Read on Twitter
This season has seen an influx of young talents breakthrough and impress at the professional level. We looked at 50 talents (10 from each top 5 league) who have shown sings of greatness.
1.
Name: Rayan Cherki
Age: 17
Although he has a long ways to go, at 17 he’s an established threat on the ball with his dribbling and can play on both flanks. He’s failed to impress in this first half of the season, largely due to a lack of minutes.
Name: Rayan Cherki
Age: 17
Although he has a long ways to go, at 17 he’s an established threat on the ball with his dribbling and can play on both flanks. He’s failed to impress in this first half of the season, largely due to a lack of minutes.
2.
Name: Timothy Weah
Age: 20
Spearheading the USMNT’s “golden generation” is Timothy Weah, who impressed at the U17 and U20 levels, but has struggled to translate his form to the top level. In a star studded Lille side he can get the delivery he needs to score consistently.
Name: Timothy Weah
Age: 20
Spearheading the USMNT’s “golden generation” is Timothy Weah, who impressed at the U17 and U20 levels, but has struggled to translate his form to the top level. In a star studded Lille side he can get the delivery he needs to score consistently.
3.
Name: Yusuf Yazici
Age: 23
After an impressive season in 2017/18 in Turkey, Yazici landed a move to a top league and picked up his form recently, as he’s established himself as one of Ligue 1’s most efficient creators.
Name: Yusuf Yazici
Age: 23
After an impressive season in 2017/18 in Turkey, Yazici landed a move to a top league and picked up his form recently, as he’s established himself as one of Ligue 1’s most efficient creators.
4.
Name: Nayef Aguerd
Age: 24
Aguerd has put up some of the best numbers in Europe’s top 5 leagues when it comes to defending. Averaging 6 duels won per game, not only is the Moroccan defensively solid but he’s comfortable on the ball as well, averaging 90+ touches per game.
Name: Nayef Aguerd
Age: 24
Aguerd has put up some of the best numbers in Europe’s top 5 leagues when it comes to defending. Averaging 6 duels won per game, not only is the Moroccan defensively solid but he’s comfortable on the ball as well, averaging 90+ touches per game.
5.
Name: Sofiane Diop
Age: 20
At the young age of 20, Diop has already cemented his place in Monaco’s starting 11, as he has featured in every Ligue 1 game this season. He’s also the ideal modern CB, his passing range and variety would be invaluable to any team.
Name: Sofiane Diop
Age: 20
At the young age of 20, Diop has already cemented his place in Monaco’s starting 11, as he has featured in every Ligue 1 game this season. He’s also the ideal modern CB, his passing range and variety would be invaluable to any team.
6.
Name: Benoit Badiashile
Age: 19
Diop’s partner in crime, who has played in every one of Monaco’s league games bar one, is Badiashile. Together they form a formidable pairing, with their defensive prowess, aerial ability, passing range and instincts.
Name: Benoit Badiashile
Age: 19
Diop’s partner in crime, who has played in every one of Monaco’s league games bar one, is Badiashile. Together they form a formidable pairing, with their defensive prowess, aerial ability, passing range and instincts.
7.
Name: Wuilker Fariñez
Age: 22
Making his mark as Venezuela’s starting goalkeeper aged 19, and performing at the international stage, Wuilker has struggled to start. Given the opportunity, Farinez can show that despite his height he’s a force to be reckoned with in goal.
Name: Wuilker Fariñez
Age: 22
Making his mark as Venezuela’s starting goalkeeper aged 19, and performing at the international stage, Wuilker has struggled to start. Given the opportunity, Farinez can show that despite his height he’s a force to be reckoned with in goal.
8.
Name: Romain Faivre
Age: 22
Brest’s left footed genius, Faivre, pulls all the strings from midfield. Registering 20+ passes per game in the offensive half and 2KP/90, Faivre is integral to Brest’s offence. His dribbling can also get him out of troublesome situations.
Name: Romain Faivre
Age: 22
Brest’s left footed genius, Faivre, pulls all the strings from midfield. Registering 20+ passes per game in the offensive half and 2KP/90, Faivre is integral to Brest’s offence. His dribbling can also get him out of troublesome situations.
9.
Name: Yacine Adli
Age: 20
Adli often finds himself featuring for >30 minutes per game, not being able to make an impact. But when given the chance, like against PSG, he’s proved to be a worthy talent who’s comfortable on the ball and can link play with ease.
Name: Yacine Adli
Age: 20
Adli often finds himself featuring for >30 minutes per game, not being able to make an impact. But when given the chance, like against PSG, he’s proved to be a worthy talent who’s comfortable on the ball and can link play with ease.
10.
Name: Adil Aouchiche
Age: 18
By far one of France’s hottest prospects at 18 years of age, Adil is a regular name of the team sheet for Saint-Etienne. Leaning more towards the left, Aouchiche is a playmaker who has multiple dimensions to his game.
Name: Adil Aouchiche
Age: 18
By far one of France’s hottest prospects at 18 years of age, Adil is a regular name of the team sheet for Saint-Etienne. Leaning more towards the left, Aouchiche is a playmaker who has multiple dimensions to his game.
11.
Name: Alessandro Bastoni
Age: 21
Bastoni is the prototypical back three CB, he has an excellent passing range and is comfortable carrying the ball on the overlap. His aggressive style of defending paired with intelligent positioning makes him a very complete CB at only 21.
Name: Alessandro Bastoni
Age: 21
Bastoni is the prototypical back three CB, he has an excellent passing range and is comfortable carrying the ball on the overlap. His aggressive style of defending paired with intelligent positioning makes him a very complete CB at only 21.
12.
Name: Jens Petter Hauge
Age: 21
Hauge is a LW that likes to drop between the lines and carry the ball with excellent dribbling. In 1v1 scenarios he's able to cut inside onto his right foot to score or create, or he can drive to the byline and put in a cross with his left.
Name: Jens Petter Hauge
Age: 21
Hauge is a LW that likes to drop between the lines and carry the ball with excellent dribbling. In 1v1 scenarios he's able to cut inside onto his right foot to score or create, or he can drive to the byline and put in a cross with his left.
13.
Name: Andrea Pinamonti
Age: 21
One of the standout stars of the U20 WC, under the tutelage of Conte, and competing with Lukaku, Lautaro, and Sanchez, Andrea struggles to break into the side. But his movement and hold up play make him a desirable player
Name: Andrea Pinamonti
Age: 21
One of the standout stars of the U20 WC, under the tutelage of Conte, and competing with Lukaku, Lautaro, and Sanchez, Andrea struggles to break into the side. But his movement and hold up play make him a desirable player
14.
Name: Nicolo Zaniolo
Age: 21
Roma’s creative talent, who has been out for a considerable amount of time due to injury, is a versatile midfielder capable of playing on the right. His ability on the ball is unquestionable as he can carry the ball as well as play the final ball.
Name: Nicolo Zaniolo
Age: 21
Roma’s creative talent, who has been out for a considerable amount of time due to injury, is a versatile midfielder capable of playing on the right. His ability on the ball is unquestionable as he can carry the ball as well as play the final ball.
15.
Name: Weston McKennie
Age: 22
McKennie starts ahead of Juventus seniors in midfield as he’s proved to be a valuable asset. A technical midfielder whose influence is seen on both ends of the pitch, Weston also has shown his ability to turn up with goals in the big games.
Name: Weston McKennie
Age: 22
McKennie starts ahead of Juventus seniors in midfield as he’s proved to be a valuable asset. A technical midfielder whose influence is seen on both ends of the pitch, Weston also has shown his ability to turn up with goals in the big games.
16.
Name: Luiz Felipe
Age: 23
Felipe’s performances have left a lot to be desired this season, and much of that can be attributed to the injury problems he’s had. Felipe is a secure defender both in and and out of possession and can fulfill the requirements of a modern CB
Name: Luiz Felipe
Age: 23
Felipe’s performances have left a lot to be desired this season, and much of that can be attributed to the injury problems he’s had. Felipe is a secure defender both in and and out of possession and can fulfill the requirements of a modern CB
17.
Name: Mikkel Damsgaard
Age: 20
The Norwegian’s shown glimpses of his talent this season, namely against Inter with his superb assist. Although Damsgaard’s overall game is in need of improvement, the youngster has attributes he excels in and can lean on in times of trouble.
Name: Mikkel Damsgaard
Age: 20
The Norwegian’s shown glimpses of his talent this season, namely against Inter with his superb assist. Although Damsgaard’s overall game is in need of improvement, the youngster has attributes he excels in and can lean on in times of trouble.
18.
Name: Dusan Vlahovic
Age: 20
Vlahovic proved in lower divisions that he has an eye for a goal, but has struggled to hit the net consistently this season (4 goals, 1 npG). Although his recent goalscoring form could provide a much needed confidence boost
Name: Dusan Vlahovic
Age: 20
Vlahovic proved in lower divisions that he has an eye for a goal, but has struggled to hit the net consistently this season (4 goals, 1 npG). Although his recent goalscoring form could provide a much needed confidence boost
19.
Name: Tommaso Pobega
Age: 21
Tommaso’s a well rounded, balanced midfielder. After inspiring a comeback off the bench for a miserable Spezia, Pobega looked like the real deal. One can only hope he secures a move in the coming days
Name: Tommaso Pobega
Age: 21
Tommaso’s a well rounded, balanced midfielder. After inspiring a comeback off the bench for a miserable Spezia, Pobega looked like the real deal. One can only hope he secures a move in the coming days
20.
Name: Gonzalo Villar
Age: 22
Villar links the play between the defence and the attack and facilitates the entry into the final third. He loves to roam the centre of the pitch and exploit the halfspaces with his immense ball retention abilities.
Name: Gonzalo Villar
Age: 22
Villar links the play between the defence and the attack and facilitates the entry into the final third. He loves to roam the centre of the pitch and exploit the halfspaces with his immense ball retention abilities.
21.
Name: Dani Olmo
Age: 22
The Spaniard has already earned his first cap with the national team. Smart pressing combined with penetrative passes and the occasional shot on goal make Olmo very dangerous for Leipzig in the final third.
Name: Dani Olmo
Age: 22
The Spaniard has already earned his first cap with the national team. Smart pressing combined with penetrative passes and the occasional shot on goal make Olmo very dangerous for Leipzig in the final third.
22.
Name: Florian Wirtz
Age: 17
Wirtz is making it hard for Leverkusen fans to miss Havertz, as in 14 starts he’s registered 3 goals and 4 assists. The youngster’s creative numbers are mouthwatering to say the least and it's looking promising for him under Peter Bosz
Name: Florian Wirtz
Age: 17
Wirtz is making it hard for Leverkusen fans to miss Havertz, as in 14 starts he’s registered 3 goals and 4 assists. The youngster’s creative numbers are mouthwatering to say the least and it's looking promising for him under Peter Bosz
23.
Name: Edmond Tapsoba
Age: 21
Tapsoba has settled in perfectly at Leverkusen, as the CB asserted his comfort on the ball, averaging over 100 touches per game. The defensive side of his game is solid as well, in a few years Tapsoba will develop into the archetypical modern CB.
Name: Edmond Tapsoba
Age: 21
Tapsoba has settled in perfectly at Leverkusen, as the CB asserted his comfort on the ball, averaging over 100 touches per game. The defensive side of his game is solid as well, in a few years Tapsoba will develop into the archetypical modern CB.
24.
Name: Marcus Thuram
Age: 23
A stand out character in one of Europe’s most intriguing teams this season, the winger has impressed mostly in the CL, where his direct style of play is most desired. Hitting the net twice, coupled with two assists in just 6 CL games.
Name: Marcus Thuram
Age: 23
A stand out character in one of Europe’s most intriguing teams this season, the winger has impressed mostly in the CL, where his direct style of play is most desired. Hitting the net twice, coupled with two assists in just 6 CL games.
25.
Name: Aymen Barkok
Age: 22
After struggling to make an impact in the Bundesliga, Barkok looks to have found his form, contributing to 5 goals in 6 starts. Although he has got a long way to go before he becomes a complete forward, this is a step in the right direction.
Name: Aymen Barkok
Age: 22
After struggling to make an impact in the Bundesliga, Barkok looks to have found his form, contributing to 5 goals in 6 starts. Although he has got a long way to go before he becomes a complete forward, this is a step in the right direction.
26.
Name: Silas Wamangituka
Age: 21
He seems like the child of a traditional and modern winger. A right footer who plays on the right, but also gets a considerable amount of goal contributions (13 in 16). As well as admirable defensive contribution and sufficient dribbling.
Name: Silas Wamangituka
Age: 21
He seems like the child of a traditional and modern winger. A right footer who plays on the right, but also gets a considerable amount of goal contributions (13 in 16). As well as admirable defensive contribution and sufficient dribbling.
27.
Name: Tanguy Coulibaly
Age: 19
A threat from out wide and on both flanks, Coulibaly is yet to find his comfort zone. He’s a decent creator and a good dribbler. Stuttgart’s number 7 lacks contribution in buildup but at just 19 he has many years ahead of him to tinker his game
Name: Tanguy Coulibaly
Age: 19
A threat from out wide and on both flanks, Coulibaly is yet to find his comfort zone. He’s a decent creator and a good dribbler. Stuttgart’s number 7 lacks contribution in buildup but at just 19 he has many years ahead of him to tinker his game
28.
Name: Matheus Cunha
Age: 21
He’s the perfect blend of Brazilian flair without losing output (8 G+A in 15 starts). Averaging 3 dribbles and two key passes per game, Cunha looks to have developed into a complete forward.
Name: Matheus Cunha
Age: 21
He’s the perfect blend of Brazilian flair without losing output (8 G+A in 15 starts). Averaging 3 dribbles and two key passes per game, Cunha looks to have developed into a complete forward.
29.
Name: Josh Sargent
Age: 20
U20 WC silver boot, youngest U20 WC scorer with 30 goals for the NT at the age of 17, it would be criminal to give up on Josh just yet. Although his overall game seems to have developed, Sargent hasn’t replicated his USMNT form in his senior career.
Name: Josh Sargent
Age: 20
U20 WC silver boot, youngest U20 WC scorer with 30 goals for the NT at the age of 17, it would be criminal to give up on Josh just yet. Although his overall game seems to have developed, Sargent hasn’t replicated his USMNT form in his senior career.
30.
Name: Maxence Lacroix
Age: 20
Yet another French CB who is both solid defensively and comfortable on the ball. Young Maxence elevates Wolfburg’s defence to new heights, putting in respectable performances against Germany’s top sides.
Name: Maxence Lacroix
Age: 20
Yet another French CB who is both solid defensively and comfortable on the ball. Young Maxence elevates Wolfburg’s defence to new heights, putting in respectable performances against Germany’s top sides.
31.
Name: Takefusa Kubo
Age: 19
Real Madrid’s starlet developing on loan at Getafe, Kubo is a wizard on the ball but the youngster has so much to learn and improve, including his passing, efficiency, and shooting.
Name: Takefusa Kubo
Age: 19
Real Madrid’s starlet developing on loan at Getafe, Kubo is a wizard on the ball but the youngster has so much to learn and improve, including his passing, efficiency, and shooting.
32.
Name: Pedri
Age: 18
Last season, Pedri was a regular starter for Las Palmas, with 10 goal contributions in 36 games. He’s on course to beat his GC tally from last season while playing in a tougher league. His close control and passing are among his best traits.
Name: Pedri
Age: 18
Last season, Pedri was a regular starter for Las Palmas, with 10 goal contributions in 36 games. He’s on course to beat his GC tally from last season while playing in a tougher league. His close control and passing are among his best traits.
33.
Name: Martin Zubimendi
Age: 21
Adept at recycling possession, Zubimendi is great at deciphering tempo and knowing when to circulate the ball and when to be progressive. He’s vital to Soceidad’s buildup and moving the ball into the middle third.
Name: Martin Zubimendi
Age: 21
Adept at recycling possession, Zubimendi is great at deciphering tempo and knowing when to circulate the ball and when to be progressive. He’s vital to Soceidad’s buildup and moving the ball into the middle third.
34.
Name: Samuel Chukwueze
Age: 21
A left footed right winger, Samuel is dangerous at attacking the spaces, stretching the pitch and taking on his man. Although he does need to work on his output as he’s been fairly disappointing recently in that regard.
Name: Samuel Chukwueze
Age: 21
A left footed right winger, Samuel is dangerous at attacking the spaces, stretching the pitch and taking on his man. Although he does need to work on his output as he’s been fairly disappointing recently in that regard.
35.
Name: Pau Torres
Age: 23
Left footed CB, a rare and valuable commodity in today’s game, Pau Torres is one of Europe’s most exciting defenders. He’s extremely progressive with his passing and loves to be on the ball, he’s also great aerially
Name: Pau Torres
Age: 23
Left footed CB, a rare and valuable commodity in today’s game, Pau Torres is one of Europe’s most exciting defenders. He’s extremely progressive with his passing and loves to be on the ball, he’s also great aerially
36.
Name: Emerson
Age: 21
One of Spain’s most energetic players, Emerson has started most Betis games this season, marauding up and down the pitch. He’s superb defensively while also being able to create chances with either his ability on the ball or runs off it.
Name: Emerson
Age: 21
One of Spain’s most energetic players, Emerson has started most Betis games this season, marauding up and down the pitch. He’s superb defensively while also being able to create chances with either his ability on the ball or runs off it.
37.
Name: Bryan Gil
Age: 19
Gil, who netted his first two goals in the league not too long ago, has been an impressive asset in a rather disappointing Eibar. The LW is a magnificent creative outlet, combining his mesmerising dribbling with his passing ability.
Name: Bryan Gil
Age: 19
Gil, who netted his first two goals in the league not too long ago, has been an impressive asset in a rather disappointing Eibar. The LW is a magnificent creative outlet, combining his mesmerising dribbling with his passing ability.
38.
Name: Marc Cucurella
Age: 22
La Masia graduate “Cucu” has seen a steady improvement in his overall game as of late. Functioning mainly as an attacking outlet this season, he has started every one of Getafe’s games this season and been vital to their attack
Name: Marc Cucurella
Age: 22
La Masia graduate “Cucu” has seen a steady improvement in his overall game as of late. Functioning mainly as an attacking outlet this season, he has started every one of Getafe’s games this season and been vital to their attack
39.
Name: Kang-in Lee
Age: 19
Lee has struggled to get consistent game time this season under Valencia, despite being one of Valencia’s most exciting prospects. Lee is excellent on the ball and has been the only sign of hope for Valencia fans, alongside Carlos Soler.
Name: Kang-in Lee
Age: 19
Lee has struggled to get consistent game time this season under Valencia, despite being one of Valencia’s most exciting prospects. Lee is excellent on the ball and has been the only sign of hope for Valencia fans, alongside Carlos Soler.
40. Name: Diego Lainez
Age: 20
After showing real signs of promise, it’s also evident Lainez has a way to go before reaching the top level. Aside from being a good dribbler, Lainez needs to improve other facets of his game which are not up to the standard they should be.
Age: 20
After showing real signs of promise, it’s also evident Lainez has a way to go before reaching the top level. Aside from being a good dribbler, Lainez needs to improve other facets of his game which are not up to the standard they should be.
41.
Name: Nikolaj Möller
Age: 18
A 6'3 CF, he was a deadline day arrival at Arsenal's U19. Tall, yet mobile and quick, the Swede has impressed with his ability to link up play like a traditional target man, as well as his knack for a final ball and well-slotted finish.
Name: Nikolaj Möller
Age: 18
A 6'3 CF, he was a deadline day arrival at Arsenal's U19. Tall, yet mobile and quick, the Swede has impressed with his ability to link up play like a traditional target man, as well as his knack for a final ball and well-slotted finish.
42.
Name: Tariq Lamptey
Age: 20
A 5'6 RWB, Tariq has been Brighton's bright spot this season. One of the fastest players in the PL, can beat anyone 1v1, while possessing a quality delivery into the box. His height is the only question-mark over his potential as a RB in a back 4.
Name: Tariq Lamptey
Age: 20
A 5'6 RWB, Tariq has been Brighton's bright spot this season. One of the fastest players in the PL, can beat anyone 1v1, while possessing a quality delivery into the box. His height is the only question-mark over his potential as a RB in a back 4.
43.
Name: Wesley Fofana
Age: 20
Saliba’s former partner, Fofana is another ASSE CB who moved to the PL. Except he got a chance to prove himself and is now regarded as one of the best signings of the season. Although, he can at times be too reliant on his speed.
Name: Wesley Fofana
Age: 20
Saliba’s former partner, Fofana is another ASSE CB who moved to the PL. Except he got a chance to prove himself and is now regarded as one of the best signings of the season. Although, he can at times be too reliant on his speed.
44.
Name: Mohammed Salisu
Age: 21
Although he is not as confident on the ball as the modern game demands, Salisu is an outstanding defender who excels at tackling his man. Yet to start a game for the saints, Salisu can turn into an exceptional defender under Hassenhuttl.
Name: Mohammed Salisu
Age: 21
Although he is not as confident on the ball as the modern game demands, Salisu is an outstanding defender who excels at tackling his man. Yet to start a game for the saints, Salisu can turn into an exceptional defender under Hassenhuttl.
45.
Name: Moussa Djenepo
Age: 22
The energetic wide-midfielder is great at winning the ball back and driving forwards with it, often times beating his man and progressing possession upfield. These qualities stand out even more in Hassenhuttl’s gegenpressing system.
Name: Moussa Djenepo
Age: 22
The energetic wide-midfielder is great at winning the ball back and driving forwards with it, often times beating his man and progressing possession upfield. These qualities stand out even more in Hassenhuttl’s gegenpressing system.
46.
Name: Matty Cash
Age: 23
While he might struggle to become a regular for the NT due to England’s RB options, Matty Cash possesses great athleticism and stamina to bombard up and down the pitch. His defending is also commendable as he puts up remarkable defensive numbers.
Name: Matty Cash
Age: 23
While he might struggle to become a regular for the NT due to England’s RB options, Matty Cash possesses great athleticism and stamina to bombard up and down the pitch. His defending is also commendable as he puts up remarkable defensive numbers.
47.
Name: Illan Meslier
Age: 20
Meslier has been key for Leeds at such a young age, despite conceding often (which some might say is down to Leeds’ playstyle) he maintains a superb average of 4 saves per game. Commanding and confident at the age of 20.
Name: Illan Meslier
Age: 20
Meslier has been key for Leeds at such a young age, despite conceding often (which some might say is down to Leeds’ playstyle) he maintains a superb average of 4 saves per game. Commanding and confident at the age of 20.
48.
Name: Aït Nouri
Age: 19
Rayan is a left-back who loves to contribute to his team’s benefit on both sides of the pitch. He’s imaginative in the attack and capable of beating his man, while also offering solidity defensively in Nuno’s back 5 system.
Name: Aït Nouri
Age: 19
Rayan is a left-back who loves to contribute to his team’s benefit on both sides of the pitch. He’s imaginative in the attack and capable of beating his man, while also offering solidity defensively in Nuno’s back 5 system.
49.
Owen Otasowie
Age: 20
Playing his first top flight match against Chelsea, the midfielder made sure not to disappoint. Outshining Kante with his ability to win the ball back and destroy opposition attacks, as well as winning most of his duels and asserting his dominance.
Owen Otasowie
Age: 20
Playing his first top flight match against Chelsea, the midfielder made sure not to disappoint. Outshining Kante with his ability to win the ball back and destroy opposition attacks, as well as winning most of his duels and asserting his dominance.
50.
Eberechi Eze
Age: 22
One of England’s most exciting players, Eze is a phenomenal dribbler who possesses immense gravity. Preferring to situate himself on the left side of pitch, Eze is only second to Zaha in terms of final third influence at Palace.
Eberechi Eze
Age: 22
One of England’s most exciting players, Eze is a phenomenal dribbler who possesses immense gravity. Preferring to situate himself on the left side of pitch, Eze is only second to Zaha in terms of final third influence at Palace.
