Liverpool’s young stars shone brightly again as they triumphed over fierce rivals Everton in Sunday’s FA Cup fixture.
The competition, rarely a priority nowadays for the big Premier League clubs, provides an opportunity for youngsters to prove their worth at the highest level.
As they look to find their feet, top talent is filtered out from mediocrity. It often proves to be ‘make-or-break’ as some of the second string hit the ground running, whilst some flail to lower league life.
The Reds are well known for their academy, with legends like Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler all hailing from Merseyside.
With plethora of talent standing up to the plate this year for Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp will relish the pressure from below and his newly found squad depth as it becomes clear that his young guns can be relied upon.
But it begs the question: Do Liverpool have the best young team in the Premier League?
Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold has certainly earned his spot at the forefront of conversation. A quickly taken corner against Barcelona will live long in the memories of Reds fans as they claimed a historic Champions League victory. Since then he has gone from strength to strength, with countless assists securing his spot as a favourite of the Klopp era at Liverpool.
Joe Gomez is another well-established star. Under the tutelage of Virgil Van Dijk, he has rapidly matured, featuring for England and often keeping Joel Matip out of the side.
Curtis Jones curled the ball into the top right corner of the net for the winner on Sunday, bringing comparisons to both Steven Gerrard and Phillipe Coutinho. He is the latest to show his prowess.
Rhian Brewster is also heavily tipped for the top, Harvey Elliot has demonstrated glimpses of greatness at just 16 years old, and Neco Williams has looked solid.
They are queuing up at Liverpool, with further mentions for Hoever, Kelleher and Chirivella also necessary.
Arsenal
A notoriously restricted transfer budget has often led to the Gunners exploring the depths of their academy, which often bearing fruit.
Gabriel Martinelli seemingly came out of nowhere this year. The 18-year-old burst onto the scene with four goals in his first two starts since arriving in the Summer from Brazil and is one of the League’s most exciting prospects.
Joe Willock has come through the ranks and, with plenty of appearances under his belt this season, is one of the Gunners go-to midfielders – a stunning long-range goal against Liverpool a taste of what may be to come.
Buyoko Saka is another who has been given a chance this season, with impressive performances at winger backed up by versatile showings at left-back. Reiss Nelson has a similar story, and if the Englishman can add more end-product to his game he’ll undoubtably stay at the top.
Maitland-Niles has impressed when filling in for the injured Hector Bellerin, while Matteo Guendouzi was one of the first names on the team sheet for former manager Unai Emery.
Callum Chambers and Rob Holding are arguably no longer ‘youth’ players, but both form part of the squad that means Arsenal have one the best young players in the Premier League.
Chelsea
Another team in with a shout are the boys in blue. And no, it’s not Everton.
Tammy Abraham has impressively handled his step up to the Premier League, scoring 12 goals already and arguably fills the void left since the departure of Diego Costa, possibly for years to come.
Mason Mount has also thrived since following Frank Lampard to the club and was rewarded with a call-up to the England team. Gareth Southgate repeatedly opts for him ahead of Leicester star James Maddison, going some way to add to Mount’s credentials.
Callum Hudson-Odoi is another. Eye-catching skills on ball, combined with repeated evidence of the end-product that you look for in a winger, mean he has attracted the attention of Europe’s finest. An ill-timed injury last season delayed his progression, but he’s one of the best talents in the league.
Tomori has also offered boundless promise, with Reece James backing that up on the right. Loftus-Cheek is a name that has been thrown about and has also made international appearances.
Manchester United
United are another Premier League big gun with a famed policy for giving youth players the chance they need to thrive.
Marcus Rashford heads the list, with consistent appearances for England a symptom of being one the club’s best talents as he has matured over the course of several years. Power, pace and finishing are all attributes Rashford can claim are strings to his bow and plays a big role in United being in contention.
Wan-Bissaka is an impressive option at full-back – his defensive ability earned him a summer move from Crystal Palace. He is backed up by another young defender in Brandon Williams, who’s determination and desire has impressed the Manchester United faithful this year.
Mason Greenwood is the latest to benefit from United’s youth policy, drawing references to Robin Van Persie for his finishing, and his two-footed ability is promising.
Manchester United have earned their place on the list.
