Honourable mentions

Ansu Fati, 18

Barcelona, Forward

The Guinea-bissau born youngster’s breakthrough campaign at Barcelona last season saw him earn a call-up to the Spanish national team. A knee injury has kept him out for most of this season but Ansu Fati, who joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy at 10, is already being touted as the next big thing in Spanish football.

Phil Foden, 20

Manchester City, Midfielder Winner of the Golden Ball at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India, Phil Foden has earned the nickname “Stockport Iniesta” among Manchester City fans for his versatility in the middle of the pitch. He has gradually grown into a more central figure in Pep Guardiola’s side and is expected to be part the core of the England national team in the coming years.

Dean Henderson, 24

Manchester United, Goalkeeper

The English goalkeeper showed immense promise during his loan spell at Sheffield United last season and is being viewed as the long-term successor to David de Gea at Manchester United. At 24, he is still young for a goalkeeper and is likely to carry United and English hopes for the next decade.

Pedri, 18

Barcelona, Midfielder An extremely talented footballer who can dictate games with his ability to move across the midfield and play in different roles, Pedri joined Barcelona last summer after an impressive run with Las Palmas in the second division. He’s had no trouble finding his feet at

Barca, already taking a central role in a starstudded team.

Eduardo Quaresma, 19

Sporting Lisbon, Centre-back Eduardo Quaresma has barely begun his senior professional career and is already being tracked by some of Europe’s elite clubs. The young centre-back is highly rated in Portugal but has found limited opportunities for first team appearances this season.

Joao Felix, 21

Atletico Madrid, Forward

The highly skilful forward is arguably the most promising youngster in the Portugal national team at present. After his breakthrough season at Benfica in 2018/19, he moved to Atletico Madrid, where he has taken a more prominent role this season after a hot-and-cold campaign in the previous one.