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2012 has passed and another year is upon us. Some incredible talents have been revealed during the past year, and this article looks into the top 10 young players to watch out for in the future.
10. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain (Arsenal)
“The Ox”, as he is popularly known, has been turning heads ever since he rose to prominence in Southampton at the age of 17. A product of the famed Southampton youth academy, Chamberlain is gifted with a powerful playing style, physical tenacity, a burst of pace and a good finish. Already having made his England senior team debut at the age of 19, Oxlade-Chamberlain definitely has a bright future ahead of him.
9. Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
Playing as a forward in Crystal Palace, Zaha has caught the attention of all the big clubs, with Arsenal and Manchester United leading the race to sign this youngster. Having won the football league’s Young Player of the Year award in March 2012, Zaha, who is still only 20, will be keen to impress in the following seasons.
8. Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
At 18 years, Sterling has been the brightest spark (other than Suarez) of this season’s Liverpool line up. With pace, neat dribbling skills and a fearless attitude, Sterling has quickly become an integral member of the squad. Already a regular starter in one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, he will be expected to kick on and cement a place in the national squad as well.
7. Luke Shaw (Southampton)
Described as “technically very gifted” by Sir Trevor Brooking, this young left back has managed to draw comparisons with more established players like Ashley Cole and Gareth Bale. Known as an attacking left back because of his pace, dribbling ability, ball control and free-kick taking, Luke Shaw is another gem produced by the Southampton academy. At 17 years, he is already being pursued by the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal. Only the sky is the limit for this promising youngster from Southampton.
6. Cristian Tello (Barcelona)
A product of La Masia in Barcelona, Tello has managed to make a name for himself in a Barcelona squad filled with superstars. His technical ability on the ball, coupled with his predatory instincts, has led to him being touted as the next Andres Iniesta. Still only 21, Tello might just be the next Blaugrana superstar.
5. Christian Eriksen (Ajax)
Winner of the Dutch football talent award and the Danish Player of the Year award in 2011, Eriksen has been the midfield mainstay of the Ajax side for two seasons now. Great vision, incisive passing and supreme skill on the ball sets him apart from his compatriots. Always wanted by the top clubs in every transfer window, Eriksen, who is just 20, is certainly a star for the future.
4. Lucas Moura (PSG)
Already earning 3 million euro a year at the tender age of 20, Lucas Moura is the latest superstar to join cash rich PSG. An attacking midfielder, Lucas has all the attributes of a very gifted player, with the Samba influence evident in the attractive style of football he plays. Having been an integral part of the Brazil team in the Olympics, Lucas will be looking to make his mark in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
3. El Shaarawy (Milan)
Carrying the weight of the entire Milan team on his young shoulders, El Shaarawy has been an absolute revelation this season. He is considered to be an up-and-coming, potential world class player. Primarily playing as a left winger but also playing as an attacking midfielder or a centre forward, he is known for his outstanding dribbling ability and technical skill. El Shaarawy has also shown off his strong leg with strikes from outside the box. Almost a complete player already, El Shaarawy looks like a safe bet to to be the next superstar of Italy and Milan.
2. Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Playing as an attacking midfielder and a winger, Hazard is known for his creativity, speed, and technical ability and is described as a “fearless, explosive, attacking midfielder who can change the game with a turn of pace or a dribble”. He has also been described as “a defender’s nightmare” and has earned plaudits for his playing style, which has led to the media, coaches, and players drawing comparisons to FIFA Ballon d’Or winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Having racked up the highest number of assists in all professional leagues last year, Hazard is a jewel in the crown of the Chelsea midfield.
1. Neymar (Santos)
Already declared as the best in the world by the legendary Pele, Neymar has captured the entire soccer world’s attention with his amazing football skills. At the age of 19, Neymar won the 2011 South American footballer of the year award, by a record margin, after coming third in 2010. In 2011, Neymar received nominations for the FIFA Ballon d’Or, where he came 10th, and the FIFA Puskas award, which he won. He is known for his acceleration, speed, dribbling and finishing. He has been linked to all the top clubs in Europe with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea leading the race to sign this young phenomenon. In Brazil 2014, all eyes will be on Neymar as he will try to guide his country to a record 6th World Cup title.
Honourable Mentions
Jack Wilshere (Arsenal), Tom Cleverely (Manchester United), Lucas Piazon (Chelsea), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid), Jack Butland (Birmingham City), Suso (Liverpool), Alan Dzagoev (CSKA Moscow), Oscar (Chelsea)
