PL2 is the English football's premium U23 competition.

The country's best academies, housing some of the best and brightest young footballers, battle it out across two divisions; a competition often under-reported and under-appreciated.

Joe is joined by Jonathan Fadugba of Future Global Sports, to discuss this season in PL2, the merits and pitfalls of academy development compared to the EFL and non-league, as well as individual case studies from Leeds United and Aston Villa. Listen now.

5:16: Premier League 2 Background

8:34: PL2 pathways

13:40: Merits, pitfalls and alumni of the U23 system

18:35: Talent ID, non-league as an alternative route and Sorba Thomas’ rise

27:12: PL2 in 2020/21 - James McAtee, Arsenal and U23 standouts

33:11: PL2 case studies - Aston Villa

37:07: PL2 case studies - Leeds United

44:45: How to determine the success of an academy 

51:55: PL2 predictions and forecasts for the U23 format