Irrespective of how many star players a great football team has, fans will instantaneously connect with a youngster who has come through the academy and made it through to the first-team. The joy of supporting someone who has lived a life just like any other fan is what football is all about.
Some of the best under 23 players in the world have their futures up in the air mainly because they’re either so ridiculously talented they could get poached, or because they aren’t playing for a club that they came through.
On the other hand, however, there are many youngsters in world football who look like they’re playing for clubs that may very well go on and keep them for the rest of their senior playing career. Recently, we’ve seen the likes of Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Thomas Muller, Claudio Marchisio and Benedikt Howedes doing the same.
Here’s looking at five such players who teams can build their future projects around:
#5 Saul Niguez
Apart from spending one initial year in the Real Madrid setup, Saul Niguez has been at Atletico Madrid since he was 13. And now, the 22-year-old is shaping up to become on their most exciting young talents capable of mixing it with the very best in the field.
Niguez is a central midfielder by trade and has capabilities to contribute to both attack as well as defence; and ever since the club appointed Diego Simeone as their manager, the Spaniard has become a key part of their midfield, dictating play every single game.
The youngster – although been linked with a move to Manchester United in the past – sees himself at Atletico Madrid for years to come. With that guarantee having been taken care of, the club can hope to build their teams around the youngster for he’s someone who seems capable of taking on the challenge and living up to expectations.
#4 Joshua Kimmich
Having come through the ranks of VFB Stuttgart and after spending two years with RB Leipzig in Germany's lower leagues, Joshua Kimmich seems to have finally found the club that he'll stay for a long time to come.
Brought to the Bavarian giants by Pep Guardiola, the 22-year-old continues to impress many with his performances for both Germany and Bayern Munich. Under current manager Carlo Ancelotti, Kimmich is a vital member having already played in twenty-four matches this season.
The central midfielder has been eyed as Bastian Schweinsteiger’s replacement at both national and club level and from what we’ve seen so far, it’s a bet worth placing your money on. Kimmich has a keen eye for passing and the kind of mental aptitude that separates him from many others his age.
Kimmich has professed his love for football at Bayern Munich and feels home at the Allianz Arena. Going forward, the club will do well to build their team around the 22-year-old.
#3 Marcos Llorente
It’s not often Real Madrid are drooling over the prospect of fielding an under-23 player in the coming season. Although they’ve given such exposure to the likes of Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, Gonzalo Higuain and Casemiro in the past, but having to field someone who’s risen through their ranks? Now that’s unfamiliar territory for the Los Blancos.
22-year-old Marcos Llorente left Real Madrid in the summer going out on loan to La Liga minnows Deportivo Alaves. And thanks to his performances this season, he’s kept their hopes of playing in Spain’s top flight alive for one more season. His brilliance has also guided them to the final of the Copa del Rey where they take on Real Madrid’s arch-rivals Barcelona.
Llorente is a defensive midfielder with an eye for a forward pass. He has the turn and the pace to change defence into attack. And Alaves this season have depended on this very element for them to gain vital results in the league. He’ll rejoin Real Madrid in the summer and given the club could soon lose Luka Modric, they’ll do well to ensure that he’s the one they build their side on in the years to come.
#2 Paul Pogba
Manchester United spent a fortune buying back Paul Pogba from Juventus earlier this summer. He spent four years with the Turin club but given he rose through the ranks of the Manchester club, it is fitting to add him on this list. After all, he’s the most valuable under-23 player in the world.
Pogba is also a central midfielder who seems to work best when put on the left of the middle in a dynamic 4-3-3 system. His passing range, his finesse, his confidence has been admired the world over and Jose Mourinho did the right thing by bringing him back ‘home’.
United are already preparing for a future without the charismatic Michael Carrick and with the Frenchman, they have the kind of specimen capable of guiding the club back to the top of domestic and European football. At Turin, Pogba was superb releasing forwards and linking up with the striker, and at Manchester United, all the pieces are falling into place for him to benefit.
#1 Dele Alli
The youngest one on this list and the only one whom you could call an out-and-out attacking midfielder is Tottenham Hotspur’s jewel, Dele Alli. Born and bred in London, the 20-year-old grew up around Milton Keynes and was a key player in the MK Dons side.
But since moving to Tottenham, Alli has taken the pressure and the expectations of the team on his shoulders. He’s already their most important player even though they have the likes of Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and Eric Dier. Without Alli, Pochettino’s side looks dull and lifeless while with him they’re ruthless.
The England international has been linked with moves to some of the biggest clubs in the world with Real Madrid and Manchester United touted as future destinations. However, having already signed two contract extensions with the club without making a fuss goes to show how much he values being a part of this Spurs side.
His talent, his drive and his ruthlessness have forced the team to adjust themselves to his demand and it’s working. Following the same blueprint in the future will do the North London club the world a good.
