RIO FERDINAND has revealed his five Premier League wonderkids.
The English top-flight is drowning in elite youngsters coming through the ranks.
Who makes Rio Ferdinand’s list of top five PL wonderkids?
The future certainly looks bright for Gareth Southgate with plenty of promising English starlets on show this season.
Narrowing the list of best Prem youngsters to five is certainly no easy task.
But who has Ferdinand opted for and why? Find out below…
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
Trent Alexander-Arnold is the PL’s top wonderkid, says FerdinandCredit: Reuters
Age: 21
Club: Liverpool
Career PL appearances: 84
Ferdinand said: “I have to say the first under 21 player I’m going to put on my list is Trent Alexander-Arnold because he is the best right-back in the world right now.
“I have watched him in games and he dictates things – I just think he’s the modern day player.
“He’s in a team where they have a lot of the ball, who are on the front foot and that suits his game perfectly.
“Liverpool need someone who is forward thinking so for those people who say he cant defend – it doesn’t matter. He is in the right team for him.
“He plays with a composure beyond his years, I’ve seen him live in massive games, even in Rome (for the 2018 Champions League semi-final) where he struggled a bit he still had moments where you think ‘wow this kid is very composed in the pressure situations’.”
PHIL FODEN
Phil Foden is being tipped for huge things by Rio Ferdinand
Age: 19
Club: Man City
Career PL appearances: 32
Ferdinand said: “The way this kid glides, he’s like an artist. I’ve been crying out for him to get more games.
“But Pep will probably think, ‘well I’ve got Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Bernardo Silva’.
“This kid is English and we want our young players to get exposure. I’m sure he’s been frustrated because I know I have.
“His time will come, Pep seems to be committed to playing him.
“Every time he plays he gives you a glimpse – that is what I love about him. I see now what people have been saying.
“He plays with his head up, the way he analyses things, his weight of pass, the way he shifts people often balance.
“It is poetry in motion at times.”
MASON GREENWOOD
Greenwood looks like he belongs at Old Trafford, says FerdinandCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Age: 18
Club: Man Utd
Career PL appearances: 25
Ferdinand said: “For number five I was torn – Neto at Wolves has scored a good amount of goals. I think to myself ‘this kid’s got something’ whenever I see something.
“But I think the badge does it and Mason Greenwood has to be in this five. What this kid is doing with his right and left foot.
“When he’s stood over a free-kick in his own mind I bet his stood there like ‘does he want this on my right or left foot?’
“I’ve seen this kid since he was young and people at the club have said ‘this kid will be special’
“Every level he’s played he’s looked unfazed and stepped up with pure, pure ease. He looks around and goes ‘Old Trafford, I’m meant to be here’ – that’s the vibe I get.
“That cold hearted, calm confidence. So he’s in there, I just want to see him play live more.
“When he gets stronger, like all these boys, they are going to hurt a lot of people.”
REECE JAMES
Reece James’ ability and versatility have impressed FerdinandCredit: Getty Images
Age: 20
Club: Chelsea
Career PL appearances: 17
Ferdinand said: “Another one is Reece James – I like this kid. With his crossing he puts teams under pressure, he wants to hurt the opposing team and make you face your own goal.
“He’s got so much growth in his game. He is versatile – he’s played centre-half for Wigan, he can play right-back, even in centre midfield.
“Plus he looks like he’s got a great temperament which is huge and physically he is like a middleweight boxer – he’s strong, solid, quick and aggressive.”
“I think he’ll become a mainstay in that team.”
GABRIEL MARTINELLI
Martinelli is being tipped for huge things at ArsenalCredit: AFP or licensors
Age: 18
Club: Arsenal
Career PL appearances: 14
Ferdinand said: “I watched him against Bournemouth away, I watched him against Chelsea…
“He is a proper player, I think he’ll be a major player in world football in years to come. To be 18-years-old and do what he is doing.
“The goal against Chelsea alone, he’s got the composure to slot it. A great player, but his awareness and intelligence is mad.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
