100 Best Young Players to watch out for in 2014 - Part 3

12) Max Meyer

Who is he?: Max Meyer is an 18-year-old attacking midfielder who currently plays for Schalke, a club where he came through the academy. He is yet to make an impact at International level, having not featured higher than the U-19s.

Back in 2013: Meyer started off 2013 with a handful of substitute appearances in the Bundesliga and a solitary one in the Champions League last 16. He continued that into the 13/14 season, making a stronger case for himself in the first-team. His first start didn’t come until September, but when it did, he wasted no time in attracting attention; it took him 3 minutes to notch up his first assist as Boateng slotted home. That was followed by a goal in each of the next three games, including the 3-1 defeat to arch rivals Dortmund in the Revierderby. He even made 5 appearances in the Champions League, starting one of those at Stamford Bridge. Meyer has manage to show his ability in the Bundesliga but still hasn’t quite established himself in the first-team, we believe that will change in 2014.

As stated, he hasn’t earned a call-up to the U-21s but is a regular with the U-19 squad. He scored one U-19 goal in 2013, that coming against Netherlands (from the spot.

Looking at 2014: A lot is being said about Draxlers’ proposed move away from Schalke. If that does take place, Meyer would be the biggest beneficiary, and will see at as an opportunity to exploit. So a first team berth at Schalke will be the realistic dream.

11) Maximilian Arnold

Who is he?: Wolfsburg’s 19-yr-old attacking midfield sensation has run the show in their impressive season so far. He recently also received a first-call up to the U-21 side.

Back in 2013: Arnold began making a name for himself in the latter part of the 12/13 season. He scored some important goals against the likes of Bremen and Gladbach. Arnold had a poor start to 13/14, get sent off in the very first game. Due to suspensions and lack of faith from the manager, Arnold found it hard to get his chance. He did get it though, nevertheless, and he made sure he made full use of the opportunity. He scored on his first start on his returm, scoring a couple of important goals from attacking midfield. In all, Arnold has scored 8 goals in the calendar year 2013 (at the time of writing) and has taken the Bundesliga by storm.

Maximilian Arnold has been regularly featuring in the U-19 and U-20 sides for Germany and also got his first U-21 appearace, a 4 minute cameo against Romania.

Looking at 2014: Arnold will look to continue to form he has found and ensure he continues to retain the first-team spot in the Wolfsburg side. He has done enough to do so so far, more of the same will be needed from Arnold.

You can read the other two parts here: Part 1, Part 2