Ever since he uttered the statement: “you can’t win anything with kids,” BBC’s Match Of The Day pundit Alan Hansen has been mercilessly ridiculed. This utterance came during the 1995/96 season, the same season that Fergie’s crew of youngsters lifted the Premier League.
Hansen, a Liverpool legend, was left red-faced and utterly embarrassed. In today’s game, a balance of youth and experience is not just desired, it is necessary. This season, Liverpool are a classic example, with youngsters such as Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho gifted the freedom to express themselves creatively thanks to the tireless work of Lucas Leiva and Steven Gerrard, not to mention the supreme performances of Luis Suarez. The latter three players are all seasoned pros, especially the skipper, Gerrard.
Rodgers has established a remarkable equilibrium at Anfield, something he should be praised for. This season, in Europe’s biggest leagues, the performances of younger players has been remarkable, from Isco to Neymar, Lukaku to Ramsey, we have been categorically reassured that football is still breeding bright, young stars.
In two instalments, we will take a look at 20 of the hottest young prospects in world football, some of whom could make a significant impression this summer in Brazil, but to what degree, well, that remains to be seen.
Here is Part 1, counting down from 20 to 11. As always, you are encouraged to share your opinions. Realistically, there are a hundred players (or more) that could challenge for a place on this list.
20. Ali Adnan (Iraq and Rizespor)
Last year, the exciting left back was one of the Under-20 World Cup’s standout players, so it came as a bit of a shock when Ali Adnan signed for European lightweights Rizespor. Regularly compared to Roberto Carlos, such is the sheer quality of his left foot, the boy from Baghdad is surely destined for bigger and better things, especially with teams such as Manchester United crying out for a left back.
19. Son Heung-Min (South Korea and Bayer Leverkusen)
In the 2010/2011 season, Son Heung-Min’s international breakthrough came after he began to make quite an impression on the German Bundesliga. Plying his trade at Hamburg, his impact for both club and country only grew stronger with time. However, in the 2012/13 season, Heung-Min played the best football of his career to date, so it was no surprise when he made a big money move to Bayer Leverkusen last summer. Wearing the No. 7 jersey at club level, Heung-Min has proven to be a tricky customer. Comfortable shooting with both feet, the Korean possesses the ability to turn any defender inside out. A versatile player, Son can operate in a number of offensive positions. In addition, he has worked incredibly hard on his finishing, and has proven to be a clinical finisher. South Korea will look to the young man to provide the ammunition this summer, thus making him an attacker to watch very closely.
18. Mattia De Sciglio (Italy and AC Milan)
This season, De Sciglio is definitely one of the finest young defenders operating in Serie A. Showcasing a proficient tactical awareness, the young defender is also incredibly versatile. Massimo Allegri, the controversial AC coach, has employed him at right-back, centre-back, and occasionally as a wing-back. Since making his international debut against England in 2012, the lad from Lombardy has earned numerous national team call-ups.
17. Christian Atsu (Ghana and Vitesse (on loan from Chelsea)
The skilful left winger has long been labelled Ghana’s greatest prospect since Michael Essien burst onto the scene all those years ago. In September of last year, Atsu agreed to join Chelsea on a five-year contract, but was instantly loaned out to Dutch side Vitesse, where he is playing superbly.
Speedy and technically proficient, providing the 21 year old stays fit, Atsu has all the ingredients to form a lethal partnership on the wing at International level with Marseille’s Andre Ayew. Ghana will look to the duo to provide vital assists and inventive football in Brazil.
16. Saido Berahino (England and West Brom)
At the age of 10, accompanied by his family, Berahino arrived in England, escaping from the hostilities of Burundi. Playing impressively for both Albion and England’s U21 team, Saido could very well be the future of English football. In recent weeks, he has emerged as one of The Baggies most reliable players. He is definitely a striker to keep a close eye on.
15. Zakaria Bakkali (Belgium and PSV)
Producing talented players such as Vincent Kompany and the previously mentioned Romelu Lukaku, in recent years, the conveyor belt of Belgian football has been operating at a frantic pace. Fresh faced and extremely talented, Bakkali shot to fame when he became the youngest player in history to net a hat-trick in the Eredivisie. This impressive feat came last August, and since then he has been linked with both Manchester clubs. Marc Wilmots, the Belgian coach, recently compared Bakkali to Belgium’s most electrifying player, Eden Hazard. High praise indeed….. No pressure!
14. Ravel Morrison (England and West Ham)
Known for his fiery temperament and aggressive, offensive style, Morrison had a revelatory start to the 2013/2014 season. Recently, the young man’s performances have dropped a level, however, let us not forget that he is playing for a woefully poor Hammers side. While plenty of doubts remain about his temperament and consistency (which is why Fergie reportedly let him leave Old Trafford), there is no doubt that he has an abundance of raw talent.
13.Thibaut Courtois ( Belgium and Atletico Madrid (on loan from Chelsea))
It is by no means an overstatement to describe Courtois as being one of the finest goalkeepers in Europe. The Belgian shotstopper has been exceptional for Atletico Madrid and is keeping out Liverpool’s Simon Mignolet at international level. It is not exactly a bad catch-22 situation, but you can’t help but wonder how long Mourinho can hold on to Courtois, especially when he is constantly loaned out. Many would argue that Courtois is better than Chelsea’s current No.1 keeper, Petr Cech.
12. Ross Barkley (England and Everton)
The powerful 20 year old embodies the very meaning of raw talent. Ray Hall, the man who first noticed the capacity of a certain Wayne Rooney, once worked as the academy coach at Everton. In a recent interview, he said that he can identify the precise moment he realized Ross Barkley was destined for greatness. In his first training session, Barkley was asked by Hall to take four penalties. Without an ounce of hesitation, Barkley stepped forward, taking two with each foot, oh, and he scored every one of them.
Almost a decade on from that impressive moment, Liverpool-born Barkley has accelerated through the Everton ranks. He has been a revelation this season, quickly becoming a key player for his club. He will surely make the international World Cup squad. Raw and unfazed by any obstacle placed in front of him, it is easy to see why he has been compared with two of the greatest midfielders in the last two decades, Michael Ballack and Gazza.
11. Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland and Bayern Munich)
From Arjen Robben to Franck Ribery, Thomas Müller to Mario Götze, and Thiago Alcantara to Toni Kroos, the German champions are not exactly short on attacking midfielders. With an embarrassment of offensive riches, Xherdan Shaqiri is another name you can add to this list. Authoritative and tactically astute, the young man is undoubtedly capable of challenging Ribery for the right-wing position. Quite a feat, especially when you acknowledge that Franck is one of the best attacking midfielders in world football.
With three successive Swiss Super League wins under his belt, the 20-year-old powerhouse made the move from FC Basel to Munich at the beginning of 2012. Seemingly undaunted by the pressure and expectations placed on his shoulders, Shaqiri has shown that he can mix it up with the very best in the game.
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