Check out a comprehensive selection of 40 of the best young players from around the world…
Ever wondered who the brightest young football talent is in Singapore or Vietnam? Well let me tell you, they could be ending up at a club near you in the not too distant future.
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Join us as we take you around the world in 40 young footballers, as with a little help from the Guardian, we could down the very best of the planet’s next generation.
Argentina
Guido Vadala (Boca Juniors, Forward)
Widely regarded as Argentina’s star of the future, it is hoped he will follow in the footsteps of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. Has already had trials at Barcelona and made the Boca Juniors first-team squad at the age of 17.
Australia
Daniel Da Silva (Perth Glory / Roma, Attacking Midfielder)
Made his professional debut in Australia at the age of 15. Now 17, he is set to join Roma at the end of the current A-League season, with the Italian side believed to have paid in the region of £1.4m for his services.
Belgium
Youri Tielemans (Anderlecht, Defensive Midfielder)
Broke into the Belgian giants team last season, despite having barely turned 16. He is unafraid to receive the ball anywhere in front of the defence, he can change the tempo and direction of the game to equally good effect, and has an exceptional passing range.
Brazil
Malcom Filipe (Corinthians, Striker)
Raised in Buraco Quente, one of the toughest slums in Brazil’s biggest town, Malcom is hardly a rare case amongst his fellow footballers in coming from humble beginnings, but the courage he shows to attack full-backs and central defenders is far from common.
Gerson Santos da Silva (Fluminense, Attacking Midfielder)
A quick left-footed attacking midfielder who has attracted interest from a number of Europe’s top clubs. Juventus and Manchester City have both been mentioned. Gerson has already played for Brazil’s Under 20’s, despite only being 17.
Bulgaria
Bozhidar Kraev (Levski Sofia, Attacking Midfielder)
Promoted to Levski’s first team in the summer, he has already scored a hat-trick in the cup. Two-footed and industrious, he scored 70 goals in 60 games for the academy side, and reportedly came close to joining Barcelona as a result.
China
Li Zhongyi (Guangzhou Evergrande, Midfielder)
Strong, with an engine built for box-to-box activities, and a football brain that seems to take him into dangerous positions in the opposition penalty area. Already a home town hero, it is hoped he will become China’s first global star.
Colombia
Alveiro Sanchez (Deportivo Cali, Striker)
Top scorer with 36 goals in the Colombian Under 17s championship aged 15 and fast tracked into the Cali first team for his professional debut earlier this year. Quick, skilful, and undoubtedly the country’s brightest young talent.
Croatia
Ante Coric (Dinamo Zagreb, Attacking Midfielder)
Think Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Alen Halilovic. Blessed with wonderful technique and first touch, he drew early comparisons to Zidane for his skills and elegance. Now a regular in the first team at Zagreb, after signing from Red Bull Salzburg.
Nikola Vlasic (Hajduk Split, Attacking Midfielder / Winger)
Impressive technique and movement along with great athleticism and stamina make for a great all round player. His father describes him as a “motoric monster” and he has reportedly attracted interest from Chelsea, Real Madrid and Tottenham.
Denmark
Mikkel Dueland (FC Midtjylland, Midfielder)
The Guardian describes him as Christian Eriksen with an ego, which we think is meant as a compliment. The current top scorer of the Danish Under-19 league, despite being a midfielder, Dueland already trains with the first-team squad and could make his debut next year.
England
Dominic Solanke (Chelsea, Striker)
Highly rated by manager Jose Mourinho, he made his Champions League debut earlier this year. A pacey forward with superb movement and a natural eye for goal, he has been a prolific scorer since joining the Blues at the age of eight.
Ryan Ledson (Everton, Midfielder)
Everton are hopeful that the young home-grown star will follow in the footsteps of Jack Rodwell and Ross Barkley, and become their next great midfield prodigy. He signed a three-year professional deal earlier this year after success with the England youth team.
France
Ousmane Dembele (Rennes, Forward)
Scored 15 goals in 20 games for the youth team last season, alerting the scouts of Manchester City, Chelsea, Juventus and Atletico Madrid. However, he elected to remain with Rennes and recently signed his first professional contract.
Jean-Kevin Augustin (Paris Saint Germain, Forward)
Luckily enough, this teenager already plays for one of Europe’s biggest clubs. PSG’s owners remain hopeful of ‘discovering their very own Lionel Messi’, and this kid might just be the one. He has already been in the first-team squad this season, and a debut could be close.
Maxime Baila Lopez (Marseille, Midfielder)
A Spanish born player who has elected to play for France after moving their at a young age. Chased by Liverpool and Arsenal during the summer before signing a professional contract with the French side in July.
Germany
Benjamin Henrichs (Bayer Leverkusen, Midfielder)
Captained the Under-17 German team at this year’s Euros. He is a highly skilled, physically imposing, box-to-box midfielder in a similar mould to Michael Ballack. An eye for goal, as well as his technical ability, as earned him a training spot with the first team.
Benedikt Gimber (TSG Hoffenheim, Defender)
A very strong centre back, and the latest product off the Hoffenheim conveyor belt of talent. He was awarded the Fritz Walter medal in gold for the best 17-year-old this August, an award also won by the likes of Toni Kroos, Mario Gotze and Julian Draxler.
Greece
Lazaros Lamprou (Panathinaikos, Forward)
Ended three consecutive seasons as top scorer at youth level, and last season scored more than 20 goals for the under-17 team. Plays either as a striker, or just behind the front man, using his great vision to pick the perfect through ball.
Italy
Federico Bonazzoli (Inter Milan, Forward)
The second youngest player ever to represent Inter in Serie A, having made his senior debut at 16 years, 11 months, 27 days. He has been training with the club’s youth team since 2004, and at 6ft3 has a classic number nine frame.
Japan
Daisuke Sakai (Oita Trinita, Defender / Midfielder)
Trained with the senior national team ahead of the World Cup this summer, after impressing with the youth teams. Able to play on either side of defence or further up the field, has impressed bosses with his willingness to improve.
Mexico
Erick Aguirre (Morelia, Midfielder)
A technically gifted player who is already a regular starter in the Mexican first division. Plays at the heart of the midfield, and considers Andres Iniesta his role model. Can also be used as a right-back.
Netherlands
Abdelhak Nouri (Ajax, Midfielder)
Highly regarded member of Ajax’s youth setup who has already been tipped to join Manchester United or Barcelona. He has brilliant technique, and his desire to get and maintain possession sets him apart from the rest.
Jari Schuurman (Feyenoord, Attacking Midfielder)
The latest in a long line of Feyenoord talent, with the academy having also produced the likes of Robin van Persie and Bruno Martins Indi. Has started scoring regularly over the last two years, and has become known for his excellent dribbling skills.
Norway
Sander Svendsen (Molde, Striker)
The countries best youth prospect behind Martin Odegaard. Made his first division debut at 15 under the leadership of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and got his first goal in April of this year. Great ball control and vision, he’s already a fan favourite.
Poland
Dawid Kownacki (Lech Poznan, Forward / Winger)
Has already attracted interest from Bayern Munich. He scored his first league goal before his 17th birthday, one of only five players in Polish league history to do so. He also scored three goals for Poland’s Under-15’s against Germany.
Portugal
Ruben Neves (Porto, Midfielder)
Became the youngest player to score for Porto, aged 17 years and 155 days, breaking the record held by club legend Fernando Gomes. Also became the club’s youngest player in a European fixture, after featuring against Lille in a Champions League qualifier.
Romania
Cristian Manea (FC Viitorul, Defender)
Made his national team debut in May of this year against Albania, despite being only 16. Plays as a right-back for both club and country, but is equally adept in the middle of a back four. An outstanding academy prospect.
Russia
Timur Zhamaletdinov (CSKA Moscow, Striker)
Scored twice against Roma and against Bayern Munich in the UEFA youth team equivalent of the Champions League. He’s quick, technically gifted and has a good eye for goal. His movement is reminiscent of a certain Luis Suarez.
Serbia
Luka Jovic (Red Star Belgrade, Striker)
They call him the ‘Serbian Falcao’, which is quite a compliment at such a young age. A fantastic all round player who can dribble, shoot, pass, and even tackle. Scored his first Red Star goal aged 16 years and 156 days.
Singapore
Irfan Bin Fandi Ahmad (Striker)
The son of national football legend Fandi Ahmad, who is carrying the hopes of a nation on his shoulders. He has spent the last few months training with clubs in Chile, and Singapore bosses are hoping he will return to terrorise defences.
South Africa
Fagrie Lakay (Santos, Striker)
Leading a new wave of optimism in South African football, and was recently called up for an African Cup of Nation qualifier. Has speed, power and a keen eye for goal, leading to comparisons with Brazilian star Hulk.
South Korea
Seo Jung-hyun (Pohang Steelers, Forward)
Was part of the Steelers Under-18 team that defeated Manchester City earlier this year. Capable of playing as both an attacking midfielder or further forward, his quick feet and ability to get out of tight situations make him one to watch.
Spain
Adrian Marin (Villarreal, Defender)
Left back who made his first team debut earlier this season, despite playing just four times for the B team. Joined the club at the age of 11 and progressed quickly through the ranks. Quick, physically imposing and technically gifted.
Julen Arellano (Barcelona, Defender)
Despite playing for Barcelona, his idol is Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale. A left-footed defender who loves to get forward, he has the strength and speed required to barrage his way past opponents with ease. Joined the Catalans at the age of 14.
Ferran Sarsanedas (Barcelona, Midfielder)
Already in his eighth season at Barcelona, he has been likened to Sergi Roberto, who is now in the first team squad. Intelligent and good on the ball, he likes cutting in from the left flank to trouble opposition defenders.
Sweden
Erik Andersson (Landskrona Bois, Midfielder)
Was spotted by former Celtic and Barcelona striker Henrik Larsson. Started his first game at the age of 15 and has since attracted interest from Newcastle United and Juventus. He is also the captain of Sweden’s Under 17 side.
Turkey
Enes Unal (Bursaspor, Striker)
Credited with being the best young player to come out of Turkey since Hakan Sukur. Has scored 182 goals in 110 games at youth level, and has scored 24 times in 25 games for his country’s Under 16’s. Believed to be interesting a number of Premier League clubs.
USA
Erik Palmer-Brown (Sporting Kansas City, Defender)
A powerful centre back who recently became the youngest defender in MLS history. Juventus had several bids for the player turned down earlier this year, with several other clubs keeping an eye on his progress.
Vietnam
Phan Thanh Hau (Hoang Ang Gia Lai Arsenal JMG Academy, Midfielder)
Vietnam are reportedly become something of a force in Asian youth team football. Hau is the heartbeat of the midfield, with his vision and range of passes making him key to the team’s chances. Currently playing at an Arsenal owned academy.
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