Mbappe and Haaland are considered the two best players in the contemporary world, continuing the old battle between rivals Messi – Ronaldo. But behind them there are many young players who are ready to become the focus of football.
The year 2023 has seen many talents shine brightly in big clubs despite being only in their twenties. Here are the 5 best young players selected by 90min.com.
5. Jamal Musiala
England may be regretting not being able to convince Musiala to choose to play for the Three Lions. The 20-year-old is an outstanding talent, having represented England U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-21 but ultimately chose to play for the German national team.
Only 20 years old, Jamal Musiala is already a mainstay in the squad of the defending Bundesliga champions – Bayern Munich and Die Mannschaft. During the current season, this young star appeared 18 times for the Gray Tigers in all competitions, scoring 5 goals and providing 3 assists.
4. Gavi
Gavi’s rise to prominence has been overshadowed by that of teammate Pedri, but he has always been highly regarded at Barcelona and the Spain national team. The former star of the Las Palmas academy had a more wonderful 2021 debut, but injuries have always been an obsession that hindered his steady advancement.
This 19-year-old star just suffered a serious injury last November and is considered to have missed the current season. However, no fan has any doubt that Gavi will be a long-term pillar in the midfield of both Barca and Spain in the future.
3. Bukayo Saka
The 22-year-old player with dual British and Nigerian nationality has been the brightest star at Emirates Stadium. Under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, Saka is constantly developing to become one of the best right-wing strikers in the world today.
In the current 2023/24 season, Saka appeared 26 times for Arsenal in all competitions and directly contributed to 21 goals (9 goals and 12 assists). Not only will he excel in the club shirt, he will also be the backbone of the Three Lions towards the EURO championship in Germany in the summer.
2. Florian Wirtz
This 20-year-old attacking midfielder is a name attracting the attention of many big players across Europe because of his top performance in the current season in the Bundesliga. Many people even think that Wirtz is better than Kane in Germany’s top tournament.
Under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, he was given the freedom to move behind the striker to create creative passes for the club. 8 goals and 12 assists after 23 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen demonstrate Florian Wirtz’s undeniable talent.
1. Jude Bellingham
Bellingham made a splash as a kid at Birmingham City, then rose to become a big player in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund. But no one could have imagined that he was the brightest star at Real Madrid – the greatest football club in the world.
Guided and trusted by Carlo Ancelotti, the 20-year-old British star is making waves in La Liga with 13 goals and 2 assists after 17 appearances. He also had 4 goals and 3 assists for Los Blancos in the Champions League.
This 103 million euro contract from Real is worth every penny. If he continues to play at his current level, there is no doubt that Jude Bellingham will soon become the next legend of the football world.
