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Olympic football is somewhat unusual. According to the rules, the participating nations can only pick three players over the age of 23. Thanks to this, the Olympics has seen a lot of great young players breaking through the ranks. Examples of this include Messi and Aguero in Beijing 2008, Gabriel Jesus in Rio 2016, etc.
Here we will be looking at the best possible U23 lineups for some of the top footballing nations in the world. This article, of course, includes players who are currently 23.
England is blessed with some of the best young talents in the world. Here's what a U23 England team would look like.
Defense
The choice between the sticks is a relatively easier one compared to some other positions on the field. Dean Henderson, on loan from Manchester United at Sheffield United, has been the best goalkeeper in the Premier League this season. The 23-year-old has impressed one and all as a part of a disciplined Sheffield defense, so much so that there have been calls of making him the first choice for both England and Manchester United.
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The center-back pairing in this team is of Liverpool's Joe Gomez and Chelsea's Fikayo Tomori. Gomez has formed one of the best center-back partnerships in the world with Virgil Van Dijk at Liverpool, and 22 has already won the Champions League (and almost the premier league).
Tomori, too has impressed everyone as a part of Frank Lampard's young Chelsea team and has already been called up by the England senior team.
As it turns out, both the first choice fullbacks for the senior team are U23. Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell has had a fantastic season and is one of the best left-backs in the Premier League. The choice for right-back is a little more complicated. Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold is widely regarded as the best in his position in the world. Still, the fact that his attacking prowess often overshadows his defensive frailties is no secret. But his extraordinary assist record means that he cuts ahead of the likes of Aaron Wan Bissaka and Reece James.
Midfield
Anchoring the midfield for this team is West Ham's Declan Rice. The 21 year old is one of the first names on the team sheet at the London Stadium and already has 7 caps for the senior England team. Rice initially represented Ireland, winning 3 caps for them before switching over to England. Having made his full club debut aged only 18, Rice has amassed over a 100 caps for West Ham.
Alongside him is Manchester City's Phil Foden. The 19 year old's match to trophy ratio ridiculous but that's probably because of his lack of gametime. However with David Silva set to leave the club after the season, Foden will soon become a fixture in City's midfield. Regardless of that, Foden's talent is undeniable and he makes the cut here. He won the golden ball in the 2017 U17 World Cup where England truimphed.
The most attack minded midfielder in this XI is Leicester's James Maddison. One of the best players in the Premier League over the last two seasons, the 23 year old brings oodles of creativity into the side. Maddison's set piece ability deserves a special mention as we have seen a number of his freekicks find the back of the net. Like a number of his Leicester teammates, he too finds himself linked with number of big teams like United.
Attack
On the left of the front three is Marcus Rashford. Still only 22, the Manchester United forward already has scored more than 50 goals in around 170 games for club and country combined. Having come through United's academy, Rashford is blessed with terrific pace and has consistently improved his end product. Capable of playing through the middle and on the left, Rashford is a proven match winner.
Leading the line for this team is Chelsea's Tammy Abraham. A proven goalscorer in both the Championship and Premier League, Tammy recently earned an England senior call-up. Tammy has been impressive for Chelsea this season, establishing himself as a starter ahead of the likes of Giroud and Batshuyai. He already has 15 goals in 37 apperances this season.
On the right is Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho. Possibly the best player in this lineup, Sancho's numbers in the last two seasons have been Messi-esque. For consecutive seasons now, Sancho has reached double digits in both goals and assists in the Bundesliga. Still only 20, Sancho has been linked with the likes of United, Chelsea and Liverpool for return to the Premier League. A Manchester City academy graduate, Sancho moved to Dortmund at 17 in order to get more gametime.
Notable mentions
The competition was much more difficult in some spots than others. While the goalkeeper and centre backs were relatively easier choices, the fullbacks had more competition. Like mentioned earlier, Trent Alexander-Arnold faced stiff competition from the likes of Aaron Wan Bissaka, Reece James and Max Aarons at right back whereas Chilwell had to compete with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Brandon Williams and Ryan Sessegnon. In attacking midfield, Chelsea's Mason Mount and Norwich's Todd Cantwell are worth a shout. Everton striker Dominic Calvert Lewin came very close and the likes of Callum Hudson Odoi, Reiss Nelson and Mason Greenwood should also be mentioned.
This abundance of quality is down to the academies of the English clubs. As we have seen this season, Chelsea and Arsenal's academy graduates have been excellent. United's famed academy has produced a number of legendary players including the Class of 92. While their production quality might have died down a little the fact that they can still produce players like Rashford and Greenwood is remarkable.
