First off Calum Chambers has been at the academy since he was 8 (U9s). Shaw, Ward-Prowse, Chambers, Reed, Gape and McQueen all in the current first year scholars and so U17 came through together from that age at least. They have played together for 9 years with a Saints shirt on.
All but Gape have now got pro contracts (Shaw is waiting for his 17th birthday before it comes into force)
Dunno what you mean about size? Admittedly Gape, Shaw and Reed are smaller but Chambers and McQueen are almost 6 feet tall and still growing. Both the latter are good in the air and very strong going forward as are Shaw and Gape. McQueen who is a leftie probably has the edge on skill (he nutmegs players for fun) and in the air whilst Chambers looks stronger on the ground and in confidence going for goal.
This group of lads plus late joiners Turnbull, Mugabe (both over 6 foot) and Rowe as well as second year scholars Moore, Young and Stephens (both latter are 6 footers) make a very good team. They could've gone all the way in the youth cup. Ironically they beat the potential finalists Man United, Chelsea and drew with Blackburn in the league.
These lads will stay at Saints if the success and rewards are good enough. That's up to Cortese, the coaches and the boys themselves.
Great stuff, how do you know all of it though?