Footballers are getting younger and their careers are getting shorter they are expected to peak at 27, be washed up by 33 and if you havent heard of them by the time theyre 17, then forget it.Making it as a Premier League footballer is incredibly tough, so it is unsurprising that when a youngster emerges on the scene with plenty of potential, knocking the ball about like hes still in the playground we all get a bit excited.Although clubs in Englands top tier are often accused of spending huge transfer fees on established stars, this season has seen a flurry of starlets handed debuts for a variety of teams.Manchester United interim manager continued Sir Alex Fergusons tradition of blooding the clubs youth talent in the final home game of the season if there was little else to play for with James Wilson and Tom Lawrence both handed Man Utd starting berths in the victory over Hull City.Tough tackling defenders, tricky wingers and combative midfielders have all been given their big break during what has proved to be an exhilarating season, but who makes it into Squawkas debut XI?Well theres seven Englishman in here for a start. You could soon see them all playing in a league sandwiched between League Two and the Conference now theres a bright idea. Right?
#1 Goalkeeper Jack Butland
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The 21-year-old replaced Asmir Begovic during the 1-1 draw with Everton and then had the unenviable task of keeping out a free scoring Liverpool side on his full debut 11 days later. The Englishman failed as he conceded five goals in a thrilling encounter but remains one of the brightest goalkeeping prospects from these shores. Currently on loan with Leeds United, he is widely expected to be included in Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad.
#2 Right-Back Calum Chambers
Southampton appear to have become everyone except Portsmouth’s second team this season due to their attractive attacking style under Mauricio Pochettino and promising crop of English talent. Full-back Calum Chambers has made 21 appearances throughout the campaign and has a 62% tackle success. While Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Luke Shaw have been tipped to go to the World Cup, Chambers is not far behind them, fresh off the St. Mary’s production line.
#3 Centre-Back John Stones
The Toffees defender has been a regular in Everton’s defence following an injury to captain Phil Jagielka, but made several cameo substitute appearances in the season too. Jagielka’s absence has gone on for much longer than expected by Stones has seamlessly stepped into Roberto Martinez’s side. Also capable at right-back the 19-year-old former Barnsley youngster has seized his chance and has earned admiring glances for his assured displays.
#4 Centre-Back Kalas
A beneficiary of Jose Mourinho fielding a “weakened” team against Liverpool, the Czech Republic born centre-back managed to stop the most Premier League’s most feared striker Luis Suarez on his full debut. Very much thrown in at the deep end, the 20-year-old handled the magnitude of the situation well. Few players graduate to the west Londoners first team and considering those ahead of him in the pecking order the future remains bleak despite his potential.
#5 Left-Back Paul Dummett
The Newcastle born full-back has made 17 appearances for Alan Pardew’s struggling side throughout the campaign and got off to a flying start when he scored a goal in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool in only his second appearance for the club. At 22 he is somewhat of a late bloomer but having bided his time to earn a place in his home town club’s team, he could go on to be a mainstay in future years. The Magpies adore one of their own that dons the black and white stripes and he appears to be a good prospect.
#6 Defensive Midfield Nabil Bentaleb
The French born midfielder did not get a sniff under Andre Villas-Boas but once the Portuguese manager was sacked, Tim Sherwood immediately promoted him to the first team. Technically sound, the 19-year-old is assured in possession but does not threaten to dominate proceedings from the centre of the park. He has made 14 appearances throughout the campaign but has failed to feature in Spurs’ last five fixtures as Sherwood does not want to risk burn out towards the end of a mentally draining campaign for the young man.
#7 Right-Midfield Nathan Redmond
When the winger signed for the Canaries from Birmingham City for just £3.2 million last season Chris Hughton appeared to have pulled off a significant transfer coup. However, the 20-year-old has performed reasonably well, but not set the world alight. A stunning goal against Southampton early in the season confirmed his ability but he has not been consistent. Given that Norwich have been entrenched in a relegation battle for the majority of the campaign, his record of 34 chances created is a good one and also the second highest in the squad. Could be on the move after Norwich’s relegation to the second tier.
#8 Left-Midfield Serge Gnabry
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger prides himself on polishing rough diamonds and in the German midfielder he seems to have repeated his old trick once more. Quick and direct the 18-year-old has scored one goal in nine appearances and looks set for a more prominent role in north London next season as he develops further. Crucially he appears to have kept his feet on the ground and will benefit from having a growing German contingent around him at the Gunners.
#9 Attacking-Midfield Adnan Januzaj
Although this campaign has been a disastrous one for Manchester United, the emergence of Januzaj has offered the club’s fans a glimmer of hope. Virtually unknown before he made his debut in the Community Shield he has made 26 league appearances and announced himself to the world with a well taken brace against Sunderland. Only mercurial Juan Mata (32) has created more chances than the teenager (30) from midfield this season and Januzaj has a big future ahead of him. He has recently pledged his international future to Belgium and his stock could rise further with an impressive World Cup campaign.
#10 Centre-Forward James Wilson
A surprise inclusion by interim manager Ryan Giggs for the 3-1 victory over Hull City, Wilson had a dream debut at the theatre where they are made. The 18-year-old scored two goals, the first a volley after a Marouane Fellaini knock down and the second a fortuitous opportunity that just needed to be slotted home. He has made appearances for England under-16 and under-19 sides and proved why he is so highly rated on a night he will never forget at Old Trafford. With a prestigious front line, his opportunities may be limited at United for the foreseeable future but he could yet force his way into the reckoning next season depending who takes the managerial reins.
#11 Centre-Forward Harry Kane
Tottenham Hotspur forward Robert Soldado’s woeful run of form gave the England youngster a chance to finally step up into the first team at White Hart Lane and he has responded with a run of fine performances. The 20-year-old has been patient after taking in loan spells at four Football League outfits, but has finally received backing from a Spurs manager in Sherwood. Kane made his first start for the senior side in April and has now scored three goals in five appearances. Proof that expensive foreign imports are not necessarily a better option than promoting from within.
