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The footballing world has witnessed a number of deadly young forwards in the 21st century, and some of them went on to become world beaters such as Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Francesco Totti and Alessandro Del Piero. Such players were considered wonderkids from a very young age and big clubs often circled around them.
Improved training facilities and coaches have resulted in better young talent, Germany being a prime example of such a system. There are plenty of young strikers out there who have established themselves as future superstars. Here's a look at five teenagers to watch out for in the coming seasons.
#5 Jann-Fiete Arp
Age: 18
Club: Hamburger SV
Nationality: German
Jann-Fiete Arp became the first player born after 2000 to play in the Bundesliga when he came on as a substitute against Werder Bremen and scored his first Bundesliga goal against Hertha Berlin a month later.
Arp has a simple, yet effective style of play. He's a typical centre-forward who can finish in close spaces with both feet and score various types of goals. He also works hard to apply pressure on opponents, often forcing mistakes.
A back-to-goal striker, with a good first touch who can put his body between the opponent and the ball, the way he shifts the ball out of his feet quickly offers him room for a shot or a smart pass into a teammate’s path. He displays the predatory instincts of all prolific strikers, to always be in the right place at the right time. He can be deadly if afforded too much space.
In the 2016/17 season, he scored 26 times in the German youth league. He also won gold in the U-17 category for Germany’s prestigious Fritz-Walter medal, previously awarded to Toni Kroos and Manuel Neuer.
Arp had an excellent U-17 World Cup in India where he scored five times as Germany reached the quarterfinals. At the Under-17 European Championships in May 2017, Arp scored seven goals including two hat-tricks, one against Ireland and the other against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which propelled Germany to the semi-finals.
#4 Kwang-Song Han
Age: 19
Club: Cagliari
Nationality: North Korean
Han Kwang-Song became the first North Korean to play in Serie A when he came off the bench against Palermo in April 2017. He also went on to become the first North Korean to score in Serie A when he scored in the 3-2 loss to Torino.
The 19-year-old is a versatile striker with a blistering turn of pace and excellent technique. He possesses natural agility, precise dribbling and an eye for goal. Apart from being a composed and lethal finisher, he has the ability to draw fouls, an important attribute in Serie A.
Han netted an excellent hat-trick on the opening day of the Serie B season and scored seven goals and assisted three in his loan spell at Perugia last season.
Han captained North Korea to glory at the Under-16 Asian Championship in 2014. He also starred at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, propelling North Korea to the round of 16, against all odds.
#3 Moise Kean
Age: 18
Club: Juventus FC
Nationality: Italian
Moise Kean is a fast, tenacious forward, whose control and desire to get into the key areas make him a nightmare for defenders. He is known for his pace, aerial ability, sublime technical skills and strong physique, which allows him to hold up the ball with ease.
Kean is a hard-working player, often lauded for his defensive contribution off the ball. He possesses a tendency to drift wide to receive the ball and take on defenders. He can coolly finish past goalkeepers.
His 24 goals in 26 games for Juventus U17s in 2016 saw him rewarded with Serie A and Champions League debuts.
Kean scored his first goal for Juventus in a 2–1 win against Bologna, becoming the first player born in the 2000s to score a goal in one of Europe's five major leagues. The Juventus teenager also became the first player born in this century to play in the Champions League.
#2 Vinícius Júnior
Age: 18
Club: Real Madrid CF
Nationality: Brazilian
Vinicius Junior is a fast, skilful forward who runs relentlessly at full-backs, latching on to balls and shooting or cutting inside to switch play. His strength makes him difficult to dispossess. He plays with his head up and can link with team-mates well.
He possesses a change of pace that baffles defenders and the ability to swiftly change direction draws numerous fouls. The fact that he can play on either wing or as a centre-forward is a testament to his versatility.
The 17-year old won the 2015 South American Under-15 Championship, where he netted 6 goals. After leading Brazil to victory at the Under-17 South American Championship, Vinicius was named the tournament's best player and was top goal scorer with 7 goals.
#1 Kylian Mbappé
Age: 19
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Nationality: French
Kylian Mbappe is well known for his flamboyant style of play. His well-rounded attacking ability enables him to play both out wide and through the middle, which is one his biggest assets. His low centre of gravity helps him protect the ball under pressure.
The young Frenchman’s pace and acceleration make him just as dangerous from counter attacks too. His balance on the ball is exceptional and his sudden changes of pace often catch defenders off guard.
Mbappe is a lethal finisher and uses his creativity to assist teammates. His most underrated skill is his outstanding range of passing. This enables him to pass his way out of danger, and his calmness allows him to find teammates in space.
He scored five times for France as they won the 2016 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. The PSG forward scored his first senior international goal in a World Cup qualification match against the Netherlands. He also netted 4 goals as France won the World Cup. Some sparkling performances at the tournament have shown that Mbappe will be one of the best players in the world in the years to come.
