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As we approach the business end of the 2023-24 season in Europe it very much feels like a changing of the guard as far as the continent’s elite players are concerned. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have both departed for pastures new, with Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Judge Bellingham amongst some of the new contenders for the Ballon d’Or.
It looks as though Mbappe is set to join the Englishman at Real Madrid, supercharging the Spanish giants into an even more formidable presence, and with Haaland continuing to break records both domestically and in Europe, having surpassed City legend Sergio Aguero in Champions League goalscoring at just 23, a new wave has been ushered in when it comes to world-class talent.
Identifying those who can go right to the top is no easy task for the club’s scouting departments though. The emerging Saudi League alongside new sponsorship deals mean even the youngest of starlets now command enormous transfer fees – showcased by the plethora of big money moves we’ve seen over the last few windows. However, there are already some young wonder kids who will want to live up to their potential and become the next Ronaldo or Benzema as opposed to a Freddy Adu or Bebe.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the brightest young stars from across the world in football and see if they have what it takes to become the game’s very best.
Endrick – Real Madrid
Let’s begin with the latest high-profile addition to Real Madrid’s Brazilian contingent, Endrick. The tricky forward, who doesn’t turn 18 until July, will link up with Los Blancos at the end of the season following a successful stint at first team level with boyhood club Palmeiras, helping Verdão win consecutive league titles.
Madrid agreed fees with the teenager last year but the Brazilian will likely have to bide his time as Carlo Ancelotti transitions him into the first team fold at the Santiago Bernabeu. Endrick joins the likes of Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr to join from the Serie A in Brazil at a young age, and the pair have already cemented their cult hero status amongst Madristas as they scored crucial goals enroute to the Champions League win in 2022.
Endrick is fast and dynamic and will add a new dimension to a Madrid team that is beginning to gel. And with the changes to the Club World Cup in 2025, there is always the chance of the winger facing a reunion with his old side in the United States.
Valentín Barco – Brighton
Brighton have always been known for their recruitment. Savvy market spending has seen the likes of Alexis MacAllister, Moisés Caicedo, and Leandro Trossard come to the Amex Stadium. Roberto Di Zerbi has done a fantastic job on the South Coast and inherited a side that played good football under Graham Potter, to one that is now in Europe and an outsider with the best legal betting apps in India to go the whole way and win the Europa League.
The Seagulls’ latest edition to the squad is Valentín Barco, who arrived in January from Boca Juniors. An elegant midfielder, his debut gave fans a lot to be excited about, and if managed responsibly, the 19-year-old could flourish into one of the most creative midfielders in the Premier League.
“Barco is one of the young players, he needs much time to progress, to understand the Premier League. He is part of our policy. ” De Zerbi saidafter his debut.
“Today is a Brighton day because we played with someone from 2004, two players of the under 21s.
“Our policy is to help the young players to progress and to produce players for the future for the other teams. For the other level.”
Brighton usually expect huge transfer fees for their players, and with Barco a similar mould to Barcelona players Gavi and Pedri, a move from the Amex seems inevitable in due course. But for now there is a great player in the midst that will be fun to watch develop as he takes on England’s top flight.
Julien Duranville – Borussia Dortmund
Amongst the conveyor belt of talent in the Borussia Dortmund ranks is young winger Julien Duranville. The Belgian joined from Anderlecht over the summer and has played a handful of times for the academy sides, now waiting on his chance from
The return of Jadon Sancho on loan from Manchester United may have halted his progress in terms of first team minutes, but Duranville has all the makings of an elite winger. Deceptively strong for his size, the 17-year-old would combine well with other Dortmund prospects like Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Youssoufa Moukoko, who has three goals at senior level himself for die Schwarzgelben.
It may take some time before we see Duranville make regular appearances at the Signal Iduna Park, but if he continues on his current development path we could easily see him becoming one of the finest wingers in the Bundesliga.
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Nothing in football is guaranteed. These players have all the potential in the world and following their careers at both academy and first team level will be a real pleasure. The game is changing and with the growing influence of possession-based football it is so refreshing to see creative players like the ones we have listed that will still add creativity and individuality to their skillset. As the curtain draws on the campaign it will be down to them to seize their chances.
