Six Future Stars of the English Premier League

It seems almost an annual issue: the absurd purchases, the snatching of Barcelona youth players, the constant need to buy players from overseas, when perhaps the best option is right in front of the EPL clubs' noses.

WIth the impending rule introductions, those being the FIFA financial fair play rules, the need for clubs to develop as a sustainable business is increasing exponentially, and purchases of players going for astronomically high prices (much in the same vein as Chelsea proceed currently) is just not realistically sustainable if a club wants to compete at the highest level.

The academies at English clubs are, admittedly, not up to the standard of overseas academies such as Barcelona (with one of the main reasons being that English juniors can only train for an hour a day, whilst there are no such restrictions in Spain) but do produce players that are capable of setting the world alight every now and then, a la Jack Wilshere.

Teams need homegrown players. They need talent, which they have invested thousands in, not millions. Financial viability is key. 

Benik Afobe

Benik Afobe is undoubtedly one of the brightest talents in English football, if not the world. Currently at Arsenal, he has scored nearly a goal per game.

Even the best players struggle to accomplish that a junior level.

Now loaned out to Huddersfield, he had secured four man of the match awards consecutively at one point and has produced five goals and eight assists in 28 appearances. Phenomenal.

Afobe has been at Arsenal since he was six, so he is a true product of the academy. He is now signed to a long term deal after speculation that Barcelona were preparing a snatch and grab for him. Barcelona don't try that very often.

At 16, he played on the English team that won the Victory Shield, with Afobe scoring four goals in three games, a record only equaled by a player who is of some note: Michael Owen.

Josh McEachran

One is usually quite hesitant to include a Chelsea player in this list. McEachran may be a star, but whether he will emerge at Chelsea still remains to be seen.

To be aged 18 and to have made nine appearances in the first team in the first year of senior football is an accomplishment in itself.

To be described by Ray Wilkins as "Liam Brady;;" well, that's just downright spectacular.

In a team in which most Chelsea players are nearing or above the age of 30, McEachran could be the first true youth product to break into the team in recent memory. 

It seems that he has been labelled as the pinnacle of Chelsea's academy, and the club are desperate to hold on to him and not lose him overseas especially in the wake of the Michael Mancienne departure.

If he is good enough for Chelsea, then he must be talented. One to watch out for, no doubt about that.

Raheem Sterling

Sterling is a prospect. Liverpool do not have the greatest record with prospects in recent years, with only Martin Kelly notable in his leap from the academy to senior football and Jay Spearing.

Sterling is quick. Dashing pace. He may be a few years behind in his development in comparison to Afobe and co., but with an eye for goal, he could push for a place in the starting lineup. He also possesses a delicate touch and all the tricks, and since moving from QPR, he has progressed rapidly.

Of course with Suarez and Carroll recently brought in, breaking into the team, even  on the wing, could prove to be quite the difficult task.

Nevertheless, he has represented himself with distinction for the England U/17s, and with a bit more experience, most likely on loan, he could be a real find for Liverpool in the coming years.

Federico Macheda

Macheda is not in the literal sense, a homegrown player. But by FIFA's definition he is, and so his inclusion in this list is validated.

Perhaps the most known inclusion, Macheda has already featured frequently in the Manchester United first team, having scored four goals in 16 appearances, including one memorable strike in the last minute against Aston Villa. 

At 19, he has already lit up the stage on the domestic front as a future United star, and is now currently on loan at Sampdoria. 

This kid is a gun. And with United having some minor holes in the forward line, he could be seeing a lot of game time very soon.

Steven Caulker

Intimidating, skilful and composed, Caulker is one of the best talents out of the Tottenham youth system. With the best still yet to come, Caulker has already played regular football for Yeovil Town and Bristol City, even getting on the score sheet twice.

Having played in the England U/19s, Caulker already has much valuable first and international team experience. He also made a brief appearance in the England U/21s at the age of only 19.

Caulker is a presence. With Tottenham solidifying their place at the top of EPL football, he is likely to stay, gain experience, and become the star that is expected of him. At 6'3, he is the modern day defender and has the perfect build for success.

Though I am an Arsenal fan, I wouldn't mind him chucking a Sol Campbell. He could probably walk into the first team.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

I didn't want to. I thought I could find some hidden talent, I thought I could get away with not including him. But when it comes to skill, pace, and touch, OC has it in bags. 

He may be playing in League One, but he cleans up. He makes a mockery of defences on his day. Word is is that he is better than Walcott and Bale, at a junior level in any case.

You have got to be a star to be compared like that.

Lightning fast, destined for Arsenal, and with a nose for glory and the goal, OC is sure to feature on the international stage at some point.

Admittedly, his development is not complete by any means, but he has now played regular football at a young age and is nearly ready to make the step up to the big boys. He has come along in leaps and bounds, and there seems to be no obstacle big enough to stop him now.

If ever there was a player for England to put their hopes on, like they have on Jack WIlshere, it is OC, and by all reports, he is ready for that.