Over the years, football has transformed from being a just a sport to a lucrative business. In an attempt to secure the future, clubs seek to gain the services of performing youngsters. The spending capacity of the English clubs is well-known and hence they often end up paying hefty prices for them.
With the market values of these players so high at such young ages, their values will only balloon in price in the future. The playing XI comprises of four Manchester United players, evident from the high-value signings made by the giant club in the last two years.
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The market value of the players is calculated using the values provided by transfermarkt. The players included are aged 23 or lower with the combined cost of this XI being €358 million!
Let us take a look at the Most valuable U-23 Premier League XI and how they will line up.
Formation: 4-4-2
The market values are indicated within braces next to the player name.
Goalkeeper: Loris Karius
Jurgen Klopp’s search for an alternative to Simon Mignolet came to an end when he signed Loris Karius (€9m) from German club Mainz 05. In his last season inGermany, he was voted as the joint-third best goalkeeper in the league in a poll held on the Bundesliga’s official website.
Known for his lightning-quick reflexes and aerial command over the penalty area, he has been handed the number 1 jersey at Liverpool. Klopp now has two quality keepers at his service and will hope that a positive competition for the goalkeeper spot will improve individual performances.
Defenders:
The left back spot is taken by Manchester United’s Luke Shaw (€21m). After missing out on most of the last season due to a horrific injury, the English defender has recovered completely and is back to the playing XI. In the recently concluded Matchday 1 of the Premier League, Luke Shaw won the ball back for his team (11 times) more than any other United player. He will be looking forward to prove his worth in the current season.
The central defence will be paired by Manchester rivals John Stones (€28m) and Eric Bailly (€20m). Despite moving to Manchester City less than a week back, John Stones appeared in the starting XI against Sunderland. It is evident that John Stones will be key to Guardiola’s debut Premier League campaign.
Also read: 5 reasons why John Stones signing was essential to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City ‘project’
Following a man of the match performance in the Community Shield fixture against Leicester, Bailly made his Premier League debut on Matchday 1. The aggressive defender is also very quick and will come handy in dealing with counterattacks. With the presence of experienced players like Daley Blind and Chris Smalling, it will be interesting to see how Jose Mourinho uses the services of Bailly.
At right back is the youngster from Spain, Hector Bellerin (€18m). The Spanish speedster registered himself as one of the best right-backs in the league after being named into the Premier League PFA Team of the Year 2015-16. With Barcelona and various other clubs showing interest, another successful season with Arsenal will draw humongous offers for the young defender.
Midfielders:
In central midfield is the duo of Granit Xhaka (€35m) and Paul Pogba (€70m). The former who moved to Arsenal this season for a transfer fee of €45m, will sit deep screening the defence allowing the full-backs to play freely. Known for his extensive passing range, his excellent ball distribution will be a big plus.
Paul Pogba has made a sensational return to his boyhood club Manchester United for a record transfer fee of €105 million. The French midfielder will add energy to the team while playing in a slightly advanced role. His tireless work-rate and an eye for goal will add another attacking threat for the opposition.
Attacking along the left flank is Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling (€45m). He signed for Manchester City a year back as the most expensive Englishman ever. Entering the new season after a mediocre outing at Euro 2016, Sterling will be looking forward to improve his performances to feature consistently in Guardiola’s playing XI.
Manchester United’s Anthony Martial (€32m) will play along the right wing. After being signed as the most expensive teenager in football history, the French attacker surprised the footballing world with his performances, managing to score 11 goals in 31 league appearances. His pace and trickery combined with finishing abilities make him a big threat in the attacking third.
Forwards:
The attack will be spearheaded by Harry Kane (€40m) and Romelu Lukaku (€40m), two of the finest strikers in the Premier League currently.
Coming from the Euro 2016 hangover, Kane will be hoping to find his scoring boots as soon as possible. Kane won the Premier League Golden Boot last season and hence will be looking forward to defend the honour and lead Tottenham to another successful season.
On the other hand, Romelu Lukaku has been improving since he joined Everton. He managed to score 18 goals in the league last season and also scored a brace against Republic of Ireland at Euro 2016. Known for his physicality and dribbling prowess to get past defenders, his market value has increased with every passing season.
Now that we are done with the team, let us see how these players will line up and the substitutes available.
Formation and Substitutes:
The team will operate in a 4-4-2 formation. Loris Karius will take his position between the sticks. The central defenders possess positional awareness, aerial strength and defensive discipline to keep the opposition at bay. The side-backs are full of pace and will contribute in the attack apart from their defensive duties.
With two attack-minded full-backs, Xhaka will stay deep to support the defence while Pogba will keep the midfield ticking and maintain the game flow. With both the wingers being full of pace and trickery, they will be crucial in drawing defenders and opening up spaces within the penalty box.
With the attack boasting of two of the best goal scorers in the league, this team just has to keep the ball rotating and occasionally find the right ball.
Substitutes: Jack Butland (€9m), Kurt Zouma (€17m), Ross Barkley (€22m), Memphis Depay (€25m), Leroy Sane (€30m), Michy Batshuayi (€25m)
