With Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard preparing for their final Premier League games this afternoon, here’s a look at ten young players out there who could hope to emulate the Liverpool and Chelsea legends, who are among the finest midfielders of their generation…
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1) Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
An all-action player with the eye for some spectacular goals, Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey may be the next best thing in the Premier League at the moment in terms of being his generation’s Gerrard or Lampard, though he still needs a little more consistency.
2) Ross Barkley (Everton)
A terrific youngster, Ross Barkley has made a huge impression at Everton despite suffering a bit of second-season syndrome this term.
3) Jack Grealish (Aston Villa)
It’s early days yet for Aston Villa starlet Jack Grealish, but the exciting midfielder looks like having the potential to make a real name for himself next season, or he could even really announce himself in this season’s FA Cup final against Arsenal.
4) Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United)
Another young midfielder whose had a slight setback to his progress this season, but Manchester United wonderkid Adnan Januzaj remains one of the best talents in the Premier League.
5) Will Hughes (Derby County)
A top English prospect playing in the Championship with Derby County, Will Hughes has been linked with bigger clubs and is tipped for great things in the game.
6) James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)
Another of Southampton’s exciting crop of young players, James Ward-Prowse needs more consistency to his game but could be one of the surprise stars of the Premier League next season.
7) Koke (Atletico Madrid)
Moving away from players in England, Atletico Madrid starlet Koke is a bright prospect who has said he wants to be his club’s Gerrard and dedicate his career to the Spanish outfit.
8) Paul Pogba (Juventus)
A player who will surely be the best midfielder in the world for the next decade or so, Paul Pogba could even line up at Chelsea or Manchester City next season if rumours are to be believed, and would surely be one of the best in the Premier League to replace Gerrard and Lampard’s influence.
9) Isco (Real Madrid)
A skillful attacking midfielder with an eye for goal, Real Madrid’s Isco could emulate the two England legends and may even play in the Premier League at some point after links to Arsenal and Liverpool.
10) Hakan Calhanoglu (Bayer Leverkusen)
A set-piece specialist, Hakan Calhanoglu may be a bit more like David Beckham than Gerrard or Lampard, but the Turkish starlet is another of the most exciting young midfielders in the game, and has been linked with Arsenal and Manchester City.
