Best U-23 XI in World Football

Alli in action for England

Midfielders :

CM: Naby Keita

The Guinean's arrival has been much anticipated by the Anfield faithful and his performances for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga prove that they have every reason to be excited. The 23 year old midfielder looks tailor-made for the Premier League, strong in the tackle and has an eye for goal.

While his disciplinary record is a source of concern, four red cards in the last season, his talent cannot be questioned and he would add much needed bite to Liverpool's midfield. If he can keep a cool head for majority of the season and can produce his best form, then Liverpool are sure to be genuine title contenders this season.

CM: Saul Niguez

The 23 year old Spaniard has quickly established himself as one of the first names on Diego Simeone's teamsheet and has been a consistent performer for Los Rojiblancos. An U-21 Euro Cup runner-up with Spain, where he scored a stunning hattrick in the semifinal, the Atletico man was also a part of Spain's 2018 WC Squad, where they crashed out in the Round of 16.

A strong midfielder, who is good with and without the ball, Saul is also known to score long-range goals and has a good goalscoring record for a midfielder. Clubs like Barcelona and Manchester United have been previously linked with the midfielder, but Atletico would be desperate to keep hold of the Spaniard they consider as one of their prized possessions.

CAM: Dele Alli

It isn't a mean feat to be one of the most important players for your club and country, that too at the age of 22, but Dele Alli is just that. The Englishman is the perfect #10, with good dribbling skills, great passing, good vision and a goal scoring appetite. Dele is a vital cog in Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham side and has struck up a good partnership with fellow Englishman Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen.

Just like Naby Keita, Alli does have an erratic side to his game, and has often been accused by rival players and football pundits of diving and play acting. But even the harshest of critics would never deny that the Spurs midfielder is a special player and has the potential to be an absolute top class player. An absolute no brainer in this side.