Top 30 Footballers on the Brink of Elite Status

• Here are the top 30 footballers playing in Europe on the brink of reaching elite status.

Criteria

• Footballer needs to be playing for a European club.
• He has never been considered "elite."
• Define elite: the tier between Cristiano Ronaldo greatness and above-average top-flight footballers.
• The 30 footballers will be subjectively ranked via a combination of:
  
  • Likelihood of turning into an elite footballer.
  • Performance this season.
  • Potential transfer value increase down the line.

Here is a non-exhaustive index of players already considered elite, hence their omission from the main list.

• Christoph Kramer, 23, Borussia Monchengladbach's German CM [1].
• Granit Xhaka, 22, Borussia Monchengladbach's Swiss CM.
• Jose Callejon, 27, Napoli's Spanish RAM.
• Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, 26, Fiorentina's Colombian Utility Player.
• Ricardo Rodriguez, 22, Wolfsburg's Swiss LB.
• Roberto Firmino, 23, Hoffenheim's Brazilian CAM.

---

[1] On loan from Bayer Leverkusen.

30. Mauro Icardi

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Inter Milan's Argentine centre-forward Mauro Icardi, 21, is rarely involved when he plays. 

Yet he is so talented that he has still scored seven goals in 11 Serie A games this season. Aside from several flashes, generally resulting in goals, Icardi is mainly anonymous.

It makes you wonder if he was more active, would he score more? 

There is a Mario Balotelli-like attitude to Icardi's game which may hinder him from maximising his potential.

29. Karim Bellarabi

Claude Paris/Associated Press

Bayer Leverkusen's German right attacking midfielder Karim Bellarabi, 24, can zoom past opposing defenders. 

He has accumulated 4.8 dribbles per league game, which is higher than Barcelona's Lionel Messi (3.9).

The issue with Bellarabi is his rash decision-making which costs him potential goals and assists. 

28. Nathaniel Clyne

Steve Bardens/Getty Images

Southampton's English right-back Nathaniel Clyne, 23, was gifted a starting position when Calum Chambers was sold to Arsenal.

While Chambers has no set position at Arsenal, Clyne is Southampton's undisputed right-back and has been impressive as the Saints continue their great run (four straight wins; second in the Premier League).

Clyne has tallied up 55 tackles in 11 Premier League games. 

27. Layvin Kurzawa

EuroFootball/Getty Images

Monaco's French left-back Layvin Kurzawa, 22, is a gem as there is a shortage of top full-backs in world football. 

Kurzawa's 2.8 tackles per game to 0.9 fouls per game prove he is an efficient tackler. 

In addition, he consistently charges down the left flank to break down opposing defences. 

If he continues to develop, he could transition into an elite left-back.

26. Yann Sommer

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Borussia Monchengladbach's Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer, 25, was burdened with lofty expectations as the successor to Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Sommer is playing at a comparable level to Ter Stegen when the German was at 'Gladbach.

Averaging 4.0 saves per game, Sommer has the third-highest average for goalkeepers who have started 10 games or more in the Bundesliga this season.

25. Nabil Fekir

Laurent Cipriani/Associated Press

Lyon's French deep-lying forward Nabil Fekir, 21, has been a headline-maker alongside Alexandre Lacazette.

Recently included in L'Equipe's Team of the Week, Fekir is enjoying a breakout season for Lyon.

A fleet-footed, creative and nimble dribbler, Fekir is a young gun to watch out for.

He has scored the same amount of goals (six) in Ligue 1 this season as Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani (six).

24. Dusan Tadic

Steve Bardens/Getty Images

Southampton's Serbian left/right-forward Dusan Tadic, 25, was world class in an 8-0 win over Sunderland.

Taking advantage of the miscommunication between Sunderland defenders John O'Shea and Santiago Vergini, Tadic registered three assists and scored a goal. 

Tadic has accumulated more assists (six) this season than Manchester City's David Silva (two).

If Tadic can sustain his form over the season, then he will be considered one of the best players in his position.

23. Roman Burki

EuroFootball/Getty Images

Freiburg's Swiss goalkeeper Roman Burki, 23, has remained solid despite the interchanging back line. 

There have been nine different defenders who have started a Bundesliga game for Freiburg this season.

Yet Burki has demonstrated leadership, like helping out rookie defender Marc-Oliver Kempf, to ensure Freiburg remain afloat. 

Burki has made 42 saves in 11 Bundesliga games this season.

22. Nolito

Lalo R. Villar/Associated Press

Celta Vigo's Spanish left-forward Nolito, 28, has always had potential, hence why he was on the books of Barcelona and Benfica. 

Like Celta team-mate Joaquin Larrivey, Nolito is having a career-best season. 

Nolito has scored and created 10 goals (five goals, five assists) in La Liga. 

21. Timo Horn

Alex Grimm/Getty Images

Koln's German goalkeeper Timo Horn, 21, is one of Germany's brightest prospects.

Since replacing former Bayern Munich goalkeeper Michael Rensing, Horn has vindicated Koln management.

"It is important for us that this step is not seen as a decision against Michael Rensing, but rather as one pro Timo Horn," Koln's then-sporting director Frank Schaefer said, per FIFA's official website.

"[Horn] feels ready to take the next step and we also have faith in him."

Horn has made 40 saves, 23 of which have been inside the penalty area, in 11 Bundesliga games this season.

20. Morgan Schneiderlin

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Southampton's French central midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, 25, is enjoying his "amazing journey" as the Saints are flying high.

A high-energy, tough-tackling and ball-playing midfielder, Schneiderlin could become a transfer target for major European clubs next summer. 

One of the best decisions to affect his career was out of his hands. 

Amid Southampton selling their assets to Liverpool, Schneiderlin felt aggrieved when Saints management blocked a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.

Now playing a pivotal role at the second-best Premier League team, Schneiderlin should be thankful he is still at Southampton. 

19. Davy Klaassen

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Ajax's Dutch central midfielder/central attacking midfielder Davy Klaassen, 21, is close to being the total package. 

Able to track back and make tackles while creating goals, Klaassen needs to score more in order to develop into a complete midfielder. 

This season, he has made 36 tackles and registered seven assists in the Eredivisie.

18. Kevin Vogt

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

Köln's German central midfielder Kevin Vogt, 23, is a daunting presence for opposing players.

He is a 6'4" and 187-pound battering ram of a midfielder who is technically adept.

Flashing attacking potential having created two goals in a 3-2 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt and scoring once in a 2-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund, Vogt could transition into a top box-to-box midfielder. 

17. Keisuke Honda

Claudio Villa/Getty Images

Prior to joining AC Milan, Japanese right-forward Keisuke Honda, 28, flew under-the-radar having played a combined six years at VVV-Venlo and CSKA Moscow.

When he struggled to assert his influence last season at Milan (one goal and two assists in 989 minutes), there were doubts over his ability to succeed in Serie A.

He has bounced back this season with six goals and three assists in 11 league games.

Being given more reassurances by Milan manager Filippo Inzaghi has factored into Honda's revitalisation.

16. Ralf Fahrmann

Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Schalke's German goalkeeper Ralf Fahrmann, 26, has overcome doubts over his career to finally live up to expectations. 

Despite being a highly-rated German youth international, Fahrmann only became Schalke's No. 1 last season. 

Blessed with outstanding physical qualities (6'5" and 209 pounds), Fahrmann is quick off his line and can pull off incredible reflex saves. 

15. Grzegorz Krychowiak

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

Sevilla's Polish central midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak, 24, is all action.

His Rambo-like endeavour to protecting his defence, whether it is launching himself into aerial duels or charging into tackles, makes him one of the most committed midfielders in Spain.

Krychowiak wins back the ball 6.7 times per game (3.6 tackles and 3.1 interceptions per game).

14. Kalidou Koulibaly

Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images

Napoli's French centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, 23, is a physically imposing giant of a defender. 

Given how crisp his passing is (completes 89.5 percent of his 54.7 passes per game), Napoli have a big defensive prospect. 

He has been phenomenal in his debut Serie A season thus far, but can he keep it up?

Or will weaknesses in his game start to emerge like Eliaquim Mangala?

13. Jordan Veretout

Gero Breloer/Associated Press

Nantes' French central attacking midfielder Jordan Veretout, 21, continues to impress in a more advanced role.

Shielded by Nantes defensive midfielders Kian Hansen and Remi Gomis, Veretout dictated his team's attacking possessions with aplomb in a 2-1 win over Caen.

At times, Veretout was essentially a deep-lying forward. 

In his last six games, he has scored three times and accumulated four assists.

12. Memphis Depay

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

PSV Eindhoven's Dutch left-forward Memphis Depay, 20, only has one thought when is racing past opposing defenders: Shoot.

This season, Depay's goals per game in league play is 0.88, and he is ready to play in one of Europe's top leagues.

But will a team give him the same Cristiano Ronaldo-like green light as PSV have done?

11. Gylfi Sigurdsson

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Swansea City's Icelandic central attacking midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson, 25, is class in possession and generally always a threat to create scoring chances. 

He has registered seven assists in the Premier League this season, and it should be more. 

He would have at least 10 assists if team-mates Wilfried Bony and Jonjo Shelvey were more efficient in front of goal.

10. Max Kruse

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Borussia Monchengladbach's German deep-lying forward Max Kruse, 26, has scored 10 goals or more in successive Bundesliga seasons.

He has the potential to reach the 20-goal barrier, but he tends to go on stretches where he has little or no influence. 

He has the talent of an elite footballer but needs to produce more goals and assists.

This season, he is showing signs he is ready to make the next step up (five goals and two assists in nine league games).

9. Victor Wanyama

Nigel Roddis/Getty Images

Southampton's Kenyan central midfielder Victor Wanyama, 23, possesses an all-round playing style.

If you ask him to sit in front of the midfield and shield the defence, he is a wall.

You can imagine struggling Liverpool centre-back Dejan Lovren pondering to himself: "I wish Wanyama was here."

Instead of being another No. 6, Wanyama has the athleticism, football IQ and skill to play an Arturo Vidal-esque box-to-box role.

He has scored more goals (three) in the Premier League than Liverpool's €20.4/£16 million-valued centre-forward Mario Balotelli (zero) this season.

8. Robin Knoche

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Wolfsburg's German centre-back Robin Knoche is learning quickly under veteran Naldo.

The two have contributed to Wolfsburg having the third best defence in the Bundesliga (nine goals conceded from 11 games).

A prolific ball-winner in the air (averages 4.4 headers per game), safe tackler (0.4 fouls per game) and high upside as a 22-year-old, Knoche should be targeted by Europe's bigger clubs.

7. Alexandre Lacazette

Laurent Cipriani/Associated Press

Lyon centre-forward Alexandre Lacazette, 23, is OL's most exciting No. 9 prospect since Karim Benzema.

While Lacazette is talented, he would not be guaranteed playing time at a big European club.

Considering the increase revenue to Premier League clubs, it would not be a surprise if an unfancied English club with strong financial backing went all in on Lacazette, a la Fulham's eye-catching €14.7/£11.5 million signing of Steve Marlet in 2001.

Lacazette has scored 11 goals and registered four assists in 13 Ligue 1 games this season.

6. Allan Marques

Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images

Udinese's Brazilian central midfielder Allan Marques, 23, is the ideal candidate for clubs that need an enforcer. 

He is a vigorous footballer in midfield, a determined tackler and has the energy to sustain his playing style throughout 90 minutes.

He has accumulated 59 tackles in 11 Serie A games this season.

5. Tony Jantschke

Frank Augstein/Associated Press

Borussia Monchengladbach's German centre-back/right-back Tony Jantschke, 24, deserves more recognition from German national team manager Joachim Low.

• Has played 121 Bundesliga games.
• Versatile. 
• Contributing to 'Gladbach having the second best defence in the Bundesliga (six goals conceded from 11 games).

Jantschke is composed with and without the ball. 

He has experience, can interchange positions and should be given a chance to stake his claim for a starting position in the German national team.

4. Kevin De Bruyne

Michael Sohn/Associated Press

Wolfsburg's Belgian central attacking midfielder/left attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, 23, has smoothly adapted to life after Chelsea. 

Showing mental toughness to forget about his bitter Chelsea spell, De Bruyne has been a creative outlet for Wolfsburg.

He leads the Bundesliga in assists (nine).

3. Loris Karius

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Mainz's German goalkeeper Loris Karius, 21, is another outstanding German shot-stopper, who will compete against Manuel Neuer down the line for Germany's No. 1 position.

Averaging 4.8 saves per league game, Karius could have been Manchester City's heir apparent to Joe Hart. 

But from Karius' perspective, moving away from City has enabled him to develop into the goalkeeper he is today at Mainz.

He made several vital stops to ensure Mainz finished the game with a point during a 0-0 draw against Bayer Leverkusen. 

2. Abdul Rahman Baba

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Augsburg's Ghanaian left-back Abdul Rahman Baba, 20, is an impressive prospect. 

If he continues to progress, he will be at a similar point to where Ricardo Rodriguez is with his Wolfsburg career right now.

Baba has more assists (three) than Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben (two) and leads the Bundesliga in tackles per game (4.8).

1. Anderson Talisca

Paulo Duarte/Associated Press

Benfica's Brazilian deep-lying forward Anderson Talisca, 20, has talent level comparable to FIFA World Cup winner Rivaldo.

Talisca consistently manoeuvres the ball to his left foot—a bearer of bad news for opposing goalkeepers— and effortlessly scores. 

In his first season in Europe, he is already scoring at an Oscar Cardozo-like rate (eight goals in 10 league games).

@allanjianga

+allanjiang

When not specified, statistics via WhoScored