Ultimate World U-23 Starting XI

Centre Midfield: Adrien Rabiot (Paris Saint - Germain, 22)

Rabiot is capable of playing anywhere in midfield, from a holding role to a more box to box attacking role. He has the ability to effortlessly shift from the back to the front during the course of the match and also acts as the engine room for the team. He is of a slight built, despite being 6 ft 2 inches, hence, can’t physically beat an opponent, but his vision helps him exploit the smallest of gaps on the pitch as he cleverly finds space to either move forward or pass the ball to a teammate.

The 22 year old is only going to better from here and with regular game time and correct guidance, the Frenchman can go on to become one of the most discerning midfielders in the next five-six years.

Centre Midfield: Renato Sanches (Bayern Munich, 19)

ICC Singapore - Bayern v FC Internzionale

An extremely talented teenager, touted as a wonderkid back home, Renato has come miles since breaking into the Benfica first team in 2015. Known for his tireless running and inspiring energy level, Sanches typically plays in a box-to-box midfield role. Saches's ability to collect the ball, carry it forward and pick out the right pass makes him incredibly impressive in this role.

He dictates play and is not afraid of having a shot from distance. He always wants possesion and tends to do the right thing with it. Having won the 2016 European Golden Boy prize, he's destined for more accolades in the future.

Attacking Midfield: Dele Alli (Tottenham, 21)

Tottenham Hotspur v Juventus - Pre-Season Friendly

“He is probably the best young midfielder I have seen in many years, probably going back as far as Gascoigne.” – Sir Alex Ferguson

A meteoric rise. Dele Alli has established himself as one of the very best in the business.He was the PFA's Young Player of the Year and on the Premier League Team of the Year for 2015/16 after scoring 10 goals, including an incredible overhead flick and shot on the half - volley against Crystal palace that may have been the best goal all season.

His stature grew having starting for the Three Lions at the Euros versus Germany, bagging the man of the Match award in a friendly.With his rapid rise to stardom, some even suggest he's good enough for Real Madrid and Barcelona, and if he continues performing this way, there's no reason to believe otherwise.