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Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi might be dominating the world of football currently, but nothing lasts forever. There are some amazing talents coming through the academies and many of them are primed to have their breakthrough season this time around.
Some of these players have already made it to the first team squad, while some make this list based on their potential and the wonderful glimpses of talent they have shown whenever they have stepped out on the football pitch.
In our previous article, we took a look at 3 best academy players from top clubs in the Premier League, this time around, let us now take a look into the talented youngsters of the superclubs across Europe:
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich surprisingly have not had too many youth products play for them in the recent past. While teams like Schalke have produced a number of talented youngsters like Julian Draxler, Max Meyer and Leroy Sane, Munich have had only Thomas Muller break into the first team in the recent years. However, these 3 amazing youngsters are set to play a huge role for Bayern Munich in the future:
Fabian Benko (18) – Central Midfielder/Attacking Midfielder
Benko joined Bayern Munich at the tender age of 7, and ever since then he has been one of their standout young players. The German U-17 international already has made one senior experience for the Bundesliga giants. A midfielder capable of picking out the right pass, Benko will be hoping to make an impression this season.
Niklas Dorsch (18) – Central Midfielder
Dubbed the “new Schweinsteiger”, Niklas Dorsch is considered to be the most talented prodigy in the Bayern Munich youth academy. Directly promoted from the U-17 to the FCB II squad, Dorsch is an all action midfielder capable of flying into tackles and building the side’s attack. He has a very bright future ahead of him and is a name that Bayern Munich fans will want to keep an eye on.
Timothy Tillman (17) – Attacking midfielder/Winger
16-year-old talented attacking midfielder, Timothy Tillman is highly rated by the Bayern Munich chiefs. The youngster has dual citizenship for both United States and Germany, and the quick and skilled Tillman has already grabbed people’s attention with his stunning performances in pre-season and for the youth sides. Tillman is definitely a star fro the future.
Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund have a rich history of nurturing talent and encouraging youth, and the Bundesliga giants have one of the best youth academies in the world. These 3 stars will more likely than not get an opportunity to impress in the senior squad.
Felix Passlack (18) – Right Back/Defensive Midfielder
Versatile 18-year-old midfielder, Felix Passlack has already made 3 senior appearances for the Dortmund side and if his performances are anything to go by, he is certain to make a lot more. Blessed with superb balance and low centre of gravity, Passalack’s big asset is his athleticism. The young German is capable of playing multiple roles and his versatility might make him an important part of Tuchel's side this season.
Christian Pulisic (17) – Attacking midfielder/Midfielder
Easily the most skilled player in the Dortmund youth setup, Christian Pulisic is set to have a career-changing season this time around. The 17-year-old is already a full United States international and has even scored 3 goals for the national side. A player more in the Mario Gotze ilk, Christian Pulisic is all set to become the next big player to emerge from the Borussia Dortmund stables.
Dzenis Burnic – Defensive midfielder/Midfielder/Full Back/Centre Back
Another player very similar to Felix Passlack, Dzenis Burnic is probably an even better prospect because he has shown more technical skills than his youth academy team-mate. Burnic is also wonderfully versatile and is capable of playing in all positions across midfield although he is most effective in the playmaker’s role. Burnic is already a main member of the German U-19 squad.
Juventus
The Old Lady are easily the most dominant team in Italy right now, and if their youth academy is anything to go by, they are set to continue their era of dominance for a long time to come.
Mattia Vitale (18) – Midfielder
Barely old enough for a driving license, Vitale is tipped by many to become the next big thing for Juventus. "He is a very interesting player. He can play as a box-to-box midfielder or just ahead of the defence. He will grow by training and playing with the first team." said manager Allegri and it is easy to see why he rates him so highly.
A left-footer blessed with strong technique, stamina and an eye for goal, Vitale will be hoping to break into the first team soon and display his considerable qualities on the big stage.
Moise Kean (17) – Striker
Still only 17, Moise Kean has already turned heads with his goalscoring exploits for the Juventus youth teams. Capable of playing as a false 9, on the wings or as an out and out forward, Moise Kean’s biggest strength is his pace and physicality. The talented youngster has the game to make it to the very top and is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Carlos Moreno Blanco (20) – Centre Back/Sweeper
Juventus beat stiff competition from both Real Madrid and Barcelona to sign Carlos Blanco, and it is easy to see why the young Spaniard was in so much demand. Skipper of the Juventus youth side, Carlos Blanco has shown great composure in the backline. Strong in the air and skilled on the ball, Blanco also scored a stunning goal from halfway line in a pre-season friendly for the Juventus senior side.
Real Madrid
Zidane this year has already shown that he is not hesitant to give youth a chance. Some youngsters like Marco Asensio have already made most of the opportunity and look capable of holding their own in a star-studded team like Real Madrid.
Marco Asensio (20) – Attacking Midfielder
The latest attacking midfielder coming out from Spain, Marco Asensio has really captured everyone’s imagination with his superb performances in pre-season and the opening few matches of La Liga. Blessed with excellent passing skills, vision and intelligence, Asensio’s decision-making skills are already at a very high level despite the fact that he is still only 20.
The youngster seems to enjoy the confidence of Zidane and with Real Madrid expected to go deep in multiple cup competitions, Asensio might just get the required chances to make a real impact this season.
Aleix Febas (20) – Midfielder
20-year-old Catalan native Febas joined Real Madrid way back in 2009, and ever since then he has impressed the Madrid coaches with his skill and ability to pick out a pass. The youngster’s movement off the ball and intelligence on it has already caught Zidane’s eye and he might well be fast-tracked into the first team this season.
Febas describes himself as “a player with technical skills and the ability to give the final pass”.
Martin Odegaard (17) – Attacking midfielder
The Norwegian international’s inclusion on this list might be surprising, but there is no denying the fact that Odegaard is blessed with natural talent. The 17-year-old attacking midfielder is diminutive, quick-footed and capable of unlocking any defence with his terrific passing range. Odegaard will be looking to finally live upto his immense potential this season.
Barcelona
Barcelona are famed for nurturing world-class talent in their academy, La Masia. Players like Pep Guardiola, Iniesta, Xavi and even the great Lionel Messi are all La Masia graduates and it is always interesting to see who are the next big stars emerging from Barcelona’s famed academy
Oriol Busquets (17) – Box-to-box midfielder
Not in any way related to Sergio Busquets, Oriol Busquets, 17, is a tall box-to-box midfielder. The Spanish U-17 international already reads the game like an experienced veteran and is definitely one to watch out for in the future. Arsene Wenger reportedly wanted to get him to the Premier League, but the lanky Spaniard recently signed a 3-year contract with Barcelona.
Lee Seung-Woo (18) – Forward/Attacking Midfielder
Arguably the best 18 year old in the world right now, Lee Seung Woo has already been likened to Lionel Messi. The ‘Korean Messi’ is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, winger or as a forward and has already scored some spectacular goals in his burgeoning career. Already a part of the Barcelona B squad, Lee Seung-Woo is considered to be La Masia’s best talent.
Carles Alena (18) – Attacking midifielder/Winger/Midfielder
Since joining Barcelona as an 8-year-old, 18-year-old Carles Alena has captained all the youth teams including the Juvenil A squad and is expected to be an important part of the Barcelona B squad this year. A player who plays in a style similar to that of Messi and Iniesta, Alena is capable of scoring spectacular goals and has been earmarked by many as a star for the future.
