In the world of soccer, the “Ronaldos” and “Messis” are getting ready to hang up their boots and make room for the next generation. Young stars are rising to the occasion to help their teams and carve their names into history. These emerging players are the ones that you should look out for in the coming years.
LENY YORO, 18, FRANCE
Leny Yoro has already made an impact on Lille OSC and their goal of making Champions League football again. They won Ligue 1 in 2021, when Yoro was only 15 years old. The emergence of Yoro has made Lille one of the best defending teams in the league. Not only is he good at defending, he is a modern-day center-back with a flash of Sergio Busquets. He has a passing percentage of 92.5 percent, while also having an 80 percent dribble rate. He has the highest percentage of tackles won, with 75.9% on his team.
Bradley Barcola, 21, France
With Kylian Mbappé leaving in the summer, Paris Saint-Germain F.C. has already found a replacement. Bradley Barcola is a 6’1 pure winger with quick feet and an electric pace. Transferred for 45 Million Euros last summer (though he is currently valued at the same price), he is contributing a lot to rebuilding the PSG team. While on the surface his assists and goals seem subpar, his recent Champions League game against Barcelona demonstrated why he is “that guy” for PSG. He assisted in the match and earned an impressive 8.5. His manager, Luis Enrique, also thinks the same way. “It is a clear bet from the club when we go out and find such a young player, a youth international, with a big personality and the quality to burst out. He has quite a few minutes for being in a team like ours. He incarnates the present and the future.”
Giorgio Scalvini, 20, Italy
Giorgio Scalvini has been on the scene for Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio since 2021. However, he has just gotten the attention of several soccer clubs for his style of play. Giorgio is another perfect example of a modern defender. He does everything a defender needs to do, plus the job of a midfield. He was named “Italy’s best Under-21 Player” in November, playing like Giorgio Chiellini but with the feet of Leonardo Bonucci.” He has already made 7 appearances for the Italian national team and is going to be a crucial member of the team for the upcoming Euros 2024. He recently sustained a muscle injury, but should be returning for the Europa League Semi-Finals against a fierce Marseille team. One of English’s biggest teams, Manchester United, has expressed interest in him, with several other teams doing the same. It’s a possibility that he could join them shortly, telling Corriere dello Sport (h/t Football Italia): “For me it’s the best league there is, for the intensity. Once in my career, I don’t even know when, I’d like to play there.”
Cavan Sullivan, 15, United States of ‘Murica
Cavan Sullivan is a local superstar; he is a 15-year-old boy shining for the Philadelphia Union’s academy, who is ready to pounce, not only in the American League but also in the Premier League. What Cavan has shown the world has never been seen in the U.S. before. He already made his senior debut for the Union’s 2nd team, assisting a goal to help them win 2-1 against New England Revolution II. His coach has praised him and his talent, saying, “Cavan is a fantastic young talent, I like to tease him that I’ve never seen a kid get built up as much as I’ve seen Cavan. He’s so down to earth, all of this extra hype that goes on about him doesn’t get to his head and I think that’s what is fantastic about him. It’s what also allows him to come into our environment and still be great and still be bold.”
Because of his potential, Manchester City is willing to pay 2 million pounds for Cavan, a record homegrown sale for the Philadelphia Union Academy. He is going to join them once he’s 18, but for now, he will be staying with the Union, developing under them.
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, 19, England
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens is the next English star for Borussia Dortmund, hoping to turn Dortmund into a competitive team in the Bundesliga. The only problem Jamie is facing is his team, as he has only started twelve Bundesliga games, giving him a mere 876 minutes under the belt. While he hasn’t been playing a lot of games, he still has shown lots of potential against admirable teams. Teams like Borussia M’Gladbach and AC Milan have shown their talents and proven that they can shake their opponent’s defense no matter the occasion. His playing style is like the last-star English Winger that prevailed at Dortmund. Both he and Jadon Sancho play to either support the striker or win the game themselves.
Assan Ouédraogo, 17, Germany
Assan Ouédraogo has established himself in FC Schalke 04 this year at only 17. Born in Mülheim, Germany, his games resemble Xabi Alonso and Michael Essien, playing central defensive midfield, or central midfield. “He is a wonderful footballer with a lot of talent. He was integrated immediately because he is completely convincing in terms of his sporting ability,” said Schalke sporting director André Hechelmann.
He has already made 10 appearances for Schalke’s first team, impressing in the U17 World Cup and teams mostly in Germany’s first division. Soccer runs his family, with his father, Alassane Ouedraogo, also playing professional soccer.
Archie Gray, 17, England
Archie Gray has impressed the masses this season in the championship, making his name heard, not only in Leeds United but also in Liverpool. The midfielder has already made 40 appearances this year, most appearing as a right-back, and dabbling as a central defensive midfielder. Archie does a bit of everything, defending well, doing his part offensively, and passing the ball well for a 17-year-old. “How he’s done that, with the maturity and consistency he has, is outstanding for a 17-year-old,” explained Leeds’ manager to Sky Sports.
He has the third most successful per 90 on his team with 1.5 tackles because of his excellence on the pitch. Many clubs want him, including Liverpool. However, Gray is willing to stay at Leeds if they get promoted back to the premier league; they currently sit in 2nd place in the championship which is a promotion spot.
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