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The average age of footballers is getting lower. This could be the result of clubs putting more resources into their academies. Scouting is also at a higher level than ever across age groups. The fact that there are more substitutions allowed along with frequent absentees due to COVID-19 means that fans often see younger players get minutes.
We take a look at the youngest players to have played in the top 5 leagues so far this season. Players who have been named in the squad but haven't made their debuts have not been included.
#5 Iker Bravo
Iker Bravo came on for Bayer Leverkusen against Hertha Berlin, aged 16 years and 298 days. At that point, he was the second-youngest player in the history of the Bundesliga.
Hailing from Barca's La Masia academy, Bravo is a striker who has scored goals for fun across all age groups. Bravo is a complete player, and as he continues to grow physically, he will become even harder to stop.
Leverkusen is a very good place for him to develop as they are known for giving opportunities to the youth. Given that Barcelona aren't known for producing out-and-out strikers, the decision to let Bravo walk for free might be one they regret later on.
#4 Zidan Sertdemir
Zidan Sertdemir was always destined for big things. Iker Bravo's record as the youngest player to play for Leverkusen in the league was broken by Sertdemir just seven minutes after it was set. Sertdemir replaced Moussa Diaby in the same game, aged 16 years and 276 days.
The Danish creative midfielder was bought from FC Nordsjaelland in 2021. Although he has Turkish roots, he decided to represent Denmark at the youth level.
Sertdemir has a tall, wiry frame coupled with the ability to drive past opponents and break defensive lines. Zidan has been spoken about in Scandinavian footballing circles as the next big thing. It remains to be seen how much of his potential he realizes.
#3 Sidney Raebiger
RB Leipzig also have a fantastic track record when it comes to scouting young talent and Sidney Raebiger is a good example. He made his debut against Mainz aged 16 years, eight months, and 22 days.
Raebiger joined Leipzig in 2015 at the age of just 9. From there, the midfielder has gone from strength to strength. He currently plays for the club's U19 side and for Germany's U16 team on the international stage.
The midfielder was handed his debut by then-manager Jesse Marsch, who had had the following to say about Raebiger:
“He’s a super player with a great mentality. Of course, he’s only 16 but he’s already much more mature. In pre-season, I asked a lot of him but he had a super answer to every question. He’s going to have a great future with us but it has to happen step by step.”
#2 Mathys Tel
Rennes have established themselves as one of the important names when it comes to youth players. Mathys Tel is the latest in line. At 16 years and 110 days, Tel became the youngest player to play for Rennes in Ligue 1. His first appearance was in a 1-1 draw against Brest.
Tel is a bright forward who can play in a variety of attacking positions. Even in the very few minutes he has played, Tel has been used on the wings as well as a center forward. He is fast and a strong finisher.
Rennes currently have talents like Jeremy Doku and Kamaldeen Sulemana who could potentially leave the club and Tel could step up and replace them.
#1 Paul Wanner
Bayern's numerous COVID-related absentees earlier this season meant that manager Julian Naglesmann handed 16-year-old Paul Wanner a first-team debut. He became the second-youngest debutant in the league behind Dortmund's Moukoko at 16 years and 15 days.
Wanner is an attacking midfielder who has been making waves in youth tournaments for some time now.
Wanner's playing style is a bit reminiscent of Kai Havertz. He has excellent technique as well as a good passing range. The left-footed playmaker prefers to be deployed in a free role behind the strikers. However, he can also play as a creative winger.
