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No squad is complete without an undisputed, proven, and prolific young talent whose movement and skills stamps the 'future star' tag on him. There are many youngsters out in the football world who are taking the league and the teams by storm. It is very easy to become a hot shot in the modern world if you possess the needed arbitrary skills and a proportionate tactical mind.
The EPL is one of the most exciting leagues in the world and playing in it is no easy job. Players need to be confident and mature enough to handle the game and all the pressure from supporters, managers, and other staff. Yet, there has been no shortage of talented young players who are stepping up and moving in the direction of world-class talent in the league.
Here are top 10 U-23 young players this season, who are proving themselves game after game even in the biggest of the matches:
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#10 Oleksandr Zinchenko (Manchester City):
Due to lack of personnel in the full-back department, Pep Guardiola converted the creative midfielder into a left-back, just like he did with Joshua Kimmich during his time at Bayern Munich. The 22-year-old Ukrainian international has done a brilliant job so far in the absence of first-choice left-back Benjamin Mendy. Zinchenko has scored 2 goals and contributed another 5 assists in 25 appearances for Manchester City this season. In defence, he is averaging 1.9 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game, which is brilliant because he is not a defender by trait.
Zinchenko has played a very important part in Manchester City's squad by filling the full-back void. He did justice to the position which is why he is still carrying on and proving himself every week. As it is, his future looks secure at City.
#9 Issa Diop (West Ham United):
At the age of 22, Issa Diop is making a name for himself in one of the toughest leagues in the world. He arrived from Toulouse for a reported fee of €25million last summer, and since his arrival, he has made 35 appearances for the Hammers and has been one of their best players this season. The Frenchman has been a brick wall at the back for West Ham, averaging 2.1 tackles and 1.7 interceptions in the Premier League this season. The 6'3'' centre-back is aerially dominant and wins 2.4 aerial duels per game. The youngster possesses all the qualities to become one of the best centre-backs in the league.
Diop has been peripheral in the West Ham squad and has really helped the overall performance. If he continues with his stellar performance, a big money move might see him moving to another big club in the world.
#8 Marcus Rashford (Manchester United):
Marcus Rashford came through the ranks at Manchester United and has developed into one of the most promising prospects in English football. The 21-year-old possesses the ability to hit the back of the net from distance, and his blistering pace makes him a nightmare for the defenders. The England international has scored 13 goals and contributed another 6 assists for the Red Devils this season. His performances for the Reds have earned him a nomination for this year's PFA Young Player of the Year.
#7 Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers):
After a brilliant campaign in the Championship, the 22-year-old Portuguese midfielder has continued his form in the Premier League this season. The midfielder is renowned for his tenacity and long-range shooting. Neves has been an integral part of Wolves' success in the Premier League this season, creating chances and adding goals from midfield. The Portuguese international is one of the contenders for this year's PFA Young Player of the Year award following his performances this season.
#6 James Maddison (Leicester City):
The 22-year-old is loving life in the Premier League this season since his arrival from Norwich City last summer. In his 33 appearances for Leicester in the Premier League, Maddison has scored 7 goals and contributed another 6 assists. He has got the ability to deliver a brilliant ball into the box from set-pieces or even score from freekick near the 18-yard box. He is one of the best playmakers in the league and created more chances than any other player in the Premier League this season.
#5 Lucas Torreira (Arsenal):
The 23-year-old arrived from Sampdoria last summer and has had a solid start to his life in the Premier League. The Uruguayan provides energy and tenacity in midfield and is averaging almost 2 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game for Arsenal in the Premier League this season. He is one of the best when it comes to anticipating opposition's pass and breaking up the play. Torreira has been on the bench for long, now, as he is not fitting in Emery's tactics but he does look like a game changer whenever he comes on.
#4 Declan Rice (West Ham United):
After coming through the ranks at West Ham United, Rice has become one of the integral members of Manuel Pellegrini's squad this season. The 20-year-old has made 36 appearances for the Hammers this season and has been hugely impressive in the defensive-midfield role. The tenacious midfielder is averaging 2.9 tackles and 1.6 interceptions in the middle of the park for West Ham this season. The England international is one of the nominees for the PFA Young Player of the Year following his brilliant performances for the Hammers this season.
#3 Aaron Wan Bissaka (Crystal Palace):
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has developed into one of the hottest properties across Europe this season. The 20-year-old has been one of the best right-backs in the Premier League this season and the underlying stats back our claim. He is averaging an incredible 3.8 tackles and 2.4 interceptions per game in the Premier League this season, more than any other full-back in the Premier League. His blistering pace makes it difficult for wingers to beat him in 1v1 situations. Wan Bissaka is nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year and will be amongst the favourites to lift the prestigious award.
#2 Diogo Jota (Wolverhampton Wanderers):
After a slow start in the Premier League, Diogo Jota has found his goalscoring form. The 22-year-old has scored 9 goals and contributed another 4 assists in all competitions for Wolves this season. Jota has done a brilliant job playing in a supporting role behind Raul Jimenez and his pace and exceptional work rate complement Nuno Espirito Santo's counter-attacking football. He might not have been the most consistent performer in the Premier League this season, but he is amongst the best out there in his age group.
#1 Trent Alexander Arnold ( Liverpool):
Trent Alexander Arnold's performances for Liverpool this season earned him a spot in the PFA Team of the Year. The 20-year-old is perpetual on the right flank throughout the 90 minutes, contributing in both attack and defence. The England international has the ability to deliver brilliant crosses into the 18-yard box and has 11 assists to his name across all competition this season. In defence, he is averaging 2.1 tackles and 1.2 interceptions in the Premier League. The full-back is also nominated for this year's PFA Young Player of the Year award.
