The success Leipzig have enjoyed this season has not gone unnoticed, much like the strong performances of Dayot Upamecano. At 21 years old the centre-back whose pace rivals him with the quickest attackers, is defending well. Standing tall at 6ft 1, his passing abilities are characteristic of a player who worked as a forward and a midfielder at his first professional club, Valenciennes. The youngster has drawn comparisons to Marcel Desailly, because of their similar traits like strength and speed. Many in France feel it is only a matter of time before he breaks into the senior national squad.

Chelsea right-back Reece James has looked completely unfazed this season. The transfer ban in Summer 2019, has arguably been a blessing in disguise with Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, unafraid to start the younger players. James is one player who has come into his role and excelled. A threat going forward with his crosses but also sound defensively. Loan-technical coach and Chelsea legend Paulo Ferreira, has described him as someone who is easy to work with and always willing to learn. At 19 years old he plays with experience, and is maturing as the season goes on.

At just 17 years old, Eduardo Camavinga has emerged as one of the best young midfielders in Europe. Composed on the ball, Camavinga has produced man of the match displays against Marseille and PSG, which has alerted the likes of Real Madrid and Arsenal. The holding midfielder role is where Camavinga has generally operated this season, but his manager Julien Stephan has played him further forward. Stephan believes that Camavinga has the skill set to play in both positions. A frequent starter for Stade Rennais, the Angola-born youngster has shown a level of maturity that will only serve him well for the future.

Alphonso Davies has been a constant threat for Bayern Munich this season. His transition to left-back has been smooth, and the pace Davies delivers on the left-flank for Bayern gives them a different attacking dimension. The width he provides allows midfield players like Thiago Alcantara, to have more time and space. Interim coach Hanzi Flick has full confidence in the young Canadian, and described him as a great passer of the ball. The 19 year old’s development is ongoing and his strength in both attacking and defending, has bolstered Bayern’s chances of winning yet another Bundesliga title.

Young midfielder Sandro Tonali is currently flourishing in the Serie A this season. The 19 year old has drawn comparisons to Andrea Pirlo, whose career also started at Brescia. Tonali was a key player in Brescia’s promotion campaign last season, and his impressive performances have continued this term. The passing ability Tonali possesses allows him to dictate play, which is similar to Pirlo. However, whilst the teenager acknowledges the similarities with Pirlo, it is Gennaro Gattuso who he believes he shares more qualities with, because of the more robust side to his game.

Valverde, now 21 years old, is a crucial part of Real Madrid’s midfield and his manager Zinedine Zidane has been pleased with the performances. The box-to-box style of the young Uruguayan allows him to press opponents higher up the field, and track back to help defend. The nickname, “El Pajarito” or “The Little Bird” was given to Valverde when he was younger, because of his ability to fly around the pitch. This season revealed how “The Little Bird” has become a tyrant, and a main protagonist in Real Madrid’s pursuit of La Liga.

The work of Arsenal youngsters Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli down the left-hand side has been one of this season’s successes. The two youngsters, both 18 years old, have developed a partnership that compliments their own playing styles. Saka has adjusted well at left back, and has been able to score and provide an assist in 3 separate matches. Martinelli’s enthusiasm is evident and his composure in front of goal is unerring. He has become the first teenager since Nicolas Anelka to score 10 goals for Arsenal in a season. The progress of Saka and Martinelli has been a shining light in a disappointing campaign for Arsenal.

Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho, both 19 years old, are in scintillating form in the Bundesliga. Whether scoring goals or registering assists, this special pairing is breaking records in the process. Haaland became the first player in Bundesliga history to score 7 goals in 3 games whereas Sancho was the first teenager to score 25 Bundesliga goals. Although inexperienced, Dortmund’s trust in Haaland and Sancho has given them a platform to play with freedom. This is a factor that has pleased the Dortmund faithful, whose expectations have been exceeded by the two youngsters.