Sancho, Zaniolo and other breakout wonderkids in 2018-19!

Young footballers with potential emerge every day. Kids with aspirations of making it to the big leagues. Kids eager to make a name for themselves. It is few, however, that end up making football a profession. Some manage to scrape by and make it a career. While others, far in between, manage to be somebody in the game...

The 2018-19 season is well underway, and no shortages of wonderkids have emerged all over the European Continent. They're labelled wonderkids due to their outstanding quality far superior to that of their age.

Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid, hoping to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo, is a prominent example of what these kids have to offer. Callum Hudson-Odoi, Jadon Sancho, Joao Felix and Phil Foden the list goes on and on. All hoping to reach the very top of the sport.

Those young gems who have already captivated the minds of scouts from around the globe. Those young kids who, most certainly than not, will command big transfer fee's from their respective clubs. Around the globe you can find dozens of kids, filling local headlines. All labelled the next Messi or Ronaldo. It is very few, however, that have their head and mindset in the right place.

Some have already accomplished, what others can only dare dream to achieve in a life-time. While others, have barely dispossessed their senior counterparts. Whatever the case, in this slideshow I identify young gems who have already showed glimpses, of what promises to be next generations top stars!

Today's top quality footballers are only getting older, it would be no surprise to see one of these wonderkids fill such shoes left by the great one.

#4 Jadon Sancho

18-year old Englishmen sensation Jadon Sancho

What a breakout season it's been for the young right midfielder. Late last season, saw Sancho show glimpses of what promised to be a very skilled footballer. But very few would have predicted his breakout 2018-19 season! He's already disposed of Chelsea's new signing Christian Pulisic from the starting eleven, and in the process, made the right midfielder position his own.

With 7 goals and 9 assists to his name, Sancho has been crucial to Borrusia Dortmund's Bundesliga title challenge. In the Champions League, he's added a further goal and assist from five appearances. His bravery to play in a foreign country, which not many Englishman dare take, shows Sancho's ambitions of becoming a top star in the game. Had it not been for his transfer last season, he still be sitting in Manchester City's bench playing with the reserves.

Jadon Sancho posses great skill and speed, with a further eye for assists. His 1.9 passes per game (whoscored) highlight Sancho's unselfishness. Having seen Christian Pulisic transfer to Chelsea for a reported $58 million, it be no surprise to see top clubs shell out $100 million for Sancho.

#3 Nicolo Zaniolo

19-year old Nicolo Zaniolo might have safe Roma's forgettable 2018-19 season, with his brace against Porto last night. Zaniolo, son of former player Igor Zaniolo, has emerged as a young prospect this season. His brace last night demonstrated a young kid who knows how to be at the right place, at the right time. Zaniolo posses a great first touch and finish, far superior for his young age.

Zaniolo defensive contributions are of great note, with his 2 tackles per game (who scored) and .5 interceptions a rare commodity for attacking midfielders. He posses the ability to finish with both feet, and a great dribbling skill set. He's lit the Serie A ablaze with his three goals and two assists.

With the rate Nicolo Zaniolo is progressing, Roma faithful can only hope Zaniolo stays at the Stadio Olimpicio, and follows the footsteps of Legend Francesco Totti.

#2 Callum Hudson-Odoi

His display against Nottingham Forest demonstrated why Bayern Munich weren't afraid to fork over $35 million plus for the young 18-year old. Although he has not found the back of the net in the Premier League, he's added 1 goal and 1 assist in 4 Europa League appearances. While adding a further 1 goal and 2 assist in the FA Cup.

Hudson-Odoi posses a great skillset and dribbling technique far superior for his young age. He has the ability to knock in a tremendous cross and demonstrates great speed to outburst against anybody. All this combined make Callum Hudson-Odoi a handful to contain, with many having trouble dealing with the young winger.

Callum has the technique in both feet, and the ability to play in either wing. His; 2.5 key passes per game, 3.5 take-ons per game and 2.5 shots per game (whoscored) demonstrate a man with great confidence. He'd be the perfect replacement for 34-year-old Robben at Bayern. However, with reports Eden Hazard prefers a move to Madrid, it'd be no surprise to see Chelsea retain Hudson-Odoi services.

#1 Joao Felix

At 18 years of age, Felix has already been catalogued the next Ronaldo. With his eye-dropping dribbling technique and eye for the back of the next, seeming to be the reason why. In 13 Primera Liga appearances, Felix has notched 7 goals and a further 3 assist (who scored). Felix finishing and relentless work rate, however, is what has caught scouts from around the globe attention.

Felix demonstrates a great passing ability, seemingly always finding his teammates for open opportunities. At 18 years of age, it be of better use for Felix to stay put and keep gaining valuable first team minutes. Renato Sanches remains a cautionary tale. Who with only one season under his belt, transfered to Bayern Munich and has struggled to adapt or garner first team minutes.

Next season only promises to be more promising then the current campaign. Joao Felix has the not be the next Cristiano Ronaldo, but be the JOAO FELIX.

Edited by Ben Roberts