da cassino： The U-21 Premier League is the home to a number of young stars who are on the verge of breaking through to the first-team at their respective clubs. Here are EIGHT players that you should be keeping an eye on:
da dobrowin： Rowan Liburd
Joining Reading in the summer of last year, Rowan Liburd is currently the top scorer in the league with 10 goals. The young Englishman has even made three appearances for the Royals’ first team, but is yet to hold down a place. However, if Liburd keeps up his average of scoring a goal every 91 minutes it shouldn’t be long until he is playing for Reading on a regular basis.
Tammy Abraham
A well known name amongst Chelsea fans, Tammy Abraham’s 32 goals were key to Chelsea’s success in the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League last year. Given Dom Solanke’s promotion to the first team, Abraham now has a spot in his preferred position of centre forward, and has excelled in his new role having already scored eight goals in 10 games. He may not feature in Chelsea’s first team this season due the the array of attacking talent the blues already have, but Abraham is certainly one to watch for the future.
Charly Musonda
Another young Chelsea starlet, the Belgian playmaker is highly rated among the Blues’ fan base. Known for his touch, tight dribbling ability and flair, Musonda has recorded one goal and three assists in the 10 games that he has played this season. His fine form has resulted in him being linked with loan moves to many European clubs.
Harry Winks
Playing at the heart of the midfield, Harry Winks is a vital part of Tottenham’s U-21 team. Having already been capped by England’s U-17, U-18 and U-19s, Winks has experience under his belt at every youth level, while he also made his first appearance for Spurs’ senior team in 2014. With their good record for promoting youngsters through the ranks, it shouldn’t be too long until Winks gets more chances at a higher level.
Will Keane
An ever present attacking threat, Will Keane has recently re-joined Manchester United after his loan with Preston expired. Since then he has played three games and scored a total of five goals, which is a fine record for any striker who has only just linked up with new team-mates. With United’s seniors currently struggling for goals in the top flight, Keane may even have a chance of making a first team appearance this season!
Andreas Pereira
In addition to Keane, Man United also have young attacking midfielder Andreas Pereira in their ranks. The Brazilian is best known for his skilful touch and finishing capabilities, which are a hallmark of players hailing from the South American nation. He has featured for the senior team too, making three appearances in the Premier League this season, but like others he has failed to hold down a place in the starting XI and is instead a regular on the bench. This commitment has meant that he has been limited to just three U-21 games this term, but with key players such as Bastian Schweinsteiger returning from injury and Jesse Lingard making a breakthrough, Pereira should feature in more U-21 games at the back end of this season.
Daniel Crowley
Influential playmaker Dan Crowley is a relatively unknown name among many fans despite his great potential. A dead ball specialist, Crowley has drawn comparisons to current Arsenal players Jack Wilshere and Mesut Ozil, but is yet to make a senior appearance for the Gunners. Having spent the first couple of months of the season on loan at Barnsley, he has made five U-21 appearances and is yet to record a goal or assist, but his presence in midfield is recognisable and a chance in the first team may not be far off.
Jeff Reine-Adelaide
Dubbed the ‘new Thierry Henry’, Reine-Adelaide joined Arsenal from French side RC Lens last summer and made an immediate impact on their first-team, wowing fans in their pre-season friendlies. However, he has only made one senior appearance since then in a FA cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. He has found more success in the U-21 team this season using his pace and physical presence to score two goals in seven games. If the Frenchman continues with his development in a similar fashion then he should be in line for regular first team opportunities.
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