This week, a report released by Soccerex gave Raheem Sterling the title of Europe’s most exciting young player.
The Liverpool starlet will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come, but we thought we’d check with our good friends at Football Manager whether he really is the hottest prospect out there.
According to their database, Sterling is the THIRD most most promising player aged 21 or under in the world.
Here is the complete top 10… don’t go signing them all at once!
10. Max Meyer
Another one of Germany’s next generation, the 19-year-old is an attacking midfielder for Schalke.
He was named as the Golden Player at the 2012 UEFA European Under-17 Championship after finishing the tournament as top scorer.
9. Marquinhos
The Brazilian centre-back is considered to be one of the most exciting defenders in world football.
In 2013, at the age of just 19, he moved to PSG from Roma for a huge €31.5m fee. Rumours began to circle last season that he was unhappy at PSG due to his lack of first-team opportunities. That led to speculation that Manchester United were about to pounce.
However, manager of the Ligue 1 side, Laurent Blanc, ruled out the departure of Marquinhos, praising his “spirit and special mentality”.
8. Mateo Kovacic
Croatian youngster Kovacic is one of the brightest prospects in Serie A.
Often deployed by Inter Milan in a central or deep-lying midfield role, the 21-year-old is extremely versatile in the middle of the park.
He has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, although speculation has cooled following the Reds’ capture of Roberto Firmino.
7. Memphis Depay
The 21-year-old Dutchman was the top scorer in Holland last season, tempting Manchester United to splurge £25m to seal his services.
Experts have drawn a comparison between Depay and former Old Trafford favourite Cristiano Ronaldo, and that certainly can’t be a bad thing.
6. Julian Brandt
A pacy and hardworking winger, 19-year-old Brandt impressed in the Bundesliga last term with Bayer Leverkusen.
He has been capped at U15, U16, U17, U19 and U20 level for Germany, and is expected to break into the senior side sooner rather than later.
5. Adnan Januzaj
The LUIS Van Chaal did not believe him and gave to Dortmund. There he found himself established and all those who love football great expectations for the Belgian star who but had impressed on United
4. Leon Goretzka
Goretzka was included in Germany’s 30-man squad ahead for last summer’s World Cup in Brazil, but injury ended his chances of appearing at the tournament.
He has impressed for his club Schalke since then, however, and has been tipped to have a huge future on the international stage.
3. Raheem Sterling
The wantaway Liverpool starlet might not be England’s most popular player right now, but he sure is talented. Aged just 20, he has already played over 100 times for one of the country’s best clubs and starred in a World Cup.
The rumoured £50m transfer fee which Manchester City are set to pay to prise him away from Anfield is a testament to his immense ability.
2. Martin Odegaard
The Norwegian became the youngest player to represent Real Madrid in May earlier this year at just 16 years old.
Los Blancos staved off competition from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United to snap up the attacking midfielder from Stromsgodset in the January transfer window.
1. Youri Tielemans
The teenage Anderlecht midfielder was named Belgium’s Young Footballer of the Year in 2013/14, and was also the recipient of the 2014 Belgian Talent of the Year award.
At the tender age of just 18, Tielemans has already made 83 appearances for his club, winning the Pro League once and the Belgian Super Cup twice.
