1. ‘The new Rooney’
Iker Muniain, Athletic Bilbao, 18
Though it may seem premature likening one player to another still enjoying a relatively young career, Muniain’s billing as the ‘new Rooney’ is no sweeping statement. Sharing Wazza’s characteristic bullishness and tenacity, coupled with a never say die attitude, such comparisons are suitably justified. Thankfully for young Iker, any similarities with Roon don’t extend to the looks department.
2. ‘The new Laudrup’
Christian Eriksen, Ajax, 19
This sprightly Dane grabbed the attention of a mostly unaware English public with a commanding performance against the Three Lions this month, eclipsing an impressive Jack Wilshere with a five star display in the middle of the park.
Already claims a regular spot in the Ajax squad and boasts double figures in international caps. Not bad for a lad who turned 19 only last week.
3. ‘The new Pele’
Neymar, Santos, 18
Already courted by the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United, Neymar da Silva Santos’ pedigree is of such standing he had Pele and Romario urging ex-Brazil coach Dunga to take him to the last year's World Cup.
Though this (coupled with a 14,000 signature petition) wasn’t enough to get him on the plane to South Africa, Neymar’s eventual debut with the Samba Boys was a successful one, netting after 28 minutes.
Pacy, skilful and a class finisher – he could be an incredible acquisition for one of Europe’s big boys.
4. ‘The new Van Bommel’
Jack Rodwell, Everton, 19
A by-product of the same youth system that churned out Wayne Rooney, Everton’s Jack Rodwells hugely impressive '09/10 season resulted in the inevitable flirtations with the Premiership’s big guns. But much to the fans' relief, he committed his future to the Toffees… for now at least. Extremely competent when utilised defensively, but mostly deployed as an attacking mid, Rodwell has the credentials to become a top-class player. Everton should do everything in their power to keep him at Goodison.
5. ‘The new Ronaldinho'
Gael Kakuta, Chelsea, 19
‘Go see the French lad… he’s a star’. This was the summation offered by Michael Ballack after playing just one game alongside Kakuta for the Chelsea reserves. Currently on loan at Fulham but highly rated property of the Blues, Kakuta etched his name into the West London side’s history books in 2009 by becoming the youngest player to represent the club in the Champions League. It was a performance that manager Carlo Ancellotti labelled ‘the only positive of a disappointing night’, even asserting the French youngster ‘will be the future of Chelsea’. Expectation indeed.
6. ‘The new Denilson’ [Not the one at Arsenal - Ed]
Phillipe Coutinho, Inter Milan, 18
The second Brazillian to grace our illustrious list, Coutinho turned heads at the ripe old age of 16 when European powerhouse Inter Milan seized him from Vasco de Gama’s academy with a whopping €4 million offer in 2008. Far from wilting under the pressure of expectation – the last two years has seen this two-footed wonderkid become a regular fixture in Inter’s side and hailed as one of Serie A’s most talented and promising players.
7. ‘The new Totti’
Federico Macheda, Man United, 19
Announcing his arrival in English football with a sublime goal against Aston Villa, the Manchester United frontman (currently on loan to Sampdoria) was spotted by the Red Devils' vast scouting network in his early teens, at the time a special talent belonging to Lazio. Embodying atypical characteristics of many Italian strikers, a slightly lackadaisical appearance is trumped by a fine touch, explosive change of pace and impressive finishing. Will most definitely be in the Azzurri’s European Championship plans.
8. ‘The new Paul Scholes’
Jack Wilshere, Arsenal, 19
Needing little introduction to Premiership fans, at 19 years old Wilshere’s prodigious talent has Arsenal and England fans alike positively salivating at the mouth. His recent display against Barcelona was every bit as good as that of Xavi or Iniesta’s, widely considered to be the best midfielders on the planet. Technically brilliant, tenacious and clearly enjoys a tackle, Wilshere may finally provide the answer to England’s yawn inducing centre midfield debate.
9. ‘The new Drogba’
Romelu Lukaku, Anderlecht, 17
It’s something of a freakish phenomenon that a 17-year-old can boast the same physical attributes as Didier Drogba, but somehow this young Belgian does. Measuring 6 ft 4, Lukaku is cut more in the mould of a heavyweight boxer than a teenage footballing sensation. Unquestionable ability, coupled with raw pace and power has already resulted in an international call up, and the last two years has seen Lukaku become the fulcrum of an Anderlecht side who’ll have to work extremely hard to bat away the attentions of Europe’s elite.
10. ‘The new Messi’
Daniel Villalva, River Plate, 18
Currently enjoying his time in South America as the youngest player to ever play for River Plate, Villalva’s comparisons with Messi aren’t just owing to his diminutive size. A burgeoning talent that has already attracted enviable glares from the likes of Man U and Real Madrid, don’t expect this pint-sized Argentine to remain a relatively unknown quantity for much longer.
11. 'The New Eusebio'
Yaya Sanogo, Auxerre, 19
Coming to our attention by way of the expansive footballing database that is Football Manager 2011, a little research has shown lanky young Sanogo is far more than the digital hero that led Maxim’s Leyton Orient side to Champions League glory. This Auxerre youngster could actually be the real deal. Notched 18 goals in 18 games for France’s U16 side, you may well see him and Benzema spearheading the French attack at the next World Cup.
12. ‘Another new Rooney'
Connor Wickham, Ipswich, 17
Bursting onto the Ipswich scene a little under two years ago, level of interest in Wickham was so high the club reportedly had to regularly find two dozen tickets for all the scouts who’d come to watch him in action.
Today Connor’s admirers still stretch round the block. Sunderland saw their £5 million bid turn down last season, and with both Spurs and Arsenal monitoring this incredibly gifted 17-year-old, it surely can’t be long till he’s seen in the Premier League. With a size and stature that belies his years, a tremendous aerial and finishing ability have led many to controversially claim he’s more complete a player than Rooney at the same age. Already slapped with a £12 million pound price tag.
MORE FEATURES
Bookmark this post with: