[article]1. Ali Adnan, Rizespor, 19. After impressing at the Under-20 World Cup this summer, it is a wonder that Ali Adnan didn’t move to a bigger European club than Rizespor, such is the quality of his left foot. After coming through the ranks at Baghdad in Iraq, the 19-year-old left back already appears to have one of the best left pegs in European football. Described as “Asia’s Gareth Bale” and “Iraq’s Roberto Carlos.”
2. David Alaba, Bayern Munich, 21. The versatile Austrian is almost a veteran now having been around for so long – he made his Bayern Munich first team debut in February 2010. Was a key part of Bayern Munich’s treble winning side in 2012/2013 and has blossomed at left back since the arrival of Pep Guardiola and Phillip Lahm’s move into midfield.
3. Zakaria Bakkali, PSV, 17. Another brilliant Belgian off what seems a never ending conveyor belt. Bakkali made headlines in August when he became the youngest ever player to score a hat-trick in the Eredivisie. Recently linked with Manchesters City and United whilst Belgium boss Marc Wilmots has compared Bakkali to Eden Hazard.
Saido Berahino England Un 008 The Top 101 youngsters in world football: Don Balon list 20134. Saido Berahino, West Brom, 20. Born in Burundi, Berahino could well be the future of the England national team. The Baggies striker has scored goals during all his loan spells and has emerged in recent weeks as a striker capable of mixing it and notching in the Premier League. Now for that pay rise…
5. Domenico Berardi. Sassuolo (co-owned by Juventus), 19. Six goals in eight games for little old Sassuolo in Serie A has lifted Berardi to prominence at the start of 2013/2014. He even did Juventus a big favour with a last minute equaliser at Roma on Sunday. Was linked with a host of big European clubs after impressing in Serie B, it looks like the Old Lady have secured themselves another star in the making on the cheap.
6. Bernard, Shakhtar Donetsk, 21. As is so often the case, Shakhtar Donetsk stole a march on the rest of Europe by bagging Brazilian Bernard for a whopping 25 million euros in the summer. The tricky winger had impressed at Atletico Mineiro and was a key part of the Copa Libertadores winning side. Should be part of Brazil’s 2014 World Cup squad.
7. Bruma, Galatasaray, 19. Arguably Portugal’s current brightest talent who was one of the stars of the 2013 Under-20 World Cup. A protracted and sour contract dispute saw him leave Sporting Lisbon for Turkey in the summer where he has had limited playing time but appears to be growing under the tutelage of Didier Drogba. Has already been fast tracked into the Portugal national team squad by Paulo Bento.
8. Ross Barkley, Everton, 19. Two-footed English midfielders are a rare breed and the exciting Toffee schemer has been compared to Paul Gascoigne, in terms of his ability on the pitch. Impressive loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds have now been backed by regular playing time under Roberto Martinez and a first England start appears to be in the offing in the coming weeks.
9. Emre Can, Bayer Leverkusen, 19. Another highly talented German midfielder from a Turkish background. It came as a surprise that Bayern Munich had let Can go to Leverkusen in the summer until it was revealed the German champions have a buy-back clause on the deal. Can is strong in the tackle and can also play centre back.
10. The Gunners striker may not have been prolific on any loan spell but is accruing tremendous experience and is a forward player that can set up his team mates on a regular basis. With close to 30 caps for Costa Rica and currently impressing in Greece, some Arsenal fans have wondered whether Arsene Wenger should have kept him at the Emirates this season. Needs to cut out the diving though.
11. Tom Carroll, Tottenham, 21. Came through the ranks alongside Andros Townsend at Spurs and appears to have the touch and vision for a long career in the Premier League. A recent loan spell at QPR was cut short by injury but is expected to return to Rangers in the coming weeks and if he can succeed in the Championship could well be utilised by Tottenham in 2014/2015.
12. Federico Cartabia, Valencia, 20. Similarly to Lionel Messi, Fede is from Rosario and headed to Spain to join Valencia at a very young age – 13. The left winger impressed in the Europa League this season with a brace against St Gallen and already has a buy out clause of 20 million euros with Los Che.
13. Luc Castaignos, FC Twente, 21. The Dutch striker, so often compared to Thierry Henry, has been rediscovering his form in the Eredivisie after a struggling spell at Inter Milan. Castaignos has been an impressive goal scorer for Holland at Under-17 and Under-21 levels and could well force his way into the national team in 2014.
14. Nathaniel Chalobah, Nottingham Forest (on loan from Chelsea), 18. A tall rangy midfielder who can also play in defence, Chalobah has done well in the Championship and is understood to be a player Jose Mourinho will use at Chelsea in the future. Signed a five-year contract with the Blues in August and with good technical skills for a tall player, could well progress from England Under-21s to the full national side.
15. Thibaut Courtois, Atletico Madrid (on loan from Chelsea), 21. It is no exaggeration to say that Courtois could well be the finest goalkeeper currently playing in world football. The Belgian custodian has been phenomenal for Atletico Madrid and is keeping out Simon Mignolet at international level. Its a nice dilemma to have, but you wonder how long Chelsea can hold on to Courtois by simply loaning him out every season.
16. Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool, 21. The Brazilian has been a revelation since joining Liverpool and Coutinho is undoubtedly one of the coups of the Brendan Rodgers era at Anfield. A tricky playmaker, Coutinho is one of the most skilful players in the Premier League and if he can reproduce the form of last season for the rest of 2013/2014 could well force his way into the Brazil squad for the World Cup.
17. Mats Møller Dæhli, Molde, 18. Recently called up to the Norway national team squad, Mats Møller Dæhli was also named “Talent of the Year” in the Norwegian Tippeliga this week. Molde boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has compared him to Paul Scholes and Manchester United are rumoured to have a buy back clause on the midfielder.
18. Memphis Depay, PSV, 19. Depay has only established himself as a regular in the PSV side in 2013/2014 but has played nearly 40 times for the Eredivisie giants and undoubtedly has the technical skills for a long and successful career. Made his debut for the full Holland national team in October and the left winger is already racking up some fine goals from long distance.
19. Mattia De Sciglio, AC Milan, 21. A versatile defender of real promise for the Rossoneri who has already racked up 8 caps for the Azzurri. Due to injury, De Sciglio has only played once this season and AC Milan have missed the youngster as they have floundered in Serie A.
20. Gerard Deulofeu, Everton (on loan from Barcelona), 19. After banging in the goals for Barcelona B in the Segunda Division in 2012/2013, Deulofeu was expected to break into the first team at the Nou Camp but was instead farmed out to Everton to gain Premier League experience. Still not a regular starter at Goodison Park, Deulofeu has been excellent during his cameos for the Toffees so far with big things expected every time he is introduced.
21. Lucas Digne, PSG, 20. Signed by the Ligue 1 champions for 15 million euros in the summer, Lucas Digne is battling it out with Maxwell for the left back spot at PSG. Was a key performer for France during their recent Under-20 World Cup success. Digne is a genuinely exciting attacking full back who can also play in midfield.
22. Jean Marie Dongou, Barcelona, 18. Scored his first goal for Barcelona’s first team in the Joan Gamper Cup against Santos in August. Labelled “the new Samuel Eto’o”, the hype around Dongou has been rife for some time but like his Barcelona B colleagues has not quite set alight the Segunda Division so far in 2013/2014.
23. Stephan El Shaarawy, AC Milan, 21. The Pharaoh was heavily linked with a big summer move to Manchester City that did not come to fruition, and that transfer story has preceded a disappointing start to 2013/2014 as El Shaarawy has been dogged by a toe injury. Had previously shown plenty of talent and ability for both AC Milan and Italy – therefore it would be a surprise if he were not to come good again.
24. Christian Eriksen, Tottenham, 21. Has so far blown hot and cold at White Hart Lane after a trophy laden period at Ajax prompted a move to the Premier League. Was this week voted Danish player of the year and there is a nagging suspicion that there is plenty to come from the playmaker.
25. Julian Draxler, Schalke, 20. How long can Schalke keep hold of Julian Draxler? This could well be one of the questions that dominate the next few transfer windows. Draxler is improving by the week in the Bundesliga and has also been in fine form in the Champions League this season. A massive money move to one of the very best sides in Europe now seems inevitable.
26. Viktor Fischer, Ajax, 19. Fischer was a revelation in the NextGen Series before storming into the Ajax first team last season with some brilliant performances and key goals. This campaign has not gone according to plan for the Amsterdammers or Fischer who has been benched of late but this could well be the making of the uber talented Danish forward.
27. Mario Gotze, Bayern Munich, 21. Shocked German football when he jumped ship from Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich for a fee of 37 million euros last April. Not quite fully integrated into Pep Guardiola’s system at Bayern yet, mainly due to persistent injury problems, but has the potential to be an absolute world star.
28. Serge Gnabry, Arsenal, 18. Gnabry has slowly but surely played himself into a key role in the Arsenal squad and whilst he may not be part of the regular starting XI is key when injuries build up as has been illustrated in recent weeks. The young German appears to be revelling appearing alongside Mesut Ozil and has been tipped for a better career than the likes of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
29. Julian Green, Bayern Munich, 18. Currently the top scorer for Bayern Munich’s reserve team, Green appears to be a goal-getter supreme having also bagged in pre-season goals for Pep Guardiola’s first team. Green can play for both Germany and the USA with Jurgen Klinsmann calling him up for European friendlies in November. The Team America boss described him as “a tremendous talent.”
30. Alen Halilovic, Dinamo Zagreb, 17. “The new Luka Modric” appeared to be Tottenham-bound in the summer but the most recent reports now have Bayern Munich leading the chase for Halilovic. The youngest ever goal scorer in the Croatian top flight, Halilovic is also the youngest ever debutant for the national team. A long and successful career seems nailed on.
31. Thorgan Hazard, Zulte-Waregem (on loan from Chelsea), 20. According to many, including Eden himself, Thorgan is a bigger talent than his more famous brother. Has been excellent for Zulte-Waregem and has been a key reason behind successive title challenges for a relatively small club in Belgium.
32. Angelo Henriquez, Real Zaragoza (on loan from Manchester United), 19. The physically imposing teenage striker was a peripheral figure for Wigan last season but appears to be at home in the Spanish second division where he has five goals in 10 appearances so far in 2013/2014. Could well be fighting for a first team spot at Old Trafford next season.
33. Son Heung-Min, Bayer Leverkusen, 21. Already one of the biggest Asian stars in world football. The reported 10 million euro fee paid by Leverkusen to Hamburg for Son is already looking like a real steal. Very quick with excellent finishing ability, the 21-year-old was a real find for German football.
34. Pierre Højbjerg, Bayern Munich, 18. Another very talented Danish midfielder. Højbjerg became the youngest ever player to appear for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga in April.
35. Gabriel Iancu, Steaua Bucharest, 18. Came through the George Hagi Academy and is generally considered to be Steaua’s best and brightest prospect. A left winger or attacking midfielder, Iancu scored some important goals versus Dinamo Tblisi in the Champions League play-offs and has generally done well for Romania Under-21s.
36. Mauro Icardi, Inter Milan, 20. Another Argentine talent from Rosario. Came to prominence last season with 10 goals for Sampdoria, struggled with injury problems this season but has already broken into the Argentina national team.
37. Kelechi Iheanacho, Taye Academy, 17. Starred for Nigeria at the recent Under-17 World Cup where he was voted Most Valuable Player. Iheanacho scored six goals and bagged seven assists in a terrific personal tournament and has been heavily linked with Arsenal recently.
38. Isco, Real Madrid, 21. After an excellent start to life at Real Madrid, Isco has been left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s recent first XIs, which goes to show just how much talent there is at the Bernabeu. Isco was a key player for Spain during their Under-21 European Championship success in the summer and is a supremely gifted footballer with magnificent touch and game understanding.
39. Adnan Januzaj, Manchester United, 18. Januzaj was the man of the moment during the last international break after that two-goal haul at Sunderland. After signing a long-term deal at Manchester United, Januzaj should have plenty of time to showcase his close control, fine dribbling ability and impressive awareness of his team mates. Looks set to be a major star, whoever he plays for at international level.
40. Phil Jones, Manchester United, 21. Whether playing in defence, midfield or full back, Phil Jones has become a crucial member of David Moyes’ first team and is living up his moniker as the “modern day Duncan Edwards.” Often ridiculed for the faces he pulls on the pitch, Jones is an uncompromising player whose versatility could also be crucial for England.
41. Koke, Atletico Madrid, 21. After years of hype, Koke came to prominence last season with some terrific displays, particularly the performance in the Copa del Rey final victory at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid. Koke is now revelling in a very strong Atletico Madrid side and has struck up an understanding with Diego Costa, bagging plenty of assists with the Brazilian Spanish striker.
42. Sead Kolasinac, Schalke, 20. An emerging left back who can also play in the centre of defence and defensive midfield. Kolasinac was recently called into the Bosnia-Herzegovina national team squad. He is a dogged player with pace to burn and has impressed in the Champions League.
43. Geoffrey Kondogbia, Monaco, 20. Moved from Sevilla to Monaco in the summer for a mammoth 27 million euro fee and would appear to be the future of the French national team in the defensive midfield position. Although he hasn’t always started for Claudio Ranieri’s side, Kondogbia has been excellent at Monaco so far, bringing his La Liga form to Ligue 1.
44. Mateo Kovacic, Inter Milan, 19. Has been a revelation since joining Inter at the end of January 2013 – a deep lying playmaker of real quality. Already a fans favourite with the Nerazzurri, Kovacic has been compared to the likes of Robert Prosinecki and Andrea Pirlo.
45. Maksym Koval, Dinamo Kiev, 20. Continues to hold the number one shirt at one of Ukraine’s biggest clubs and is racking up huge amounts of experience at home and in Europe. A member of the Ukraine squad for the upcoming World Cup play-offs.
46. Erik Lamela, Tottenham, 21. Only in recent games has Lamela appeared to show anything close to his best form for Spurs after a big summer move from Roma. This time last year we predicted “the big clubs would come sniffing,” now is the time for the Argentine attacker to step up and show the world his undoubted quality.
47. Romelu Lukaku, Everton (on loan from Chelsea) 20. Perhaps Jose Mourinho is the only big football personality unconvinced about how brilliant Lukaku is. Has settled down at Everton after performing heroics for West Brom last season and many Chelsea fans are wondering why he didn’t remain at Stamford Bridge for the season. The recent two-goal display in Croatia for Belgium, was probably the best performance of his career so far.[/article]
2. David Alaba, Bayern Munich, 21. The versatile Austrian is almost a veteran now having been around for so long – he made his Bayern Munich first team debut in February 2010. Was a key part of Bayern Munich’s treble winning side in 2012/2013 and has blossomed at left back since the arrival of Pep Guardiola and Phillip Lahm’s move into midfield.
3. Zakaria Bakkali, PSV, 17. Another brilliant Belgian off what seems a never ending conveyor belt. Bakkali made headlines in August when he became the youngest ever player to score a hat-trick in the Eredivisie. Recently linked with Manchesters City and United whilst Belgium boss Marc Wilmots has compared Bakkali to Eden Hazard.
Saido Berahino England Un 008 The Top 101 youngsters in world football: Don Balon list 20134. Saido Berahino, West Brom, 20. Born in Burundi, Berahino could well be the future of the England national team. The Baggies striker has scored goals during all his loan spells and has emerged in recent weeks as a striker capable of mixing it and notching in the Premier League. Now for that pay rise…
5. Domenico Berardi. Sassuolo (co-owned by Juventus), 19. Six goals in eight games for little old Sassuolo in Serie A has lifted Berardi to prominence at the start of 2013/2014. He even did Juventus a big favour with a last minute equaliser at Roma on Sunday. Was linked with a host of big European clubs after impressing in Serie B, it looks like the Old Lady have secured themselves another star in the making on the cheap.
6. Bernard, Shakhtar Donetsk, 21. As is so often the case, Shakhtar Donetsk stole a march on the rest of Europe by bagging Brazilian Bernard for a whopping 25 million euros in the summer. The tricky winger had impressed at Atletico Mineiro and was a key part of the Copa Libertadores winning side. Should be part of Brazil’s 2014 World Cup squad.
7. Bruma, Galatasaray, 19. Arguably Portugal’s current brightest talent who was one of the stars of the 2013 Under-20 World Cup. A protracted and sour contract dispute saw him leave Sporting Lisbon for Turkey in the summer where he has had limited playing time but appears to be growing under the tutelage of Didier Drogba. Has already been fast tracked into the Portugal national team squad by Paulo Bento.
8. Ross Barkley, Everton, 19. Two-footed English midfielders are a rare breed and the exciting Toffee schemer has been compared to Paul Gascoigne, in terms of his ability on the pitch. Impressive loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds have now been backed by regular playing time under Roberto Martinez and a first England start appears to be in the offing in the coming weeks.
9. Emre Can, Bayer Leverkusen, 19. Another highly talented German midfielder from a Turkish background. It came as a surprise that Bayern Munich had let Can go to Leverkusen in the summer until it was revealed the German champions have a buy-back clause on the deal. Can is strong in the tackle and can also play centre back.
10. The Gunners striker may not have been prolific on any loan spell but is accruing tremendous experience and is a forward player that can set up his team mates on a regular basis. With close to 30 caps for Costa Rica and currently impressing in Greece, some Arsenal fans have wondered whether Arsene Wenger should have kept him at the Emirates this season. Needs to cut out the diving though.
11. Tom Carroll, Tottenham, 21. Came through the ranks alongside Andros Townsend at Spurs and appears to have the touch and vision for a long career in the Premier League. A recent loan spell at QPR was cut short by injury but is expected to return to Rangers in the coming weeks and if he can succeed in the Championship could well be utilised by Tottenham in 2014/2015.
12. Federico Cartabia, Valencia, 20. Similarly to Lionel Messi, Fede is from Rosario and headed to Spain to join Valencia at a very young age – 13. The left winger impressed in the Europa League this season with a brace against St Gallen and already has a buy out clause of 20 million euros with Los Che.
13. Luc Castaignos, FC Twente, 21. The Dutch striker, so often compared to Thierry Henry, has been rediscovering his form in the Eredivisie after a struggling spell at Inter Milan. Castaignos has been an impressive goal scorer for Holland at Under-17 and Under-21 levels and could well force his way into the national team in 2014.
14. Nathaniel Chalobah, Nottingham Forest (on loan from Chelsea), 18. A tall rangy midfielder who can also play in defence, Chalobah has done well in the Championship and is understood to be a player Jose Mourinho will use at Chelsea in the future. Signed a five-year contract with the Blues in August and with good technical skills for a tall player, could well progress from England Under-21s to the full national side.
15. Thibaut Courtois, Atletico Madrid (on loan from Chelsea), 21. It is no exaggeration to say that Courtois could well be the finest goalkeeper currently playing in world football. The Belgian custodian has been phenomenal for Atletico Madrid and is keeping out Simon Mignolet at international level. Its a nice dilemma to have, but you wonder how long Chelsea can hold on to Courtois by simply loaning him out every season.
16. Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool, 21. The Brazilian has been a revelation since joining Liverpool and Coutinho is undoubtedly one of the coups of the Brendan Rodgers era at Anfield. A tricky playmaker, Coutinho is one of the most skilful players in the Premier League and if he can reproduce the form of last season for the rest of 2013/2014 could well force his way into the Brazil squad for the World Cup.
17. Mats Møller Dæhli, Molde, 18. Recently called up to the Norway national team squad, Mats Møller Dæhli was also named “Talent of the Year” in the Norwegian Tippeliga this week. Molde boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has compared him to Paul Scholes and Manchester United are rumoured to have a buy back clause on the midfielder.
18. Memphis Depay, PSV, 19. Depay has only established himself as a regular in the PSV side in 2013/2014 but has played nearly 40 times for the Eredivisie giants and undoubtedly has the technical skills for a long and successful career. Made his debut for the full Holland national team in October and the left winger is already racking up some fine goals from long distance.
19. Mattia De Sciglio, AC Milan, 21. A versatile defender of real promise for the Rossoneri who has already racked up 8 caps for the Azzurri. Due to injury, De Sciglio has only played once this season and AC Milan have missed the youngster as they have floundered in Serie A.
20. Gerard Deulofeu, Everton (on loan from Barcelona), 19. After banging in the goals for Barcelona B in the Segunda Division in 2012/2013, Deulofeu was expected to break into the first team at the Nou Camp but was instead farmed out to Everton to gain Premier League experience. Still not a regular starter at Goodison Park, Deulofeu has been excellent during his cameos for the Toffees so far with big things expected every time he is introduced.
21. Lucas Digne, PSG, 20. Signed by the Ligue 1 champions for 15 million euros in the summer, Lucas Digne is battling it out with Maxwell for the left back spot at PSG. Was a key performer for France during their recent Under-20 World Cup success. Digne is a genuinely exciting attacking full back who can also play in midfield.
22. Jean Marie Dongou, Barcelona, 18. Scored his first goal for Barcelona’s first team in the Joan Gamper Cup against Santos in August. Labelled “the new Samuel Eto’o”, the hype around Dongou has been rife for some time but like his Barcelona B colleagues has not quite set alight the Segunda Division so far in 2013/2014.
23. Stephan El Shaarawy, AC Milan, 21. The Pharaoh was heavily linked with a big summer move to Manchester City that did not come to fruition, and that transfer story has preceded a disappointing start to 2013/2014 as El Shaarawy has been dogged by a toe injury. Had previously shown plenty of talent and ability for both AC Milan and Italy – therefore it would be a surprise if he were not to come good again.
24. Christian Eriksen, Tottenham, 21. Has so far blown hot and cold at White Hart Lane after a trophy laden period at Ajax prompted a move to the Premier League. Was this week voted Danish player of the year and there is a nagging suspicion that there is plenty to come from the playmaker.
25. Julian Draxler, Schalke, 20. How long can Schalke keep hold of Julian Draxler? This could well be one of the questions that dominate the next few transfer windows. Draxler is improving by the week in the Bundesliga and has also been in fine form in the Champions League this season. A massive money move to one of the very best sides in Europe now seems inevitable.
26. Viktor Fischer, Ajax, 19. Fischer was a revelation in the NextGen Series before storming into the Ajax first team last season with some brilliant performances and key goals. This campaign has not gone according to plan for the Amsterdammers or Fischer who has been benched of late but this could well be the making of the uber talented Danish forward.
27. Mario Gotze, Bayern Munich, 21. Shocked German football when he jumped ship from Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich for a fee of 37 million euros last April. Not quite fully integrated into Pep Guardiola’s system at Bayern yet, mainly due to persistent injury problems, but has the potential to be an absolute world star.
28. Serge Gnabry, Arsenal, 18. Gnabry has slowly but surely played himself into a key role in the Arsenal squad and whilst he may not be part of the regular starting XI is key when injuries build up as has been illustrated in recent weeks. The young German appears to be revelling appearing alongside Mesut Ozil and has been tipped for a better career than the likes of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
29. Julian Green, Bayern Munich, 18. Currently the top scorer for Bayern Munich’s reserve team, Green appears to be a goal-getter supreme having also bagged in pre-season goals for Pep Guardiola’s first team. Green can play for both Germany and the USA with Jurgen Klinsmann calling him up for European friendlies in November. The Team America boss described him as “a tremendous talent.”
30. Alen Halilovic, Dinamo Zagreb, 17. “The new Luka Modric” appeared to be Tottenham-bound in the summer but the most recent reports now have Bayern Munich leading the chase for Halilovic. The youngest ever goal scorer in the Croatian top flight, Halilovic is also the youngest ever debutant for the national team. A long and successful career seems nailed on.
31. Thorgan Hazard, Zulte-Waregem (on loan from Chelsea), 20. According to many, including Eden himself, Thorgan is a bigger talent than his more famous brother. Has been excellent for Zulte-Waregem and has been a key reason behind successive title challenges for a relatively small club in Belgium.
32. Angelo Henriquez, Real Zaragoza (on loan from Manchester United), 19. The physically imposing teenage striker was a peripheral figure for Wigan last season but appears to be at home in the Spanish second division where he has five goals in 10 appearances so far in 2013/2014. Could well be fighting for a first team spot at Old Trafford next season.
33. Son Heung-Min, Bayer Leverkusen, 21. Already one of the biggest Asian stars in world football. The reported 10 million euro fee paid by Leverkusen to Hamburg for Son is already looking like a real steal. Very quick with excellent finishing ability, the 21-year-old was a real find for German football.
34. Pierre Højbjerg, Bayern Munich, 18. Another very talented Danish midfielder. Højbjerg became the youngest ever player to appear for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga in April.
35. Gabriel Iancu, Steaua Bucharest, 18. Came through the George Hagi Academy and is generally considered to be Steaua’s best and brightest prospect. A left winger or attacking midfielder, Iancu scored some important goals versus Dinamo Tblisi in the Champions League play-offs and has generally done well for Romania Under-21s.
36. Mauro Icardi, Inter Milan, 20. Another Argentine talent from Rosario. Came to prominence last season with 10 goals for Sampdoria, struggled with injury problems this season but has already broken into the Argentina national team.
37. Kelechi Iheanacho, Taye Academy, 17. Starred for Nigeria at the recent Under-17 World Cup where he was voted Most Valuable Player. Iheanacho scored six goals and bagged seven assists in a terrific personal tournament and has been heavily linked with Arsenal recently.
38. Isco, Real Madrid, 21. After an excellent start to life at Real Madrid, Isco has been left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s recent first XIs, which goes to show just how much talent there is at the Bernabeu. Isco was a key player for Spain during their Under-21 European Championship success in the summer and is a supremely gifted footballer with magnificent touch and game understanding.
39. Adnan Januzaj, Manchester United, 18. Januzaj was the man of the moment during the last international break after that two-goal haul at Sunderland. After signing a long-term deal at Manchester United, Januzaj should have plenty of time to showcase his close control, fine dribbling ability and impressive awareness of his team mates. Looks set to be a major star, whoever he plays for at international level.
40. Phil Jones, Manchester United, 21. Whether playing in defence, midfield or full back, Phil Jones has become a crucial member of David Moyes’ first team and is living up his moniker as the “modern day Duncan Edwards.” Often ridiculed for the faces he pulls on the pitch, Jones is an uncompromising player whose versatility could also be crucial for England.
41. Koke, Atletico Madrid, 21. After years of hype, Koke came to prominence last season with some terrific displays, particularly the performance in the Copa del Rey final victory at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid. Koke is now revelling in a very strong Atletico Madrid side and has struck up an understanding with Diego Costa, bagging plenty of assists with the Brazilian Spanish striker.
42. Sead Kolasinac, Schalke, 20. An emerging left back who can also play in the centre of defence and defensive midfield. Kolasinac was recently called into the Bosnia-Herzegovina national team squad. He is a dogged player with pace to burn and has impressed in the Champions League.
43. Geoffrey Kondogbia, Monaco, 20. Moved from Sevilla to Monaco in the summer for a mammoth 27 million euro fee and would appear to be the future of the French national team in the defensive midfield position. Although he hasn’t always started for Claudio Ranieri’s side, Kondogbia has been excellent at Monaco so far, bringing his La Liga form to Ligue 1.
44. Mateo Kovacic, Inter Milan, 19. Has been a revelation since joining Inter at the end of January 2013 – a deep lying playmaker of real quality. Already a fans favourite with the Nerazzurri, Kovacic has been compared to the likes of Robert Prosinecki and Andrea Pirlo.
45. Maksym Koval, Dinamo Kiev, 20. Continues to hold the number one shirt at one of Ukraine’s biggest clubs and is racking up huge amounts of experience at home and in Europe. A member of the Ukraine squad for the upcoming World Cup play-offs.
46. Erik Lamela, Tottenham, 21. Only in recent games has Lamela appeared to show anything close to his best form for Spurs after a big summer move from Roma. This time last year we predicted “the big clubs would come sniffing,” now is the time for the Argentine attacker to step up and show the world his undoubted quality.
47. Romelu Lukaku, Everton (on loan from Chelsea) 20. Perhaps Jose Mourinho is the only big football personality unconvinced about how brilliant Lukaku is. Has settled down at Everton after performing heroics for West Brom last season and many Chelsea fans are wondering why he didn’t remain at Stamford Bridge for the season. The recent two-goal display in Croatia for Belgium, was probably the best performance of his career so far.[/article]