Football's 5 Top Teenage Prospects
November 21st 2010 09:42
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
A lot of attention has been drawn to young footballers in World football recently, with the likes of Mario Balotelli, David De Gea, Sergio Aguero and Gareth Bale making headlines. But a glimpse into the not to distant future, tells you that is a lot more to come, with a host of teenagers making waves right now. In this list, I will be discussing the five players who I consider to be the best teenage prospects right now in World football.
5th - Jack Wilshere/Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
Well, I say a top five, but I just couldn't separate these two players for fifth place. Both central midfielders, and both at Arsenal, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey both make the list.
19-year-old Welshman Ramsey was the first of the two to break onto the scene, making his Cardiff City debut at 16, having signed for them at just 8 years-old. After impressing in his only 16 appearances in the Championship for the Welsh side, a transfer battle ensued, with Arsenal beating Manchester United and Liverpool to his signature. Since his move in the summer of 2008, Ramsey has made 51 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, scoring five goals.
If I had been compiling this list 12 months ago, Ramsey would be a huge contender for the number one spot, but he has been missing with a broken leg since February. At the time of the devastating break against Stoke City, he was widely regarded as the best young player in the Premier League, leaving Gareth Bale trailing in his wake as Wales' best emerging talent.
Though no one wants to see a team-mate injured, Aaron Ramsey's loss with injury, has certainly been Jack Wilshere's gain. The 18-year-old English midfielder did well on loan at Bolton last season, but had Ramsey been fit, it is unlikely he would have got a look in at the Emirates this season. One goal and eight assists in his 16 games for Arsenal this season has helped him to a first England cap, and he is now also regarded one of the world's hottest prospects. After a silly red card earlier in the season, his temperament could be an issue, but along with Ramsey, the young Gunner has bags of potential.
4th Eden Hazard (Lille)
While some football fans may be surprised to see a Belgian footballer on the list, keep in mind that Hazard is the first of two Belgium Internationals in my top 5. At just 19-years-old, the attacking midfielder has already amassed over a hundred appearances for French side Lille, and particularly impressed in their Europa League campaign last season. Having made his club debut 16, he broke into the Belgium side at 17, and now has 17 caps.
The young winger is reportedly a target for a host of top European clubs, including Arsenal and Real Madrid. He won the French League young player of the year award in the last two seasons, and has often been compared to Lionel Messi, given his lack of height and silky dribbling skills and flair.
3rd Sergio Canales
At third on my list, is possibly the teenager who right now in World football, has made it biggest so far. 19-year-old central midfielder Sergio Canales transferred to Real Madrid last summer, in a £3.5 million move from Racing Santander. He has represented Spain at every youth level, and can't be too far away from a full International debut, though getting ahead of Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and Alonso won't be easy.
Six games already this season for Madrid shows that Mourinho has great faith in the Spaniard, and already playing for one of the biggest clubs in the World, can only aid his progress. After 21 goals in 54 games for Racing from the middle of the park, a big future beckons for Canales in the Spanish capital.
After seeing four midfielders make up my list so far, it was a very close call between two strikers for the top two positions. Ultimately though, my decision was made by the goal-scoring records of the two players in question. So coming in at two ..
2nd Neymar
At just 18-years-old, Santos striker Neymar is already a full Brazilian International, with two caps and one goal to his name. The attacker was signed by his hometown club at just 11, and made his debut in March 2009. Since then, he has managed 52 goals in 105 games for Santos. Being a Brazil starting striker at 18 should be enough to assure football fans worldwide that Neymar is destined for a huge future, with every top team keen to sign him.
A move to Chelsea was mooted last summer, but Santos legend Pele persuaded the teenager to remain at the club. Signing a new contract with the Brazilian club saw Santos fans celebrating in the street, such is the love for Neymar. Though he didn't make my number one spot, I have no doubts he will be one of the World's top players for many years to come, and will look to emulate his idol, Pele.
1st Romalu Lukaku
These certainly are exciting times for fans of the Belgium national team. In my opinion, two of the best four teenagers in the World right now are both of that nationality. Despite Neymar's fantastic start to his career, for me, Lukaku is an untouchable number one. Until you actually look closer at the 17-year-olds career so far, it is hard to appreciate just how good this kid is.
A 12-year-old Lukaku started his youth career at Lierse S.K, and scored an incredible 68 goals in 68 games for their youth team. After joining Anderlecht, his goal scoring record improved even more. Despite playing in his team's Under 21s at just 14 then 15-years-old, the striker bagged 121 goals in just 88 matches. If any other player in World football is doing that before even turning 16, I'd like to know who!
By the tender age of 16, Lukaku was already a first team regular for Belgium's biggest club, netting 19 goals in all competitions last season. So far this campaign he has 11 goals, and has become the third youngest Champions League goal scorer ever. It is amazing to think that at just 17, he already has 8 senior caps for Belgium, scoring twice!
There is no surprise that the teenage sensation is being linked to pretty much every top side in the World, but for now he is still at Anderlecht. A £17.5 million bid from Tottenham was knocked back in the summer, and the player himself has stated his desire to one day join Chelsea, as his heroes are Anelka and Drogba. But I have never known a player this young, to be doing this well, and I'm sure that the name Romelu Lukaku, is a name we will hear a lot more of in the future!
Comments Welcome
| 51 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
Comment by Joe Soriano
Pro Sports Wrap
Orble Sport Blog
Comment by Matt Saltmer
Procrasturbating
Best in Footy
English Premier League