Best Young English Players

have retained despite persistent interest from Manchester United. He can play on the left or right and has already impressed Luiz Felipe Scolari at Stamford Bridge as he furthers his development in the youth sides. Has been captain of the England Under-16s.

Jacob Mellis 17 - Chelsea - Midfielder
The England Under-19 international signed from Sheffield United in the summer of 2007 and can play anywhere on the pitch. He scored twice against Liverpool reserves recently and has also played full-back and centre-half within the Chelsea academy set-up.

Victor Moses 17 - Crystal Palace - Forward
Born in Nigeria but resident in the UK since he was five, the graduate of Palace’s academy broke into the first-team last season and has since signed a four-year professional contract at Selhurst Park. Strong, skilful and quick, he has maintained his progress this term.

Nile Ranger 17 - Newcastle United - Striker
The word among Newcastle United’s youth and reserve ranks is “Ranger is the danger”. The prolific striker, signed away from Southampton’s youth set-up, has sat on the first team bench a few times already this season and is tipped for Shearer-esque scoring feats.

Jack Rodwell 17 - Everton - Central defender/midfielder
Rodwell made his debut for Everton as a substitute against Alkmaar in the UEFA Cup at the age of 16 years 284 days, making him the youngest ever Everton player to appear in Europe. A current Under-19 international often compared to Rio Ferdinand, he is strong, quick and assured. Has made eight first-team appearances this season.

Freddie Sears 18 - West Ham United - Forward
A run of 25 goals in 24 matches for the youths and reserves forced him into the first-team set-up last season, and it took the striker just five minutes and 16 seconds to score his first senior goal, the winner against Blackburn in March. He has featured regularly this season under Gianfranco Zola.

Jonjo Shelvey 16 - Charlton Athletic - Midfielder
The club’s youngest player, debuting at 16 years 59 days against Barnsley in April, he had made his mark as a goal scoring midfielder in the youth and reserves set-up at the Valley. He captained the England Under-16s in their 2007 Victory Shield campaign, scoring three goals in as many games.

Danny Welbeck 17 - Manchester United - Striker
Skilful, strong and fast with a prolific scoring record for the United junior sides. Sir Alex Ferguson likens the slightly unorthodox Welbeck to Portsmouth’s Nwankwo Kanu and has said “Danny has marvelous things about him.” An Under-19 international who has trained with the first team.

Aidan White 17 - Leeds United - Defender
The full-back, who boasts a fine left foot and decent pace, made his debut earlier this season in the Carling Cup defeat of Crystal Palace and was given a standing ovation upon being substituted. He is now making regular appearances in the League One club’s first-team set-up.

Jack Wilshere 16 - Arsenal - Midfielder
Eye-catching performances in the Carling Cup this season and Arsenal’s youngest league debutant, at 16 years 256 days, when he came on against Blackburn in September. He scored his first senior goal in the 6-0 rout of Sheffield United and had a fine game against Wigan on Tuesday.

Michael Woods 18 - Chelsea - Midfielder
Plucked from Leeds United’s academy, much to the Yorkshire club’s frustration, the England Under-18 international made his first-team debut at Chelsea in January 2007 at 16 years 275 days. Scolari called the defensive midfielder up for the recent Carling Cup tie against Burnley.

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