Ultimate World U-23 Starting XI

Right-back: Hector Bellerin (Arsenal, 22)

Bellerin

An out - and - out right back, the Arsenal man burst onto the scene in 2014 and hasn't looked back. Having quickly eclipsed Mathieu Debuchy, Carl Jenkinson and Calum Chambers, Bellerin has cemented a long-term spot in the Arsenal first team. Comfortable with the ball at his feet, Bellerin defends well, and offers a creative threat down the right wing. What sets him apart is his blistering pace, as he possesses the ability to outrun almost everyone in world football.

His impressive attributes have earned him numerous plaudits, and its only a matter of time till he moves on to a bigger club.

Centre-back: Jose Gimenez (Atletico Madrid, 22)

FC Barcelona v Club Atletico de Madrid - La Liga

Gimenez combines power, pace and positioning, making him an exceptional talent. Dynamic and forceful, yet he can be intelligent and elegant. Glorified for an impeccable leap, rapid pace and physicality, he outperforms his compatriots in this regard. His solid physique allows him to shackle even the best of strikers.

Despite his youthful pace, he lacks the positional awareness, or perhaps necessary experience, to counter the crafty movement of the world’s finest marksmen. However, still young, a few more years, and am sure we'll see an evolved version, someone who'd instill fear in their opponents.

Centre-back: John Stones (Manchester City, 22)

Despite not cementing a permanent place in the Manchester City line up, Stones has offered plenty of glimses to suggest he has a bright future ahead. Still naive, there have been instances when he's seemed unwilling to clear the ball in hurried fashion, even if it's the best course of action. However, despite his reluctance to change the way he plays, Stones completed an astonishing 21 out of his 22 attempted take ons, giving him a 95% success rate.

Similarly, he boasts the highest pass accuracy rate in the city squad completing 92% of his attempts. A few more years under Pep Guardiola, Stones could end up taking his game to the next level, a potential world beater.

Left-back: Theo Hernandez (Real Madrid, 19)

2017 MLS All-Star Game: Real Madrid v MLS All-Stars

Competent in defence, Theo provides a dynamic threat going forward, and even has the versatility to start as an out - and - out winger. There aren't many players that make the switch from Athletico Madrid to Real Madrid or vica - versa, but Theo did exactly that. With pace, excellent crossing technique and the ability to dribble around the outside of his opposing marker, he is very much in the mould of a modern attacking full-back.

He may have failed to impress in his unveiling with his failed attempt at kick-ups, but that in no way is a reflection of how talented he really is.