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19. Ryan Sessegnon, Fulham

What makes Fulham left back Ryan Sessegnon one of the most sought-after young defenders in the world?

Position: Left back

Nationality: English

Age: 16

One of two players on this list born in the 2000s, Sessegnon has been the breakout star in his first season in English football’s second tier, the Championship, where peers selected him in the end-of-season Team of the Year. An attacking left back, he became the youngest Championship player when he made his debut, and four days later he scored against Cardiff, setting another record.

He is fast, a solid defender, an excellent crosser and capable of getting up and down the flank. He can also play in midfield or as a winger. He is eligible to sign a pro contract when he turns 17 in May, but has been linked to Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United in England, as well as Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. It will be interesting to see what decisions he makes in the summer, though all connected to Fulham will urge him to stay at Craven Cottage, where he is guaranteed game time. He played for England Under-17s in the European Championships last summer; he has already graduated to the Under-19s and cannot be far off the Under-21s now.

What they're saying:

“Ryan Sessegnon is one of the most talented young players in the country and he impressed many, many people in the games he played this season.”

Slavisa Jokanovic, Fulham coach

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