10 most valuable U-23 midfielders in the world

#7 Mateo Kovacic (€25 million)

Still only 22 and blessed with an incredible future, Kovacic is seen by many in the Real Madrid hierarchy as a perfect long-term successor to the Croatian magician Luka Modric. Although Kovacic has struggled to establish himself as a regular member of the first-team squad, his immense potential has been evident every time he has stepped onto the pitch.

The 22-year-old just like his older and more illustrious compatriot Luka Modric is capable of playing multiple positions across the midfield with equal ease and with more opportunities in the future, the Croatian can grow to become one of the best midfielders in the world.

This season Kovacic has shown his ample class whenever he has got the opportunity and Madrid will be happy that they have one of the most talented young midfielders in world football waiting to take over from Modric when the time is ripe.