Youthful Injection - Part One
There's an argument that young players, especially British players, aren't being developed or receiving the opportunities to perform at the highest level.
Chelsea are probably the best known team in this category due to the large number of players on their books currently loaned out to clubs across Europe. Many of players don't even get the chance to run out for the Chelsea First XI and are instead sold off to the highest bidder.
Some of the world's best talent has come through the ranks at English clubs including David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes. More recently the likes of Harry Kane, Paul Pogba and Theo Walcott have seen their careers flourish from the influence of the academy system.
Many young players grab their chance when presented and in a time where transfer fees are becoming so inflated, it works in the clubs' favour to develop and play their youngsters.
This week, we focus on the next batch of young stars plying their trade in English football and the fact that most are consistent contributors to their First XI teams is a show of their real talent.
Ryan Sessegnon // Fulham // 16 // England
Whilst not technically a Premier League player, it seems only a matter of time before this teenage sensation moves up from the Championship. It's hard to believe Sessegnon is only 16 years old - yes, 16!
Fulham have had a belter of a season so far, sitting just outside the Playoff positions by only one point. Sessegnon has predominately operated at left back and at times in midfield. Some have even already labelled him the next Ashley Cole.
Even if Fulham are successful at winning promotion, it is hard not to see Sessegnon falling into the clutches of some of the Premier League's heavy hitters.
One to keep an eye on..
Marcus Rashford // Manchester United // 19 // England
A cool-headed man with a remarkable scoring record after debut goals for Manchester United, England U-21 and the full England International teams. Consistently seeing game time at Untied with the likes of Imbrahimovic, Rooney and Martial is no easy feat.
Rashford has made his way through Untied's famed academy which brought you the likes of Beckham, Scholes and Giggs. With Wayne Rooney's career winding down, you can't help but think that Rashford could be a straight swap for the Red Devil's legend. He's not afraid to take on the play and challenge players one-on-one.
Discussing Rashford's impact this season, Mourinho recently heaped praise on Rashford saying "The season without pressure, the season where nobody demands, that nobody knows him, he comes in and makes an impact, he feels free. He is just a kid that is enjoying his football.
Kelechi Iheanacho // Manchester City // 20 // Nigeria
The Nigerian forward is starting to force his way into Guardiola's team on a more regular basis. Again, not easy with some of the best forwards in the world ahead of you in the pecking order.
Iheanacho's scoring record is fairly impressive for City's First XI with 12 goals in the past two seasons from limited game time. He's also managed to carry that form across to the Nigerian National side with five goals from eights starts.
Operating up front, Iheanacho is at ease on both feet and you can't help but see similarities to team mate Sergio Aguero. He plays with freedom and ease, tying in perfectly to City's fast-paced attacking style of football.
Mason Holgate // Everton // 20 // England
The powerful centre-back has started the past three games for the Toffees to bring his season tally to nine Premier League games. An academy player at Barnsley, Everton poached Holgate at the start of the 2015 season.
Holgate has represented England at both U-20 & U21 but may have to bide his time at Everton with the likes of Club Captain Phil Jagielka and new signing Ashley Williams holding him out. Holgate does though have the flexibility of operating out of the right back position.
Ronald Koeman recently discussed Holgate's development: "It's very positive how Mason Holgate is doing, how he is developing himself and the game time he is getting... He has big quality for a young player. It looks like he is very comfortable on the pitch"
Some great comments coming from a man that had an illustrious career with some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Sheyi Ojo // Liverpool // 19 // England
Liverpool have recently found themselves crammed with talent in not only this age group but also this position. Recently Jordan Ibe left with some questioning that the rise of Ojo pushed Ibe to seek more game-time elsewhere.
He is battling to see game-time behind a plethora of attacking options that Jurgen Klopp has at his disposal. Countinho, Firmino, Lallana, Sturridge and Origi would all be named on the team sheet before Ojo would get a look in. Because of this, Ojo has only managed two FA Cup appearances and is yet to be seen in the Premier League this season.
The Reds splashed an astonishing $4m on Ojo as a 14 year old from MK Dons, knowing the big future that he could possess.
We'll bring you another five young stars next week so keep an eye out for Part Two...
