Next season’s Premier League 2 is to become an under-21s competition after a change in format. The competition was previously for under-23s, but the alteration has come as part of an ongoing review of the Elite Player Performance Plan.
Clubs will be able to use up to five overage outfield players, though, an increase on last year’s limit of three, with an overage goalkeeper being allowed as well as the new rules come into effect. That means those teams taking part in the competition will be able to continue naming their more experienced players as and when required, which is seen as beneficial for the development of the younger players.
However, given the average age of those playing in the competition is 19, the changes to the age limit have been made in order to reflect those taking part. The change shouldn’t make too much of an impact on Leeds United, who have built up an impressive squad of young talent below Jesse Marsch’s first-team ranks.
