The Youth Files - England Part I - The Established Core

The definitive list to the best young talent in the English Premier League.

Part I looks at the young players who have established themselves as Premiership regulars.

With the new season just around the corner and a mere six weeks separating us from opening day kickoff, Arjblog highlights the next generation of young players - all under 22:

The Premiership's Emergent XI:

Jack Wilshere - Arsenal - Still a teenager but very much central to both club and country, Wilshere is the incisive central midfielder England have been crying out for years.Robust, penetrative and pass-oriented, he should command a place at the heart of Arsenal for the next decade or so.

David De Gea - Manchester United from Atletico Madrid - The best young goalkeeper in Spain is now a big money player touted for a long spell between the sticks for Manchester United. Obviously, rating the lad before he has touched a ball in England is foolhardy but having watched him back stop the defensive shambles that is Atletico Madrid, one is assured he will come good behind England's best defence.

Jack Rodwell - Everton - So highly rated at Everton, for whom he impressed during a 26 appearance campaign last season, Rodwell elevated his game as he turned 20. The lanky midfielder, who has the versatility to play in defence or midfield, has represented England at all age groups. He may be more agricultural than most, but is no less effective or key.

Mario Balotelli - Manchester City - There is a fine line between footballing lunacy and genius. It would appear that Balotelli straddles this fence while straying into either depending on his inclination. Strong, fast and impossible to contain once in the mood, Balotelli is an attacking thoroughbred with a cavalier touch.

Rafael - Manchester United - After several years of increasing cameos and time at the right back for United, Rafael has inherited the mantle of retired Gary Neville. Despite a Brazilian pedigree that sees him comfortable on the ball and quick to join an attack, an apprenticeship under Ferguson has ensured his combative instincts are honed and healthy as well.

Aaron Ramsey - Arsenal - Having rediscovered his prodigious form pre-horrific leg break, Ramsey is very much back to show that the two best playmakers in Britain both ply their trade in the middle for Arsenal. A classic central midfielder, his effortless pass and move style seems more suited to Iberia than the Premiership.

Simon Mignolet - Sunderland - Despite 23 starts, the Belgian keeper is underrated, playing for decent teams who aren't championship calibre at both club and national level. However, his commanding presence and assured control at set pieces and scrambles, bring a welcome relief to Wearside, where he has quietly put together an impressive season of goalkeeping. One that saw him takeover the number 1 jersey from Craig Gordon.

Gareth Bale - Tottenham Hotspur - Obviously not as good as he was fancifully considered during a purple patch in November last year, Bale is still a potent attacking force in the league. Spurs' ability to regain a fleeting Champions' League spot rests on the furious running and broad shoulders of the Welsh wing wizard. In tandem with Ramsey, Bale can create havoc at national level for Wales.

Jordan Henderson - Liverpool from Sunderland - With 37 starts, he was almost an ever-present for the Mackems last season. While not being worth as much as his big money move to Anfield, the youngster is definitely a league natural and showed as much during a crucial season at Sunderland. Although his chances at Liverpool are relatively limited, he has shown a presence and endeavour that suggest a long stint in front of the Kop.

Phil Jones - Manchester United from Blackburn Rovers - Another young player who played a lot without unduly impressing for Blackburn, he is a key example of a Premiership regular for a non title seeking club. 26 appearances and 24 starts is the sign of a talent who is here to stay but a move to a bigger pond can put one's career in reverse. Definitely Premier League level, his work is cut out for him to show that he belongs at Old Trafford.

Daniel Sturridge - Chelsea / Bolton Wanderers - An excellent loan spell at Bolton proved to be a welcome coming of age as Sturridge scored eight times in 12 games goals while cutting his teeth at a smaller club. Pacy and poachy, he's in prime shape to take over a starting striking spot at either Chelsea or another Premiership club, and finally see an extended spell at the front, despite having made his debut for Manchester City five years ago.

Honourable Mentions:

Wojciech Szczesny - Arsenal - Despite a debut season that saw him rise from third place in the goalkeeper pecking order to assume the starting spot, he is still not considered to be the reliable stopper a team is built around. However, his performances and attitude see him start as one of Arsenal's key players this season, one in which he should essentially emerge as their long term 'keeper.

Chris Smailing - Manchester United - Showed flashes of excellence and potential during 16 appearances for United, but his inability to nail down a place in the back four puts a question mark on his emergence, while Jones' acquisition does the same for his future. Needs more time on the pitch at the heart of Premiership combat to announce his arrival once and for all. Still not quite there yet, but as a defender, has time on his side.

Theo Walcott - Arsenal - A stop-start career since a teenage move from Southampton mirrors a type of game that sees Walcott impress one moment before disappointing the next. Definitely a key player for Arsenal, when fit, and capable of providing excellent support in addition to blinding pace, Theo needs to become more consistent before being considered one of the Premiership's and England's stars.

Martin Kelly - Liverpool - In what was supposed to be a breakthrough season for the 20 year old right back, he impressed during 11 league games before breaking down with an injury. Although he returned, he still needs games under his belt to get his fitness, confidence and appeal back. Whisper it quietly, but Kelly is the best of the latest group of youngsters at Anfield.

Part II will cover the potential crop of youth talent in England, just waiting to crest.