Ranking the 5 best players under the age of 21 at the moment

Ranking the 5 best players under the age of 21 at the moment

Isaac Darko
updated at November 24, 2023 at 7:43 AM
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Jude Bellingham logo
J.Bellingham
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In the contemporary landscape of football, it's fascinating to observe players reaching their zenith at an increasingly youthful age.

The evolution of youth academies, refined coaching methodologies, and the availability of advanced training techniques have expedited the rise of budding talents.

Consequently, it's now routine to encounter footballers of exceptional caliber who are yet to reach the age of 21.

These prodigies showcase an exceptional amalgamation of skill, athleticism, and tactical acumen, frequently outshining on the field alongside seasoned veterans.

Some of these players are already exceptional at their craft, and their potential is truly staggering.

Sports Brief takes a closer look at the five best players under the age of 21 at the moment.

Eduardo Camavinga

Real Madrid currently boast some of the most talented players under 21 globally. Eduardo Camavinga serves as an excellent example, showcasing a remarkable combination of technical prowess, tactical intelligence, and maturity beyond his years.

At just 20 years old, the dynamic footballer displays versatility, excelling in various positions, including midfield and left-back. As he steadily becomes a regular in the Real Madrid starting lineup, Camavinga's future in the sport looks exceptionally promising.

Gavi

Barcelona have a rich tradition of nurturing young talent, and Gavi's emergence in recent years exemplifies this legacy. Despite being only 19 years old, Gavi has become a key fixture in both Spain and Barcelona's midfield.

His wiry presence in the middle is marked by a combination of combative spirit and technical prowess, making significant contributions to both defensive and offensive facets of the game for his club and national team. Gavi's versatility extends beyond midfield, as he has also demonstrated his skills on the left wing for Barcelona.

Pedri

Pedri, at the age of 18, captivated the footballing world with stellar performances for both his club and country. His remarkable talent was recognized with the Best Young Player of the Tournament award at the 2020 Euros. Early in his career, Pedri drew comparisons to Barcelona legends like Andres Iniesta and Xavi, thanks to his exceptional technical skills and game intelligence. Renowned for his vision and precise passing, Pedri's agility and effective ball progression, facilitated by his nimble-footedness and low center of gravity, set him apart. The young talent is widely anticipated to evolve into one of the greatest players of his generation.

Jamal Musiala

Jamal Musiala stands out as one of the most thrilling young attackers in contemporary football. His exceptional dribbling skills, explosive pace, and precise movement pose a significant challenge for defenders. Musiala showcases a penchant for taking on defenders, and navigating tight spaces with remarkable ease.

Renowned for his ball retention skills, the German international is nearly impossible to dispossess. Impressively, his decision-making in the final third is already of a high standard. At just 20 years old, Musiala possesses a keen eye for goal, making him a formidable presence in attacking areas with the ball at his feet.

Jude Bellingham

The 20-year-old has made an immediate impact at the Santiago Bernabeu, thoroughly justifying his price tag in the early phases of the new season.

Bellingham has played with exceptional determination, quickly earning the admiration of Real Madrid fans.

His remarkable tally of 13 goals and two assists from 13 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos this season speaks volumes about his extraordinary footballing prowess.

Authors
Isaac Darko photo
Isaac Darko
Isaac Darko is a La Liga, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga editor at Sports Brief with a Degree in Journalism and Communications from Ghana Institute of Journalism (2010)