Ranking the Best Young Players in Everton's System

Having a solid group of youngsters is crucial for any team in the English Premier League, and Everton is no exception to that rule with a host of talented young players.

Some have played top flight football whilst others are still waiting for their chance, but regardless of their situation, there's still plenty of young talent at Goodison Park.

Here's the best young players in Everton's system and in the spirit of the Olympics, let's take "young" as meaning any player under the age of 23. I know that's really not that young, but it does tie in nice with the current London Olympic Games.

Read on to see who the best young players truly are.

5. Jack Rodwell

Age: 21

It's hard to argue against the inclusion of Jack Rodwell in any discussion of Everton's youngsters, with the talented midfielder already considered as an adequate replacement for Mikel Arteta by his teammates (per The Liverpool Echo), who left for Arsenal back in August last year.

Rodwell has represented England at almost every possible level, and had been touted to play a key role in Great Britain's squad at the 2012 London Olympics.

Unfortunately a series of hamstring injuries robbed Rodwell the chance of competing at either Euro 2012 or the Olympics.

With a full preseason behind him, expect the midfielder to be back next season for the Toffees in fine form.

4. Apostolis Vellios

Age: 20

Towering over some defenders in the English Premier League, Apostolos Vellios is another one of Everton's finest and an increasingly solid option in attack.

Manager David Moyes will hope the Greek international can repay the faith he has shown in him, referring to Vellios as "gifted" and "technically really good for a big lad" (via The Independent).

You can guarantee that the striker will continue to impress at Goodison Park this year.

3. Seamus Coleman

Age: 23

Just scraping into this list is Irish midfielder Seamus Coleman, who is a huge addition to the depth that the Toffees have throughout the middle of the pitch.

After struggling with injury last season, Coleman only appeared 16 times for Everton—a number likely to increase this season, should he remain healthy.

Fast, versatile and reliable, Coleman is the type of player that all teams need to succeed and a player likely to remain a valuable asset at Goodison Park this season.

2. Francisco Junior

Age: 20

Francisco Junior for me, has the potential to seriously make a name for himself at Everton over the next few years. 

Technically, as a graduate of Benfica's academy, he is very sound and complete, but also contains that dynamic factor that is so often missing from the Toffees' attack.

Throw in the experience he has already had at Benfica, the Manchester City development squad and the Portugal under-21 side, and Junior could well be a star at Goodison Park over the next year or two.

1. Ross Barkley

Age: 18

But for me, the hottest young player that Everton has is Ross Barkley, who has promised so much in his time with the club already.

The England international has struggled with injury in his career, but fully fit, can match it with the best midfielders that the club have to offer—though his defense does still need some work.

Barkley is a raw talent that if nurtured properly by David Moyes, could well find himself in a regular starting position by the end of the year. He has the talent and the ability, now he just needs to couple it with the consistency and dependency required in the English Premier League.

I've tried to go outside the box—who are your best young players at Everton?

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