{"id":1345010,"date":"2024-03-15T08:00:47","date_gmt":"2024-03-15T08:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?p=1345010"},"modified":"2024-03-14T21:07:23","modified_gmt":"2024-03-14T21:07:23","slug":"most-exciting-teenage-footballers-in-europe","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/most-exciting-teenage-footballers-in-europe\/","title":{"rendered":"From Man Utd’s ‘jewel’ to the Luke Littler of football: The most exciting teenagers in Europe right now"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are few more satisfying things in football than a teenage talent bursting onto the scene and racing for stardom.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Right now, Europe is flooded with such prospects. From flying wingers scoring stunning goals to defenders showing an incredible reading of the game for one so young, the kids are tearing it up.<\/p>\n

So, who are the most exciting teenage talents in Europe right now? In no particular order, here’s a selection of the very best.<\/p>\n

Alejandro Garnacho<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Club:\u00a0<\/strong>Manchester United
\nAge:\u00a0<\/strong>19
\nPosition:\u00a0<\/strong>Winger<\/p>\n

With seven goals and three assists across all competitions so far this season, there’s a very strong argument to suggest Alejandro Garnacho is among Manchester United’s most important players\u00a0now<\/em>, let alone one for the future. His overhead kick against Everton earlier this campaign is among the greatest goals in Premier League history, perhaps the very best of them all. But more than that, Garnacho’s speed and skill make him a nightmare for defenders and should see him become a household name for years to come.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s like a dream, with my age. A full Old Trafford singing my name – I\u2019m very proud,” Garnacho — who was labelled<\/a> a ‘jewel’ by Atletico Madrid’s coaching staff during his formative years at the club — said recently in response to his ‘Viva Garnacho’ song from the Man Utd fans.<\/p>\n

Jorrel Hato<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Club:\u00a0<\/strong>Ajax
\nAge:\u00a0<\/strong>18
\nPosition:\u00a0<\/strong>Centre-back<\/p>\n

He’s just 18 years old and has only recently surpassed the 50-game mark at senior level, but already Jorrel Hato looks like the latest big name to come through at Ajax. A collected customer on the ball and already displaying strong defensive instincts, Hato is drawing plenty of comparisons to Virgil van Dijk, with Liverpool predictably among those heavily linked with him at this early stage. It’s probably going to take a Van Dijk-esque fee to secure his services, too.<\/p>\n

Warren Zaire-Emery<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Club:\u00a0<\/strong>Paris Saint-Germain
\nAge:<\/strong> 18
\nPosition:\u00a0<\/strong>Central midfield<\/p>\n

Warren Zaire-Emery made his breakthrough at PSG last season, but it’s this campaign where he’s really established himself as a nailed-on starter and driving force for this team. The 18-year-old has the perfect engine and physical profile for a modern central midfielder, not to mention his squeaky-clean technical ability. Zaire-Emery’s performances so far in this season’s Champions League are proof enough that PSG can start to build a team around him for years to come.<\/p>\n

Patrick Dorgu<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Club:\u00a0<\/strong>Lecce
\nAge:\u00a0<\/strong>19
\nPosition:\u00a0<\/strong>Left-back<\/p>\n

It’s very early days for Patrick Dorgu, who has only just broken through at Serie A side Lecce this season. But the Denmark youth international has already proven himself a very capable defender, while he’s fifth among his teammates when it comes to big chances created per 90 minutes this season (0.21), so there’s clearly technical ability there despite notching just one goal and no assists so far.<\/p>\n

Lamine Yamal\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Club:\u00a0<\/strong>Barcelona
\nAge:\u00a0<\/strong>16
\nPosition:\u00a0<\/strong>Winger<\/p>\n

16 years old. Six goals and seven assists across all competitions for Barcelona this season. Two goals in his first four senior caps for Spain. Doesn’t turn 17 until July.<\/p>\n

Lamine Yamal is quite simply the Luke Littler of football. No further explanation required.<\/p>\n

Leny Yoro<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Club:\u00a0<\/strong>Lille
\nAge:\u00a0<\/strong>18
\nPosition:\u00a0<\/strong>Centre-back<\/p>\n

Like Hato, Lille’s Leny Yoro is also regarded as one of the next defensive giants of the game. After putting his name on the map last season, the 18-year-old has become one of the first names on the teamsheet for Paulo Fonseca this season, exuding class with the ball and displaying an understanding of the game that belies his age.<\/p>\n

Joao Neves<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Club:\u00a0<\/strong>Benfica
\nAge:\u00a0<\/strong>19
\nPosition:\u00a0<\/strong>Central midfield<\/p>\n

The Benfica talent factory never stops. The latest tyro making his name is Joao Neves, who has expertly conducted things at the base of midfield for Roger Schmidt this season, so much so that he’s already a regular with the senior Portugal national team. Manchester United are reportedly very keen admirers.<\/p>\n

Kobbie Mainoo<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Club:\u00a0<\/strong>Manchester United
\nAge:\u00a0<\/strong>18
\nPosition:\u00a0<\/strong>Central midfield<\/p>\n

If the Red Devils did sign Neves, they’d have quite possibly the most exciting teenage double-pivot of all time, given the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo this season. At just 18, Mainoo is already making a mockery of his teammates with his robust defending and pinpoint precision on the ball.<\/p>\n

They may be struggling now, but are the Red Devils preparing for better days by building a new class of generational talents?<\/p>\n