Newcastle's mini Pogba, exciting winger and England U17 star - Ones to watch

Newcastle United's academy is finally home to some of England's better talents after long periods of underinvestment.

Here I take a look at some of Newcastle's best academy prospects from the Youth Teams all the way to U21 level from the 23/24 season.

Youth Level - Sam Alabi (15) - CM - After joining from Oldham, Sam has already made a big impression. Multiple appearances at U18 level, and for good reason. His powerful physical profile, combined with quality technical feet make him quite comparable profile-wise to Paul Pogba.

https://twitter.com/MagpieMediaX/status/1784177401976480057

Youth Level - Michael Mills (15) - LW - After joining from Port Vale for a fee near £200k, Michael Mills has been smashing it this season. Testament to his talent, like Michael Mills, he has also appeared for the U18s. Rapid player with an eye for goal, Michael is a top talent.

U18 Level - Aidan Harris (17) - GK - Harris has incredibly quick reflexes, and is deceptively tall. Reportedly six foot two, Harris' stockier build makes him seem smaller than he is. I think he could command his box a lot better, but as a shot-stopper he's great.

U18 Level - Anthony Munda (17) - CDM - Anthony Munda is highly rated but unfortunately has had injury problems which have meant he's not played as much as he'd have liked. Despite this, I rate him and am hoping he can kick on next season after the frustrations of 23/24.

U18 Level - Sean Neave (17) - ST - 11 goals, 4 assists in 19 U18 PL appearances. Tall, powerful runner, gangly legs that help him pull off finishes others can't. Check out my write-up on him which will be at the end of the thread.

U21 Level - Cathal Heffernan (19) - CB - Heffernan has looked very composed when I've watched him this season, and is capable of progressing the ball well. He's had some tough games in his first season but I think he's showed good promise. Debated Charlie McArthur but haven't seen enough.

U21 Level - Leo Shahar (17) - RB - I've spoken about Shahar a lot this season, and for good reason. Incredibly comfortable on the ball, has a great cross and can even invert and play centrally. This week he's signed his first pro deal and been called up to the U17 Euro squad.

U21 Level - Travis Hernes (18) - CM - He's had a bad injury this season, but Hernes is still one of the more promising midfielders in the academy. A strong-runner who loves a third-man run, he has good threat; scoring against AC Milan in the Youth League. Good defensively too.

U21 Level - Alfie Harrison (18) - CAM - Very dynamic, sharp player. Big goal threat, with 11 goals and 5 assists at U18PL level for both City and Newcastle combined. Looks a comfortable starter for the U21s now, if he develops physically at the same rate technically, he'll be top.

https://twitter.com/MagpieMediaX/status/1792911016713408581

U21 Level - Trevan Sanusi (17) - LW (RW) - I've also talked about him extensively this season; what a player. He's played lots at RW for the 21s and fit straight in. All the minerals to make it to the first-team. With Diallo reportedly being released, LW will be his next season. Such an exciting talent with pace, trickery and the ability to beat a man.

U21 Level - Ben Parkinson (19) - RW (ST) - Not perhaps as technically gifted as some others but Parkinson makes up for it athletically: tall, strong running. Good goal threat. Not sure his ceiling is as high as some of the others, but his profile is valuable to an athletic team.

There are of course some I've missed out, and all opinions are formed solely on what I've seen. I've been to around 10 U21 matches this season. If you enjoyed reading, please drop me a follow on X (Twitter) at @TomTalksToon.