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Liverpool fullback ​Alexander-Arnold tops Ferdinand's top-five Prem U21 players

Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has named his list of top Premier League under-21 players.

The ex-Red Devils centreback was asked for his opinion on some of the top youngsters coming through in the league.

And he believes the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold are up there as the best youth players in the domestic top flight.

He spoke about the top five during an Instagram Q&A.

On Alexander-Arnold: "I have to say the first under 21 player I'm going to put on my list is Trent Alexander-Arnold because he is the best right-back in the world right now.

"I have watched him in games and he dictates things - I just think he's the modern day player. He's in a team where they have a lot of the ball, who are on the front foot and that suits his game perfectly.

"Liverpool need someone who is forward thinking so for those people who say he cant defend - it doesn't matter. He is in the right team for him.

"He plays with a composure beyond his years, I've seen him live in massive games, even in Rome (for the 2018 Champions League semi-final) where he struggled a bit he still had moments where you think 'wow this kid is very composed in the pressure situations'."


Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli:

"The second one I'm going for is Martinelli. I watched him against Bournemouth away, I watched him against Chelsea.

"He is a proper player, I think he'll be a major player in world football in years to come. To be 18-years-old and do what he is doing.

"The goal against Chelsea alone, he's got the composure to slot it. A great player, but his awareness and intelligence is mad."


Manchester City's Phil Foden:

"Phil Foden is another, the way this kid glides, he's like an artist. I've been crying out for him to get more games but Pep will probably think well I've got Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Bernardo Silva.

"But this kid is English and we want our young players to get exposure. I'm sure he's been frustrated because I know I have. His time will come, Pep seems to be committed to playing him.

"Every time he plays he gives you a glimpse - that is what I love about him. I see now what people have been saying. He plays with his head up, the way he analyses things, his weight of pass, the way he shifts people often balance.

"It is poetry in motion at times."


Chelsea's Reece James:

"Another one is Reece James - I like this kid. With his crossing he puts teams under pressure, he wants to hurt the opposing team and make you face your own goal.

"He's got so much growth in his game. He is versatile - he's played centre-half for Wigan, he can play right-back, even in centre midfield.

"Plus he looks like he's got a great temperament which is huge and physically he is like a middleweight boxer - he's strong, solid, quick and aggressive.

"I think he'll become a main stay in that team."


And finally, Manchester United's Mason Greenwood:

"For number five I was torn - Neto at Wolves has scored a good amount of goals. I think to myself 'this kid's got something' whenever I see something.

"But I think the badge has does it and Mason Greenwood has to be in this five. What this kid is doing with his right and left foot.

"When he's stood over a free-kick in his own mind I bet his stood there like 'does he want this on my right or left foot?"

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Ansser Sadiq

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