The UEFA Champions League is back again, as the first round of matches for the 2021/22 UCL season begins this week. This season’s competition promises to be better than the last with the return of fans back to the stadiums, coupled with the transfer activities in the recently concluded window and the exciting ties from each group.
In this article, TOP SOCCER BLOG brings you the 10 youngsters to watch out for in the 2021/22 champions league season.
1. HARVEY ELLIOTT, 19 (LIVERPOOL)
Harvey Elliott is one of the most talented young players in the Premier League. Starting his career at Fulham, he became the youngest player in League Cup history when he made his debut at the age of 15, he also became the youngest player in Premier League history aged just 16.
Elliot was subsequently poached by Liverpool, and he became the 2nd youngest to play a competitive match for Liverpool in their history.
He has played in all three Liverpool league matches so far this season and has impressed.
2. YOUSSOUFA MOUKOKO, 16 (BORUSSIA DORTMUND)
Moukoko has represented Dortmund at various youth levels banging in hundreds of goals in the process. Because of him, the German football association had to reduce the gap of eligible young players to play in the Bundesliga to 16.
He made his Borussia Dortmund debut when he turned 16 in November last year, becoming the youngest ever player to play in the Bundesliga. He is also the youngest ever player in the Champions League history and the youngest goalscorer in Bundesliga history.
3. ANSU FATI, 18 (BARCELONA)
The youngest player and goalscorer in Barcelona’s fabulous history, Fati is seen as one for the future due to his immense talent. Last season, he got injured and was ruled out for 9 months. He will be returning from injury to boost Barca’s squad this season.
He has recovered in time for the new season and was handed the glorious number 10 jersey that was departed by Lionel Messi. Fati is expected to lead Barca’s new generation of youngsters to the post-Messi era.
4. KAIO JORGE, 19 (JUVENTUS)
Having come through the ranks at Brazilian giants, Santos, Kaio Jorge became a target for Europe’s biggest clubs. With his contract expiring next year, he refused to sign a new contract and Juventus took advantage of this situation by signing him for just €3m.
With the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jorge will get playing time to showcase his talent on the biggest stages.
5. KARIM ADEYEMI, 19 (RED BULL SALZBURG)
RB Salzburg have a reputation for nurturing world-class players; Sadio Mane, Dayot Upamecano, Erling Haaland, Takumi Minamino, etc. They recently sold a very good attacker in Patson Daka to Leicester City this summer, but have quickly unearthed another raw talent to replace him in Karim Adeyemi. The young striker already has 7 goals in 9 games this season.
Born to a Nigerian father and a Romanian mother in Germany, Adeyemi has opted to represent his country of birth. He made his international debut for Germany in the recent international window in a World Cup qualifier against Armenia and scored on his debut.
6. PEDRI, 18 (BARCELONA)
Widely regarded as one of the most promising young players in the football world, Pedri impressed for Barca last season despite the club’s overall struggles. He carried his form to Euro 2020, where his performances earned him the Young Player of the Tournament award.
He would look to become an integral part of Barcelona’s new generation. He is regularly being compared to Andres Iniesta.
7. JAMAL MUSIALA, 18 (BAYERN MUNICH)
Bayern lured Musiala away from Chelsea with the promise of regular game time. Aged just 17, he became Bayern’s youngest ever player and youngest goalscorer. He has already picked up several trophies (including the UEFA Champions League) in his career so far.
At Euro 2020, Musiala became the youngest ever player to represent Germany in a major tournament.
8. EDUARDO CAMAVINGA, 18 (REAL MADRID)
Although still 18 years old, Eduardo Camavinga is closing in on 100 senior career appearances. Aged just 16, he made his debut for Rennes, becoming the youngest ever player in the club’s history. He is also the youngest player to appear and to play for the French national team since 1914.
Camavinga joined Real Madrid this summer and will get the chance to showcase himself at the highest level.
9. ILAIX MORIBA, 18 (RB LEIPZIG)
Considered as one of the best players of his generation due to his flair, skill, physique, and playing style. In 2019, Moriba became the highest earner in Barca academy, La Masia, history when he signed a deal worth €2,000,000 per year that included a €100m release clause. Despite being highly regarded by Barcelona, the club couldn’t reach an agreement with him over a new lucrative contract due to the club’s financial woes. He subsequently forced a move to RB Leipzig.
He has earned comparisons to Paul Pogba due to the similarities in their playing style, position, and also their Guinean descent.
Moriba is definitely one to watch out for this season.
10. GIOVANNI REYNA, 18 (BORUSSIA DORTMUND)
American youngster, Reyna, broke through at Dortmund last season with his impressive displays. He scored 7 goals and provided 8 assists in all competitions. With the departure of Jadon Sancho to Manchester United this summer, Reyna is expected to play a bigger role for Dortmund this season and has already been given Sancho’s number 7 jersey.
He has quickly proven undaunted by this as he already has 2 goals and an assist in 5 games this season already.
Reyna has represented the US national team 9 times, scoring 4 goals.
NOTABLE MENTIONS:
- Xavi Simons (PSG)
- Mason Greenwood (Manchester United)
- Shola Shoretire (Manchester United)
- Yusuf Demir (Barcelona)
- Gavi (Barcelona)
- Trevor Chalobah (Chelsea)
- Angel Gomes (Lille)
- Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)
- Ryan Gravenberch (Ajax)
- Muhammad Kudus (Ajax).
