Five U-23 players who have impressed in the PL this season
One of the most exciting things about any new season is the young players that breakthrough and last year we had the likes of David Brooks, Declan Rice, James Maddison and so many others showing just how good they were and have carried on this season.
It’s barely been two months into the season but these are 5 under-23 players that are stepping into Premier League football for the first time but haven’t looked out of place:
- Todd Cantwell
The Norwich City inverted winger has made a fantastic start to his campaign with some combination play with Teemu Pukki and has already matched his output tally of 2 goals and an assist from last season.
There are many similarities in his game to Leicester’s James Maddison, formerly of Norwich. He’s also made it into the England U-21 set-up. His ball retention and eye for a key pass and goal are likely to increase and at 21, he’s got a very bright future ahead of him.
- Caglar Soyuncu
The Turkish centre-half might’ve been at fault for conceding a penalty at Old Trafford but he’s been fantastic otherwise. He was brilliant against Tottenham Hotspur and has made that void left by Harry Maguire less painful.
He’s a fantastic dribbler like Maguire, which makes him press-resistant. He’s not as good a long passer but he has most of his other attributes and that’ll do for now. He’s only 23 and is part of a golden generation of Turkish centre-backs.
- Daniel James
The Welsh international has started like a house on fire with 3 goals already. He’s only 21 and won Manchester United’s player of the month award in the first month but he offers so much more as he can cut inside and shoot, which has already become a trademark or go on the outside.
He’s got fantastic defensive work-rate and is an absolute nightmare to play against. He, in many ways, symbolizes what Manchester United are going to be like under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
- Mason Mount
The Chelsea academy graduate shone in the Championship last season under Frank Lampard and he’s not been overawed by the upgrade to Chelsea’s first-team.
One wonders if he’d have got the chance under another manager but he’s not been afraid to take his chances and that doesn’t look like it’s going to change. He’s already scored 3 goals from midfield and the comparisons to his manager aren’t going to stop if he continues like this.
- Dean Henderson
The 22-year-old has already kept two clean-sheets and was the Championship’s best goalkeeper last season and that trend hasn’t changed in the Premier League.
On loan from Manchester United, the England U-21 goalkeeper is fantastic at coming off his line, is comfortable at distributing the ball and is an outstanding shot-stopper.
Despite his age, he’s constantly barking orders and organizing his defence and sets the same standards that his manager, Chris Wilder, demands on the pitch.