Premier League: Current best U-23 star for each of the Top 6 teams
The season has crossed its halfway point, with Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal occupying the Top 6 spots.
With the spots occupied by the traditional 'Top 6' at this point, let's take a look at the best young stars building their reputation at the ranks of the top 6 clubs.
This evaluation will consider only performances during the course of the current season, and only players aged 23 or below are under the microscope:
#6 Arsenal - Hector Bellerin
Age: 22
In what has been a very disappointing season for the Gunners so far, Hector Bellerin has been one of the rare shining lights offering some hope for the future. Bellerin, already an established Premier League star, has improved his consistency and is a regular feature in the Arsenal team sheet, occupying the right wing back slot in Wenger's 5-man backline.
The Spanish speedster has recorded 2 goals and 2 assists so far this Premier League season, and has been defensively solid, if not spectacular.
The former Barcelona youth product has considerably improved on his defensive work and provides a sense of stability in the Arsenal back line.
Alongside compatriot Nacho Monreal and the Bosnian bulldozer Sead Kolasinac, Bellerin forms part of a talented backline on paper who haven't been able to put forward performances of the expected level due to injuries and tactical issues.
Bellerin stands a good chance of making it into the Spanish Armada, heading into the World Cup at Russia if he continues his good run of form, with Dani Carvajal and Juanfran, his competitors for the Spanish right-back role, both not enjoying particularly impressive seasons at their respective sides.
Other eligible players: Alex Iwobi, Rob Holding, Ainsley Maitland-Niles.