While Manchester City and Liverpool dominated our main team of the year, as many as 10 clubs are represented in the under-21 edition
Manchester City and Liverpool's battle for the title dominated this season's edition of the Premier League, but they are scarcely represented in Goal’s Under-21 Team of the Year – with young talent impressing all over the division in 2018-19.
A total of 10 clubs feature in our side of starlets, with performances in all competitions taken into account in order to compile this best XI.
From finalists in the Champions League and Europa League to players who spent their seasons fighting relegation, here is the Premier League Young Team of the Season.
GettyGK | Arijanet Muric
It’s been quite the season for Arijanet Muric. In between turning 20, choosing to play and then debuting for the Kosovo national team and winning the Premier League with Manchester City, the young goalkeeper was chosen by Pep Guardiola to be his first choice in the EFL Cup. Muric played five of City’s six games as they lifted the trophy, keeping four clean sheets, conceding just one goal and saving two penalties in their quarter-final victory over Leicester.
AdvertisementGettyRB | Trent Alexander-Arnold
There are a whole host of young, talented right-backs in the Premier League right now – but Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Southampton’s Yan Valery only get honourable mentions thanks to Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool man has had a stellar campaign, registering an incredible 12 assists in the Premier League – the most of any defender. But the 20-year-old has been formidable defensively too, making 33 interceptions and winning 37 of his 57 tackles as the Reds fell just short of the title.
GettyCB | Juan Foyth
Few managers nurture young talent as well as Mauricio Pochettino, so Tottenham Hotspur have a real star in the making in Juan Foyth. His season ended in reckless fashion after a red card at Bournemouth, but the 21-year-old has impressed otherwise. An accomplished passer who presents an aerial threat and also a versatile option with his ability to play at right-back, Foyth is also now a full Argentina international, making his debut in October.
GettyCB | Joe Gomez
Joe Gomez’s season was hampered by injury again this term, but he still showed why Liverpool are excited about his talent. The young defender has played an important part in the Reds’ season, with performances at home to Brighton and Red Star Belgrade particular highlights. He’s alternated between right-back and centre-back roles since moving to Anfield, but if his future is in the latter position with Alexander-Arnold in the former, both England and Liverpool should be licking their lips.