The Premier League 2 for the English Under-23 sides is the place to look for the next hot talent. It’s a fiercely fought affair and the competition is blessed by being the birthplace for future stars.

In the Premier League top-flight this year, Everton have given debuts to a number of youngsters such as Tom Davies, Mason Holgate and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but the young talent does not stop there.

The Under-23 side have recently been crowned champions of the Premier League 2, having won 15 of their 21 matches so far this term, losing only three.

Shoot!’s Toby Bryant looks at the side’s usual starting XI to shed some light on who these future superstars are…

Goalkeeper: Mateusz Hewelt

Mateusz Hewelt, 20, joined Everton in 2013 as a first-year scholar having previously played for Stella Maris and Shelbourne FC in the Republic of Ireland.

The Pole began plying his trade for The Toffees’ Under-18 side during the 2014-15 campaign and also made appearances for the Under-21 side that year.  

After that season, Hewelt was awarded with his first professional contract, keeping him at the club until this summer.

The shot-stopper has kept nine clean sheets in his 19 league appearances this term.

Left-Back: Antonee Robinson

Antonee Robinson has been a part of the Everton set-up since the tender age of 11.

Now, he is 19-years-old and a constant member of the successful Under-23 side.

Robinson has had to battle with injury in the past, missing almost the entirety of the 2015-16 campaign due to a knee injury.

However, he recovered from the setback to be rewarded a new one-year deal last summer and has showed his worth with his efforts this year.

Centre-Back: Matthew Pennington

Matthew Pennington is one of the more experienced players in the Under-23 side.

The defender broke into the first-team last season and even won a Man of the Match award in the fixture against AFC Bournemouth, but with increased competition this year, has had to accept a role in the Premier League 2.

Pennington started this season on loan at Walsall, but was recalled after only five appearances to, successfully, reinforce the Under-23’s back line.

Centre-Back: Morgan Feeney

Another born and bred Scouser, Morgan Feeney has been with The Blues since the age of seven, when he joined from rivals Liverpool.

The 18-year-old has made 14 appearances so far this term and picked up an assist in the Under-23’s last win against Tottenham.

Right-Back: Jonjoe Kenny

Right-back and captain of the side is 20-year-old Jonjoe Kenny.

His versatility is a key part of his game, making him able to play anywhere in defence, and has helped him to successes including lifting the Under-17 European Championships for England in 2014.

He has only tasted first-team action in a pre-season match against FC Krasnodar, but more opportunities are certainly on the cards for this promising youngster.

Left-Midfield: Harry Charsley

Harry Charsley, 20, has been with Everton since the age of nine and has risen through the ranks.

The 2013-14 season saw him lift the Under-18 league title for The Toffees, having netted the winning goal against City to claim that title.

This year, for the Under-23s, the midfielder has contributed an outstanding seven goals and three assists in 20 appearances.

Centre-Midfield: Liam Walsh

Liam Walsh is the ever-reliable metronome in the Under-23’s midfield.

The central midfielder scooped up the Premier League 2 Player of the Month for February and manager David Unsworth has complimented the way he “runs games” from the centre of the park.

Walsh has named Xavi as his idol and the style of play between the two certainly is similar.

The 19-year-old has four goals and three assists this season, but is far more important than just his goals and assists.

Centre-Midfield: Tom Davies

With Tom Davies’ recent promotion to the first-team squad, this role has been shared out this season. However, with 12 appearances, Davies has the biggest claim to it in the starting XI.

The midfielder’s superb talent had been plain to see in the top-flight, with his dynamic runs and pin-point passing.

His fitness levels have allowed him to play regularly for both the first-team and Under-23s this year.

The Premier League 2 title is the perfect way to end his already spectacular season!

Right-Midfield: Kieran Dowell

A name some fans may have heard of already, Kieran Dowell made his first-team debut at the back end of last season in matches against Norwich City and AFC Bournemouth.

His progress was rewarded with a new three-year contract last June.

The winger is known for his dribbling ability and skills.

Dowell has represented both the England Under-16s and Under-17s in the past and has 11 goals to his name this campaign.

Centre-Forward: Calum Dyson

Calum Dyson has been on loan at Grimsby Town since January, but deserves to be in the side thanks to his efforts during the first-half of the campaign.

The tall, 20-year-old striker was another member of that title-winning Under-18 squad in 2014, scoring six goals and assisting 10 further strikes.

The striker has enjoyed loan spells at Stockport Country and Chester in the past and netted four times for the Everton Under-23 side, before being sent on loan in January this season.

Centre-Forward: Courtney Duffus

Courtney Duffus, 21, joined Everton in 2012 alongside his younger brother Tyrone.

The striker previously played for Cheltenham Town and was another member of the successful Under-18 side in 2014.

Everton were rumoured to have rejected a bid from Brighton and Hove Albion for the forward in January, preferring to keep the man who has netted three and assisted two goals in 17 appearances this term.