As the new season in football begins, there are players moving in and around the club. While some have retained the same core sides, some have chosen to dip into the transfer market. But a selected number of young players, are expected to have good seasons.
Let us take a look at the Top 10 young players to look out for in the upcoming season:
1) Phil Foden – Manchester City
It is set to be a big season for English youngster Phil Foden, who will likely take the recently departed David Silva’s place in the City midfield. Born and raised in Stockport, Foden needs confidence and game-time if he is to showcase his talent. The midfielder scored 5 goals and 2 assists last season.
2) Kai Havertz – Chelsea
Following a big-money transfer from Leverkusen, 21-year old Kai Havertz is expected to have a stellar debut season. Although quite young, he is experienced on the field, having made 150 career appearances so far. A dynamic attacking midfielder, he will slot straight into the No 10 role of Lampard’s new-gen team. Havertz scored 12 goals and 6 assists in the Bundesliga last season.
3) Ansu Fati – Barcelona
In what was a breakout season for young Spain U-17 forward Ansu Fati, he has quickly risen to fame at Barcelona. It will be interesting to see where Fati fits in Ronald Koeman’s plans but as it stands, he is the only natural left-winger who would be making an impact. With stats of 7 goals and 1 assist in 24 games, it is set to be a big season for Ansu Fati.
4) Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid
Signed from Flamengo for a reported amount of 46 million Euros, Real Madrid youngster Vinicius Junior will play a good hand in their upcoming season. The Brazilian winger has shown a lot in last season’s big games and will look to improve even further. His natural pace and dribbling skill makes him a nightmare for opposition defenders.
5) Dani Olmo – Leipzig
Having had a blistering start at Dinamo Zagreb and with over 100 appearances, Dani Olmo is going to play an important role for Leipzig this season. The fast winger with loads of skills and trickery is an interesting prospect who can boost the team.
6) Jude Bellingham – Dortmund
Having signed from Birmingham for 25 million pounds, Dortmund’s philosophy of buying young players continues. The central midfielder will challenge the likes of Witsel and Can, and with flashes of brilliance would want to become a regular starter capable of coming up with the goods.
7) Dejan Kulusveski – Juventus
Signed from Parma for his ability to find the back of the net often, Kulusveski is a versatile player capable of playing everywhere across the frontline. With an ageing Ronaldo and inconsistent Dybala in those positions, the youngster will find plenty of chances to impress in Serie A.
8) Alessandro Bastoni – Inter Milan
Not many emerge from the academy to command a starting place in the Inter Milan team. Displacing Diego Godin is a big thing, and Bastoni managed to do so. Known for his aerial ability and aggression to win duels, he will be an important component in Conte’s team this season.
9) Kasper Dolberg – OGC Nice
One would remember his performance for Ajax in the Europa League final against Manchester United a few years back. Signing for Nice last season, he scored 11 goals in his debut season. With age on his side and a chance to impress in Ligue 1, he will be looking to shine for Patrick Vieira’s team once again.
10) Houssem Aouar – Olympique Lyon
It is possible to believe that Aouar only recently turned 22 years old. Courted by some of the top clubs in the world, the dynamic central midfielder is capable of controlling the game defensively as well as generating attacks. Even if he does stay in the Ligue 1, he will continue to perform consistently and also add to his 80 caps for Lyon.
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