Khamis, 29 Mei 2014

Top 20 best young stars on the continent


It’s an old mantra many of Europe’s leading club still subscribe to - if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. 

Right across the continent, young stars have been illuminating games and inspiring the fans throughout the season. 

Here’s our countdown of the top 20 young players at European clubs right now (excluding those playing in the Premier League), the only criteria being that they must be 21 or under.   




20. Stephan El Shaarawy (Milan)

It’s been a write-off season for the Milan striker after a foot injury ruled him out of all but five of their Serie A fixtures but he remains one of the most highly-rated young players in Europe.

The fact that his absence coincided with a sharp dip in Milan’s fortunes under Clarence Seedorf only underlines the 21-year-old’s importance. 

He was excellent the season before, scoring 16 goals in 37 Serie A appearances and we’re sure it won’t be long before the kid known as ‘The Pharaoh’ is ruling opposition penalty boxes again.

Who's watching: Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid are among the admirers, as are Napoli and Torino, but £25m is the starting price.

The Pharaoh: Even at 21 years old Stephan El Shaarawy is a key figure in AC Milan's fortunes

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19. Paulo Dybala (Palermo)

Palermo have walked Serie B this season to make a triumphant return to the top flight and the Argentine striker has played a full part.

Manchester City were chasing him a few years ago, perhaps because many say his finishing is reminiscent of Sergio Aguero, but he stayed to help Palermo back into the big time. 

They’ll struggle to keep hold of the 19-year-old for much longer if he continues in the same vein.

Who's watching: Barcelona, Juventus, Inter Milan and City have all monitored his progress since he was a teenager in Argentina. Rated at £12m.

Goalscorer: Palermo's Argentinean striker Paulo Dybala has been likened to Sergio Aguero

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18. Ali Adnan (Rizespor)

Adnan has been christened the ‘Iraqi Gareth Bale’, which is certainly an interesting nickname. 

Hailing from Iraq’s capital Baghdad, Ali Adnan Kadhim Nassir Al-Tameemi (to give him his full name) is a rapid left back who plays for Rizespor in the Turkish Super League. 

The Asian Player of the Year is being monitored by plenty of big clubs across Europe but has so far been content to play for a more modest outfit and build his reputation.

Who's watching: Arsenal, Liverpool, Sevilla, Borussia Dortmund and Galatasaray all recognise Adnan's potential and that adds to his value of £8m.

Big reputation: Ali Adnan (left) is a rapid left-back who has been dubbed the 'Iraqi Gareth Bale'

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17. Alvaro Vadillo (Real Betis)

With Real Betis heading down to the second division, their star asset Vadillo is sure to be spirited away at some point this summer and potentially to the Premier League.

Vadillo was the youngest ever player to start a La Liga match back in 2011 at the age of 16 years and 11 months and his blistering pace on the left wing has been troubling defences ever since.

If he can make his crossing more effective, Vadillo will be quite a force to be reckoned with.

Who's watching: Tottenham and Arsenal have made enquiries. Real Madrid, Liverpool, West Brom and Malaga also like a player who could go for as little as £6m initially.

Flying force: Since making his Real Betis debut aged 16, winger Alvaro Vadillo has been troubling defences

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16. Zakaria Bakkali (PSV)

If reports are to be believed that he turned down a new contract at PSV, Bakkali could be coming to a Premier League ground near you soon.

The 18-year-old winger already has plenty of games under his belt in Holland and has been capped by Belgium at the end of the World Cup qualification campaign. 

A stunning hat-trick against NEC in the second round of Eredivisie fixtures this season showed precisely what Bakkali is capable of. 

Who's watching: Liverpool and Arsenal have been regular observers among half of Europe's elite. His contract talks are at an impasse and bids are expected in coming days.

On the move: Winger Zakaria Bakkali could be set to leave PSV after reportedly turning down a new contract

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15. Mattia De Sciglio (Milan)

Milan’s first-choice right back at just 21, De Sciglio performs both his defensive and offensive duties with class. 

His season has been affected by a couple of injury set-backs but he is consistently in the team when fit and available, and will likely be going to the World Cup as he tries to add to his nine Italy caps.

De Sciglio is far from the finished article - his crossing being one area where work is required - but he has plenty of time to develop.

Who's watching: Manchester United and Real Madrid have admired De Sciglio, as have Arsenal, but Milan would struggle to justify a sale below £18m.

Progress: Right back Mattia De Sciglio is developing fast at AC Milan and could go to the World Cup with Italy
Progress: Right back Mattia De Sciglio is developing fast at AC Milan and could go to the World Cup with Italy

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14. Kurt Zouma (St Etienne)

Zouma just about qualifies for our European list for this season, but he will very much be a Chelsea man come August. 

Jose Mourinho was so impressed by the 19-year-old’s poise and presence in the Saint-Etienne defence, he made a personal call to convince him to move to London.

A £12.5m deal was duly sewn up for the centre half in January and it will be hoped he can be a long-term replacement for John Terry.

Who's watching: Long future at Stamford Bridge ahead of him if he continues to build on his potential. Could quickly become a crowd favourite.

Zooming to the top: Teenage defender Kurt Zouma will join Chelsea in the summer and is seen as a long-term replacement for John Terry

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13. Hakan Calhanoglu (Hamburg)

It’s been an horrendous season for Hamburg as they fought successfully to retain their top-flight status, but a rare bright point has come in the form of 20-year-old Calhanoglu. 

He scored with a brilliantly audacious 45-yard free-kick in the win over Dortmund earlier in the season and his talent has inevitably attracted the attention of leading clubs including Chelsea.

Calhanoglu has drawn comparisons with Mesut Ozil and they share many attributes.

Who's watching: Bayer Leverkusen are hopeful, Hakan wants to play regularly so has dampened the ambitions of Bayern Munich and Chelsea. Will cost £10m.

Shining light: Chelsea target Hakan Calhanoglu has drawn comparisons with Mesut Ozil after impressing

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12. Marquinhos (PSG)

He won’t be going to the World Cup this summer like his central defensive partner Thiago Silva, but Marquinhos can reflect with satisfaction on an excellent first season at Paris Saint-Germain.

The two Brazilians complement one another well and the 20-year-old has learned much from the man he calls his ‘model and idol’. 

Never flustered and with a good command of the penalty box, many other opportunities on the international stage will come for the youngster.

Who's watching: Barcelona are the favourites at this stage with Dani Alves possibly going the other way as part of the overall £40million deal.

Samba star: Marquinhos is learning his trade alongside Brazilian countryman Thiago Silva at PSG

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11. Viktor Fischer (Ajax)

There seems to be a never-ending supply of talented midfielders coming through the ranks at Ajax and, just like their previous prodigy Christian Eriksen, Fischer hails from Denmark. 

A series of confident performances as Ajax again claimed the Eredivisie once again have the Premier League clubs sitting up and taking an interest. 

The fluidity of their play suits his style, with his dribbling and finishing already better than expected for a 19-year-old.

Who's watching: Usual pattern of progression for Ajax starlets beckons. Would cost £12m with Barcelona, Inter Milan, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal interested.

Production line: Viktor Fischer is the latest name to emerge from Ajax's talented youth academy


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10. Jese Rodriguez (Real Madrid)

Promoted to the Real Madrid first team squad at the start of the season, Jese had enjoyed a positive debut season until a tear to his anterior cruciate ligament brought it to a premature conclusion in March. 

Carlo Ancelotti has deployed the 21-year-old on both wings and as an out-and-out forward and he has contributed eight goals and six assists.

If Karim Benzema departs this summer, perhaps Jese can look forward to further opportunities to prove his undoubted goalscoring potential.

Who's watching: May be allowed out on loan to develop fitness but is well thought of by Madrid, who will rebuff any bids despite interest from Napoli.

Versatile: Used on both wings and as an out-and-out forward, Jese Rodriguez has scored eight goals for Real

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9. Marco Verratti (PSG)

Verratti has been a regular in the PSG midfield for two seasons now, which isn’t bad going for a 21-year-old. 

The Italian put his razor-sharp passing to good effect as the Parisians claimed a second Ligue 1 title in succession and his performances were enough to persuade Cesare Prandelli to include him in his provisional World Cup squad.

Who's watching: Juventus would like Verratti back in Italy but Roma could be the surprise bidders. Chelsea and Arsenal like him, bidding would begin at £22m.

Experience beyond his years: Italy midfielder Marco Verratti has already won two Ligue 1 titles at PSGExperience beyond his years: Italy midfielder Marco Verratti has already won two Ligue 1 titles at PSG

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8. Julian Draxler (Schalke)

An injury-interrupted season has not diminished Draxler’s golden reputation around Europe. 

The Schalke attacking midfielder has been linked with pretty much every leading club, including Arsenal, who seemed poised to bid before backing down. 

But it seems a matter of time before someone stumps up the cash - maybe as much as £35m - for the creative and versatile star.

Who's watching: Arsenal, Manchester City, United, Liverpool and Chelsea plus Bayern Munich. Draxler's options are plentiful but he seems likely to stay one more year.

In demand: Schalke and Germany attacker Julian Draxler caught the eye of Arsenal with impressive displays

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7. Florian Thauvin (Marseille)

Thauvin didn’t make himself too popular when he demanded to move from Lille to Marseille last summer but the 21-year-old winger has remained unfazed and started to repaid his £13m transfer fee. 

His magnetic touch and acceleration have made him a force to be reckoned with and he has scored 10 times and contributed six assists for Marseille this season. 

He has already been compared to Franck Ribery, which means he must be doing something right.

Who's watching: Chelsea, Newcastle and Arsenal have been constant visitors to Marseille while PSG have an interest. His consistency levels may mean he stays until next summer.

Wing wonder: Marseille's young French winger Florian Thauvin has been compared to Franck Ribery

.....................................................................................................................................................6. Ricardo Rodriguez (Wolfsburg)

The Swiss left back certainly isn’t shy in bombing forward down the flank, as shown by the seven goals and 10 assists he has provided for Wolfsburg this season. 

His first goal for the Bundesliga club was a free-kick against Borussia Dortmund back in November and the 21-year-old has played every single minute of their league campaign and performed consistently well.

Rodriguez’s reward was a place in Ottmar Hitzfeld’s Switzerland squad for the World Cup.

Who's watching: All the big clubs are looking for left backs and Rodriguez is on every list, albeit not at the top. World Cup may prompt offers. Would cost around £15million.

Consistent: Attacking full-back Ricardo Rodriguez played every minute of Wolfsburg's Bundesliga campaign

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5. Lucas Moura (PSG)

Yet another pivotal member of the PSG side who is 21 or under, Moura arrived in France from Sao Paulo with a big price tag and a burden of expectation. 

He has laid on 18 assists and scored four goals from his wide station in the PSG midfield and is a creative cog in a winning machine.

He has featured for Brazil, usually from the bench, but it wasn’t enough to persuade Luiz Felipe Scolari to elevate him beyond the standby list for the World Cup.

Who's watching: Showing why Sir Alex Ferguson wanted him. Lucas may be sacrificed as part of PSG's plan to sign Eden Hazard and United and Juventus may bite.

Up and coming: Brazilian forward Lucas Moura is an exciting prospect for PSG and has assisted 18 goals

.....................................................................................................................................................4. Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)

Hailed by Jose Mourinho no less as ‘the best young defender in the world,’ Varane has been hampered by injury this season but his talent is beyond doubt.

His command and composure belies his 21 years and Real have not been afraid to throw him in to important games both at home and abroad, including the Champions League final. 

Deschamps was also impressed and included Varane in his 23-man squad for the World Cup finals, where solid performances will only make his stock rise higher.

Who's watching: All Europe's elite clubs wants Varane but Real won't sell. United have asked, as have Chelsea and Manchester City. A favourite of Zinedine Zidane.

Breaking through: Raphael Varane started for Real Madrid as they won a tenth Champions League titleBreaking through: Raphael Varane started for Real Madrid as they won a tenth Champions League title
....................................................................................................................................................3. Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich)

After their Champions League humiliation against Real Madrid, some suggested Bayern Munich had regressed this season but the same can’t be said about Gotze.

With 15 goals and 13 assists during his first season after moving from Dortmund, the 21-year-old has already paid back a fair chunk of his £32.5m transfer fee.

He is one of the outstanding footballers of his generation and there’s so many more years ahead of him. 

Who's watching: The danger for Bayern is that Gotze is frustrated at not playing every week. Summer sales may appease him but keeping the peace could prove a test of Pep Guardiola's man-management skills.

Super Mario: Gotze moved to Bayern Munich from Borussia Dortmund for a huge fee but has continued to shine Super Mario: Gotze moved to Bayern Munich from Borussia Dortmund for a huge fee but has continued to shine

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2. Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid)

Without doubt the best goalkeeper of his age group in Europe, Courtois has been an absolute rock for Atletico as they chase long overdue glory in both La Liga and the Champions League. 

Some of the reaction saves the Belgian has pulled off this season have been out of this world and there now seems little doubt that Chelsea will call time on his loan spell in the Spanish capital and take him all for themselves.

Who's watching: Who wouldn't want him? Chelsea and Courtois should be a long-term marriage.

Loan ranger: Thibaut Courtois has impressed in three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid from Chelsea Loan ranger: Thibaut Courtois has impressed in three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid from Chelsea

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1. Paul Pogba (Juventus)

As Manchester United search frantically for quick fixes to their squad this summer, they will surely cast a rueful glance towards Turin.

Paul Pogba has been imperious as Juventus claimed a third successive Serie A title this season and his commanding presence in midfield is exactly what United have been missing. 

They perhaps should have persevered when Pogba started demanding more playing time back in 2012, rather than ushering out the exit door because their loss has most certainly been Juve’s gain. 

Called up by Didier Deschamps for France’s World Cup squad, the 21-year-old’s value - already estimated at £40m - will just continue to rise with impressive performances out in Brazil. 

Who's watching: Firstly, you'll need money, around £40m, and that won't deter Real Madrid, PSG, City and Chelsea from asking. The question is whether Juve sell or Pogba's agent Mino Raiola forces a move.

Cool finish: Juventus' Paul Pogba celebrates scoring for France in the 4-0 World Cup warm-up win over Norway


source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2640406/Thibaut-Courtois-Raphael-Varane-Julian-Draxler-20-best-young-stars-European-football.html

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