As football continues to evolve and change in the likes of playing tactics, teams and flashy kits, fans across the world begin to recognize a new generation of young players; think Paul Pogba, Munir El Haddadi and many more . This list finds and compiles the most talented and promising players that will have the top clubs pushing millions to get the opportunity of having these youngsters wearing their shirts and representing their badge. The following are amongst the hottest football prospects in the world.
- Munir El Haddadi 19 , F.C Barcelona , Spain
Munir El Haddadi ( commonly referred to as Munir) burst into the football scene with Barcelona B, F.C Barcelona’s youth club. Munir was moved to the senior team due to the fact that he bolsters impressive dribbling abilities, decent shooting and silky passing. Munir could be loaned out to Arsenal or Chelsea in the future to help the nineteen year old grow his already impressive talents.
- Alen Halilovic 18 , F.C Barcelona B , Croatia
Alen Halilovic is only 18 and the former Dinamo Zagreb and current Barcelona player has already broken records. At age 16 Halilovic became the youngest player to debut for his national side, Croatia. Halilovic caught the eyes of teams across Europe in 2013 when he showed unique and creative strides at midfield with his club team Dinamo Zagreb who later agreed on a Halilovic move of 2.2 million euros to the Catalan giants F.C Barcelona.
- Youri Tielemans 17 , R.S.C Anderlecht , Belgium
The Belgian football association must be ecstatic about their future team options, with the likes of Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and many other talented players filling their squad sheets in the following years as they see a boom of talented players like never before. One of these players who definitely stands out in the crowd is 17-year-old Youri Tielemans . Tielemans has exhibited world class passing and vision. In one instance, he strung a great pass through to a player on the wing, then moved into position to provide a lethal strike that found its way into the back of the net. Tielemans has passing that mimics the likes of Andres Iniesta, Toni Kroos, Xavi and other brilliant midfield “maestros”. Tielemans is a player that all the top clubs will have an eye on in 2015.
- Julian Green 19 , S.C Hertha ( on loan from F.C Bayern) , USA
If you’re an American who paid attention to last years World Cup, the name Julian Green might sound very familiar. That’s because aside from Landon Donovan’s absence from the United States squad, Julian Green was one of the top talking points. Green was persuaded by Jurgen Klinsmann to choose the USA over his mother’s native Germany. Green showed his love for the stars and stripes when he scored against Belgium in the World Cup last year. If what we have seen so far from Green means anything , he will be a key part in the USA’s future plans.
- Paul Pogba 21, Juventus , France
Manchester United may have made a big mistake when they let Paul Pogba go to Juventus in 2012. Pogba burst onto the scene in 2013 with his new Italian club Juventus due to his great dribbling and skill abilities . While Pogba is only 21 , he shows attacking vision and is able to fit in great as a starter with Juventus. Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City have shown interest in Pogba for his very high potential with club and country. If the Frenchman ends up leaving Juventus and signs with a club like Real Madrid, he will likely not start every game since he does not yet match up in talent with the likes of James Rodriguez , Luka Modric and Sami Khedira. While he might not start every game, he will definitely grow into a world class player .
- Adnan Januzaj 19 , Manchester United, Belgium
Adnan Januzaj is one of the top recognized young talents in world football to date. At age 16 Januzaj was called up to the Manchester United senior team in which he has so far failed to show his maximum potential . Potential is the main thing that keeps the footballing world following Januzaj , while he is only nineteen , he has shown that he has the skill and talent to play for Manchester United. Januzaj does not start much due to Manchester United’s better choices in the left mid position. The red devils are keen on loaning out the nineteen year old belgian so he can grow his potential at another club .
4 . Neymar Da Silva 22 , F.C Barcelona , Brazil
Neymar is only 22 years old and has already become one of the world’s most elite players. Catching the world by storm in 2011 with Brazilian club Santos , Neymar soon became the most desired player on the planet. After Brazil were humiliated 7-1 to Germany last summer , it was clear how big of a role Neymar played in the world cup for his nation. He is certain to lead the future for club and country.
3 . Angel Correa 19 , Atlético Madrid , Argentina
Winning the Copa Libertadores is a pretty big deal in world football , especially since it is always full young players looking to prove to their national team or other clubs that they are worth a call up. Angel Correa proved just that when he played a crucial role in allowing Argentine club San Lorenzo to lift their first title. After this triumph, large clubs were jubilant in picking up the play making Argentine. Atletico Madrid were able to secure Correa’s services during the Winter transfer window for £6 million . If what we’ve seen from Correa so far is true , we might be looking at the next Angel Di Maria .
- Hachim Mastour 16 , A.C Milan , Italy
Speed, vision and skills . Only a few of the many traits 16 year old wonder kid Hachim Mastour has to offer. When Mastour was only 15 years old , he was called up to join AC Milan’s senior team . Mastour has continued to impress coaches in Milan even appearing as a 76th minute substitute against Real Madrid . While Mastour hasn’t been able to make a big impact at the senior level , he has demonstrated superior class and skill in the youth system with Milan. If Mastour continues to play at this rate , he’ll be in the starting XI for Milan very soon.
1 . Martin Ødegaard 16 , Real Madrid , Norway
The next Bojan or the next Messi? That is the question that looms over the Santiago Bernabeu following the signing of sixteen year old wonderkid Martin Ødegaard. While comparing a young player like Ødegaard to the likes of football giants Messi and Ronaldo might seem harsh, it fits the bill with this youngster. Martin Ødegaard left his mark on Norwegian soil when he was called up to his national team at age fifteen. Following his national team call up, many clubs took interest in the Norwegian, this led to an eventual signing by Spanish giants Real Madrid. As the years go by, Real Madrid will look to nurture and grow the young Norwegian’s talents but as of now, we’ll have to enjoy the best of our generation, the aforementioned Messi and Ronaldo.
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