The world’s finest male gamers are getting youthful, however is it lastly time to crown successors to the legendary Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo?
For the fifth straight yr (learn 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 right here), ESPN brings you our record of the sport’s subsequent high younger stars aged 21 or beneath. Now 22, final yr’s No. 1 Erling Haaland is just too previous to be included, whereas some others from 2022’s high 10 — Phil Foden, Vinicius Junior and Alphonso Davies — are additionally over the age requirement, too.
Lots of this yr’s crop have made their mark on the large stage already, however who has achieved sufficient to land a spot on ESPN’s record, what are their specific qualities and the way can they get even higher? Collating the record for the fourth yr working is Tor-Kristian Karlsen, who has labored as a scout and government for golf equipment throughout Europe, together with Monaco, Zenit and Watford. He explains his methodology earlier than revealing his picks.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
Why 39?
For the previous two years, 39 has labored effectively, and from an preliminary lengthy record of 100 gamers, these remaining are those who finest happy my primary standards: appearances on the highest degree, constant efficiency over a sustained interval and the potential to develop right into a future top-level footballer.
What forms of analysis have been undertaken?
I used a sounding board consisting {of professional} scouts and sporting administrators from a number of high European golf equipment earlier than deciding on the ultimate rating, in addition to some on-line scouting platforms. Private choice additionally performed a task.
Is there a motive that attacking gamers dominate the record?
On the whole, forwards get extra enjoying time at a youthful age than, say, central defenders, who tend to need more time to develop tactical consciousness, positioning and understanding of the sport. Past those that did make it, different defenders thought-about included Benfica‘s Antonio Silva, Atalanta‘s Giorgio Scalvini and soon-to-be Tottenham full-back Destiny Udogie.
It speaks volumes concerning the array of attacking expertise that gamers corresponding to RB Leipzig‘s Benjamin Sesko, Arsenal‘s Folarin Balogun, Leeds United‘s Wilfried Gnonto, Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, and 16-year-old Palmeiras prodigy Endrick (who’s to affix Actual Madrid in 2024 for €72 million) did not make the ultimate reduce.
Notes:
– Gamers included have to be age 21 or beneath on April 1.
– Switch values are taken from Transfermarkt.
– Positions are: GK (goalkeeper), LB (left-back), RB (right-back), CB (centre-back), DM (defensive midfield), CM (central midfield), AM (attacking midfield), FW (ahead), ST (striker.)
The Record
Membership/nation: Sporting CP/Uruguay
Age: 21
Estimated switch worth: €25m
One of the crucial quickly bettering midfielders in Portugal, Ugarte has seen his inventory rise over latest months and was a part of Uruguay’s squad for the 2022 World Cup. Whereas nearly all of up-and-coming South American expertise habitually originate from prestigious academies, the 21-year-old has made it the arduous manner via smaller golf equipment (Uruguayan facet Fenix and Famalicao in Portugal) earlier than becoming a member of Sporting CP in August 2021.
Strengths: His profession presents some clues about Ugarte’s mentality: he is decided, hard-working and targeted on bettering the weaker points of his recreation. An irrepressible ball winner, he makes an attempt a shocking seven tackles per 90 minutes (at a hit fee of 55%) and swiftly appears to press opponents and shut gaps. Technically he is a grasp of the fundamentals with tidy management, a strong short-to-long passing vary and an absence of something flashy. He’s clever, usually discovering the proper possibility after regaining possession, and performs to his strengths.
How he can enhance: Regardless of not being a pure playmaker, his passing within the face of a low block from the opposition will be on the predictable facet. As a by-product of his tenacity, his frequent fouling (2.2 fouls per 90 minutes) results in quite a few bookings and he might want to curb that to keep away from suspension.
Membership/nation: Borussia Dortmund/United States
Age: 20
Estimated switch worth: €35m
Three years on from making his Bundesliga debut on the age of 17, many would have anticipated the American to be additional down the road when it comes to growth. Whereas accidents have performed their half, insecurity and controversies over his standing for the USMNT may additionally clarify Reyna’s start-stop profession trajectory.
Strengths: Earlier than a drop in enjoying time in the course of February, Reyna loved an impactful spell wherein his creativity in entrance of the opposing line of defense was in proof. Alongside together with his opportunism within the field and glorious right-footed shot when reducing in from the left, he is ready to unlock defences and create possibilities for his teammates.
How he can enhance: Whereas Reyna’s talent set hasn’t evaporated, what was beforehand demonstrated on a weekly foundation now tends solely are available in moments. The daring dribbles within the remaining third and sharp mixture play that set him aside early in his profession are but to completely return. Whether or not it requires a elevate in power, angle or self-belief, Reyna should regain the belief of his membership head coach, Edin Terzic.
Membership/nation: Borussia Monchengladbach/France
Age: 21
Estimated switch worth: €25m
Having signed from then-Ligue 2 facet Toulouse for €9m in 2021, “Manu” instantly settled into the highest tier of German soccer, changing into an immediate common at Gladbach. The France U21 midfielder completed his debut season as one of many membership’s high performers and has since constructed on his optimistic first marketing campaign to search out himself within the gossip columns being linked with a transfer to Liverpool and Chelsea.
Strengths: Often fielded because the extra defensive-minded midfielder in a double pivot, Kone offers stability within the centre of the pitch. Along with his athleticism, work fee and self-discipline, he covers giant areas, presses and protects his centre-backs. In possession, he’s adept at advancing with the ball with each velocity and dexterity. Laborious to dispossess, he’s additionally nimble and in a position to efficiently negotiate his manner out of congested areas.
How he can enhance: Kone just isn’t a playmaker, however his passing can seem overly cautious. His aggressive model and full-bodied dedication additionally results in pointless frequent bookings.
Membership/nation: Liverpool/England
Age: 19
Estimated switch worth: €35m
It has taken Elliott — one of many gamers most constantly featured by supervisor Jurgen Klopp this season — a while to correctly get moving into a struggling Liverpool midfield. Nonetheless, the indicators are optimistic that the 19-year-old, who started his profession as a winger, is adapting to his position as an attacking No. 8.
Strengths: Energetic, full of life and light-footed, the England U21 worldwide presses with intent and opens up area together with his motion. On the ball he provides to the fluidity of the sport by the use of instinctive touches, directness in his passing and glorious dribbling talents. His left foot — although underused from set-pieces and long-distance capturing — is of a excessive customary, too.
How he can enhance: Along with his inconsistent defensive contribution and his bodily shortcomings when it comes to energy and top, Elliott needs to be making an attempt to beat opponents in central areas to a better diploma — particularly since he is so good at it. Given his creativity and intelligence, one expects a better enter than his 5 objectives and two assists from 40 video games this season.
Membership/nation: Valencia/United States
Age: 20
Estimated switch worth: €25m
A key participant for the USMNT on the 2022 World Cup, Musah has lacked consistency in a struggling Valencia facet in LaLiga. On the entire, although, he is making progress: his enjoying time has been growing and he lately put in certainly one of his finest performances of the season in a 1-0 dwelling win towards Osasuna.
Strengths: Typically a sufferer of his personal versatility, Musah has been assigned a extra appropriate No. 8 position within the centre of midfield for Valencia. By no means in need of utility, his elevated effectivity has been predominantly seen on the defensive facet of his recreation (3-plus recoveries per 90 minutes.) His velocity of dribbling with the ball and eagerness to press opponents are different attributes that hold Premier League golf equipment alert to his availability.
How he can enhance: Being such an influential, progressive and lively midfielder — particularly from his central place — upping his attacking recreation would add one other dimension, as he has but to attain in LaLiga this season.
Membership/nation: Lyon/France
Age: 20
Estimated switch worth: €18m
The prodigal expertise is experiencing his finest run of type after breaking into the Lyon first workforce two years in the past. Now, beneath Laurent Blanc’s stewardship, Cherki tends to remain on the pitch at some point of matches and has added maturity and consistency to his recreation.
Strengths: Technically excellent with an array of footwork trickery, fast turns and physique feints, Cherki has usually been thought-about a participant who can solely categorical his abilities within the remaining third. However this season there’s much more finish product to his recreation: he releases the ball to teammates faster, his passing recreation has grow to be extra progressive and, with some further muscle, seems more durable to knock of the ball. Equally expert with both foot, the playmaker (who manages 1.7 key passes per 90 minutes) can create issues in any position behind the centre-forward.
How he can enhance: Having made important strides in his attacking output, the Frenchman will look to raised his defensive contribution, too. Regardless of an elevated dedication to regain possession excessive up the pitch, he nonetheless has fewer ball recoveries than his teammate and striker Alexandre Lacazette.
Membership/nation: Nottingham Forest/Wales
Age: 21
Estimated switch worth: €30m
Regardless of a gradual begin to his Premier League profession, the Wales worldwide is beginning to reply his critics who doubted whether or not he’d be capable of reduce it on the highest degree. Whereas he initially struggled to familiarize yourself with larger tactical calls for and higher defenders within the high flight, his upturn in performances for Forest has been spectacular.
Strengths: With an excellent potential to run with the ball at excessive velocity, Johnson thrives in transition or when the sport opens up. No matter his place broad proper or as a central attacker, he prefers to float and exploit the area between opposing centre-back and full-back. Although he’s naturally right-footed, he is ready to tackle opponents with each toes and end with energy.
How he can enhance: Johnson can go for a person transfer as an alternative of taking an additional second to search for a better-placed teammate. In his enthusiasm to get issues achieved shortly, the precision in his brief passing and lay-offs additionally suffers.
Membership/nation: Borussia Dortmund/Germany
Age: 21
Estimated switch worth: €35m
It took the Germany worldwide a while to settle into the Bundesliga following his €35m transfer from FC Salzburg in the summertime, however he has proven his potential. After scoring in 4 consecutive matches for the title chasers, he picked up a muscle damage in mid-February which is more likely to rule him out till early April.
Strengths: His objective towards Chelsea within the Champions League showcased his sturdy factors: Tempo, dribbling and talent in one-vs.-one conditions. Breaking from a defensive nook, Adeyemi set off on a run from the sting of his personal field, picked up the ball with 65 meters left to cowl earlier than bursting previous Enzo Fernandez with a fast change of tempo and enjoying the ball calmly behind an outmanoeuvred Kepa within the Chelsea objective. Along with the acceleration, easy working model and advantageous technical potential, Adeyemi can be an instinctive finisher — particularly together with his left foot — with a penchant for improvisation (as confirmed a few days later together with his backheeled opener towards Hertha Berlin.)
How he can enhance: At instances his large tempo can come on the expense of ball management. His insistence on taking up opponents, even when the scenario requires a supportive cross, can pressure him into blind alleys and he can lose possession.
Membership/nation: Villarreal/Spain
Age: 20
Estimated switch worth: €38m
Final season, Yeremy supplied memorable moments aplenty and was rewarded together with his first senior Spain cap. This marketing campaign has been a slower begin and whereas he would possibly battle to match final time period’s six-goal haul (he has three on the time of writing), he is proven himself to be a big-game participant by getting on the scoresheet within the wins towards Real Madrid and Atletico.
Strengths: Alternating between beginning positions on both wing, the short and nimble ahead is able to offering width in assault or setting off on fast diagonal runs in the direction of central areas. Along with possessing advantageous attributes for a winger — glorious dribbling abilities, acceleration from a standing place, innate interchanges and sensible runs — Yeremy additionally has the imaginative and prescient to place in penetrative passes via the center. He does not fall asleep when out of possession both; he’s dedicated to his urgent and, regardless of his 5-foot-8 body, is surprisingly sturdy in aerial duels.
How he can enhance: In brief, he wants to attain extra objectives. Contemplating his mobility and intelligence, he might sharpen his attacking involvement, as he will be liable to drift out and in of video games.
2:11
Counting down the most effective U21 gamers on this planet
ESPN FC analysts give their tackle the highest 10 finest gamers beneath 21 in world soccer.
Membership/nation: Manchester City/England
Age: 18
Estimated switch worth: €10m
To the shock of many, the England U19 worldwide has seen loads of enjoying time this season after making his Premier League debut in August. Whereas Lewis just isn’t an undisputed common for Manchester Metropolis, the truth that supervisor Pep Guardiola let a world-class full-back in Joao Cancelo be part of Bayern Munich on mortgage in January presents a clue as to how extremely {the teenager} is rated at his membership.
Strengths: A refined, well-schooled academy product, Lewis is neat on the ball, dribbles effectively and has the composure and intelligence to reply to Guardiola’s tactical calls for. His agility on the ball additionally means he can shift inside to function in midfield, participate in swift one-touch combos and discover area in areas apart from down the touchline.
How he can enhance: Whereas his tempo usually involves his rescue, Lewis’ decision-making and incisiveness in defensive one-on-ones are areas to work on. Including extra aggression to his recreation would even be a good suggestion.
Membership/nation: Borussia Dortmund/Germany
Age: 18
Estimated switch worth: €30m
Moukoko’s early profession has not taken off in the best way that was predicted following his unimaginable objective tally at youth degree and his record-breaking entry to the Borussia Dortmund first workforce on the age of 16. Nonetheless, the Germany worldwide has seen elevated enjoying time this marketing campaign (initially due to Sebastien Haller‘s sickness) with six objectives in 18 Bundesliga video games thus far.
Strengths: Predominantly recognised for his spectacular left-footed shot (his first goal against Bochum was a goal of the season candidate) which made him so prolific at youth degree, Moukoko is a quick, penetrative ahead with sharp off-the-ball motion. He involves life when turning his marker and coming into the ultimate third, the place he can bear down on objective and take a look at the goalkeeper.
How he can enhance: His ball management will be barely untidy, which can lead to pointless touches or dropping possession utterly. His hold-up play stays in growth, and he may very well be extra imaginative and optimistic in his selection of passes.
Membership/nation: AC Milan/Germany
Age: 21
Estimated switch worth: €6m
A €7m summer season signing from Schalke, the German’s introduction to the AC Milan facet — and their reshaped again three — has coincided with an upturn in outcomes for the reigning Serie A champions. Although he has began round a dozen video games for Stefano Pioli’s underperforming facet, Thiaw has regarded unfazed by being fast-tracked right into a high-pressure atmosphere.
Strengths: Regardless of standing at 6-foot-4, Thiaw is elegant, strikes with ease and exudes a relaxed authority unusual for a younger centre-back. Together with good timing and interception abilities, he’s significantly dominant within the air (having received practically 80% of his challenges for the reason that flip of the yr) and stays alert for clearances and essential tackles. When enjoying out from the again, he avoids dangers and his lengthy passes are of top of the range.
How he can enhance: Unsurprisingly for a 21-year-old defender, there have been lapses of focus in each the passing and man-marking departments, as illustrated within the latest away defeats at Fiorentina and Udinese.
Membership/nation: Aston Villa/England
Age: 21
Estimated switch worth: €32m
The Villa academy graduate — now enjoying beneath his third head coach — has established himself as an integral a part of the primary XI. His upward trajectory implies that a senior England call-up needs to be a viable short-term objective for the U21 worldwide.
Strengths: Adapting to a extra attacking position (additional broad, however with the licence to chop inside) beneath supervisor Unai Emery, Ramsey has been given the liberty to make use of his unimaginable spatial consciousness in attacking areas. Filled with power and enthusiasm, the dynamic midfielder is among the many finest dribblers within the Premier League. He instances his runs into the field effectively, is a advantageous finisher and does not shirk his defensive duties to assist regain possession.
How he can enhance: Ramsey must learn to dial again the tempo somewhat so as to add extra endurance, creativeness and precision to his passing recreation.
Membership/nation: PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands
Age: 19
Estimated switch worth: €30m
In his first season as an everyday, the Barcelona academy graduate has handled the PSV followers to some shows of particular person high quality. Having left PSG in the summertime — ostensibly due to restricted recreation time — the French giants might remorse not hanging on to the midfielder, who performs with childlike pleasure when he’s on the pitch.
Strengths: Due to his roaming nature, Simons operates with ease in any attacking formation. He has the nous to search out area between the strains, a low centre of gravity and elegant ball management that makes him arduous to dispossess. In a Martin Odegaard-esque method, he picks out teammates with completely weighted passes (1.26 possibilities created per 90 minutes), even in crowded areas. To not point out there’s finish product too; his 13 objectives — various from flamboyant chips and well-timed runs off the shoulders of defenders to curled efforts from the sting of the field — have positioned him at joint high of the Eredivisie goal-scoring charts.
How he can enhance: His playfulness can result in him dropping the ball an excessive amount of, whereas he might make much more use of his left foot.
Membership/nation: Everton/Belgium
Age: 21
Estimated switch worth: €42m
Struggling Everton might have confronted criticism over their latest switch spending, however the €35m summer season signing from Lille is a uncommon success story. Underneath former supervisor Frank Lampard (who was sacked in January), Onana carried out effectively even in that dysfunctional workforce and has been one of many primary protagonists of the membership’s latest mini-revival.
Strengths: Courtesy of his glorious work fee, the 6-3 Onana offers a persistent, dependable imposing presence in midfield. His dimension does not limit his mobility as he enters duels (a median of 9 attacking challenges per 90 minutes) and presses with excessive depth. Simply as his frequent ball recoveries, aerial dominance and tackling alleviate the stress on Everton’s defence, Onana can be arduous to dispossess — particularly when he units off on a ahead burst with the ball.
How he can enhance: At first a defensive-minded midfielder who is principally tasked with ball-winning and retention, Onana can enhance his first contact and be much less predictable when he has time and area.
Membership/nation: Celta Vigo/Spain
Age: 20
Estimated switch worth: €40m
Veiga is the breakout story in LaLiga this season, serving to Celta Vigo climb up the desk. The midfielder’s fast rise — he had solely began one league match previous to this season — has sparked curiosity from a number of high Premier League sides and likewise Actual Madrid and Barcelona.
Strengths: Predominantly a roaming No. 8, Veiga has all of the qualities to grow to be a high performer within the position. Not solely is he exceptionally good at discovering the proper attacking areas, however he additionally displays the arrogance, precision and approach to hit the goal from the sting of the field, which has seen him rating 9 LaLiga objectives this season.
His forceful drives ahead are a vital side for a participant in his position, whereas he breaks via the opposing strains together with his passes and offers passing choices for his personal teammates. Veiga’s willingness to work arduous defensively and sensible off-the-ball positioning to regain possession add one other dimension to his recreation.
How he can enhance: With much more sharpness and accuracy from his passing within the remaining third, Veiga might grow to be a frequent help supplier.
Membership/nation: Manchester United/Argentina
Age: 18
Estimated switch worth: €25m
Garnacho has been one of many beneficiaries of latest Man United supervisor Erik ten Hag’s youth-focused management and, though he tends for use as an impression substitute, there’s little doubt that the Argentina worldwide is held in excessive esteem by his head coach. In addition to scoring two Premier League objectives, he has additionally made an impression within the Europa League and home cup competitions.
Strengths: Often deployed as a left winger, Garnacho can flip the dynamics of a recreation via mesmerising, intuitive dribbles. His excellent stability, coordination, burst of acceleration and skill to tackle defenders on both facet make him arduous to learn. He attracts defenders to him, serving to create area for his teammates, whereas his confidence within the first-team atmosphere has grown.
How he can enhance: Typically too egocentric in possession, his decision-making wants work. His off-the-ball motion is changing into much less predictable, however some added upper-body energy would make him much more efficient.
Membership/nation: Bayern Munich/Netherlands
Age: 20
Estimated switch worth: €30m
As soon as thought-about among the finest younger skills in European soccer, the midfielder has had a irritating time since shifting to Bayern Munich from Ajax for €18m final summer season. Taking part in time has been scarce — he has solely began one Bundesliga match — and when approaching from the bench, he has typically been unable to make the specified impression. Gravenberch hasn’t hidden his discontent, which in flip has triggered hypothesis about his long-term future on the membership.
Strengths: At his finest, the Netherlands worldwide — who was lately demoted to the U21 facet — is a technically excellent, agile and clever central midfielder. Equally in a position to play as a holding midfielder or as a No. 8, Gravenberch can dictate the circulation of the sport by dropping deep to select up the ball and distribute it with well-angled passes. At 6-foot-2, he pairs glorious coordination with the power to seamlessly glide previous opponents with out dropping the ball. Although extra prevalent from his Ajax days, Gravenberch’s capturing abilities are additionally of a excessive customary.
How he can enhance: The important thing for Gravenberch to reverse his fortunes at Bayern is more likely to come right down to his psychological toughness and skill to beat adversity. Within the brief time period, it is a matter of asserting himself when given the possibility or, if that fails, kick-start his profession beneath the steerage of a training workforce ready to make him an integral a part of their midfield.
Membership/nation: Southampton/Belgium
Age: 19
Estimated switch worth: €25m
With none prior first-team expertise, Lavia was handed instant Premier League publicity following his transfer to Southampton from the Manchester Metropolis academy final summer season. It took the Belgian midfielder no time to search out his toes on the highest degree and, regardless of lacking a dozen video games via damage, he has proven sufficient to draw reported curiosity from Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, whereas Metropolis are contemplating utilizing a reported £40m clause in his contract to re-sign him.
Strengths: Usually lined up as certainly one of two deep midfielders, Lavia is charged with the much less glamorous duties of the position. Highly effective, cellular and disciplined, he closes down area, regains possession, presents receiving choices, covers sizable areas and hassles opponents. Furthermore, {the teenager} conducts himself with an aura of authority that belies his age. Geared up with a advantageous shut management and stability to defend the ball, Lavia not often provides away possession.
How he can enhance: The previous Anderlecht prospect might add one other dimension to his recreation by taking extra dangers in his passing — although simpler mentioned than achieved in a struggling facet.
Membership/nation: Chelsea/Brazil
Age: 18
Estimated switch worth: €12m
Santos was signed by Chelsea from Brazilian second-tier facet Vasco da Gama for round €12m in January. Nonetheless, any doubts about his high quality have been shortly worn out because the midfielder captained Brazil to a different South American Underneath-20 Championship, ending as joint-top scorer with six objectives. Santos would have figured for Chelsea this season however, due to work allow restrictions, needed to return to his former membership on mortgage earlier than he can play in England.
Strengths: With nice power, energy and excessive ranges of technical potential, the 18-year-old can efficiently be deployed as a No. 6 defensive midfielder or as a roaming box-to-box midfielder. In truth, his vigorous model makes him extra suited to the latter as he’s good at driving ahead with the ball and timing his runs into the field. Most of his objectives originate from choosing up rebounds and studying the place the ball will drop within the remaining third.
How he can enhance: The Premier League’s depth means he may have much less time on the ball. He might want to adapt to its physicality, too.
Membership/nation: Bayer Leverkusen/Ecuador
Age: 21
Estimated switch worth: €25m
Following a optimistic debut season in European soccer, the 21-year-old has additional cemented his standing as the popular left-sided centre-back (or left wing-back) in Leverkusen’s again three. Nonetheless, consistency stays a problem, together with his exhibiting for Ecuador on the World Cup providing a good snapshot of his tendencies: composed and alert towards Netherlands, he struggled towards Senegal and gave away a penalty with a rash problem.
Strengths: Proactive, assured, fast and technically proficient, Hincapie is effectively suited to a workforce eager to dominate possession and defend excessive up the pitch. Slotting in on the left of a again three, he enjoys the liberty to push ahead to create numerical benefit in midfield and possesses the contact, imaginative and prescient and passing abilities so as to add an attacking X-factor. His regular development has included extra interceptions and extra tackles received, and he’s now being trusted extra on the ball.
How he can enhance: His aggressive model of defending does end in extreme fouling — he has two pink playing cards this marketing campaign — simply as his high-risk model of defending excessive up the pitch often places his teammates in bother.
Membership/nation: Atalanta/Denmark
Age: 20
Estimated switch worth: €15m
Just a few eyebrows have been raised when Atalanta paid a considerable €17.2m to Austrian facet Sturm Graz to signal the comparatively unknown teenager in the summertime. However, after an preliminary interval of adaptation, Hojlund has imposed himself on Serie A — in addition to for his nation, the place he scored 5 objectives in the course of the two latest Euro 2024 qualifiers — and is on the switch shortlist at a few of European soccer’s elite golf equipment.
Strengths: At first look it is tempting to anticipate the 6-foot-3 striker to function like an out-and-out centre-forward. Nonetheless, he thrives when setting off on deep, incisive runs towards excessive defensive strains and may also be fielded from a place out broad on the proper. Combining his spectacular physique and lightning tempo (in keeping with his head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, he completes a 100-meter dash in lower than 11 seconds) with sensible, assorted motion and a strong left-footed shot, Hojlund is stylistically just like younger Man Metropolis striker Erling Haaland.
How he can enhance: With added composure in entrance of objective, a extra targeted hold-up recreation (he has round 9 ball losses per 90 minutes) and higher timing together with his headers (he wins simply 30% of his aerial duels), Hojlund might develop right into a top-level ahead.
Membership/nation: Athletic Club/Spain
Age: 20
Estimated switch worth: €25m
Williams has elevated himself from impression substitute to key participant within the Athletic facet. To underline his sharp growth, the winger has earned a spot with the senior Spain workforce and made 4 appearances on the 2022 World Cup.
Strengths: Williams has spectacular upper-body energy, good stability and an electrical flip of tempo. Mixed with instinctive management and a capability to time his runs effectively, he’s an unpredictable winger who will be arduous to defend towards. His capability to show, dribble, shoot and end with both foot (he is naturally right-footed) makes him adept at tormenting full-backs on both facet of the pitch, usually reducing infield to create havoc.
How he can enhance: Williams has to up his effectivity in defensive challenges (solely a 40% success fee), whereas the standard of his crossing additionally leaves one thing to be desired.
Membership/nation: Chelsea/France
Age: 21
Estimated switch worth: €40m
Up to now, Badiashile represents a uncommon success story of Chelsea’s €350m January spending spree. A €38m signing from Monaco, the left-footed defender has introduced coach Graham Potter the required stability to revert to his most popular again three, with out showing fazed by being hurried right into a difficult atmosphere because the Blues received solely 4 of their first 15 video games in 2023.
Strengths: Bodily imposing and comfy on the ball, Badiashile appears each inch the fashionable centre-back. Although he can stroll a tightrope with the extreme confidence he shows when bringing the ball out of the defence, the France worldwide has toned down his risk-taking for a extra safety-first method. Badiashile reads the sport exceptionally effectively, offers assertively with challenges and transmits confidence throughout the again line.
How he can enhance: Badiashile wants to point out extra of what we noticed from his Monaco days: evading opposing stress and enjoying the primary, incisive cross out of defence.
Membership/nation: Benfica/Portugal
Age: 21
Estimated switch worth: €60m
Ramos took Cristiano Ronaldo‘s beginning spot for Portugal towards Switzerland on the World Cup, scored a hat trick and has gone from energy to energy since. His objective scoring within the Portuguese league, with over 20 this season, has firmly positioned him among the many finest younger centre-forwards within the recreation and he will certainly grow to be Benfica’s subsequent high-profile export.
Strengths: Ramos has sharpened his recreation in all departments after being trusted with the centre-forward position this season (he was beforehand additionally used as a left winger.) Whereas his tempo has by no means been in query, Ramos has additionally demonstrated advantageous spatial consciousness contained in the field with nearly all of his objectives (his anticipated objectives per 90 hovers round 0.75) coming primarily from one-touch finishes from shut vary. His psychological toughness, aerial efficiency and normal involvement within the build-up section have additionally seen enchancment. Ramos has demonstrated he can increase his recreation for giant events such because the World Cup or a derby towards Sporting CP, wherein he scored a brace in January.
How he can enhance: Along with being often sloppy with flicks and lay-offs within the remaining third, Ramos might — as a lot as it could sound unfair given his spectacular numbers — up his scoring effectivity much more (he takes practically three photographs per 90 minutes now.)
Membership/nation: Paris Saint-Germain/Portugal
Age: 20
Estimated switch worth: €60m
In his second season at PSG, Mendes has confirmed his standing as one of many high younger full-backs in world soccer. Although accidents have proved disruptive each for himself (his 2022 World Cup with Portugal was reduce brief for that motive) and PSG coach Christophe Galtier, he’s nonetheless probably the most constant members of the squad.
Strengths: Whether or not fielded as a left-back in a again 4 or as a wing-back in a 3-5-2 formation, Mendes is a pressure to be reckoned with down the left facet. Offering an outlet for switches of play, he’s exceptionally expert at taking up opponents via fast turns of route and his 3-plus touches contained in the opposing penalty space per 90 minutes converse volumes of his want to affix the assault. He has constructed a advantageous understanding with Kylian Mbappe and can be a tenacious defender who comes out on high in 55% of his defensive duels.
How he can enhance: Although Mendes is a advantageous crosser of the ball, his effectivity (17%) might enhance. Nonetheless, this is not essentially all right down to him — it is also the job of his teammates to get on the top of the crosses.
Membership/nation: Ajax Amsterdam/Netherlands
Age: 21
Estimated switch worth: €42m
Having been linked with a giant switch for the previous yr or so, one might have anticipated Timber to have departed Ajax by now, particularly since half the facet that fared so effectively within the Champions League final season have secured profitable strikes themselves. The extremely rated central defender, who also can play at right-back, continues to be on the watchlist of the elite golf equipment in Europe amid one other advantageous season.
Strengths: Timber has a lot of the attributes required for a contemporary centre-back. Secure in possession — a passing accuracy of 93% (per 90 minutes) is spectacular for a defender who likes to construct from the again — his shut management permits him to attract opposing stress from which he can escape with a neat contact or sprint of acceleration if choices to cross are missing. His lightning tempo makes him effectively suited to enjoying a excessive line in defence, whereas his anticipation permits him to get his physique in entrance of opponents and time his tackles effectively.
How he can enhance: Being comparatively brief for a defender at 5-10 impacts his aerial effectivity (55% of duels received), so he could also be finest suited to a membership that performs a again three (as he strains up for Netherlands.)
Membership/nation: Barcelona/Spain
Age: 20
Estimated switch worth: €50m
One of the crucial naturally gifted skills of his technology, Ansu is striving to return to the spectacular type that noticed him burst onto the scene with Barcelona on the age of 16. Whether or not nonetheless compromised by the knee damage that stored him out for practically a yr, burdened by the expectations that include his fame, affected by a scarcity of minutes or just going via the pure ups and downs of a younger participant, he’s nonetheless but to achieve his full potential.
Strengths: The Spain worldwide has had his attacking ideas and technical proficiency ingrained within the Barcelona academy. When that includes in his most popular position on the left wing, he playfully joins swift combos and interchanges via instinctive lay-offs and touches. Although accidents over latest years might have restricted his bursts of acceleration previous opponents, the 20-year-old nonetheless represents a major attacking risk and stays an professional, composed finisher regardless of the actual fact he has solely discovered the web 3 times in LaLiga this season.
How he can enhance: Staying injury-free and discovering extra consistency on the highest degree is essential. However a mortgage transfer to an atmosphere away from the demanding Camp Nou might see Ansu acquire the required enjoying time to kick-start his profession.
Membership/nation: Barcelona/Spain
Age: 19
Estimated switch worth: €15m
It has been an unimaginable journey for Balde: from Barcelona’s La Masia academy and the B workforce to changing into the first-choice senior left-back and a full Spain worldwide in lower than a yr. The emergence of such a beautiful prospect who has tailored so shortly to the best degree is a dream come true for financially stricken Barcelona.
Strengths: Balde possesses a lot of the qualities you need from a younger full-back. He instances his runs effectively, his positioning when enjoying out from the again is bettering and when coming into the ultimate third, his one-on-one abilities and fast interchanges with teammates are glorious. Whereas he usually depends on his tempo to cope with defensive conditions, his studying of the sport is getting higher and, as an attacking pressure, he’s a hazard in broad areas in addition to when he cuts inside.
How he can enhance: He wants a better diploma of focus to trace opponents’ runs off his shoulder and may very well be extra attentive in his marking contained in the field. His crossing may be extra assorted.
Membership/nation: Brighton & Hove Albion/Ecuador
Age: 21
Estimated switch worth: €55m
Caicedo has established himself as one of many elite defensive midfielders within the Premier League even earlier than finishing a full season at Brighton. He additionally impressed for Ecuador on the 2022 World Cup. Arsenal and Chelsea tried to signal him for £70m in January and the 21-year-old fell out together with his membership over not being allowed to depart, however variations have been shortly resolved and he lately dedicated to a brand new contract till 2027.
Strengths: Masking giant areas of the pitch with ease, Caicedo is alert to the dynamics of the sport and may make a huge impact when he steps up. Along with his exceptional consistency, endurance and presence on the pitch, he tackles with precision, presses diligently and repeatedly scans for interceptions and unfastened balls. Although a pure in his defensive duties, he’s able to carrying the ball ahead, linking effectively with the left full-back and discovering area to reap the benefits of rebounds to fireside off photographs from the sting of the field.
How he can enhance: Caicedo nearly unfailingly performs to his most capability each recreation, but he has the standard and imaginative and prescient to take extra dangers together with his passing within the remaining third.
Membership/nation: RB Leipzig/Croatia
Age: 21
Estimated switch worth: €75m
The Croatia defender hardly put a foot unsuitable on the 2022 World Cup — at the very least till he encountered Argentina’s Lionel Messi in full circulation — and he has made a huge impact within the Champions League for his membership, getting on the scoresheet and standing out towards Actual Madrid and Manchester Metropolis (within the first leg). Whereas he’s contracted at Leipzig for an additional 4 years, Gvardiol is attracting curiosity from the most important golf equipment in Europe.
Strengths: Gvardiol is blessed with glorious tempo, stability and bodily robustness that makes him environment friendly in defensive one-on-ones. He has a fantastic left foot, with advantageous shut management, and is comfy spraying medium- and long-range passes out of defence with accuracy. At 21, he operates with the arrogance of a defender 10 years his senior.
How he can enhance: He must pay extra consideration when monitoring opponents on crosses and in high-intensity defensive conditions. His sporadic lack of focus was highlighted within the 7-0 Champions League defeat at Manchester Metropolis, although that was right down to a collective collapse somewhat than anybody particular person.
Membership/nation: Bayer Leverkusen/Germany
Age: 19
Estimated switch worth: €85m
Following a nine-month damage absence due to a ruptured cruciate ligament, Wirtz has managed to get himself again to the extent he was at earlier than catastrophe struck. Alongside No. 4 on this record, Wirtz is arguably probably the most proficient German prospect of his technology and has made a big impact for Leverkusen, each domestically and in Europe.
Strengths: One of the crucial full attacking midfielders in European soccer, Wirtz — who’s equally dominant in a central place behind the striker, reducing in from the left and even as a false 9 up entrance — is great at gaining area together with his great dribbling talents. Not solely is he able to beating opponents from a standing place, he additionally does one thing scientific afterwards, with cleverly executed passes, well-engineered combos or photographs on the right track. Along with being a technically gifted playmaker, Wirtz’s avid urgent helps him win the ball again.
How he can enhance: Staying away from damage can be key in his growth however he wants to focus on double figures in objectives and assists subsequent season. Making a constant impression on video games all through the 90 minutes will guarantee he steps as much as the subsequent degree.
Membership/nation: Arsenal/Brazil
Age: 21
Estimated switch worth: €70m
Not solely has the Brazilian ahead been a serious contributor in Arsenal’s spectacular Premier League season, however he has additionally been probably the most improved gamers in European soccer. Aided by extra fluency within the workforce’s assault and appropriate gamers round him, Martinelli’s confidence has skyrocketed and he has polished the rougher sides of his recreation.
Strengths: Along with his explosive tempo, glorious stability and unpredictable off-the-ball motion, Martinelli poses a relentless risk to opposition defences. Over the course of the yr, he has sharpened his abilities, including one other degree of precision which has seen him make 1.33 key passes per 90 minutes. On the proof of his 13 Premier League objectives from place on the left wing — usually by the use of late, well-timed runs and one-touch finishes with both foot — he possesses excellent timing and appreciation of area. His ever-present depth helps within the press, and his work fee and eagerness to study is excessive.
How he can enhance: Martinelli might stand to enhance the accuracy of his brief passes, mixture touches and lay-offs, and he may also be liable to lose momentum or run out of concepts when going through a wall of defenders.
Membership/nation: Actual Madrid/France
Age: 20
Estimated switch worth: €60m
A €31m signing from Rennes, Camavinga’s significance continues to develop. The France worldwide has some stiff competitors within the Actual Madrid midfield however has acquired on together with his job even when fielded as a left-back for each membership and nation. Lately, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has entrusted him with an prolonged run of video games in his favoured position as a midfield pivot and Camavinga has impressed.
Strengths: Calm in possession and comfy on the ball, Camavinga performs his deeper position in midfield expertly. He drops again to gather the ball from his centre-backs and actively roams in area to supply a passing outlet for his full-backs. When distributing from defence together with his left foot, he demonstrates spectacular accuracy in all aspects of his passing, whereas he is usually the initiator of strikes that finish in goal-scoring alternatives. Versatile sufficient to function as a No. 8, too, he can break opposition strains with a fast burst of tempo, presses with intent and reads the sport effectively as a way to choose up unfastened balls.
How he can enhance: Given his talent set, there is not any motive why Camavinga should not become one of many high midfield playmakers round. Extra selection in his vary of passing might assist; nevertheless, he’s on report saying: “I’d solely change my proper foot: it is very unhealthy.”
Membership/nation: Barcelona/Spain
Age: 18
Estimated switch worth: €90m
Simply if you thought Gavi’s growth would plateau on the again of an impressive debut season, he retains getting higher and higher. The 18-year-old is a primary selection in Barcelona’s midfield and, after changing into the youngest participant to debut for the Spain nationwide workforce in its historical past, he has grow to be a significant part on the worldwide degree as effectively. In September, he signed a brand new contract at Camp Nou till 2026 but the club are now involved in a legal fight with LaLiga to register it and, theoretically, might lose him as a free agent in the summertime if it isn’t sorted out.
Strengths: To seek out such a excessive degree of technical, bodily and psychological attributes wrapped up in an 18-year-old midfielder is nothing in need of awe-inspiring. His elegant contact, mixed with fabulous spatial consciousness, cognitive sharpness and memorable command of his physique (when he sends opponents the unsuitable manner when receiving the ball on the half-turn), are mostly related to aptitude gamers like Neymar or Ronaldinho. But Gavi backs that up with an unyielding want to get on the ball and an unwavering dedication to win it again. His aggressive nature actually stands out and, no matter the place he strains up tactically, his enter is unquestionable and his power contagious.
Weaknesses: Whereas he’s tremendous aggressive — he was involved in more fouls for and against (23) than another participant on the 2022 World Cup — his decision-making round tackles nonetheless wants work.
Membership/nation: Bayern Munich/Germany
Age: 20
Estimated switch worth: €110m
Regardless of a barely below-par season by Bayern Munich’s excessive requirements, Musiala has delivered a degree of efficiency that exceeds any cheap expectations for the squad’s youngest first-team participant. Due to his versatility, he has been utilised in quite a lot of positions and whereas former coach Julian Nagelsmann most popular him as an attacking midfielder on the left facet, it stays to be seen what new boss Thomas Tuchel will do.
Strengths: A technical star on the ball, Musiala applies himself with maturity and is fast at reverting to urgent mode when his workforce lose possession. There are few pointless touches or flashy moments; as an alternative, he aids the workforce’s attacking circulation with constructive, progressive involvements, illustrated by his admirable judgement of when and the place to utilize his great dribbling abilities (64% profitable dribbles per 90 minutes.)
On high of his good management, playmaking capabilities and linking of midfield and assault via his passing, he brings the top product too. With 11 objectives this season, making him Bayern’s main scorer within the Bundesliga, Musiala exudes calmness in his ending and, even at velocity, ensures he scans the play earlier than deciding on the most effective plan of action.
How he can enhance: With a flexible talent set in each assault and defence, completely made for the fashionable recreation, Musiala has few shortcomings. Nonetheless, he has a slight tendency for his affect to drop in the direction of the latter levels, so finishing extra video games to the complete 90 minutes can be helpful in his growth.
Membership/nation: Arsenal/England
Age: 21
Estimated switch worth: €110m
The principle artistic catalyst behind Arsenal’s sudden problem for the Premier League title this season, Saka, a transformed left-back, has blossomed into among the finest proper wingers within the recreation. He has hit double figures for objectives and assists, whereas additionally proving an inspirational presence for England on the World Cup. Along with his potential to make an impression on the highest degree, the down-to-earth Saka has taken each problem in stride.
Strengths: Saka thrives when he finds area broad on the proper as his advantageous command of both foot provides him the choice to both proceed at excessive velocity for a fast one-two mixture or advance on the surface of the marker to place in a cross or shot. Adept at choosing up the ball on the transfer and carrying it with tempo, he has elevated the depth of Arsenal’s assaults and disrupts opponents’ defensive organisation.
Saka has improved all components of his recreation over the previous yr, with the technical and tactical points the obvious. This season he has considerably polished his capturing approach — his efforts are sometimes executed shortly and with selection — whereas his understanding of area has seen him reap the benefits of low crosses on the again submit.
How he can enhance: There are moments when he goes lacking and fails to impose himself on a recreation which, in equity, just isn’t uncommon for such a younger participant. Saka can enhance his defensive contributions, but he’s already profitable extra challenges in each space of the pitch and is exhibiting extra alertness to his urgent duties.
Membership/nation: Barcelona/Spain
Age: 20
Estimated switch worth: €110m
Indispensable for membership and nation, the gifted midfielder has constructed on his sky-high fame with an excellent 2022-23 marketing campaign. He excelled for Spain in the course of the World Cup and confirmed his standing as one of many high midfielders on this planet no matter age or position. Pedri’s affect on Barcelona has additionally grown beneath Xavi’s management. Very similar to final season, nevertheless, accidents have been a disrupting issue.
Strengths: Although he already has the profile of a whole central attacking midfielder, the previous Las Palmas star’s talent set goes off the charts in relation to technical potential, receiving and distributing the ball. Along with his passing vary — instinctive, penetrative, needing few touches and on the half-turn — is a rare consciousness to select the proper area with consistency.
Arguably finest in an offensive No. 8 position, Pedri glues the assault collectively together with his rhythmic interchanges. He calls for the ball in probably the most advantageous areas earlier than shifting it on with precision to a teammate. Off the ball, his distinctive spatial consciousness and timing of runs sees him get on the top of assaults with one-touch finishes or fast combos to create an opportunity. What makes Pedri much more particular is that he is a workforce participant: he presses with diligence and recovers the ball 3 times per recreation on common.
How he can enhance: Performing constantly on the higher limits of what will be anticipated of a 20-year-old, he does have one space of enchancment — changing into extra strong in bodily duels.
Membership/nation: Borussia Dortmund/England
Age: 19
Estimated switch worth: €120m
After his distinctive growth for membership and nation over the previous yr, Bellingham is now not an up-and-coming expertise: he has arrived and is an elite participant who can carry a workforce. The teenage midfielder is on the radar of Europe’s greatest golf equipment — most notably Liverpool, Man Metropolis and Actual Madrid. The race to signal him for a possible switch payment of round €150m can be one of many greatest tales to look at this summer season.
The England worldwide options an distinctive array of bodily, technical and psychological attributes, and because the good box-to-box midfielder — with the flexibility to function deeper or larger up the pitch as a beginning place — he’s a generational expertise.
Strengths: The place do you begin? Geared up with athleticism, stamina and shut management, Bellingham is excellent on the ball (practically three progressive carries and 6 dribbles per 90 minutes.) As soon as a line of defense has been damaged, he is an correct passer too and is ready to create possibilities with exact touches and spectacular imaginative and prescient. From deeper positions, he spreads the play routinely and picks out the attacking runs of his teammates early.
As seen on the World Cup with England, Bellingham is robust within the air and, when arriving within the field, shows composure in entrance of objective. For all of the technical and tactical mastery, it may be missed that he’s each meticulous and proficient in his defensive recreation too. From a formidable 19 challenges per 90 minutes within the Bundesliga, he comes out on high at a fee of 55%.
How he can enhance: Although it speaks volumes about his confidence and willingness to take duty, his inclination to take a number of photographs on objective does result in his accuracy being barely on the low facet (39%).
