Five young prospects from big footballing nations (Part -1)

A young player can be categorised as a major prospect if he is showing signs of improvement in every aspect of his game. At a time where success in clubs is a result of a right mixture of youth and experience, top scouts from the leading football clubs of the world have been in awe of certain talents around the world. In this list, we analyze the top prospects of the big nations in football.

1. Argentina:Erik Lamela (AS Roma):

Erik Lamela representing Argentina in the FIFA Under 20 World Cup 2011.

Erik Lamela was a target for AC Milan, Juventus and Inter Milan since his debut in 2009 for River Plate. He played 34 games for the Argentine outfit and scored four goals, setting up many in the process. His game is built around creating space for his team mates. AS Roma took advantage of AC Milan’s hesitation and signed Lamela for 12 Million Euros. In what is only his first season in Italy, Lamela has made full use of his chances. He has notched up four goals and four assists. He made his international début for Argentina in May 2011 against Paraguay.

2. Brazil :Neymar Dos Santos(Santos):

Barcelona and Real Madrid are battling for Neymar's signature.

Neymar is probably the hottest prospect in the world today. The Puskas award winner for his superb dribbling effort against Flamengo was his first recognition in world football. Fancy finishing, electric pace and superb dribbling are some of the many attributes this wonder kid is blessed with. He has already won the South American Player of the year in 2011, an award for his inspiring performances in the Copa Libertadores for Santos. Barcelona and Real Madrid are very serious about Neymar. He has already scored 8 goals in 16 appearances for Brazil and has the burden of a nation’s expectations in the 2014 FIFA World Cup at the tender age of 20.

3. Uruguay: Sebastian Coates ( Liverpool):

Sebastian Coates in Copa America 2011.

Sebastian Coates started his career with Uruguay giants Nacional. He picked up the man of the match award in his first match for the club. Since then Coates has had an upward spiral in his career. Liverpool signed him in the summer of 2011. Coates is a strong defender with a uncanny knack for scoring goals. At 21, he is a part of an exciting generation of Uruguayan football. Coates has already scored for Liverpool and is considered a sure world class player of the future.

4. Spain: Iker Muniain (Athletic Bilbao):

Iker Muniain(Left) celebrating Spain's Under-21 European Championship victory.

An integral part of the Spanish Under 21 team that won the Under 21 European Championships last year, Muniain has stolen the limelight from the upcoming stars from La Masia. At just 19 years old, the wide forward has impressed for Bilbao leading them to the Europa League semi-finals this year. Muniain is a pacy customer, providing assists for fun and scoring goals too. He has already made 100 appearances in Bilbao colours and is already rumoured to be in the starting line up for Spain in Euro 2012. He relishes big games, a virtue which has attracted top clubs from around the world.

5. Germany : Mario Gotze( Borussia Dortmund):

Mario Gotze – Dortmund's young star

German football is ready to embrace a new young generation of top performers. Probably the best of those young players is Mario Gotze. An attacking midfielder by position, Gotze’s ability to make space and score goals has already made him an important player of the German National Team. He helped Dortmund to the Bundesliga title in 2011. He was named the best Under-21 player in Europe ahead of talents like Eden Hazard and Christian Eriksen. If history repeats itself then Gotze is a sure star. Previous winners of this trophy include Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fabregas. He also became Germany’s youngest goalscorer in 2011 against Brazil.

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