This summer marked a seismic shift in mentality from the bigger clubs and they invested heavily in youth and the promise of what is to come.
Outstanding talents such as Raheem Sterling and Anthony Martial made big-money switches while plenty more were coveted. It’s an encouraging trend to see the Manchester behemoths look to the long-term and it’s hoped others follow suit.
But what we wanted to know is who is the best performing Premier League Under 21 right now?
So we asked our boffin friends at EA Sports Player Performance Index and their results were surprising. Nathan Redmond over Martial? Well, bear in mind the latter has only played three games to Redmond’s seven. Evertonians meanwhile will be delighted to see their prized asset Barkley sitting proud atop the table.
There is also cause for optimism for every England fan and patriot out there with the top four all being English.
Player and Overall PPI ranking
1/ Ross Barkley 7
2/ Eric Dier 15
3/ Raheem Sterling 24
4/ Nathan Redmond 29
5/ Memphis Depay 53
6/ Anthony Martial 68
7/ Luke Shaw 72
Data courtesy of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, the Official Player Rating Index of the Barclays Premier League
