Wonder-Kids You Need To Know!
Hello all! Sorry for the delay in articles, I was battling through midterms last week. I’m back now and chomping at the bit to get more content out to you all! Today we are going to be looking at 5 more wonder-kids that you need to look out for. These young guys are set to become the next super stars! I received great support on the last batch of posts about young stars, so let’s keep that going! As always feel free to let me know your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to share and subscribe!
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Crystal Palace
Roy Hodgson has to be thankful for such a promising talent that he can rely on. At only 21 years old, Wan-Bissaka is cementing his name as one of the most reliable right-backs in the Premier League. The youngster has attempted 110 tackles this season and succeeded on 103 of them! That’s a 94% tackle rate, which is remarkable. He’s only been beaten 7 times off the dribble and averages 4 tackles a match per WhoScored. Wan-Bissaka has been linked with some of the best teams in Europe with Manchester United and Arsenal reportedly showing interest. He has definitely joined the list of Premier League wonder-kids being chased by big clubs. Will Palace be able to keep their star in the making?
Nicolò Zaniolo, AS Roma
It’s an interesting feeling being a younger guy and looking at professional athletes as older than myself. For Nicolò Zaniolo that isn’t the case. At only 19 years old, Zaniolo won’t turn 20 until July 2. Despite his young age he has appeared in 25 matches for Roma this season, starting 17 of them. Zaniolo primarily plays as an attacking midfielder, but can come on as a forward as well. His spotlight as one of the games brightest wonder-kids really started to shine last month when he scored both goals for Roma in a 2-1 win against FC Porto in the Champions League. I fully expect his stock to keep rising!
Luka Jovic, Eintracht Frankfurt
One of the main reasons for Frankfurt’s surprising success this season is Serbian striker Luka Jovic. In 26 matches, he has 21 goals and 6 assists. He’s 21 years old and he’s averaging over a goal contribution per game! That is incredible! His finishing and aerial play are very efficient and he has the ability to link up with his teammates as well. Frankfurt currently sit 5th in the Bundesliga (I predicted they would finish 12th…) and are only five points back of 3rd. If Jovic keeps scoring, he alone could drive them up the table on his own!
João Félix, SL Benfica
Another player who is younger than me that you need to hear about is the young Portuguese winger, João Félix. At only 19, he is one of multiple wonder-kids that has already been linked to clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Juventus. He already has a great ability to put the ball in the back of the net. In 11 league matches, he has 9 goals as well as 4 assists. He also has good size for a winger at 5’11”, (180cm) which makes him an aerial threat to boot. If he continues to develop it will only be a matter of time before he makes a big money move.
Sandro Tonali, Brescia
At 18 years old, Tonali is the youngest player on this list and has succeeded at making me feel old. Many people compare him to Andrea Pirlo because of his hair style and passing abilities. However, Tonali is more physical on the ball and looks to use his pace and power to compliment his passing. His style of play is precise but also bruising. Tonali isn’t afraid to use his body to shield of defenders then turn and play a perfect long ball to break open the defense. It’s no secret he has major scouts drooling over his abilities. AC Milan, Chelsea, and Liverpool all have rumored interest. How long will Brescia hold their young star before an offer that’s just too good to refuse comes along?
2 Comments
Kevin Sall
These guys seem to get younger and younger – maybe because I am old…
Anyway, I wonder at what point do the leagues decide to go after a “kid” and when do they want them to develop a bit more before they snatch them? Sometimes it seems as if we are doing an injustice to the young talent by taking them out of their arena before they really need to be. Yet, the young talent is so good, it is difficult not to grab them early.
I wonder what others might think about not pulling anyone up until they are say, 20 years old, allowing for the teenage talent to stay where it is, out of the spotlight for a bit?
noah.sall@yahoo.com
Some of these kids are really ready before they are say 20 but there are others who aren’t and they do stay with their teams youth setups developing!