SunSport have put together a young XI of the year from this season.
The criteria is simple — all players had to be 21 or younger on the first day
of the season back in August last year (so no Gareth Bale).
GOALKEEPER: David De Gea, Manchester United
TOP GEA ... David De Gea lifts his first-ever Premier League trophy
THE young Spaniard has come of age this season.
No one questioned his shot-stopping ability but whether he had the physicality
to deal with the hustle and bustle of the Premier League was in doubt.
However, a stellar performance at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid put paid to
all of that — and the youngster has gone from strength to strength since.
MOUNTAIN TO CLYNE ... but Nathaniel Clyne has made the jump to Prem with ease
SLOWLY but surely, Clyne has made a smooth transition from the Championship
with Crystal Palace to the top flight with Saints.
His buccaneering runs from deep have helped Mauricio Pochettino’s young side
blossom into an attractive team with bundles of potential.
Manchester United’s samba star Rafael would have been selected but his
birthday falls in July meaning he is ineligible — just.
CENTRE-BACK: Phil Jones, Manchester United
WORLD AT HIS FEET ... Fergie reckons Phil Jones could be United's greatest player
JONES can be the greatest player in Manchester United’s history, according
to Alex Ferguson.
High praise indeed from the retiring Scot but what is certain is the
21-year-old England ace has the world at his feet.
However, he is lucky to make this list considering he has only played 23 times
this season due to injury — it just so happens there are few other
contenders.
CENTRE-BACK: Matija Nastasic, Manchester City
NASTY ... but Matija Nastasic has been very impressive this season, despite FA Cup loss
CITY may have had a poor season by their high standards but Nastasic has
taken to the Premier League seamlessly.
The Serbian was just 19 when he made the move from Fiorentina last summer and
was thrown straight into the first team — putting Joleon Lescott’s nose out
of joint.
But the youngster fully justified his selection under now axed Roberto
Mancini, and looks set to become one of the top centre-backs in world
football.
LEFT-BACK: Ben Davies, Swansea
ZERO TO HERO ... Ben Davies has come from obscurity to an ever-present for Swansea
NO ONE had heard of Davies last summer — barring the Swansea coaches and
his family.
Yet the young Welshman has arguably been this season’s most improved player,
going from obscurity to Capital One Cup winner and first-team starter.
An honourable mention goes to Southampton’s Luke Shaw who has made an
incredible 24 Premier League appearances at the tender age of 17.
RIGHT-MIDFIELD: Callum McManaman, Wigan
GOOD CALL ... McManaman celebrates Wigan's historic FA Cup win over Man City
THE former Everton academy product has come from nowhere to become one of
the most exciting players in England.
He announced himself with a stunning goal in the FA Cup quarter-final against
his former team and was rightly crowned man of the match in the incredible
final win over Man City.
One thing he could work on though is his tackling, as poor Toon defender
Massadio Haidara will attest...
CENTRE-MIDFIELD: Phillipe Coutinho, Liverpool
PHIL YER BOOTS ... Coutinho has lit up the Prem since arriving in January
WHEN Gareth Bale scored his amazing hat-trick against Inter in 2010, the
Welsh wizard’s performance overshadowed another impressive turn from a young
Brazilian named Coutinho.
The midfielder lost his way a bit in Italy in the following years but his
January move to Liverpool has reinvigorated him.
His creativity, pace and ability to pick a pass suit him perfectly to the Prem
and we can expect much more from the 20-year-old in the 2013-14 campaign.
CENTRE-MIDFIELD: Jack Wilshere, Arsenal
JACK'S BACK ... Wilshere has come back an even better player despite 17 months out
FOR most players, spending 17 months out injured would seriously impact
your ability as a footballer.
But Wilshere is not most players — if anything, he’s come back even BETTER.
England’s great hope has helped Arsenal put together a fine run in the second
half of the season and will look to kick on next year.
LEFT-MIDFIELD: Eden Hazard, Chelsea
HAZARD WARNING ... Chelsea's young Belgian could become one of world's greatest players
HAZARD exploded onto the Prem scene with goals and assists coming out of
his ears in August.
His level dropped as Chelsea’s season began to unravel but in recent months
the Belgian has been back to his best.
With a grace and speed on the ball matched by few others in the global game,
the Blues have a potential Ballon D’Or winner on their books.
CENTRE-FORWARD: Christian Benteke, Aston Villa
BESTEKE ... Christian Benteke has been a superb addition to the Prem
ALL hail Paul Lambert the visionary.
For when Lambo decided to axe England striker Darren Bent for the untried
Benteke, most though he was mad.
Roll on eight months and Benteke has 23 goals to his name, is valued at
£30million and is wanted by the big boys of European football.
CENTRE-FORWARD: Romelu Lukaku, West Brom
SO LUKY ... West Brom pulled off a real coup with the loan signing of Romelu Lukaku
HERE’S proof that the loan system can be very beneficial — or very unfair.
Either way, Albion have capitalised on the rules to bring the burly Belgian
who has been nothing short of sensational.
Surely Chelsea will want him back next season? If not, a queue of teams will
be forming to take him off their hands.
source: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4929924/SunSports-Young-Team-of-the-Year-Who-made-our-line-up.html
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