Premier League BEST U21 XI This Season

We’ve seen a plethora of promising young talents make a splash in the Premier League this season. This got us thinking – who would make it into a best XI of players who are of the age of 21 or under in the Premier League?

We’ve including wonderkids from clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in this XI – who made your cut of the best young players in the Premier League?

GK: Melker Ellborg

Yes, we know what you’re thinking – Melker Ellborg is indeed above the age threshold, being 22 years old. However, he is the youngest senior goalkeeper in the Premier League this season, so he makes it into the XI by default.

This isn’t to say that Ellborg is a bad goalkeeper. He is a clear deputy to the outstanding Robin Roefs, but he has been able to put forth a solid contribution whenever he has been called upon to do so.

RB: Josh Acheampong

This season has been a real trial by fire for Josh Acheampong. A natural right-back, Chelsea’s injuries issues have led him to being used as a centre-back for much of the campaign.

His overall performances have been a mixed bag. Nevertheless, we have to commend him – he has done an admirable job for such a young player this season. He’ll have learned a lot – let’s see how he puts his newly-found knowledge to use next season.

CB: Leny Yoro

Leny Yoro hasn’t had the best season of his career for Manchester United, but he still remains one of the best young defenders in the world.

He needs to develop physically if he is to cope with the hustle and bustle of the Premier League. Technically, he is fantastic, we’re sure than he’ll be a phenomenal defender once he gains his adult strength.

CB: Ayden Heaven

Ayden Heaven has been thrown in at the deep end this season, but he certainly hasn’t sunk. He has stepped up to the challenge at every given opportunity, becoming better and better with each passing game.

If he keeps up his current form, he may well become a permanent fixture of Manchester United’s starting XI. He’s very quick, reads the game well and is willing to put his body on the line at any given moment.

LB: Nico O’Reilly

Nico O’Reilly isn’t just the best young left-back in the Premier League – he is the best left-back in the world at the moment.

He can do everything you’d expect from a world-class fullback and more. In many ways, he is wasted in this role – many believe he is good enough to play at the heart of midfield.

DM: Archie Gray

Tottenham Hotspur have endured a miserable campaign, but Archie Gray has been one of few players to be consistently solid for the Lilywhites throughout the season.

We’ve slotted him in at holding midfield, but Gray’s versatility is his greatest attribute – a multi-faceted player, he can cover a range of positions across the pitch.

CM: Lewis Miley

Lewis Miley has shown plenty of promise this season. Newcastle have a formidable midfield three, but Miley has given head coach Eddie Howe plenty to think about in terms of team selections.

With a goal and four assists this season, Miley has been an important part of the Toon’s squad. They’ve had a difficult season, but the County Durham lad has been on hand to inject some much-needed positivity into the side.

CM: Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo will always been Ruben Amorim’s greatest failure at Manchester United. Famously, he outright refused to work him into his system – under Michael Carrick, Mainoo has been able to flourish once again.

While still a bit green, Mainoo’s natural ability is clear for anyone to see. After another few seasons of refinement, he’ll be amongst the best midfielders in the world.

RW: Estevao

Is Estevao the best young winger in the world right now? From the eye test alone, it’s clear to see that his potential in the modern game is limitless.

His dribbiling ability is enough to give any defender nightmares. Sadly, he is currently out with a hamstring injury – let’s hope he is fit to play in time for the 2026 World Cup.

LW: Rio Ngumoha

Rio Ngumoha is a rare thing in the modern game. He is a natural dribbler – while many contemporary wingers like to pass and move, Ngumoha is never more comfortable than when he is taking his man on.

This is an attribute that must be cherished – it would be a crying shame if it is coached out of him. Such risk-taking is generally disencouraged in today’s game, but he gives Liverpool a certain X-factor that other teams cannot match.

ST: Eli Junior Kroupi

What a breakout season Eli Junior Kroupi has had at Bournemouth. Aged just 19, it’s very rare that such a young player comes from abroad and has such an impact in their debut Premier League campaign.

He has scored 11 goals in 29 Premier League games thus far. Unsurprisingly, he is attracting a boon of potential suitors, but the Cherries won’t let him go without a fight.