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All over the globe, the football fans have already started searching for the next generation of youngsters who can make it big in the beautiful game. With the likes of Ronaldo and Messi and many other legends already having entered their thirties, it is but obvious to do so.
Worried about what football has in store for the future? No need to be. Just like we saw in the previous part, let's have a look at the next ten wonderboys who are readying themselves to entertain us in the years to come. Who knows, football might have an even more exhilarating era than the current one waiting for us.
Also read: Ranking the top 50 wonderkids in football right now (50-41)
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#40 Marcus Edwards
Age: 18
Club: Tottenham Hotspur
Position: Attacking midfielder
Nationality: English
Mauricio Pochettino is already in awe of the ability of Marcus Edwards, comparing him to the legendary Lionel Messi.
The 18-year-old prodigy has been playing for the London-based outfit since an age of eight. He debuted as a professional footballer in September 2016, after impressing his coaches during the pre-season.
The Englishman has been turning heads with his prolific dribbling. His low centre of gravity is a crucial reason why he can beat defenders with ease. Deployed as an attacking midfielder, Edwards can also operate on the flanks or in a more forward role.
It will be a tough test for Tottenham to cling on to Edwards with a host of top-notch clubs eyeing the youngster. Regardless of his decision to stay or leave, Edwards will certainly be a player who makes a difference in the future.
#39 Tahith Chong
Age: 17
Club: Manchester United
Position: Winger
Nationality: Dutch
Netherlands is seriously producing world-class talents these days and Tahith Chong is one of them. The talented 17-year-old has shown potential to make the cut as a top-notch footballer in the future.
Manchester United signed the left-footed winger in summer 2016 from Feyenoord after beating a host of rivals to his signature. He is yet to make his debut in professional soccer for both club and country.
Chong plays as a number 7 for United's U-19s and is capable of operating on either of the wings. At times, he can also be deployed as a striker. Pace is the most crucial attribute residing in Chong's bracket of skills. Also, he has been endowed with good vision albeit there is room for improvement.
Manchester United have an absolute gem with the Dutchman playing in their youth ranks. No doubt the Red Devils will polish him and transform him into an elite player in the future.
#38 Brahim Diaz
Age: 18
Club: Manchester City
Position: Attacking midfielder
Nationality: Spanish
It's astounding how Manchester City have developed as a club in the recent years. Not only the silverware, but City's work in the youth academy system has also garnered a decent praise in the football world. They are steadily competing with their cross-town rivals over young stars and Brahim Diaz is one of their brightest prospects to show off.
The Spaniard joined City's youth academy and made his debut against Swansea in September last year. He plays for the U21 team on an international level.
Brahim Diaz is a technically gifted midfielder with good passing abilities. He is equally good at scoring goals and can operate as a false nine.
Guardiola must be smacking his lips with relish at the prospect of having a Messi-like player in his squad. Who knows, the bald-headed genius might create yet another superstar in Diaz like he did in the diminutive Argentinian.
#37 Leandrinho
Age: 19
Club: Napoli
Position: Striker
Nationality: Brazilian
Brazil is a known mine of jewels when it comes to producing world-class footballers. Leandrinho is one of those Selecao youngsters busy trying to make his mark in the game.
The 19-year-old oversaw his professional debut against Fluminense in 2015. With Udinese and Napoli both vying for his signature, it was the latter who emerged victorious, signing the Brazilian in January 2017.
Leandrinho is well-adept at bamboozling defenders with searing pace. He also boasts clinical finishing skills and is a great threat in front of goal. The Brazilian is equally effective when it comes to creating chances for his teammates
While a lot of Samba youngsters in line to make it big in the sport, it will be exciting to watch this starlet beat the odds to become a vital player in the near future.
#36 Timothy Weah
Age: 17
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Position: Forward
Nationality: American
Christian Pulisic is already making headlines as the next big thing after Landon Donovan. But make way folks, there's another American legend in the making at the Parc Des Princes.
Being George Weah's son might add an extra bit of pressure, but 17-year-old Timothy is handling it pretty well.
The young starlet is a multi-talented forward, capable of playing anywhere in the forward line. His uncanny skill and precision was a sight to watch in the U17 Fifa World Cup held in India. He is mainly known for his aerial ability and also as a penalty specialist. Good speed and physical strength also make it to his bracket of attributes.
As father George attempts to head Liberia as a president, he must be proud of Timothy, who is second amongst his three children to step into the game.
#35 Reece Oxford
Age: 18
Club: Borussia Moenchengladbach (On loan from West Ham)
Position: Defender
Nationality: English
It was in July 2015 when the world saw another future star take to the field as Reece Oxford stepped up to make his senior-team debut at West Ham. He plays in the U-20 team for England.
The 18-year-old has been good enough in drawing comparisons with former academy graduate Rio Ferdinand at the London Stadium.
Oxford is a robust defender and has good game-reading abilities. Also, he is a fierce tackler during the defence. He is aptly carrying the legacy of West Ham United, who are known to produce world-class youngsters that become legends throughout time. He has already been on the radar for the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.
Given his qualities, the 18-year-old will certainly attain the highest echelons of world football in the near future.
#34 Josip Brekalo
Age: 19
Club: VfB Stuttgart (On loan from VfL Wolfsburg)
Position: Winger, Attacking midfielder
Nationality: Croatian
Joseph Brekalo is regarded as the next big thing after Luka Modric in Croatia. He made his debut as a professional footballer in December 2015 for Dinamo Zagreb. Currently, on loan at Stuttgart, Brekalo represents the U-21 side of Croatia.
The 19-year-old has a lightning pace that allows him to get past defenders with ease. His dribbling skills haven't gone unnoticed, just like his ability with long shots. The Croat has also been blessed with a good vision which helps him create a number of chances from the flanks. At times, he can also function as a central attacking midfielder.
It won't be a long time before the talented teenager makes his mark as one of the best players of his generation in the coming years.
#33 Malang Sarr
Age: 18
Club: Nice
Position: Centre-back, Left-back
Nationality: French
France is experiencing a frenzy, thanks to the amount of raw talent the country has produced in the recent years. 18-year-old Malang Sarr is one of the brightest prospects in Ligue 1, having made his debut for Nice in August last year. He plays for the U-21 side.
Usually deployed as a left-back, the youngster can function equally well in the heart of the defence. He has a knack for making inch-perfect interceptions during games. Also, he is an added incentive for his teams during build-up play. Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona have already been locked in a battle to sign Sarr.
No doubt France boasts a healthy competition between novices in football. It remains to be seen whether Malang Sarr emerges as one of the top players in football's posterity.
#32 Tom Davies
Age: 19
Club: Everton
Position: Central midfielder
Nationality: English
Tom Davies debuted for Everton in April 2016 in the Premier League. Being a nephew of former Toffees player Alan Whittle, Davies already holds the arm-band in England's U-19 side.
A midfielder with a keen eye for a pass, the 19-year-old is well-adept at providing defence-splitting through balls to his teammates. He has been lauded for a good vision and an ability to find space in the tightest of defences. Also, he performs equally well while defending and breaking up the opposition's attacks.
England have had a stellar reputation for producing top-notch central midfielders with the likes of Scholes, Gerrard and Lampard gracing the game.
With Davies being regarded as a midfielder who resembles them, the golden-haired youngster will be a treat to watch as he progresses through time.
#31 Felix Passlack
Age: 19
Club: Hoffenheim (On loan from Borussia Dortmund)
Position: Right midfielder
Nationality: German
Hoffenheim prodigy Felix Passlack debuted as a professional footballer in March 2016 with Borussia Dortmund. He plays for the U-21 side on an international level.
The midfielder was then sent out on loan to Hoffenheim where he is busy gaining the first-team experience.
Passlack is another highly-rated youngster who represents Dortmund's philosophy of giving chances to budding talents rather than buying established ones. The 19-year-old has exquisite passing abilities and a strong determination to hold the ball for his team.
The German giants are accustomed to losing their top dogs to bigger clubs in Europe, a reason why they haven't established themselves equally well as Bayern Munich. Can they keep Felix Passlack away from the prying eyes of heavyweights? Only time will tell.
