PMA Sport

Full-time Fletch... on the exciting English young guns

By Darren Fletcher

- Last updated on GMT

Darren Fletcher runs the rule over the best young English footballing talent
Darren Fletcher runs the rule over the best young English footballing talent

Related tags Association football

Darren Fletcher, BT Sport commentator and host of football show Fletch & Sav, picks out six of the best English young guns from this season’s Premier League.
Dele.Alli.Spurs

1. Dele Alli​ has impressed me the most and there’s more of his game to come as he’s been a little restricted in his role at Spurs. Hopefully he will be given more freedom to go forward in the future. He will be a very good all-round central midfielder and an important player for both club and country in years to come.

Ross.Barkley.Everton

2. Ross Barkley​ has added goals to his game and is playing at a more consistent level this season. He has all the talent in the world, but for him to reach the very top he has to play well every week and I think he’s still prone to off days. But when he turns up he is as good as anyone in the Premier League.

Eric.Dier.Spurs

3. The selection of Eric Dier​ as a defensive midfielder has been a masterstroke by Spurs. His partnership with Alli has worked very well this season and he’s made the move from centre-half comfortably. His emergence also gives more options for England manager Roy Hodgson when it comes to squad selection.

Luke.Shaw.Man.Utd

4. Before his horrible injury Luke Shaw​ looked like he was getting back to his best. I feel for him but think he will come back strong and should be England’s left back for the next decade. He’s got a tremendous blend of speed, skill and power — along with good defensive capability. He’s the perfect modern full back.

Jack.Butland.Stoke

5. Jack Butland​ is a real contender now for the England goalkeeping shirt. Joe Hart may be the man in possession but Butland is hot on his heels. His form for Stoke has been fantastic and the sky really is the limit for him. I’ve been told he’s a great pro and character and has a wonderful future.

John.Stones.Everton

6. John Stones​ is an absolute Rolls Royce. He is athletic, quick and so comfortable with the ball at his feet. He’s one of the few centre-backs in England that would fit into one of the dominant European sides and do well for them. He’ll be on the radar of most big clubs.

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