5 talented youngsters who faded away

#3 Federico Macheda

Macheda has shuffled 10 clubs in the last ten years

Manchester United's promising talent Federico Macheda has shuffled 10 clubs in the last ten years. Despite signing a professional contract with the Red Devils on the day he turned 17, Macheda couldn't quite build upon that opportunity.

The Italian striker made the top line during his under-18 days at Old Trafford. The same earned him a senior contract under Alex Ferguson at a very young age. His injury-time winner against Aston Villa in 2009, which helped United keep the title race alive, is etched forever in the minds of Manchester United fans.

Federico Macheda was having a comfortable period with his club until he sustained an injury during his first full-season. The pattern kept on continuing until Macheda fell down the pecking order and was forced to move out.

At the age of 30, Macheda plays for Greek side Panathinaikos. He is contracted until 2023.

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#2 Jese Rodriguez

Jese was a super sub at Real Madrid

From being tagged with a €200 million release clause at Real Madrid to just an ordinary player at Las Palmas, Jese's career fell flat on its nose right in front of our eyes. While it all began with an ill-fated injury, the forward's lack of discipline has a role to play in his downfall as well.

After making quite a name for himself during his early teenage days, Jese was wanted by many La Liga clubs including Barcelona. However, the Spaniard chose to join Real Madrid's youth setup — La Fabrica.

He ascended through the ranks effortlessly and earned a permanent call-up to the star-studded senior side during Carlo Ancelloti's first stint at the Bernabeu. Jese was mostly used as a super sub and he barely failed to deliver. He endured a fine run in form from late 2013 to March 2014.

It all began after the forward picked up an ACL injury during Real Madrid's Champions League round of 16 tie against Schalke in March 2014. He was sidelined for nine months before returning to a much-crowded squad.

The lack of playing minutes and increasing competition forced Jese to sign for PSG after spending a decade at the Spanish capital. His ill-fate continued in Paris as well. Jese was sent out on multiple loan deals at Las Palmas, Stoke City, Real Betis and Sporting CP.

The Spaniard is currently playing for Las Palmas after a contract termination from PSG following COVID rule violations and a sex scandal.

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#1 Bojan Krkic

Bojan Krkic broke multiple Leo Messi records on youth levels

There is only one name that comes to our minds when we think of Barcelona's records. Lionel Messi.

But there was a certain player at Barcelona who went by the name of Bojan Krkic, who broke multiple Leo Messi records on youth levels. Part of Barcelona's La Masia, Bojan wreaked havoc between 1999 and 2006. It was reported that Bojan scored over 900 goals across various youth levels, breaking Leo Messi's record.

The Spaniard was also Barcelona's youngest ever La Liga debutant and the then youngest Barca player to feature in a Champions League game. Many expected Bojan and Messi to be the pillars of Barcelona's future. However, we witnessed just one of them reaching sky high and it was not Bojan.

The Spanish international couldn't handle the regular pressure and fell down the pecking order before having to move away from his boyhood club. He plays in the J1 league as of now.