Top 20 wonderkids in Europe’s top five leagues, including Liverpool star, Ex-Arsenal man, and Leicester aces
Which youngsters, who were 23 or under at the start of the season, have excelled?
By Anton Stanley
On Tuesday night, Matthijs de Ligt once again showed why he is considered one of the best young prospects in European football.
Still only 19, he netted the key goal for Ajax as they defeated Juventus in the Champions League and sealed their progression to the semi-finals of the competition.
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De Ligt wheels away in celebration after sealing a monumental win for Ajax
Wonderfully composed, blessed technically and a strong presence too, it's no wonder Barcelona are among the clubs expected stump up a huge fee for his transfer in the summer.
Given team-mate Frenkie de Jong has already joined the Spaniards for £65million, De Ligt may well leave for a similar, if not higher sum.
The Dutchman's performances in the Champions League have shown he should be able to cope with the step up in league level, despite many still feeling the Eredivisie lacks any strength and depth. But who are the top wonderkids from Europe's top five leagues?
We've taken a look at and found out their top 20 players 23-years-old. You can see how they rank below.
20. Kai Havertz (Bayer Leverkusen) – 7.13/10 on WhoScored.com
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Already plenty of Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on the attacking midfielder thanks to his 13 goals and three assists this campaign. He’s just 19 and has potential to become one of the best in Europe.
18= Luka Jovic (Eintracht Frankfurt) – 7.14/10 on WhoScored.com
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After a successful loan spell, the striker has now joined the Bundesliga side permanently after a terrific season which has seen the 21-year-old net 17 goals as he links tremendously with Sebastien Haller. Good in the air, as well as with the ball at his feet, Benfica may regret letting him go so easily.
Already proving a fine addition following his summer move from Real Betis, the Spain Under-21 ace is set to be one of the best playmakers in Europe.
17. Timo Werner (RB Leipzig) – 7.15/10on WhoScored.com
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According to reports, the Germany international is Liverpool’s top summer target and could move for as low as £43million as he contract expires in 2020. He could be superb linking up again with former team-mate Naby Keita.
Arsenal must be kicking themselves having seen his career blossom back in his homeland. Gnabry could get even better if he improves himself defensively and adds some more assists to his season tally.
15. Ibrahim Sangare (Toulouse) – 7.19/10on WhoScored.com
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Currently forging a reputation for himself in France as a fine defensive midfielder, Sangare will be on a few radars this summer. Don’t sleep on his excellent passing either, he’s got excellent technical capabilities.Credit: Getty Images
14. Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) – 7.20/10 on WhoScored.com
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The Nigerian has been phenomenal for two seasons now and plays a key role in the Foxes midfield. If Brendan Rodgers can keep him this summer the club could really push the top six if they make the right signings.
Strong in the air and a master at keeping it simple, Konate is excelling the Bundesliga. Arsenal are reportedly looking at the Frenchman and it is unsurprising. He could do with improving his passing but he still moves the ball forward well.
12. James Maddison (Leicester City) – 7.22/10 on WhoScored.com
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The midfielder has taken to Premier League football like a duck to water and looks like he’s got the potential to get even better, especially with someone like Ndidi offering protection behind him.
11. Allan Saint-Maximin (Nice) – 7.23/10on WhoScored.com
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A fine dribbler, he's still got lots to work on, but he’s getting there. He’s added more goals to his game but is under performing his expected assists, according to UnderStat.com. He got seven last year but has just three this season.
10. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) – 7.25/10 on WhoScored.com
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The Reds right-back has been wowing for some time now and remains one of the best talents in Europe. He’s, quite frankly, approaching the finished article and has contributed significantly to his club’s stunning season.
The winger turned full-back is almost certainly set for a huge transfer, whether it is sooner or later. The long-legged 21-year-old executes superbly-timed challenges and has the pace to go toe-to-toe with any winger. He’s got great ability progressing the football too, so it wasn’t a surprise when Tottenham Hotspur used Danny Rose to handle him - a huge compliment.
After a two-year loan spell with Rapid Vienna, the Brazilian forward has impressed under Julian Nagelsmann. He’s got seven goals and five assists this season while he’s happy to contribute defensively too, making 2.2 tackles per game.
The talented France ace is finding his feet at the Nou Camp this season and almost landed a knockout blow to Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League. He’s still improving – and still only 21 – while being third fiddle to Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez has meant it’s been tricky for him to fully flourish.
6. Rodrigo (Atletico Madrid) – 7.31/10 on WhoScored.com
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Diego Simeone’s side have had a mixed season but their new central midfielder is making a real difference. Not only is he exceptionally tidy in possession but he fits perfectly into his Argentine boss’ system at 22.
After being left out of Germany’s World Cup squad, Leroy Sane started the campaign like a man possessed. And, just like his playing style, the winger has not let up as the season has progressed by tearing through some of the best defences in the country. Under Pep Guardiola, Sane continues to develop and has all the skills to go right to the very top.
4. Youcef Atal (Nice) – 7.40/10 on WhoScored.com
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From virtual unknown to an in-demand full-back, the Algerian is some talent. Not only does he rack up fine defensive numbers but he contributes massively in attacking phases too – key for a modern right-back. Whether he could play as high up the pitch if he moved to another club would be interesting.
Making waves in the Bundesliga, the English talent has justified his decision to leave Manchester City. He’s a fantastic impact player right now and if he can turn in impressive displays over 90 minutes he’ll have the world at his feet.
2. Nicolas Pepe (Lille) – 7.64/10on WhoScored.com
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Wanted by numerous elite European clubs, Pepe seems set to join one this summer. The fact he could break Eden Hazard’s single-season goal tally at Lille is testament to his ability.
1. Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain) – 7.94/10 on WhoScored.com
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He didn’t rest on his laurels after an incredible World Cup. He’s hit 27 goals in Ligue 1 this season, while also making seven assists. It makes even better reading when you consider he plays alongside Neymar and Edinson Cavani – what a player!
