A couple of years ago, the football world was talking about the likes of Mario Gotze, Isco and Neymar as being some of the most promising teenagers in the game. Since then, the now 21-year-old trio have secured big money transfers to some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs. However, it shouldn’t be forgotten that their destiny for success began with the potential shown in their teenage years.
Fast-forward to 2013, and there are a new set of teenage kids on the block who could be involved in mega deals in the near future. In no particular order, here’s a look at five teenagers who could gain serious recognition for themselves in 2013/2014.
Oliver
Age: 18
Position: Centre midfield
Club: Atletico Madrid
Nation: Spain
There is a lot of excitement in Spain about Oliver and if you watch him closely then you’ll be able to see why. The Atletico Madrid playmaker is only 18 but has already shown enough promise to draw comparisons to the likes of Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas.
Oliver is a vibrant midfielder who likes to receive the ball as often as possible. His first touch is usually tidy and he dribbles comfortably with the ball while searching for teammates. Much of Spain’s build-up play in last year’s European Under-19 Championship came from his passing which switched sides and created goalscoring opportunities.
Diego Simeone has shown great faith in Oliver by giving him first team opportunities early onthis season. So far, that decision looks to be paying off with the player looking accomplished in La Liga, and the Vicente Calderon side winning their first four fixtures. Barcelona have been linked with Oliver as a long term replacement for Xavi, although they may face competition from English giants Chelsea and Manchester United, who are also reportedly interested.
Marquinhos
Age: 19
Position: Centre back
Club: Paris Saint Germain
Nation: Brazil
Brazil have been known to produce fancy attackers rather than commanding defenders in the past but the potential of Marquinhos is a welcomed exception. It’s believed that the undisclosed fee Paris Saint Germain paid Roma for the defender in July was £26million, which would make him the third most expensive teenager behind Javier Saviola and Wayne Rooney.
Marquinhos can read the game like a centre back in his thirties and making important challenges has become one of his trademarks. He is also capable of playing at right back which is largely down to his composure on the ball. After all, the kid is Brazilian.
Last season, he quickly adapted to Serie A and kept veteran Nicolas Burdisso out of the Roma side. The 19-year-old will now face a different test in the up-and-coming Ligue 1 although there is every indication that he will be a success. If that’s the case then Real Madrid and Manchester City, who were also interested, could once again fancy bringing Marquinhos to one of Europe’s real premium leagues in the future.
Gerard Deulofeu
Age: 19
Position: Winger
Club: Everton (on loan from Barcelona)
Nation: Spain
Dear Europe, watch out! The same academy that produced Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi is creating a new prospect who could follow their footsteps and become one of the most exciting players on the planet. Step forward Gerard Deulofeu, who will spend 2013/2014 on loan at Everton thanks to some smart business by new Toffees boss Roberto Martinez.
Deulofeu turned 19 in March but has already made 6 appearances for the Barcelona first team including outings under former managers Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova. The Spaniard has been praised for his direct approach and ability to beat defenders in tight situations. He is also capable of scoring goals from absolutely nothing, as shown on his Everton debut against Stevenage in the League Cup when he sidestepped two defenders before calmly finishing.
Despite being Barcelona B’s leading goalscorer last season with 18 goals, Deulofeu’s future with his parent club’s senior side is uncertain. He may be young but that hasn’t stopped him declaring his frustration at not being involved more in the first team. With competition high at the Nou Camp, Deulofeu may look elsewhere for more opportunities. If that is to be the case, then his development this season could lead to a whole load of big clubs sniffing around for his signature in the future.
Bruma
Age: 18
Position: Winger
Club: Galatasaray
Nation: Portugal
Bruma is the latest talent in the game to be compared to Cristiano Ronaldo. Although his personal profile is heavily to do with that, such as being Portuguese and once of Sporting Lisbon, there is no doubt that Bruma has similar qualities to the Real Madrid star.
He is remarkably quick and possesses impressive close control with the ball. The winger doesn’t need an invitation to dribble at full-backs and also enjoys roaming into central positions to shoot and link up with teammates. One of the few downsides to this talent is his apparent attitude that hampered his relationship with former manager Jesualdo Ferreira.
Galatasaray won the race to sign Bruma in the summer despite reported interest from Chelsea and Manchester United. However,big clubs could once again be in for the Portuguese starlet in the future if he matures and continues to show promise. The Turkish Super Lig may not be the most recognised competition but Bruma’s new club are in Group B of this season’s Champions League which includes heavyweights Juventus and Real Madrid. Those outings will certainly give the 18-year-old an opportunity to test his talent against the highest opposition and win over a few more admirers.
Ross Barkley
Age: 19
Position: Centre midfield
Club: Everton
Nation: England
It’s been an intense couple of weeks in the English media after Greg Dyke declared his worry at a lack of home grown players developing in the Premier League. However, the potential of Ross Barkley will surely give the FA chairman something to smile about.
Barkley has already won plaudits early on this season for his all-round displays in Everton’s midfield. Not only does he have a great work engine, but he also possesses wonderful technical ability in his passing and dribbling. His account for the Toffees is already open too, after he scored a cracker against Norwich on the opening day of the season that fellow scouser Steven Gerrard would have been proud of. Bear in mind, the strike was hit from 25-yards-out with Barkley’s apparent weaker left foot.
In previous years, Everton have been forced to sell key youngsters in Wayne Rooney and Jack Rodwell, and if Barkley continues to establish himself at Goodison Park then another unfortunate exit could be on the cards. Roy Hodgson is clearly a fan of the 19-year-old after handing him his England debut as a substitute against Moldova at Wembley in a World Cup qualifier earlier this month.