As a seasoned SBOBET observer, the emergence of talented young football players can be a joy to witness: whether that be in the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga or creating Bundesliga highlights galore – to name just four divisions.
When asked to name the top five players I expect to emerge next season, however, it was a fairly straightforward choice.
In no particular order, here is my selection – the top two of which particularly excite me.
Mason Greenwood (Manchester United)
There were apparently whispers about a special talent in academy football long before Mason Greenwood scored his first competitive goal in senior football last September.
“Every single scout and every single coach from Mason being five years old all the way to now, has believed he would make it,” said an experienced source in youth football. “As in, properly make it – at Manchester United. You just don’t get that confidence usually.”
And so one of the most exciting young players in world football is now being noticed on a wider level.
Greenwood, who recently turned 18, has 17 goals to his name this season and still has up to three more matches before the 2019/20 campaign draws to a close.
Even if fails to add to his tally in those contests, he has become only the fourth teenager to score as many in a single season for United, equalling George Best, Brian Kidd and Wayne Rooney – some company!
Erling Braut Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)
If anything phases this young man, I have yet to see it.
That is because Erling Haaland appears to overcome every single challenge football throws at him with an enormous and gleeful stride.
Having proved his worth in Norway and then Austria, a winter move to Borussia Dortmund quickly became an explosion as he netted an amazing 12 goals in his first eight matches in Dortmund colours.
Across Europe’s big five leagues, only Cristiano Ronaldo (13) had scored more goals in 2020 before football’s suspension in March.
If Bundesliga betting odds are offered on a top scorer next term, I expect him to give prolific Bayern Munich marksman Robert Lewandowski a run for his money.
Ferran Torres (Manchester City)
After impressing in La Liga, the 20 year-old winger will be appearing on the Premier League showreel next season.
The kid from Valencia has been described as ‘electric’, which is presumably one of the attributes which persuaded Pep Guardiola to part with £21 million this week to bring him to Manchester City.
Torres joined Valencia’s academy at the age of six when he was spotted playing futsal with his friends and duly followed in the footsteps of the likes of David Silva and Juan Mata into the first team.
As Silva departs City, could Torres become a replacement hero at Eastlands?
He has left Spain seemingly unhappy with aspects of life at Valencia and clearly with a certain mentality which could hold him in good stead.
Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
When Bayern Munich announced the signing of teenager Alphonso Davies from the Vancouver Whitecaps, few predicted what has just happened.
After all, the newly crowned Bundesliga rookie of the year was a lightning winger who was tearing MLS apart, but surely would need some time to adjust to a significantly higher level of football?
Instead, he has burst onto the scene over the past nine months and made himself one of the first names in Bayern’s starting XI.
He has done so in a new position where he has shone at home and abroad.
Don’t be surprised if he ends the season with a Bundesliga-Champions League double.
Ansu Fati (Barcelona)
There is nothing Barcelona fans love more than products of La Masia.
Indeed, I have read that supporters will chastise boards and coaches for not using academy products, even if there is success on the pitch.
Fati hasn’t disappointed since being given his chance.
He is the youngest scorer ever for Barcelona and the second-youngest player in the club’s history. He is also the youngest player ever in La Liga history to record a goal and an assist in the same game.
Perhaps it’s a family trait as his younger brother plays with Lionel Messi’s son in the club’s youth system.
And there are my top five.
Other suggestions are welcome.
If I did have an honorary sixth spot, I would say keep an eye out for Sandro Tonali of Brescia.
The 20 year-old midfielder has drawn praise from the legendary Italian Andrea Pirlo no less and, while he has been lauded for his passing, his doggedness in the tackle and defensive attributes make him a rare breed for someone so young.
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