Top 10 Upcoming academy talents in the English Premier League

In the professional football world, the need for an academy in a successful club is paramount. To stay relevant in the gritty competition of English Premier League, a steady streamlined supply of players is highly coveted, which covers the financial problems of the club, and provides a steady influx of young blood in the system.

The EPL clubs' academies have introduced a long line of great players and legends like David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Paul Pogba(Manchester United), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal), Danny Drinkwater (Leicester), Daniel Sturridge, Shaun Wright-Philips(Manchester City), Will Keane(Hull), Harry Kane(Tottenham), John Terry (Chelsea), Wayne Rooney(Everton), Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher(Liverpool), and last but not the least, Frank Lampard (West Ham).

The clubs have their own philosophy and utilization when it comes to the academy players and their developments. Clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United have a tradition of welcoming young talents into their first team squad if they show the passion and skills needed to survive the grinding of the professional football world.

Everton depends on their academy to field a nice team to compete against the economic power of the major English Premier Clubs. Chelsea's youth set-up produces a strong u-18 side which is then utilized through their extensive and diversified loan system.

Liverpool also has a rich history of absorbing young blood from their academy into their first team and the current management continues that tradition too. Southampton, on the other hand, invests a lot on their academy and youngsters who have the chance to be integrated into the first team very early in their career.

Here is a list of top 10 most promising academy talents who possess the ability to become worthy flag-bearers of the great heritage of skill and performance the academy coaching offers.

#1 Ryan Astley

Ryan joined Everton academy when he was nine, and since then he has shined in both his club and international career. Playing in a central-back defending role, the U-17 captain of the Wales team started in U-19 team for the country and U-23 for the club even. A top young prospect of Everton, Arsenal FC is already interested in signing a professional contact with this player.

#2 Faustino Anjorin

A powerful midfielder and a great finisher, Anjorin joined Chelsea Academy as an Under-7 player. He represented England at every level up to U-18. His physical and technical excellence often draws a comparison to another Chelsea academy gem- Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

#3 Bukayo Saka

From Arsenal academy which is famous for scouting young talents, comes Bukayo Saka, who is one of the most talented in his age bracket. Playing as a left winger/left-back, Saka depends on his physical prowess, power, and ability to beat opponents to the ball. With the consistent performance, he is considered to be one of the club's greatest prospect.

#4 Shane Flynn

The Irish international played as a left midfielder in U-16 Ireland team and Leicester City. Shane was part of a joint-academy set up with St Joseph's Boys and Bray Wanderers. He covers the left flank of the field in general but also has experience as a striker with an eye for the goal.

#5 Niall Brookwell

An attacking midfielder, the ex-captain of Liverpool's under-16s team and an integral part of the U-18s squad under Steven Gerrard, Brookwell is making a great impression with the opportunities. Often praised by the club legend, this kid from Wigan is making his mark on the field with his competitive spirit and passion. He has been in Liverpool academy since U-9 level is currently regular in the U-18 team.

#6 Harvey White

A good match reading, beautiful passing, and a good left foot are the major weapons in the arsenal of Harvey White, who is improving rapidly in Tottenham academy. He started as a defensive midfielder but can excel as a left-back too. With a regular appearance for the U-16 team in the club academy, White scooped up eight goals in a season. His set-piece abilities give him another advantage.

#7 Tommy Doyle

Tommy Doyle hails from the great academy of Manchester City and the lineage of the club legends, Mike Doyle and Glyn Pardoe. As the captain of the England U-17 team, he started with scoring and assisting in the European Championship but had to sit the tournament out owing to an injury. The midfielder is a great team player and hopes to impress the senior team coach soon.

#8 Mason Greenwood

The forward with a goal-seeking left foot, Mason Greenwood is a prodigy from Manchester United academy, who appeared for the senior team in the US summer tour of the club, against Club América. He was top scorer in the U-18 league and scored brilliant goals against Netherlands at the U-18 Limoges tournament.

#9 Daniel Jinadu

Jinadu is a highly acclaimed young goalkeeper, who was released from Chelsea academy, and amidst the interest of a number of EPL clubs, he settled in West Ham academy. He represented England at youth level in u-18 and u-23. He also joined the first team's pre-season training camp, which is a nod to his talent and keeping skills.

#10 Mustapha Olagunju

The defender from Huddersfield academy has impressed the coaches with his athletic build, skills and match reading capabilities. A U-17 player with a height of more than 6 ft, he has a number of advantages over his competitors, and his positive game attitude will help him a lot to go forward in his career.

Edited by Sundaresh Kumar