The Whiz Kids of Europe: A Glance at Football's Stars of Tomorrow

Giving promotion to Youth Academy players and signing young players have been considered as masterstrokes by many football pundits these days. And if you are looking for some perfect examples- ask Arsene Wenger or Frank Riijkard.

 Unlike Manchester United or Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona didn't go for lavish spending in the past summer. Instead, they dug deeper into their own reserves and youth team.

As for Arsenal, Wenger was frugal to sign players like Bacary Sagna and Nikolas Bendtner, unfazed by the departure of his starman Thierry Henry. He knew that his fledgling 'kids' like Flamini, Fabregas, Hleb can soon reach the stardom as Henry did when he was at Arsenal.

Now, we can see the consequences of the prudential approach of Wenger-his team sitting pretty at the top of the table, only behind United in terms of goal difference.

However, many youngsters across Europe have been displaying some of the finest football that i have witnessed recently, and if they can hold on to their finesse, no doubt we will have a Galaxy of Stars in the coming years.

But lets hope that the don't all play in the same team!

 Here are my top five wonderboys-

1. Karim Benzema: Though of Algerian origin, the 21 year old is a born and bred Lyon player. Clubs like Real Madrid, AC Milan and Manchester United have been linked with him, and his outclassing performances for Lyon can only add to his already glittering portfolio

 He has been the lynchpin of his team's success this season, and is currently Ligue 1's top scorer with 13 goals.

2. Fransesc Fabregas: A fruit of Barcelona's Youth System, Cesc is one of the majestic figures to have ever graced the greens of EPL, especially Arsenal.

Though he came through the same ranks of Lionel Messi at Barcelona, the then 17 year old caught the prying eyes of Professor Wenger and he bagged the Spanish prodigy for less than a million pounds.

 After a relatively mediocre performance in the past two seasons, Cesc has suddenly burst into the scene this season and is undoubtedly the catalyst of his team's success so far. Terrific man marking, crisp crossing and fabulous assists have been his common traits. Surely, a legend on the making

 3. Bojan Krkic: Have you ever thought of a Barca starting line up without Ronaldinho? for once?

If you haven't then start doing so, because this Serbian boy wonder has been starting regularly for Barca, leaving the out of favour Ronaldinho to warm the benches.

Yet another fruitful product of the Barca Youth System, the 17 year old striker has taken the Spanish Media by storm when he made his first appearance in a league match, scoring one and setting up a goal.

 Much alike Fabregas, his finesse is more suited for a striking role rather. He has been playing in the 4-3-3 formation with Ronaldinho is the far most flank and Eto'o in the middle. With this formidable trio, Riijkard can brew for another successful season.

4. Alan Hutton: This Scottish International fullback took me by surprise when i saw him obstructing Ronaldinho on many occasions when his club Rangers held Barca to a goal-less draw at the Ibrox.

Even in Scotland's double over France, Hutton rose to the occasion and defended his team's priceless lead as if he has been playing for ages.

Spurs had their offer snubbed by him off late, because he's keen to ply his trade at United rather.

5. Samir Nasri:  Hailed as the new Zinedine Zidane, the Marseille born midfielder is the focal point of his team. Gritty, speedy,and crafty, the Ligue 1 Player of the Year 2007 awardee is getting heaps of praises from the pundits, but only for his individual performance

His team Marseille is languishing in the bottom half of the table for all the wrong reasons, but let's hope that this gem of a player won't get tarnished with his team's performance.

 Of course, you guys may have some other names in your mind, and my apologies for being unable to list them all. But Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa) Oliviera Anderson (Manchester United), Geovanni Dos Santos (Barcelona), Charles N'Zogbia (Newcastle), and Giorgio Chilleni (Juventus) deserve some honorable mentions.