English Premier League 2012-13 Season: Best Under-21 XI of the Year
As we continue our recap of another fantastic English Premier League season, the young players come into focus.
Here, we've constructed an EPL Team of the Season using only players who were 21 or under when the season kicked off on August 18, 2012.
Who joins Eden Hazard and Oscar in the 4-2-3-1 formation?
GK: David De Gea, Manchester United
1 of 11The resurgence of David de Gea has put claims he's "not suited to the English Premier League" well and truly in the trash can.
He already had the uncoachable techniques—reflexes, agility, instincts—but strong coaching has enabled to him to claim crosses confidently, remain fearless in aerial duels and catch the ball to alleviate pressure on his defence.
His debut year was tough, but this one was a breeze. He's now a well-rounded goalkeeper.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne, Southampton
2 of 11Southampton picked up two incredibly gifted full-backs this season, one from the academy in Luke Shaw and one from Crystal Palace in Nathaniel Clyne.
Clyne looks set for a successful first-team career at St. Mary's Stadium on the right-hand side, combing explosive attacking ability with decent defensive awareness.
An England cap beckons.
CB: Phil Jones, Manchester United
3 of 11The Manchester United youth movement is looking pretty good here, as Phil Jones represents another long-term option at the back for the Red Devils.
We're not 100 percent sure what his future position is yet, though it seems as though he's being groomed as a future centre-back alongside Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling.
Funny faces aside, Jones showed immense thirst and tactical understanding throughout the campaign and just needs an injury-free stretch to realise his potential.
CB: Matija Nastasic, Manchester City
4 of 11Matija Nastasic is one of the few bright spots in a poor Manchester City season.
Regardless of central defensive partner he shone, showing a cool head that belied his years. He was a criminal omission from the PFA Young Player of the Year nominees, and perhaps his seamless settling in counted against him in that respect.
The Citizens have a player in Nastasic that can anchor the defensive line for a decade.
LB: Ben Davies, Swansea City
5 of 11Swansea City fans will have been cursing their luck and worrying for their season when Neil Taylor went down with a broken leg early against Sunderland in September 2012.
But Ben Davies, an academy product at the age of 19, stepped into the void and made the subsequent recruitment of Dwight Tiendalli almost unnecessary.
He learned on the job quickly and made the left-back spot his own, and now Taylor is fit he can't get back into the side he was set for a starring role in.
CM: James McCarthy, Wigan Athletic
6 of 11Wigan Athletic were finally relegated this season and James McCarthy is one of several treasures the bigger sides are hoping to pick up on the cheap.
The Irishman has controlled Roberto Martinez's midfield since arriving in 2009 and shows remarkable versatility when his team needs it.
He's played central midfield, defensive midfield, centre-back, right-back and right-wing-back this season—a serious achievement for one so young.
CM: Jack Wilshere, Arsenal
7 of 11Jack Wilshere has seemingly been around forever, yet he's just 21 years of age.
Arsene Wenger is willing to lean on him and with good reason—he's technically gifted, possesses great desire and inspires those around him.
The only thing that could stop this man becoming a truly world-class player are the fitness concerns that have dogged his short career so far.
RW: Oscar, Chelsea
8 of 11Oscar was one of the curious purchases of the summer, as it didn't seem like Chelsea had any sort of need at the No. 10 position.
He's reinvented himself, though, as a superb player coming in off the right-hand side and combines brilliantly with Cesar Azpilicueta.
The Blues have a right-sided tandem they can lean on for years to come, and Oscar is only going to get better.
AMC: Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool
9 of 11The future of Liverpool's midfield looks very, very safe while Philippe Coutinho is around.
An inspired January purchase, the Brazilian can unlock a defence better than most in world football and has quickly become an assist machine under Brendan Rodgers.
He's formed an instant rapport with Daniel Sturridge and is largely responsible for the striker's late flurry of goals this season.
LW: Eden Hazard, Chelsea
10 of 11Eden Hazard had an up-and-down maiden campaign with Chelsea.
He started on fire, ripping Wigan Athletic, Newcastle United and Reading apart almost single-handedly, but his form dropped off midseason.
For a 21-year-old that's fine, though, and his late-season resurgence suggests the growing pains are over. He looks worth every bit of the £32 million Roman Abramovich paid for him.
ST: Christian Benteke, Aston Villa
11 of 11Christian Benteke was an unknown, £7 million gamble by Aston Villa back in August 2012.
Paul Lambert took a lot of flack from the media for refusing to buy proven English Premier League experience, but survival vindicated his strategy and faith in youth.
The Belgian's 19-goal haul was eye-popping, and Benteke became the heartbeat of the team. If Aston Villa can hold onto him, the only way is up.
