Young players, especially from the home academy are extremely important to the league teams, as they fight to maintain the balance between foreign and homegrown players. Academy players who show a lot of promise are generally in high demand and attract a lot of money. There are quite a lot of teenagers in the league who fall in the category. Here is the team of costly and young prospects in the league.
Goalkeeper:
Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)
The Chelsea star is one of the best keepers at such a young age and can become a very key player for the Blues. Already among the best in the world at age 22, he has now dethroned Cech for the number one spot at Chelsea and having played against the best of players in the game, Courtois can only add value to the team.
Defenders:
Defender: Calum Chambers (Arsenal)
Gunners’ new 18 year old defensive addition to the team is a versatile right back. He has filled in as a centre back as well as possessing the ability to play in defensive midfield. Chambers cost Arsenal a lot of money but on hindsight he looks to be a great talent ready to be nurtured by Wenger.
Defender: John Stones (Everton)
Another versatile central defender, Stones had a good season last time when he played in the absense of Phil Jagielka. His composure while defending is phenomenal for a 19 year old. His abilities and versatility to play any defensive position makes him a prospect and it would take a lot of money to price him away. Everton have done a good job managing to keep him at Goodison park for another season, but it would not be long before top clubs knock the door for Stones’ signature.
Defender: Kurt Zouma (Chelsea)
The young Centre Back has been retained by manager Jose Mourinho for the season instead of the usual loaning out. Zouma has a lot of strength and power to play in central defence as well as a fullback during emergency. At age 19, Zouma fetched a good price when he moved to Chelsea last January and when Chelsea don’t send out a 19-year old youngster on loan, he is definitely a kid to watch out.
Defender: Luke Shaw (Man Utd)
The 19 year old attracted many clubs with his standout performances for Southampton. Man Utd were the ones who won his signature with a colossal bid. He is a talented left back with pace and technique, something which makes him a prospect for the future, especially as an attacking fullback or winger.
Midfielders:
Midfield: Adnan Januzaj (Man Utd)
The 19 year old Belgian is an extremely talented young winger produced by Manchester United. Last season he was the bright spot in a lackluster Man Utd side. His talents are often compared to club hero and current Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo. His encashability is very high.
Midfield: Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
The Liverpool winger plays like a seasoned Premier League player and it is hard to believe that he is just 19 years old. He has been playing a very important role for the club. His recent England performances have also been very eye-catching and flamboyant. One wouldn’t want to estimate the money that Sterling will fetch if he were to be sold.
Midfield: Ross Barkley (Everton)
The central midfielder from Everton is a mouthwatering blend of many English attributes and shows the styles of Rooney, Lampard and Gerrard. A bright young prospect at the age of 20, Barkley is very highly rated and is a star man for the Merseyside club.
Midfield: Lazar Markovic (Liverpool)
The new signing for the Reds is a sharp attacking midfielder who plays down the left flank and can play anywhere in attacking midfield. Electric pace and technique, Markovic is an extremely talented attacker who would have the opportunity to shine in Liverpool.
Midfield: Lucas Piazon (Chelsea)
The young playmaker playing in Frankfurt on loan from Chelsea is an eye-catching prospect and would soon be expected to fit into Chelsea. Deemed as a perfect Brazilian talent, he has attributes similar to Kaka.
Strikers:
Striker: Romelu Lukaku (Everton)
The 21 year old is an excellent striker and has scored 32 goals in two seasons in the league. Chelsea sold him for around £28m to Everton where he can boost his career to impress the big teams who would want to hire him as a starter.