Top 5 U-23 players in the Premier League so far this season
The Premier League is often criticised for being a graveyard for young players. Many clubs get sharp criticism from pundits and ex-players about the lack of youngsters playing first team football.
However, some clubs follow a different principle - one that is not linked with age. That has led to some youngsters flourishing in the league.
"If you are good enough, you are old enough" - Sir Matt Busby
In this list we delve into the shallow end of understanding who are the young players pundits keep talking about to point to five brilliant U-23 performers in the Premier League this season. The deep end must be tackled as well but that is for another time!
#5 Jordan Pickford (Everton)
It is not often that a player emerges unscathed from a horror campaign that ends in finishing rock bottom. Jordan Pickford as a goalkeeper deserves extra credit because of the number of goals Sunderland shipped last season.
Everton decided that Pickford would be phenomenal with a decent defence in front of him and paid £30 million for his services. In his time so far Pickford has saved the Toffees from shipping in at least half the chances that they let in in their horrid start to the season.
Despite having only one Premier League clean sheet, Pickford has drawn plaudits for his dominant displays in goal for Everton and his performances earned him an England debut against Germany.
Germany legend Micheal Ballack complimented Pickford's performance and the former Sunderland keeper's confidence could not be higher. At only 23 he is already challenging the perception that Jack Butland is England's best goalkeeper with a vocal section of pundits and ex-pros claiming the Pickford could become the England no.1 for a long time.
His command in the box is impressive and Pickford could improve on organising his defenders but by being vocal, authoritative and brave he also seems like leadership material.