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Footballers are starting to blossom earlier than they used to and in recent times, we've seen several young individuals who are already world-class. We're slowly getting used to seeing teenagers making headlines on a regular basis.
Several young players have truly announced their arrivals at the recently concluded Euro 2020 and Copa America 2021. Some of the most sought-after players in the ongoing summer transfer window are young players who have broken onto the scene in recent years.
With coaching systems and fitness regimes evolving by the day, there is no doubt that the modern footballer will get better as time goes on.
Without further ado, let's take a look at five of the best footballers who are aged under 21.
#5 Eduardo Camavinga - France/Stade Rennais
18-year-old Eduardo Camavinga is an elegant central midfielder who is currently being linked with Manchester United. Camavinga helps bring plenty of fluidity to midfield with his excellent ball-carrying and passing ability.
He is primarily a holding midfielder but can play in a slightly more advanced role as well. At the age of 18, Camavinga has already showcased a lot of maturity. He is a slick passer of the ball, doesn't hold onto the ball for too long and is always on the move.
He is a dynamic midfielder and is technically proficient enough to adjust to the requirements of a game. It's a treat to watch Camavinga navigating tight spaces and he has already been likened to Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.
He made 39 appearances for Rennes in the 2020-21 season across all competitions, scoring a goal and providing three assists from central midfield.
#4 Jude Bellingham - England/Borussia Dortmund
Jude Bellingham was already a sensation at the age of 17. He turned 18 on June 29 last month and was a part of England's squad for Euro 2020. Bellingham first made headlines as a 16-year-old in Birmingham's relegation struggles in the second-tier of English football.
A year later, he was dominating midfield battles in the UEFA Champions League. The 18-year-old has already mastered the art of using his body to shield the ball and is great at keeping possession. He is also evolving into a top quality no. 8 thanks to his precise passing and his ability to make late runs into the box.
His dynamism enables him to play a variety of roles in midfield as well. He made 46 appearances for Borussia Dortmund across all competitions in the 2020-21 season, scoring four goals and providing four assists.
#3 Bukayo Saka - England/Arsenal
Bukayo Saka played a starring role in England's run to the final of Euro 2020. The youngster was arguably the only bright spot in an otherwise dull 2020-21 campaign for Arsenal. He started off as a left-back for the Gunners but has since taken the role of an inverted right-winger.
Having started out as part of the backline, Saka is excellent at tracking back and providing defensive cover for his team. His trickery, which includes deft touches, flicks and turns, makes him a dangerous player to go up against for opposition defenders.
In 46 appearances across all competitions in the 2020-21 season, Saka scored seven goals and provided 10 assists. He is definitely the most promising player on Arsenal's payroll and is one of the most exciting teenagers on the planet.
#2 Pedri - Spain/Barcelona
18-year-old Pedri has already become one of the most reliable midfielders for both Spain and Barcelona. He was a fixture in Barcelona's starting lineup in the 2020-21 season and made a whopping 52 appearances across all competitions. He scored four goals and provided six assists as well.
Pedri was also excellent for Spain at Euro 2020 and started and finished all of La Roja's six matches at the tournament. His touch, passing, skills and vision are all exemplary and the 18-year-old has already been likened to Barcelona greats like Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
He has looked comfortable since slotting into Barcelona's midfield. Pedri has so far negotiated the role of a central midfielder in a possession-based system with aplomb. He was also named the Young Player of the Tournament at Euro 2020.
#1 Erling Haaland - Norway/Borussia Dortmund
No surprises here. The Borussia Dortmund marksman is the most sought-after striker in the world and he is just 20-years-old. One of the most prolific goalscorers on the planet, Haaland is an absolute beast in the final third.
In 41 appearances across all competitions in the 2020-21 season, Haaland scored 41 goals and provided 12 assists. Those numbers are incredible for anyone, let alone a player who is just 20. Haaland's explosive pace, power and finishing are already top-notch.
The Norwegian international is also great at linking up with his fellow attackers and has already shown that he has the mentality to make it big in the footballing world.
Haaland is also a strong aerial presence and he is certain to go from strength to strength in the coming years. Borussia Dortmund are desperate to hold on to him despite the overwhelming interest from European giants this summer. However, it is only a matter of time before Haaland secures a switch to a bigger club.
