English football this week delivered more thrilling performances from U21 talents across the divisions. Let’s take a look at the standout players, from goalkeeper to striker, who made a significant impact.

Who were the best young performers over last weekend?

Goalkeeper: Max Thompson (Chesterfield)

Max Thompson had an excellent game for Chesterfield, demonstrating his composure and shot-stopping abilities. His three crucial saves played a key role in securing a clean sheet for his side, allowing Chesterfield to push forward with confidence. Thompson’s ability to command his area and read the game kept the opposition at bay, providing a solid foundation for his team’s performance.

Defenders: Zach Awe, Harvey Araujo, Bashir Humphreys

• Zach Awe (Accrington Stanley) – Awe was a rock at the back for Accrington Stanley in their match against Barrow, contributing to their first clean sheet of the season. His physicality and awareness in defense were standout features, winning 7 out of 9 ground duels and maintaining composure under pressure. Awe’s defensive reliability was key in Accrington’s solid display, as they held firm against Barrow’s attacking efforts.
• Harvey Araujo (Chesterfield) – Araujo was another key figure in Chesterfield’s defensive setup during their Friday night fixture. Playing centrally, Araujo put in a commanding performance with 5 successful tackles and winning 6 out of 8 ground duels. His ability to read the opposition's attack and break up play was critical in preventing dangerous chances, as Chesterfield secured a vital result.
• Bashir Humphreys (Burnley) – Humphreys continued his fine form for Burnley, contributing on both ends of the pitch. As the right-sided center-back, he combined solid defensive work with an ability to support the attack. Humphreys made key interceptions and tackles, while also pushing forward to add width and create opportunities for his teammates. His versatility was a major asset for Burnley in their recent match.

Midfielders: Alex Scott, Jack Hinshelwood, Alex Robertson

• Alex Scott (Bournemouth) – Scott was the driving force in Bournemouth’s midfield during their match against Arsenal. He controlled the tempo, showing his range of passing and vision to unlock defenses. Even with Arsenal reduced to 10 men early in the game, Scott’s influence grew, and his leadership in the center of the park kept Bournemouth pushing forward. His ability to maintain composure in a high-pressure environment highlighted why he’s one of the top young talents in English football.
• Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton) – Hinshelwood played a vital role in Brighton’s narrow 1-0 win over Newcastle, using his quick decision-making and vision to help move the ball efficiently through midfield. His positioning allowed him to receive the ball in advanced areas, which enabled Brighton to maintain attacking momentum. Hinshelwood’s ability to keep the ball moving was essential to Brighton’s buildup play in a tightly contested match.
• Alex Robertson (Cardiff City) – Robertson was instrumental for Cardiff in their match against Plymouth. His box-to-box energy helped Cardiff control the midfield, and his goal was a fitting reward for a strong all-around performance. Robertson offered defensive cover when needed, while also pushing forward to join the attack, showcasing his dual-threat ability from midfield.

Wingers: Facundo Buonanotte and Alejandro Garnacho

• Facundo Buonanotte (Leicester City) – Buonanotte was a constant danger on the left wing for Leicester during their clash with Southampton. His pace and skill on the ball made him a difficult player to contain, and his goal was a testament to his attacking ability. Buonanotte’s direct running and creativity were key factors in Leicester’s victory, as he helped unlock Southampton’s defense in a crucial moment.
• Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United) – Garnacho delivered a standout performance for Manchester United, terrorizing the opposition down the right wing. His speed, dribbling, and vision created numerous opportunities, and he capped off his performance with a vital goal. Garnacho’s ability to stretch the defense and create space for his teammates was invaluable, as United battled their way to an important win.

Forwards: Rasmus Højlund and Richard Kone

• Rasmus Højlund (Manchester United) – Højlund played a pivotal role for Manchester United, scoring a crucial goal to make it 2-1 in a tense match. With United under pressure due to recent poor form, Højlund’s physicality and calmness in front of goal made a huge difference. His ability to hold up play and bring others into the attack provided United with much-needed attacking structure, helping them regain momentum in a tightly contested game.
• Richard Kone (Wycombe Wanderers) – Kone came off the bench for Wycombe in the 61st minute and delivered a game-changing performance, netting an incredible hat-trick in just 10 minutes. His impact was nothing short of remarkable, with all three goals displaying his lethal finishing and ability to exploit spaces in the opposition’s defense. Kone’s heroics turned the game on its head, leading Wycombe to a dominant victory in a performance that will be remembered for some time.

Our Under 21s Team of the Week is here🚨

Manchester United with 2x representative👀#premierleague #efl #leagueone #leaguetwo #championship pic.twitter.com/gIXslMWzQB

— Football Park (@thefootballpark) October 22, 2024