RANKING THE BEST ENGLISH YOUNGSTERS- PART TWO
RANKING THE BEST ENGLISH YOUNGSTERS-PART TWO (10-1)
-Samarth Purohit and Mitansh Kagalwala
Continuing from the first part of our article ranking the top 20 English youngsters (which you can find on our site) aged 24 years old or younger. In the first part, we ranked numbers 11 to 20, and in this article we'll be counting down our top 10.
10. Reece James:
James has cemented his place as Chelsea's star man this season, outscoring most of their forwards and midfielders from right back, and has stepped up his game this season to be instrumental to Chelsea's title hopes. His versatility could also be useful to England, with Tuchel occasionally deploying him at holding midfield. However, he will have to fight Trent Alexander-Arnold for a spot on the right side of defence.
9. Bukayo Saka:
Into the top 9, Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has essentially
carried Arsenal’s attack on occasion, and has had stand up performances for
England already. While fantastic, he's only 10th due to the impressiveness of
the rest of the list. He should be a fixture on the right side of the English
attack.
8. Mason Mount:
Mount is one of the best attacking midfielders in England,
he was Chelsea’s player of the season last year. The 22-year-old is skilled,
but lacks a cutting edge in front of goal. However, his ability to break
defensive lines with his passes is something that could be essential for the
Three Lions in the future.
7. Jude Bellingham:
Jude Bellingham exploded onto the scene last season playing in the Dortmund midfield. His game intelligence and decision-making is way beyond his years, and has been touted to become England's best midfielder in the years to come, even earning high praise from Pep Guardiola. The only reason he ranks at 7 on our list is his relative lack of experience at the top level, but we expect him to be a fixture in England's line-up.
6. Mason Greenwood:
I believe Greenwood is one of the best forwards of his
generation, but keeping my united bias aside, he is lacking a little bit as a
winger, and only seems comfortable as a striker, which means his versatility
needs working on. Known for his sublime finishing, Greenwood has a few issues
regarding his pressing and some form of selfishness with the ball, which work
to his advantage as a striker, though his abilities are compromised since
Ronaldo's arrival. However, considering England’s lack of depth at the striker
position, it is likely that Greenwood will occupy that space for years to come. (Following his arrest, Mason Greenwood has been removed from our list)
5. Marcus Rashford:
Rashford, who operates primarily on the left wing at
Manchester United, has cemented himself as the EPLs most dependable inside
forward in the last few years. He was instrumental to England in the Euros, and
to United securing 2nd place in last year's EPL. His issues lie with pressing
and a relative creative rut as of late. His work off the ball post injury has
been lackluster at best, and problematic at worst. He will need to improve that
to cement his place in the national side.
4. Jadon Sancho:
Another Manchester United winger appears on this list, as
Jadon Sancho impressed everybody with his Dortmund years, with great
performances in the Bundesliga and the UCL. He's had a slow start to his EPL
career, but he's come into his own as of late, and his creativity and pressing
are sure to be vital to Rangnicks new style of play, and even under a new
manager, Sancho is set to be one of United's stars for time to come. His
impressive time in Germany earns him no.4 on this list.
3. Declan Rice:
Rice has been West Hams backbone this year, and earned this
spot despite not being at one of the big EPL clubs like everyone else on this
list. A fantastic defensive midfielder, any major side who signs him, will have
nothing to worry about in the CDM role. His determination, game intelligence
and work off the ball is commendable. Rice’s versatility means he can also
operate at centre back if need be, and also chip in with goals from time to
time. He has already established himself in the English midfield, and he will
stay there for years to come.
2. Phil Foden:
Debatably the best English youth player right now, Phil
Foden has been almost flawless for Manchester City, becoming a regular starter
and making commendable performances in big games in the League and UCL, proving
his versatility with each encounter. He misses out only slightly to our number
1 pick.
1. Trent Alexander Arnold:
Trent is arguably the best fullback in the world right now.
Defender only in name, Trent Alexander Arnold has one of the highest chance
creations in the league (currently at the top). His crosses, assists and work
rate is simply sublime and his passes and playmaking are essential to
Liverpool’s success. However, he is defensively a bit suspect, having to
relying on Virgil Van Dijk to bail him out of trouble on several occasions.
This aspect of his game should improve with time, however, and as of now, we
can’t see anybody taking his spot on the right side of defence.
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