PL2 Div 1: The Star Men ⭐️

With Steve Wigley's Under-23s returning to the top flight of Academy football, we've taken a look at the most promising youngsters from each of next season's opponents. Please note this list is in order of last season's final standings.

Manchester City: James McAtee

In a side that no doubt has talent running throughout, it's difficult to look past 19-year-old midfielder James McAtee. The skilled youngster picked up the PL2 Player of the Season Award after scoring 18 and providing seven assists in 23 matches as the young Citizens marched to a second consecutive league title.

Back in September, James made his Premier League debut, coming on for Cole Palmer (who is another standout Academy product) as City beat Everton 3-0 at The Etihad.

Honourable mentions: Cole Palmer, Liam Delap, Roméo Lavia, Oscar Bobb

West Ham United: Armstrong Oko-Flex

Since joining the Hammers from Celtic last summer, winger Armstrong Oko-Flex has set the league alight with his skills, speed and creativity. He averaged pretty much a goal every other game last season (11 in 21) while also grabbing a couple of assists. It took him no time at all to get going in East London, with the dangerman bagging a hat-trick in his first PL2 appearance back in August as they defeated Arsenal 6-1.

There have been calls from fans to get him some First Team minutes, but as of right now he is still waiting for that big opportunity. He should be a good test for our 23s next season.

Honourable mentions: Sonny Perkins, Conor Coventry, Aji Alese

Arsenal: Folarin Balogun

In an Academy that has produced an array of quality products recently, Folarin Balogun is arguably the most promising future star. After bagging 13 goals and three assists in just 11 games, the forward joined Championship side Middlesbrough last season and impressed during his spell there.

He scored two senior goals in the 2020/21 Europa League before going on to make his first Premier League start on the opening day of last season against Brentford. He'd be a welcome test for our defenders, but whether he'll play much PL2 football next season is up for debate.

Honourable Mentions: Charlie Patino, Miguel Azeez, Marcelo Flores

Liverpool: Tyler Morton

A versatile player across the midfield, Tyler Morton has been with the Reds since the age of seven. He made his senior debut back in September, when Liverpool defeated Norwich City 3-0 in the Carabao Cup. The 19-year-old picked up a goal and four assists at Under-23s level from defensive midfield last season and featured seven times in total for the First team across a variety of competitions.

Honourable mentions: Kaide Gordon, Conor Bradley

Crystal Palace: Jesuran Rak-Sakyi

The young Eagles were impressive in their first season after promotion from the Second Division, finishing fifth. Winger Jesuran Rak-Sakyi's numbers were amongst the best in the league, with the pacey winger scoring 18 times in 25 appearances whilst also adding six assists. A particularly strong February saw him pick up the Player of the Month Award, before later being nominated for the Player of the Season Award upon the campaign's completion.

He picked up four First Team appearances last season under Head Coach Patrick Vieira, and will be hoping for plenty more opportunities next season.

Honourable mentions: Joseph Whitworth, Malachi Boateng

Manchester United: Shola Shoretire

This old-school winger has already picked up a solid amount of First Team experience after regularly shining in PL2 games. Just days after signing his first professional contract in February of last year, Shoretire made his senior debut in the league, before later becoming the club's youngest ever player to appear in a European competition.

He picked up six goals and eight assists in his 21 PL2 appearances last season. He might find himself playing at a higher level next season, but if not, he'll be another strong opponent.

Honourable mentions: Alejandro Garnacho Ferreyra, Amad Diallo, Alvaro Fernandez

Tottenham Hotspur: Dane Scarlett

The dangerous centre-forward earned himself a Premier League debut during Jose Mourinho's managerial spell in North London, having scored 17 goals in 16 Under-18 games during the 2020/21 season. He has made the jump up to PL2 level and will likely feature next season for Spurs.

Scarlett's performances have seen him feature heavily for England Under-19s, with the forward bagging an impressive 10 goals in just nine games.

Honourable mentions: Alfie Devine, Kion Etete

Leicester City: Ben Nelson

The 18-year-old centre-back has enjoyed a rapid rise through the Leicester Academy ranks and now represents England at Under-18s level. With 18 PL2 appearances under his belt last season, he is sure to play a big part once again.

Honourable mentions: Sammy Braybrooke, Terrell Pennant, Chris Popov

Blackburn Rovers: Jack Vale

With 13 goals and three assists under his belt in 14 games, Jack Vale is one of Blackburn's biggest threats. He made four First Team appearances last season and has carried his strong level of performances over to the international scene. The 21-year-old was directly involved in six goals in just eight games for Wales Under-21s.

Honourable mentions: Ashley Phillips, Jake Garrett

Brighton & Hove Albion: Zak Emmerson

Zak Emmerson is sure to feature for Brighton's Under-23s next season after an emphatic campaign with their Under-18s. The bagsman scored a whopping 18 goals in 22 league games and has reportedly caught the attention of boss Graham Potter.

Honourable mentions: Samy Chouchane

Everton: Stanley Mills

The right-back, who has also been implemented further up the pitch, has spent time training with the First Team after an impressive season within the Academy. After standing out for the Under-18s, Mills spent last season at the highest Academy age group and made 25 appearancs, scoring three and assisting four. He has the ability to take a man on and is composed once getting into dangerous positions, as he showed in our FA Youth Cup clash last season.

Honourable mentions: Isaac Price

Chelsea: Charlie Webster

The technical midfielder stepped up to the Under-23s in just his second season as a scholar, after playing a pivotal role for Ed Brand's Under-18s side. He later played all six UEFA Youth League games for Chelsea, who finished second in their group. A very handy player on the ball and one who is probably expected to play a huge part next season in Division One.

Webster put in a strong performance against our 18s in the Premier League Cup Final, sprinting through the middle before slotting fellow promising youngster Jude Soonsup-Bell through on goal.

Honourable mentions: Jude Soonsup-Bell, Lewis Hall, Harvey Vale

Wolves (newly promoted): Chem Campbell

The powerful forward is definitely one to watch closely. The 19-year-old scored nine and assisted nine last season as Wolves gained promotion after beating Stoke City in the Play-Off Final. Campbell got his first taste of senior football back in April, coming on as a substitute in the second half against Newcastle United.

Honourable mentions: Pascal Estrada, Tyler Roberts