10 Candidates For The PFA Young Player Of The Year Award

4. Ross Barkley

Described by his manager as a mix of Paul Gascoigne and Michael Ballack, Ross Barkley has emerged as one of the top talents in English football this season. After being loaned out for the majority of last season, Barkley has made himself a key part of an impressive Everton side which has added attacking flair to its defensive solidarity. Barkley's performances have been key to Everton's new style of play and he was often Everton's star player in many of their early season performances. It seems as though Barkley possesses every quality needed to succeed in football, already possessing a great footballing brain at the age of 20, combined with a good turn of pace and upper body strength. Barkley is one of the best prospects in world football and could find himself at the centre of a future England team. Verdict Despite knowing all of Barkley's qualities, Martinez has been reluctant to put too much pressure on the young man's shoulders and has rested him for a number of games this season. Also, unfortunately for Barkley, the majority of his match winning performances have come in the first half of the season which could count against him.