The Top 5 Teenage Defenders in the English Premier League

Teams around the world always have the priority of succeeding in the present or the current season.

However, it is also hugely important to plan for the future.

The top clubs are constantly scouting for young talents who have the potential to be the world's best in upcoming years.

The smaller clubs around the globe usually don't have the money to bring in young prospects and often use their own youth academies to produce future stars.

Here's a list of five teenage defenders in the English Premier League who could be the world's best in the future.

Steven Caulker

Steven Caulker is a youth academy product of Tottenham Hotspur and has been loaned out for the past few years. The English center back has never played a match for Spurs, but is an exciting prospect for the future.

Caulker is currently playing for Swansea City in the Premier League.

He impressed in the newcomers' first four matches of the season, but was injured against Arsenal and is ruled out for eight weeks (that was three weeks ago). 

It'll be interesting to see how the 19-year-old defender improves in the future, and if Tottenham choose not to loan him next season.

Grant Hanley

Grant Hanley may be the least-known player on this list, but he is an exciting prospect for the future. The 19-year-old played in seven of Blackburn Rovers' league matches last year and impressed in center defense, especially alongside Ryan Nelsen.

Hanley has only played two games for the Rovers this season, but the departure of Phil Jones will ultimately give the Scot more playing time. 

Carl Jenkinson

Carl Jenkinson hasn't had a great start to his career with Arsenal.

The right back was brought in from Charlton Athletic in the summer and was quickly put into the starting lineup after numerous defensive injuries. 

After starting just one league match for the Gunners, the 19-year-old played as Arsenal's right back against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

As we all know, this night ended horridly for both Jenkinson and the whole North London team.

It's easy to criticize the Carl Jenkinson, but it should be stated that he's young and has been pressured tremendously since his summer move.

It's important that the 6'1'' defender isn't overused at a young age for Arsenal. But it now looks like he will be starting regularly for the next few months with the unfortunate injury to Bacary Sagna.

Jon Flanagan

Jon Flanagan made his Liverpool senior debut in April this year, after right backs Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly were injured.

Flanagan started most games after that until the end of the season and was commended for his performances.

The 18-year-old has found playing time limited this campaign, with only one league start and two domestic cup appearances.

However, Flanagan shouldn't be too disappointed by this, as he is still young and has time to develop. 

Phil Jones

The inclusion of Phil Jones on this would be considered a surprise at this time last year, but certainly not now.

The versatile defender has made a quick impact since joining Manchester United in the summer and has already played ten times for the Red Devils.

Jones has been praised tremendously for his performances this season and is making a case for being a regular starter for United (even when Nemanja Vidic returns from injury).