Justin Kluivert, Phil Foden and Carles Alena: Eleven wonderkids to watch out for in 2018
After a year in which Kylian Mbappe was the breakthrough sensation, Football Whispers predict the next big names
AS 2017 ends there is an opportunity to look back at the young players who became world stars this year.
Of the many teenagers who shone for their clubs, Kylian Mbappe is undoubtedly the stand-out.
Houssem Aouar
The latest exciting product to come off the production line at Lyon.
The 19-year-old midfielder has already shown great poise and precision during games and was instrumental in helping Lyon beat Saint-Etienne 5-0 in the derby.
Comfortable as a playmaker, but with the defensive capability to drop back, Aouar has caught Barcelona’s eye with his impressive performances in the OL first-team.
Dayot Upamecano
Although he never played professional football in his homeland, the French defender’s stock has been on the rise since his move to Red Bull Salzburg.
Snapped up by sister-club Leipzig in January, Upamecano forced his way into the first-team and hasn’t looked back.
The 19-year-old is everything a manager would want in a modern-day defender; physical, powerful and fast across the ground. He’s shown to have great technique, too.
Phil Foden
When Pep Guardiola is a big fan, then supporters know a young player must be very, very talented.
With remarkable raw potential, the Manchester City youngster is being slowly introduced to their star-studded midfield after helping England win the Under-17 World Cup.
He was crowned the tournament’s best player and also named BBC Young Sports Personality of the year.
Kai Havertz
It has been a steep rise to prominence for Bayer Leverkusen’s young playmaker.
He broke into the starting XI last term and impressed in the Champions League with his vision and creativity.
Liverpool have already shown their interest, reportedly inviting the 18-year-old to their training ground.
Dan-Axel Zagadou
Still only 18 years old, no one expected the Frenchman to already be commanding a place in Borussia Dortmund’s defence.
He only left PSG’s second string in the summer, but his athleticism and strength has helped him make the step up to Bundesliga football.
He has also impressed in the Champions League.
Ryan Sessegnon
It’s amazing to think the Fulham starlet is still only 17 years old. He is regarded as one of the best players in the Championship and the full-back, who can play anywhere down the flank is set for a huge 2018.
With Liverpool, Manchester United and Spurs all interested, it won’t be long until he is on the move from Craven Cottage.
Jann-Fiete Arp
A regular goal-scorer for Germany’s youth sides, the 17-year-old has broken into the Hamburg first-team and found the net in the Bundesliga.
Demonstrating strength, athleticism and a clinical finishing ability, Arp says Harry Kane is one of his role models and he’s been likened to the Spurs centre-forward.
Matthijs de Ligt
A product of Ajax’s famous youth academy, the departure of Davinson Sanchez has seen the 18-year-old elevate his game to another level.
He is now one of the best centre-backs in Holland despite his tender years.
Hand-picked by Sergio Ramos as his long-term replacement at Real Madrid, the centre-back plays with maturity and has already racked up 45 games for the Dutch side.
But unless Real firm up their interest, they’re likely to miss out on his signing.
Barcelona are also reportedly keen on de Ligt.
Carles Alena
Before Andres Iniesta there was Xavi, and before him, Guardiola.
And as the latest midfield general moves closer to retirement, Barcelona already have the heir to his throne in the 19-year-old.
Starring for their B-team, Alena has shown great awareness in possession and close control which allows him to wriggle out of tight positions, it’s hard not to be excited by his potential.
Justin Kluivert
It’s difficult to follow in your dad’s footsteps, even more so when he is a footballing legend like Patrick Kluivert.
The 18-year-old is not a centre-forward, but the winger is equally as promising a talent as his father was.
Quick and skilful, Justin is a joy to watch in the Ajax attack and is a player who regularly gets fans off their seat.
Ethan Ampadu
Chelsea are known for sending their young prodigies out on loan, with many scattered across Europe.
So it says a lot about the 17-year-old, who joined from Exeter City in the summer, that he’s already made his Premier League debut.
The Blues aren’t lacking for options in the middle of the pitch.
But Ampadu has taken the few opportunities he’s been afforded. There’s little doubt the teenager has a big future for both Chelsea and Wales.
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