10 players who will become household names in 2018

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Andreas Christensen's rise to prominence has seen him break into Chelsea's first tea

#9 Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao)

Athletic Club v Real Madrid - La Liga
The Bilbao keeper might be Perez's next big Galactico signing

Age: 23

Real Madrid have apparently cooled their interest in David de Gea, and are currently working on a deal to bring 23-year-old Arrizabalaga to the Bernabeu. That alone is proof of his abilities.

The Athletic Bilbao keeper broke into the first team after a loan spell at Valladolid, and has represented Spain at various youth levels, even making his senior debut during a friendly against Costa Rica in November.

It's unfortunate that he's only 4 years younger than de Gea, which means his national team opportunities will be severely limited. But, Zinedine Zidane and Florentino Perez are still willing to make him Los Blancos' no. 1.

While Navas has been decent so far, it's clear that he's nowhere near as good as de Gea. Meanwhile, Bilbao have been in poor form this season, but Arrizabalaga himself has conceded only 19 goals in the league, which is an impressive considering their position on the table.

With a release clause of only £20 million, money will definitely not be an issue. His current contract also runs out in the summer, which will allow him to begin talks with the Spanish giants over a free transfer in July.

Either way, it looks like the youngster will be Real's no.1 sooner or later.

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Edited by Aakanksh Sanketh
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