Harry Kane and the 20 Brightest Prospects in World Football Right Now
A breathtaking 2014-15 campaign has seen Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane rise into contention as one of Europe's most promising youngsters, seemingly destined to receive his England call-up anytime now.
The north London figurehead has taken his opportunities with aplomb this season and sits among a wealth of other aspiring talents who have no issue with thriving under the lime light from a young.
Here we take a look at 20 of the world's brightest players aged 21 or under, chronicling a selection of those who despite their lack of experience at the top, are already making a big impact.
Every single candidate will account for huge amounts of potential, but we're also looking at those players who already boast a big role as senior stars and have the most ahead of them in their careers.
In some cases, a player may gain precedence in the rankings due to being of a younger age, while arguably not being of the same calibre as some of their peers at present.
Kane's quality has become well-known to the world this season while others have sat among the football hierarchy for a while longer.
21. John Stones, Everton
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Producing elite centre-back talents is something of a matter of pride for England, and with the era of Rio Ferdinand and John Terry almost at its close, John Stones sits as the nation's most promising starlet.
Upon making the move to Goodison Park in 2013, Barnsley product Stones may have raised a few questions as to who Everton had just signed. Almost two years later and the Premier League fraternity is very well-acquainted.
Despite still being just 20 years of age and competing with Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin for a place in central defence, the youngster has managed 11 Premier League outings this term, all of which have been part of the starting XI.
Not even 12 months after moving to the English top flight, Stones made his England debut and was even in contention for a place at the 2014 World Cup. His versatility in a three or four-man defence, as well as the ability to play at right-back, is also an enamouring quality.
20. Luciano Vietto, Villarreal
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Shouldering the burden of leading a La Liga strike force is no easy task; doing so at 21 years of age is all the more difficult, but a responsibility in which Luciano Vietto is currently thriving.
With 15 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions this season, the Argentine striker boasts a scoring ratio of just under one every other game having only arrived in Spain last summer.
It's a remarkable turnaround given Vietto's days at Racing Club in his native Argentina weren't always prolific, but La Liga has proven a hospitable destination for the forward.
Having turned out for Argentina's under-20 side in the past, Vietto may even look forward to gaining full international honours in the years to come, although a long line of young Albiceleste hopefuls are also in contention.
19. Aleksandar Mitrovic, Anderlecht
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Belgian giants Anderlecht have a healthy reputation in nurturing some of Europe's finest up-and-coming talents, with striker Aleksandar Mitrovic one of the latest emerging from their ranks.
Having made his way through the Serbian youth teams, Mitrovic made his senior debut for the country in 2013 and has gone on to earn 10 caps despite barely being out of his teens.
Of course the player's agent, Mateja Kezman, will attempt to publicise his client's ability as vehemently as possible, but the former Chelsea striker has given a candid report on the 20-year-old, per Dutch broadcaster VTM (h/t South Wales Evening Post):
"I think he (Mitrovic) is better than me. He has a lot of talent and is physically very strong. He is a player like Drogba. If he continues to play and is spared from injuries, he will be in the next few years a top European star.
Two seasons in the Belgian league is enough for Mitrovic. He must be after this season in the Premier League. Not for a top club, but a club in the top half of the league table.
"
Evidently eager to maintain a first-team place for his prospect, Kezman spares no expense in likening Mitrovic to former team-mate Didier Drogba.
However, with 11 goals in 23 Jupiler Pro League appearances this season, the Serbian may just be showing the kind of potential needed to excel at the top of the sport, already gaining huge international experience.
18. Denis Suarez, Sevilla (on Loan from Barcelona)
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Sevilla recruited well in managing to capture both Gerard Deulofeu and Denis Suarez on loan from Barcelona last summer, each pouncing on their opportunities for first-team La Liga minutes.
Both have excelled since making the temporary switch to Seville, but it's Suarez who has played a more prominent role this season, making 31 appearances for the club, 20 of which have been starts.
Suarez has managed four goals and three assists in that period. In fact, so convinced are Barca in his talent that Spanish newspaper Sport recently reported the two-year loan will be cut short this summer instead.
In 2013, the notion was that Barca had completed a good bit of business by bringing the 21-year-old back to Spain following a spell at Manchester City, with Suarez since showing just why his potential is being so closely monitored.
17. Domenico Berardi, Sassuolo (on Loan from Juventus)
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Having helped Sassuolo avoid relegation last season thanks to his 16 goals in 29 Serie A outings, Domenico Berardi's temporary stay at the outfit was extended for another year by parent club Juventus.
Playing such a prominent role for the Neroverdi has been a great experience for the 20-year-old, but Juve clearly have long-term plans of their own for a player earning plaudits as one of the most promising in Italy at present.
FourFourTwo's Adam Digby sung the forward's praises and had tipped Berardi to star for the Old Lady. Although that opportunity is yet to arise at his former club, the versatile attacker is sure to have a big hand in Turin soon.
16. Talisca, Benfica
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Benfica have a long-standing record when it comes to the importing and exporting of South American stars, with Brazil's Talisca among the latest causing waves for the Eagles.
After winning the Campeonato Baiano with Bahia in just his second senior season with the club, the 21-year-old made the switch to Europe and has take little time to boost his reputation further.
So far, the attacking midfielder has nine goals in his maiden Primeira Liga campaign. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was quoted in saying last September that were it not for work permit issues, the player would be a Premier League star by now, per Portuguese broadcaster TVI24 (h/t Daily Mail's Sean Gallagher):
"I think Benfica hired well. They say Talisca is unknown, but he is only so unknown because he's only not playing in England because he doesn't have a work permit. If he had one, he would be here!"
Benfica will attempt to hold onto the trickster as long as they can, but it may only be so long before he gains full international honours for Brazil and moves to another of Europe's elite divisions.
15. Emre Can, Liverpool
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It took time for Emre Can to settle in England, having come to Anfield last summer as one of Germany's highest-rated prospects and a call-up to Joachim Low's Germany side in his sights.
However, Brendan Rodgers is now making full use of the former Bayer Leverkusen starlet and after starting just three Premier League games before Christmas, Can has now started the Reds' last seven league outings in succession.
A terrifically versatile holding midfielder with the ability to play at full-back, the 21-year-old has come to play his best football on the right side of a three-man defence on Merseyside.
The position allows Can to demonstrate all his muscle while allowing for some finer touches in possession and showing himself to be a key component in Liverpool's recent improvement, losing just two of the 17 total games he's started under Rodgers.
14. Jose Gimenez, Atletico Madrid
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The scouts at Atletico Madrid can be completely content with the work put into signing Jose Gimenez for just €1 million in 2013, with the centre-back's price-tag undoubtedly far beyond those numbers now.
Senior defenders Joao Miranda and Diego Godin have each seen time on the sidelines this season, but it only gave Uruguayan Gimenez his chance to emerge from under their shadow.
Diego Simeone has even preferred to start the 20-year-old at times this season, despite having a fully sit selection to choose from, and Gimenez has repaid his chief with four clean sheets from 10 La Liga outings.
The South American made his debut for Los Rojiblancos in 2013 but it's the 2014-15 campaign which has been one of extreme evolution, with David Wright of the Daily Express linking the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City with his services.
13. Kenedy, Fluminense
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In the age of the "next Neymar," Fluminense forward Kenedy sits as one of those encouraging likenesses to the Barcelona striker, although his style is admittedly different.
The 19-year-old is already well-established among Brazil's under-20 squad, but whereas Neymar relies heavily on direct methods, Kenedy is a figure more accustomed to playmaking for others.
The Daily Star's Colin Harvey has linked the attacker with a £5 million move to Manchester United, but with three years remaining on his Fluminense contract, the club are under no immediate pressure to sell.
Kenedy's priorities as a winger make him much more settled with creating goals rather than scoring them, but a superb set of technical skills and footwork allows him to contribute in both regards.
12. Juan Bernat, Bayern Munich
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Juan Bernat's swift move to Bayern Munich from Valencia last summer was met with an initial wave of surprise, followed by a resounding message of sensibility on manager Pep Guardiola's part.
The Spaniard clearly knew he was acquiring a well-balanced, left-footed asset when picking up the 21-year-old, capable of playing at full-back or in a more advanced wing capacity.
That malleability fits in well with Guardiola's Bayern ideology, but even Bernat himself was surprised Der FCB had taken interest, telling the official UEFA website:
"Well, it was certainly a surprise. When a club like Bayern and a coach like Pep shows interest in you then it surprises you, especially at the age of 21, but it has certainly been a big step for me and my family, to have the chance to sign for such a big club."
It speaks volumes of the Spanish international's maturity and overall ability that he hasn't looked out of place at the Allianz Arena, either, slipping in well among such an accomplished squad of stars.
11. Hakan Calhanoglu, Bayer Leverkusen
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It's been a transformational 12 months for Bayer Leverkusen maestro Hakan Calhanoglu, who after cutting out a name for himself at Hamburg last season made a €14.5 million switch to the BayArena last summer.
Still only 21, the Turkish international is regarded as one of, if not the best free-kick taker in Europe, possessing a killer knack for knowing how and where to put the ball from just about any dead-ball scenario.
However, that's not to diminish the midfielder's ability from open play, having also made three assists in his 21 Bundesliga appearances this season, building on the astute work down at the Imtech Arena.
A 2014 Golden Boy nominee, Calhanoglu is quickly establishing himself as another Turkish talent thriving in Germany's top flight, soaring for both club and country.
10. Aymeric Laporte, Athletic Bilbao
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Athletic Bilbao have tried their best to hang onto any and all young talents to emerge from their ranks through the years, but central defender Aymeric Laporte could be next in line to be lured from the Basque outfit.
It seems only a matter of time before the 20-year-old makes his full debut for the France national team, having already racked up 10 caps for the under-21 side.
There aren't many centre-backs of Laporte's age drawing the same level of intrigue in terms of potential, cutting out a name for himself under Ernesto Valverde as one of the brightest talents in Spain.
Backed with supreme physical assets, Laporte also possesses deceptive speed and has lined up at full-back on occasion, boasting all the attributes necessary to thrive as an elite centre-back of the future.
9. Youri Tielemans, Anderlecht
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Another Anderlecht youth product and very arguably the finest of their bunch is 17-year-old Youri Tielemans, who has shown maturity beyond his years in rising to the top of the Belgian order.
Having first joined Anderlecht's academy at just five years of age, the central midfielder has played his entire career for the club and is unsurprisingly drawing interest from some of Europe's bigger outfits.
In October 2013, Tielemans became the youngest player ever to feature in the Champions League, debuting at the age of 16 years, 4 months and 25 days.
Since then, the teenager has won the 2014 Belgian Talent of the Year award and played a big role in helping Anderlecht claim the 2013-14 Jupiler Pro League title.
Gifted even more responsibilities in the club's senior side, Tielemans has made a further 25 league appearances this season, missing just one game, and sits as an incredibly astute anchor considering how young he is.
Not only is the defensive midfielder assured in restraining the opposition, but his passing vision and range is also incredibly promising and shows a surprisingly rounded skill-set.
8. Jose Luis Gaya, Valencia
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Spain and Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba may well keep a watch over his shoulder as former club Valencia now have another budding superstar developing in that role who could eclipse even his talent.
Jose Luis Gaya is fast earning attention as an incredibly gifted up-and-comer through the Spanish ranks, having started his career as an attacker but since coming to operate best in defence.
Valencia's rise to top-four contention this season has been largely thanks to players such as Gaya elevating their game and the 19-year-old has appeared in all but one of the club's 23 league fixtures.
Since 2012, the teenager has appeared in every tier of the Spain youth teams, from under-17 through to his current level of under-21. His four assists in La Liga this term is an impressively high number for a left-back, but despite his attacking worth, Gaya sacrifices none of his quality at the back.
7. Memphis Depay, PSV Eindhoven
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Some outstanding performances at the 2014 World Cup boosted the profile of Netherlands star Memphis Depay, who is likely to make the leap from the Eredivisie to a bigger European power in 2015.
The PSV forward signed a contract extension last year to shrug off surrounding transfer interest, but manager Phillip Cocu recently told Sport Express (h/t Mirror's Aaron Flanagan) that this season will be his last with the club:
"That's unfortunate, but on the other hand, we must as a club be proud because we have trained him. At some point, it becomes clear that he is ready for the next step. And yes, I think he's going to leave PSV after this season.
Whether he can be as good as Arjen Robben? I think so. They are different players, but they are both fast and have a good shot. And both always have the urge to learn. But Memphis is only 21 years old and only in a few years can real conclusions be drawn.
"
Although a winger by trade, Depay has shown a prolific eye for goal this season, netting 21 goals in 28 games across all competitions and rising as one of the must-watch stars of the Eredivisie.
Despite being just 21, Depay has also received 13 caps for the Oranje and sits at the head of Holland's order in terms of prospects to keep an eye on.
6. Mateo Kovacic, Inter
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Many players dubbed as "prospects" don't have the luxury of regular first-team football, but Mateo Kovacic has been featuring prominently for both club and country since the age of 16.
After establishing his playmaking ability at Dinamo Zagreb, the Austrian-born Croatian international moved onto Inter in 2013 and has become one of the club's most consistent stars.
That's high praise for the youngster considering the Nerazzurri's struggles to regain their former elite status, but the supremely creative 20-year-old has earned all the plaudits coming in his direction.
Kovacic isn't perhaps as flash as some of the other maestros listed among our starlets, but he offers solidity unlike many others of his age and is capable of his own brilliance on occasion, namely possessing a traction engine for a right foot.
5. Harry Kane, Tottenham Hotsupr
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He may still be in what's effectively his first senior season for Spurs, but Harry Kane will be damned if he's not pouncing on the opportunity afforded to him by Mauricio Pochettino.
It's taken the north London wonder mere months to make the profligacy of Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado look all the more gruesome, managing to finally give Tottenham their finishing figurehead.
And with 23 goals in 36 outings this season, one can see just why Pochettino has given his 21-year-old the reins up front, sitting as England's most accomplished scorer right now.
So good has Kane been, in fact, that Real Madrid are reported by Pete Jenson of the Daily Mail to have already scouted the striker on three occasions, showing just what kind of elite attention his displays are drawing.
This time two years ago, Kane was on his fourth loan spell away from White Hart Lane, attempting to push Leicester City into Championship promotion.
In February 2015, the youngster has grown to become a scoring marvel and as if his form in front of goal wasn't enough to earn the five-year contract extension he recently signed, his most humble personality certainly is.
4. Paulo Dybala, Palermo
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Palermo president Mauro Zamparini can be proud of his work in signing Argentine wunderkind Paulo Dybala for just €12 million (£9.2 million) back in 2012, with his up-and-coming superstar now worth three times that amount.
Having earned comparisons to compatriot Sergio Aguero, Dybala has gone from strength to strength with the Sicilian club, scoring 11 goals and making eight assists this season.
Showcasing a terrifically rounded approach to his attacking game, both creating and scoring chances, Dybala looks set to move on, however, after Zamparini wold Italian newspaper Tuttosport (h/t Sky Sports):
"I will sell him, I am almost certain of this. (Juventus general director Giuseppe) Marotta told me that they are very interested in the player. They (Juve) are ready to negotiate. I have warned Marotta already that I've had so many offers for Dybala from half of the teams in Europe. Chelsea, PSG and other English and Spanish clubs.
We had an agreement with Dybala for 9million (euros a year) but the next day everything changed. I was told that Dybala would no longer sign and that he now wanted up to 15million (euros) in wages. No way! This is the fault of those that surround him. They have made him lose all sense of reality. I had treated him like a son having spent 12million euros to acquire him. I will not speak to Dybala again. I will appoint a company to negotiate Dybala's sale.
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It's no surprise so many of the world's titans are taking an interest in a forward who seemingly has it all: Pace, dexterity on the ball and no small amount of finishing technique.
Although yet to represent Argentina at any level, Dybala is sure to earn a call-up as long as he can maintain his current thread of form, garnering a massive profile for one still just 21 years of age.
3. Raheem Sterling, Liverpool
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Kane may be most promising scorer among England's ranks right now, but the title of most promising player overall may go to Liverpool's Raheem Sterling.
The Reds are currently striving to tie their 20-year-old talisman down to anew contract, hoping the reputation and allegiances he's built at Anfield will be enough to keep him on Merseyside.
However, there's no denying that the higher powers are circling his talents and former Liverpool forward John Barnes believes Sterling should bide his time before moving, per Hinch.as (h/t Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express):
"If I was Raheem Sterling I would stay with Liverpool for the next three years. I've seen it with other young players, a lot to do with their agents, a lot to do with the money they have been offered, that they rush off to big clubs.
Of course Liverpool is a big club, but the temptation must be to go to Real Madrid or Barcelona or wherever, but the danger is that you can be lost to the game, and I can give you so many examples, like Jack Rodwell who went too early to Manchester City and Scott Sinclair who also went to Manchester City.
With all due respect to clubs like that, they might turn out to be worse for them, and they end up going back and then not getting a move again. I would advice young players not to rush, but to stay at their clubs until they are 23 or 24. I went to Liverpool at the age of 23 by which time I was a 35 cap international player who could handle it.
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Luis Suarez was the driving force behind Liverpool's rise in recent years, but Sterling's development has been a happy side story for Brendan Rodgers, who has been handling the winger with care.
His five goals and five assists this Premier League season illustrates his alluring blend of creative potency and finishing ability, able to play across the attacking line and challenging the likes of Wayne Rooney for a spot in the England squad.
2. Raphael Varane, Real Madrid
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Many may look upon Raphael Varane as the centre-back of the future and although his talent is already well-known to the European masses, the fine work of Sergio Ramos and Pepe has held him back under Carlo Ancelotti.
Were it not for the brilliant pedigree of those defenders, the French international would assuredly have a priority placement at Real Madrid. Varane won't turn 22 until the end of this season, but he already has a Champions League title, Copa del Rey, La Liga crown and a FIFA Club World Cup in his cabinet, along with more.
The Lens youth product has swiftly adapted to the needs of playing in arguably the best club team in the world and played a big role in France's 2014 World Cup campaign, his cap count already standing at 17.
His development as a physical specimen allows Varane to compete physically with the very elite of the football world which, at his age, almost beggars belief.
1. Paul Pogba, Juventus
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In a world where young talent rules the kingdom, Paul Pogba is king who will seemingly have his pick of destinations should he decide to depart Turin this summer.
It seems a matter of when and not if the French international will leave Juventus, but Pogba is enjoying his football in Italy and seeing his price-tag only rise by the day as a result, it seems.
Pogba has five goals in 22 appearances for France and was among their more impressive stars at last year's World Cup, all the while pulling Juve through their Scudetto defence as a leading figure.
These are grand accomplishments for a man who only turns 22 in March and his development has been incredible considering it was just two-and-a-half years ago Manchester United let him walk for nothing.
Juve scooped up opportunity where they saw it, however, and the box-to-box midfielder has since come to be known as one of the world's best in his position, not just as a youngster, but among players in general.
So esteemed is the Frenchman's quality that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is already tipping Pogba to win the Ballon d'Or, speaking to beIN Sports (h/t Ben Nagle of the Daily Mail):
"As a footballer, he (Pogba) has everything. It is difficult to figure out what he doesn't have. Things happened very quickly. We were interested in him. We tried to get him to come here. But he very quickly signed for Juventus. He has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or."
Juve profit from Pogba's presence whether with or without the ball and his passing range, positioning, ferocity and shooting ability all make for one of the most balanced engine-room enthusiasts in Europe.
All statistics come courtesy of Transfermarkt and WhoScored.com.
