Study reveals 20 most valuable Under 21s in Europe, Arsenal and Chelsea stars left trailing by Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling

A study by sports agency Prime Time Sport to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Soccerex, a football business event, has named the 20 most valuable Under 21s in Europe, reports Sky Sports.

SEE MORE
Arsenal transfer news

Chelsea transfer rumours
Liverpool transfer gossip

Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Everton are the Premier League sides who have players on the list, but which club has the most valuable youngster on the continent?

It was put together using the Football Value Index, a player valuation methodology which takes into account various metrics including age, position, minutes played and technical quality.

20) Hector Bellerin, Arsenal, £10.5m

Broke in to the Gunners side in the the absence of Mathieu Debuchy last season. The 20-year-old’s lightning speed and  attacking ability make him an exciting prospect at the Emirates stadium.

19) Calum Chambers, Arsenal, £10.7m

Started off in the Arsene Wenger’s team in the last campaign, but saw injury and form cost him a place in the side in the second half of the season. Should the 20=year-old get off to a good start next time round he will be right back up there with the best youngsters around.

18) Divock Origi, Liverpool, £10.9m

Actually signed last summer, but is yet to play for the Reds after spending the last 12 months on loan at Lille. Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that the 20-year-old will be able to help solve their goalscoring problems.

17) Anthony Martial, AS Monaco, £11.3m

11 goals in 42 appearances last season, and the 19-year-old has shown a lot of promise for the principality based side. A move away could be coming as a result.

16) John Stones, Everton, £12m

One of the few bright spots for the Toffees in a dismal campaign last time round. The 20-year-old’s ability to pass the ball out from the back makes him perfect for Roberto Martinez’s style at Goodison Park

15) Emre Can, Liverpool, £12.1m

Stuck in defence recently, but could well move back in to midfield when the new season begins. Perhaps there is where the best of the German will be seen.

14) Anderson Talisca, Benfica, £12.9m

The 21-year-old scored 11 goals in 44 appearances on the wing last time round. Could he be the next top class forward to come from the Primeira Liga side.

13) Aleksandar Mitrovic

Netted a brilliant 28 times in 51 games last season, and will surely move away from Belgium sooner rather than later.

12) Youri Tielemans, Anderlecht, £13.8m

 

Just 18-years-old, and the midfielder made his Champions League debut at the age of 16. Showed his ability against Arsenal last season, helping the Belgian side to draw 3-3 against the Gunners.

11) Kurt Zouma, Chelsea, £16.2m

Impressed when given the chance by Jose Mourinho last season, but may have to bide his time before playing regularly due to Gary Cahill and John Terry’s great partnership at the back.

10) Aymeric Laporte, Athletic Bilbao, £17m

Has been linked away from the Basque outfit, but recently signed a new contract with the club. Even so, if Bilbao don’t make it to the Champions League soon it wouldn’t be a surprise if the centre-back was targeted by other sides again.

9) Luke Shaw, Manchester United, £18m

Bought for around £30 million last summer, but subsequently struggled with fitness and form. A big season is needed for him to keep living up to his potential next time round.

8) Jose Luis Gaya, Valencia£18.4m

Signed a new contract at the Mestalla in May, and they will be hoping to hold on to the left-back if they’re going to challenge Real Madrid and Barcelona.

7) Mateo Kovacic, Inter Milan, £18.6m

Able to play in a deep lying role or further forward, the Croatian is already a key player at the San Siro despite being just 21-years-old.

6) Hakan Calhanoglu, Bayer Leverkusen, £19.5m

A free-kick specialist, but can also contribute in open play. Brilliant technically, and has shown a burst of pace as well.

5) Jose Gimenez, Atletico Madrid, £21.5m

Has pushed Miranda out of the team at the Vicente Calderon, a fine feat considering how key the Brazilian had been to them winning La Liga in 2014.

4) Domenico Berardi, Sassuolo (co-owned by Juventus), £21.7m

The 20-year-old has impressed enough with Sassuolo, with 42 goals in his last three campaigns, that he may now be given a chance a the Old Lady.

3) Memphis Depay, Manchester United, £23.9m

Signed by the Red Devils last season, and the Netherlands international will have a true test of his ability in the Premier League. Scored a brilliant 28 goals in 40 games for PSV Eindhoven last time round.

2) Marquinhos, PSG, £28.3m

Being kept out of the Parisian side by David Luiz and Thiago Silva, but surely it is only a matter of time before the Brazilian becomes one of the best centre-backs around.

1) Raheem Sterling, Liverpool, £35m

It is no wonder that there is so much interest in the forward after his flashes of brilliance in the past two seasons. However, is the rumoured £50 million price tag too much?