Premier League 2018/19 - Best under-23 XI of the season

Striker: Richarlison (Everton)

Richarlison went some way to justify his hefty price tag

Contrary to the initial premonitions, the Toffees seemed to have pulled off a coup instead with the £50 million outlay of Richarlison, who struck 13 times in 35 appearances.

Only Romelu Lukaku, Yakubu and Andrei Kanchelski scored more in their debut season at Everton.

The Brazilian took no time to get going, striking thrice in the first two games. His nimble movements inside the area and cutting-edge finishing proved to be the real deal to his markers, as Richarlison breathed new life in his career.

He scored against Chelsea and Manchester United, besides helping the Merseysiders salvage a point against Newcastle and Watford, and also scoring the winner at Huddersfield.

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Striker: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)

Rashford carried the Red Devils on his shoulders on various occasions

Rashford’s 2018/19 season ended in the same fashion it started - with a whimper. But his impact during Ole Gunner Solskajer’s initial few weeks was undeniable.

He finished the campaign with 10 goals and seven assists, which is the most goal contribution by a Manchester United player after Paul Pogba.

The 21-year old was especially on fire during the middling weeks, scoring six times in eight games, including four in a row from matchday 20 to 23.

During that hot streak, he struck the winner against Tottenham and Leicester City, whilst also weighing in with crucial strikes in victories to Newcastle, Watford, and Brighton.

It’s a shame that his searing run lost steam towards the end, but Rashford made a strong case for being called as one of the best young strikers in Europe.