ALL THE WAY UP!!

3 superstars in the making.

The sheer amount of fixtures on the footballing calendar means there has never been a better time for new stars to break onto the scene. The game is bursting at the seams with promising talent as managers increasingly turn to young players to cope with the demanding schedules of the season. The rise of a new crop of superstars in the game of football is something to look forward to. It essentially keeps the game alive when it’s time for the old guard to pass the baton to the young bloods. It is a young man’s game, after all.

Here’s 3 players that I’d predict to have stellar careers should they stay injury free.

1. LAMINE YAMAL

Lamine Yamal is probably the most exciting prospect from Barcelona’s La Masia talent factory since Lionel Messi. Yamal made his debut aged 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days, becoming the youngest ever player to represent Barcelona. What he’s gone on to do since his debut is nothing short of miraculous. Lamine is a nightmare to defend against, with pace to burn and tricks galore. He produces moments of magic with an uncanny resemblance to Lionel Messi’s. It’s no surprise he’s been compared to the Barcelona legend and is hailed to become the next all-time great to rise from the club’s ranks. It may seem like a stretch to say that Yamal will ever be as good as the World Cup champion, and those who think it's blasphemous are probably correct. But there is no doubt that in Yamal, Barca have produced a player who is capable of defining a generation of not just Spanish football but the global game. In the current season, 2024-25, Lamine has showcased his otherworldly talents for FC Barcelona, contributing 30 goals and assists in 38 games thus far. To quote the words of the great Harry Redknapp, he will go right to the very top.

Lamine Yamal in action against Real Madrid (Picture Courtesy of Getty Images, Credits- David Ramos)

Glimpses of Lamine Yamal Magic.

2. PAU CUBARSI

Pau Cubarsi is yet another beast of a prospect hailing from FC Barcelona’s academy. He is a modern-day centre-back whose style of play is a fascinating blend of Piqué's composure and technical elegance and Puyol's tenacity and fearless defending. He combines the best of both worlds, showcasing intelligence on the ball and a warrior-like mentality when it matters most. At just 18 years of age, he is easily among the best centre halves in Europe. He’s been an undisputed starter for Barcelona since making his debut in February of 2024. Cubarsi has shown glimpses of leadership, organizing Barça’s defence and communicating well with teammates. The 18-year-old intelligent defender has already been handed his senior debut with his beloved Spain, coming on against Colombia in March 2024. He made history by becoming the youngest player to ever play for the national team. As long as he stays fit, his development will see him become a mainstay in Barcelona’s and Spain’s defences.

Pau Cubarsi in action against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League (Pictures courtesy of Getty Images, Credits- Gualter Fatia)

Sneak peak of Pau Cubarsi Brilliance.

3. FLORIAN WIRTZ

Florian Wirtz, the crown jewel of German football, is a player with a multitude of skills. He is one of the very few players left who keep the classic number 10 position alive. Wirtz made his Bundesliga debut for Bayer Leverkusen in May 2020 at just 17 years old, becoming the youngest player in the club's history to do so. He is a brilliant player in possession, capable of dribbling past opponents, playing clever through-balls, and scoring goals. Florian’s movement off the ball also makes him an absolutely exceptional player. When it comes to finding space between the lines and away from the opposing midfielders, he may be the best player in the world. He unfortunately tore his anterior cruciate ligament in March 2022, and there were fears that it would be a deterrent to Wirtz’s career. Luckily for him, he has bounced back better than before and fit back into Xabi Alonso’s plans seamlessly. Wirtz was a key figure in Leverkusen’s astonishing 2023-24 season when they won a domestic double, dethroning Bayern Munich as league champions. Florian is undoubtedly a player to watch closely in the coming decade.

Florian Wirtz in action against Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga (Picture courtesy of Getty Images, Credits- Stefan Matzke)

Let me know other stars in the making that you’re watching out for.