ligament injury halted his progression in its tracks last season but he’s back with a bang this campaign, making the most appearances of the Arsenal squad.
He’s versatile and could fill a wide role in the front three but has excelled as a driving force from the middle where you’d expect him to eventually settle and succeed.