4 highly-rated young footballers who will need to prove their worth next season

Summer is the time people can pack up their troubles and send them off to summer camps. Summer is always pleasing to the eyes; the magnificent country side, gorgeous hills and the sparkling sea filled with women in sexy bikinis.

It’s not the same everywhere, and certainly not in football. Summer is business in football. While the world around them comes to a standstill, managers show interest in certain players, scouts watch their every move, journalists come up with all possible rumours and fans agonisingly wait for the transfers to happen.

With another season of scintillating football yet to come, here is a list of 4 highly rated youngsters who ought to prove their worth in Europe.

Neymar Da Silva

Neymar has just stepped into Europe, and he is already loved by some and hated by many. Though Neymar has become one of the most talked about footballers in the world, he is yet to prove it in Europe. With a €57 million transfer from Santos, this 21-year-old has failed to impress a lot of people on international duty. Although he is slowly showing his class in the Confederations Cup, critics are hardly convinced of his calibre. However, the Brazilian has the ability to keep the ball under pressure, and would be a great addition to the Barcelona squad with his tiki-taka and freekick ability. Next season would be a test of his pressure, and he can still mature as a star in Barcelona.

Thiago Alcântara

With impressive box-to-box work, excellent ball control in the tightest of situations, ability to dictate the pace of the game and great leadership qualities, Thiago led his team to victory in the UEFA European U-21 Cup. A hat-trick in the final was a reward for his brilliant performance. Though he has been part of Barcelona’s main team for a while, Thiago has not been a first team regular. The Spaniard is close to a summer transfer to United, because of being frustrated by the lack of playing time at the Camp Nou. Thiago will be the missing piece in United’s midfield, and the 22-year-old can also fulfill his desire to get selected for the Spanish first team with the World Cup not far behind. Wherever he is, he will be a nightmare for the opposition.

Isco

Dubbed as the ‘next Fabregas’, Isco has been a special player for Malaga for the last 2 seasons, especially after Malaga had to forego Santi Cazorla to Arsenal. Isco’s exceptional pace combined with his ability to get players with ease has made him one of the hottest properties in Europe. Isco’s high-point is his brace in a 3-0 win over Zenit St Petersburg. Though he has played in the Champions League, the Spaniard’s dream of tasting CL glory looks an impossible dream with Malaga. Real Madrid is close to signing this sensation, who would be a vital member of the team, especially after reports claiming Ronaldo’s return to his spiritual home.

Kevin Strootman

Anticipation in making intelligent interceptions rather than tackling and with a great range of passing, he is the central midfielder that every team needs. At the age of 23, Strootman has grown into a dependable midfielder with a fantastic understanding of the game. Strootman continued his impressive run in the UEFA European U-21 championships, although he has earned his place in the Dutch main team. Another player linked with a move to United, he would be the perfect fit for the reigning EPL champions.

Notable mentions: Wilfried Zaha, André Schürrle, Christian Eriksen, Romelu Lukaku.