'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Hello and welcome to the third part of the wonderkids series. Here, we will be aiming at studying the youngsters that are expected to be the superstars of the game in the near future.
With 2017 almost up, a number of stars are already reaching the twilight of their illustrious careers at their respective club. The need to delve into the future has become greater, following the curiosity of the question 'What's next now?'
Also read: Ranking the top 50 wonderkids in football right now (50-41)
Also read: Ranking the top 50 wonderkids in football (40-31)
In this instalment, we take a glimpse at the players ranked between 21 and 30:
NOTE: Only players aged 19 and below have been included
#30 Sergio Diaz
Age: 19
Club: CD Lugo (On loan from Real Madrid)
Position: Forward
Nationality: Paraguayan
Paraguayan striker Sergio Diaz debuted as a professional footballer with Cerro Porteno in June 2014. He represents Paraguay U23 on the international level.
The diminutive forward has already earned comparisons with Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero.
Usually deployed as a striker, the young starlet can perform equally well when shifted out wide on any of the sides and also in a no.10 role. He has a keen eye for goal and an excellent positioning ability which enables him to be in the right place at the right time.
It will be a treat to watch this Real Madrid youngster fulfill his potential and become a top player as the time progresses.
#29 Vincent Thill
Age: 17
Club: Metz
Position: Attacking-midfielder
Nationality: Luxembourgish
Just 5ft 6in tall, Vincent Thill is already being regarded as the best player produced by Luxembourg ever. He made his debut as a footballer in September 2016.
On the international stage, he made his breakthrough as a first team player against Bosnia and Herzegovina in March 2016.
Vincent Thill's short stature helps him maintain a low centre of gravity just like Lionel Messi. the Luxembourg-born footballer is as prolific as any fully grown player when it comes to dribbling the ball. Deployed usually as an attacking midfielder, the youngster has sleek passing abilities, with creativity and work-rate also present in his bracket of skills.
It is certain that Thill will be seen playing for one of the big clubs in Europe in the future years to come.
#28 Oriol Busquets
Age: 18
Club: Barcelona
Position: Central-midfielder, Defensive-midfielder
Nationality: Spanish
Oriol Busquets is a future central midfield legend for sure. He made his debut for the Catalans in August 2017 and plays in Spain's U19 team.
Busquets is being touted as the next vital central midfielder at the Nou Camp.
A technically gifted player, the 18-year-old has pin-point passing abilities along with good ball control and first touch. He is good at creating spaces as well as scoring goals for his team while operating as a box-to-box midfielder. Also, his tall stature enables him to be an aerial threat for the opponents.
Amongst a host of talented Barcelona teenagers, Oriol Busquets is regarded as the future of Barcelona's midfield along with teammate Carles Alena.
Barcelona have really found two worthy successors to Xavi and Iniesta.
#27 Axel Tuanzebe
Age: 19
Club: Manchester United
Position: Center-back, Right-back
Nationality: English
Axel Tuanzebe debuted as a professional player for Manchester United in January 2017. Being associated with the club since the age of 8, he is one of United's most promising prospects at the youth academy. He represents England U20s and is in line to receive his first international call-up.
Apart from the defensive flexibility Tuanzebe offers, he can also function as a holding midfielder in times of need. He reads the game well and has strong tackling abilities. Also, he has good marking skills and shows immense aggression in games.
Since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, the United faithful have been waiting to see an academy player carry on the longstanding tradition of youngsters. Although they have a diamond in Marcus Rashford, Manchester United are certainly polishing another gem of the upcoming era.
#26 Moise Kean
Age: 17
Club: Hellas Verona (on loan from Juventus)
Position: Striker
Nationality: Italian
Moise Kean made his professional debut for Juventus in November last year and joined Verona later on a loan. On the international stage, the budding youngster is yet to receive his first Azzurri call-up.
Kean has been touted for big things in the coming years, thanks to his prowess in front of goal. He has seen a remarkable rise in the youth ranks at Turin and a loan move to Verona will do great in giving him the game time to develop himself.
But, the young Italian has been the subject of speculations regarding his future at the club. Apparently, his dad has demanded a fleet of tractors in return for his son's stay with the Bianconeri. Juventus would definitely not like giving up on their talent in exchange for this weird demand, would they?
#25 Kai Havertz
Age: 18
Club: Bayer Leverkusen
Position: Attacking-midfielder
Nationality: German
Bayer Leverkusen introduced Kai Havertz to the world in October 2016. Since then, the midfielder has shown a plethora of potential to become one of the future greats in Germany. He plays for the U-19 team on the international level.
Havertz is well-versed in aerial duels. He has earned a reputation as a deft passer and a long-distance goal-scorer. His pace allows him to be a threat on counter-attacks. Also, the young German is capable of operating as a second striker in times of need.
Due to his proven skills, the prolific German has been a top target for many big clubs across Europe, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United sniffing around him for his signature. There's no doubt Kai Havertz will be a player to watch in the near future.
#24 Alban Lafont
Age: 18
Club: Toulouse
Position: Goalkeeper
Nationality: French
French shot-stopper Alban Lafont introduced himself to football in November 2015. On the international stage, he represents France in the U-20 squad.
Often regarded as the successor to Hugo Lloris in the near future, Lafont boasts impressive reflexes and has great ability in neutralizing ling-shots. The 6ft 4in goalkeeper is also well known for his precise distribution of the ball.
Also, Lafont's ability while handling the set-pieces and corners hasn't gone unnoticed in the game. He is the youngest goalkeeper to ply his trade in the Ligue 1.
Gianluigi Buffon and Iker Casillas have had a mouth-watering rivalry in the present age. However, with their retirements coming closer, the soccer fans need not worry at all, as Donnarumma and Lafont look ready enough to take their places in the coming years.
#23 Lee Seung-Woo
Age: 19
Club: Hellas Verona
Position: Winger, Second striker
Nationality: South Korean
Korean prodigy Lee Seung-Woo made his name at La Masia in Barcelona, becoming one of their top talents. He made his professional debut for Barcelona B in 2016 before joining Hellas Verona, the following year. He represents the South Korean U20 team on the international level.
The 19-year-old has already seen eyebrows raised with his silky dribbling skills. Endowed with a deafening pace, Lee usually plays as a winger and also as a second striker.
The youngster has already been labelled as 'South Korean Messi' due to his ability to get past opponents with ease. Lee is also a penalty specialist.
Barcelona might have sold him to Verona, but they still have a clause in the contract which allows them to repurchase him until 2019. Surely, the Catalans will never let such a talent slip through their fingers.
#22 Jann Fiete-Arp
Age: 17
Club: Hamburger SV
Position: Centre-forward
Nationality: German
Germany's prodigy, Jann Fiete Arp earned wide recognition for his distinct performances in the U17 World Cup qualifiers. Though Germany failed to make it to the finals, the 17-year-old has attracted top clubs in Europe with his eye-catching displays.
The lanky teenager made his professional debut in July 2017. Albeit he plays as a centre-forward, Arp can also function as an attacking midfielder in times of need. The German became the first player in the millennia to score a goal in the Bundesliga in a 2-1 defeat to Hertha Berlin.
Jann Fiete-Arp is a big threat inside the penalty box. He has been lauded for his clinical finishing in front of the goal. The 17-year-old goal poacher captained his national team in FIFA U-17 World Cup held in India.
Joachim Loew can certainly relax regarding the future of attack in the national team, with the legend of Jann Fiete-Arp in the making.
#21 Ryan Sessegnon
Age: 17
Club: Fulham
Position: Left-back, Left-winger
Nationality: English
Fulham will be seriously proud to have a budding talent like Ryan Sessegnon in their ranks. At just 17, the left-back is already a vital first-team player for the club.
Sessegnon debuted as a footballer for Fulham in August 2016, after rising through their academy since 2008. He is yet to receive his first cap for England.
The talented juvenile literally owns the left side of the football field. He is well versed in operating as a left-back, winger and a left-midfielder for his side. Sessegnon has a searing pace that enables him in helping attackers while going forward.
He constantly makes runs down the left-flank, thanks to his terrific work-rate. The youngster is also a good passer of the ball and has a lot of room for improvement.
His performances have attracted a bunch of heavyweights. Needless to say, he will definitely make it as one of the best left-backs in the future generations.
