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#18 Ryan Gravenberch
Age: 19
Trending
Club: Ajax
Nation: Netherlands
Position: Central midfielder
Academy: Ajax
Market Value: €35 million
Already the third Ajax wonderkid on this list, Ryan Gravenberch is one of the best young midfielders in Europe. The Dutchman has been a part of the Ajax family since 2010, transitioning from the Ajax Youth Academy to Jong Ajax to the main team.
Gravenberch has represented the Netherlands at almost all age group levels. At the tender age of 19, he has already racked up ten caps for Ons Orange. His all-round ability makes him a complete modern midfielder, something all top clubs are looking for.
#17 Wesley Fofana
Age: 21
Club: Leicester
Nation: France
Position: Centre-back
Academy: AS Saint-Etienne
Market Value: €40 million
The sheer number of talented French centre-backs in recent times has been remarkable. Considering Wesley Fofana is the only defender from his country to feature among the 22 players shows the ability and potential the Leicester prodigy possesses.
Fofana blew up during the 2020-21 Premier League season. The 21-year-old was The Foxes' best defender and inarguably the most promising young centre-back in the league. Despite being injured for a long time now, he is one to watch out for in 2022.
#16 Nuno Mendes
Age: 19
Club: Paris Saint-Germain (on loan from Sporting CP)
Nation: Portugal
Position: Left-back/Left midfielder
Academy: Sporting CP
Market Value: €40 million
Nuno Mendes is the only player here who is currently on loan. To improve their deficiencies at the left-back position, PSG loaned the Portuguese international with an option to buy. Mendes has significantly enhanced their fortunes on the left flank.
Capable of playing as a left-back and left-midfielder, the PSG number 25 has already earned 11 caps for the Portugal national team. The Sporting CP product has been a virtual ever-present in the Parisians' lineup, featuring 25 times in all competitions.
#15 Gavi
Age: 17
Club: Barcelona
Nation: Spain
Position: Central midfielder/Left winger
Academy: Barcelona
Market Value: €40 million
Born in August 2004, Gavi is by far the youngest footballer to make the cut. Having made his Barcelona debut just days after turning 17, the midfielder has been fast-tracked to the senior Spanish setup, already featuring four times for La Roja.
Gavi hasn't taken long to become a Camp Nou favourite. The central midfielder has been a part of nearly 30 first-team games this season. Considering he has already become such an essential member of the Barcelona team, his talent cannot be understated.
#14 Emile Smith Rowe
Age: 21
Club: Arsenal
Nation: England
Position: Attacking midfielder/Central midfielder/Left midfielder
Academy: Arsenal
Market Value: €38 million
Emile Smith Rowe is one of two versatile midfielders at Arsenal who has the capacity to conquer English football. ESR has built a reputation for being a hard-working midfielder who is direct in his football.
He spent a season on loan at RB Leipzig. ESR operates best in the number 10 role. However, he has the versatility to play as a winger as well. Despite being only 21, Smith Rowe is one of the regular players at the Emirates this season.
#13 Jamal Musiala
Age: 18
Club: Bayern Munich
Nation: Germany
Position: Attacking midfielder/Central midfielder//Left midfielder
Academy: Chelsea
Market Value: €55 million
Jamal Musiala is a German-born midfielder raised in England who is set to represent Die Mannschaft internationally. Musiala has played at various age-group levels for The Three Lions, having been a part of Chelsea's youth academy at Cobham.
Musiala was snapped up by Bayern Munich at the age of 16 and has only grown in stature ever since. Getting into the German and Bayern Munich starting XI at such a young age is no easy task. However, Musiala has become a regular for club and country.
