NXGN 2024: The 50 best wonderkids in football! Part 2

44. Assane Diao (Real Betis)

Assane Diao, originally from Senegal but raised in Spain, demonstrates a blend of both cultures in his football style. As a winger for Real Betis, he showcases power, energy, and technical prowess. Initially playing as a central midfielder, the 18-year-old showcased his attacking skills early in the 2023-24 season, scoring in his first two senior starts.

His impressive performances have attracted attention from Premier League clubs like Brentford, as well as from Real Madrid, who have shown interest in the past. Diao's contract includes an appealing €30m (£25.5m/£33m) release clause.

43. Archie Gray (Leeds United)

Archie Gray hails from a football-oriented family where playing for Leeds United is a tradition. His father, grandfather, and great-uncle all represented the club, but the 18-year-old has the potential to surpass their achievements. Making his debut on the Leeds bench at just 15 years old, Gray has since earned a regular spot in the team under Daniel Farke's management.

Starting the season in central midfield, he has showcased his versatility by also playing as a right-back. As a former England youth captain, Gray's performances have attracted interest from clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United. However, Leeds might demand a bid as high as £40m ($51m) to part ways with him from Elland Road.

42. Julien Duranville (Borussia Dortmund)

In 2022, Vincent Kompany, when asked about potential Ballon d’Or contenders beyond Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland, identified Barcelona's Gavi and then relatively unknown Anderlecht teenager Julien Duranville. Kompany gave Duranville his senior debut during his final match in charge of Anderlecht that same year. Despite his young age, Duranville swiftly made an impact by becoming the second-youngest scorer in the club’s history, only behind Romelu Lukaku.

Borussia Dortmund recognized his potential and signed him for €8.5m (£7m/$9m) in January 2023. By the end of the last season, he had already made strides in the first-team setup. Although injuries have hindered his progress this season, Duranville is still regarded as a key figure in Belgium's upcoming generation of football talent.

41. Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)

Ethan Nwaneri, holding the title as the youngest player ever to grace the Premier League, stands as a testament to potential success despite the challenges faced at such a young age. Making history by debuting for Arsenal before turning 16 in September 2022, Nwaneri, a forward, possesses the qualities needed to establish himself as a regular at the Emirates Stadium. Now 16, he is gradually featuring more frequently in Mikel Arteta's matchday squads.

Arsenal successfully rebuffed interest from Chelsea and Manchester City last summer, securing Nwaneri's services for the club.

40. Paris Brunner (Borussia Dortmund)

Despite not reaching the lofty expectations set when he burst onto the scene with Borussia Dortmund, Youssoufa Moukoko's successor, Paris Brunner, is seen as a player who could replicate Moukoko's prolific goal-scoring feats in youth football once he transitions to the senior squad.

At 18 years old, Brunner had an outstanding 2023, winning both the U17 World Cup and Euros with Germany, claiming the Player of the Tournament accolade at both events. While awaiting his opportunity in the Dortmund first team, several top European clubs are monitoring his progress. However, Brunner must address disciplinary issues that marred his 2023-24 season to fulfill his immense potential.

39. Ben Doak (Liverpool)

Had it not been for a knee injury necessitating surgery in December, Liverpool supporters would have likely witnessed significant playing time from Ben Doak this season, particularly with the senior squad facing fitness challenges during Jurgen Klopp's final season in charge. Nonetheless, since his transfer from Celtic in 2022, Anfield fans have already witnessed enough of Doak to recognize his exceptional talent as a winger.

As the youngest Scotsman to feature in the Premier League, the 18-year-old's direct and physical dribbling style draws comparisons to Wayne Rooney. Some even speculate that he could potentially help fill the void left by Mohamed Salah once the Egyptian departs Liverpool in the foreseeable future.

38. Franco Mastantuono (River Plate)

The River Plate academy has produced a string of impressive talents in recent years, including Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, and Claudio Echeverri. Franco Mastantuono appears poised to join this prestigious list.
Initially rejecting River's invitation to their academy in favor of pursuing a tennis career, Mastantuono later opted for football. The versatile midfielder's decision seems vindicated, as he became River's youngest-ever goalscorer at just 16 years old. Notably, Barcelona and Manchester United have already shown interest in securing his services in the coming years.

37. Marc Guiu (Barcelona)

Marc Guiu rapidly gained half a million Instagram followers within hours by making an instant impact for the Barcelona first team. His decisive goal against Athletic Club in October 2023 propelled him to overnight stardom in Spain.

At just 18 years old, Guiu followed up his debut goal with another milestone, scoring his first Champions League goal in December. Despite La Masia's typical focus on developing different types of forwards, Guiu stands out as a physically imposing number 9 who excels in the air and is lethal in the penalty area. His emergence has led to a competition for playing time with high-profile signing Vitor Roque, and Guiu is expected to play an increasingly prominent role in the team over the next 12 to 18 months.

36. George Ilenikhena (Royal Antwerp)

Nicknamed as the 'new Romelu Lukaku' in Belgium, George Ilenikhena, a Royal Antwerp forward, honed his football skills in France after migrating from Nigeria at the age of three. This season has seen the emergence of the teenage striker, who has excelled after his €6m (£5m/$6.5m) transfer from Amiens to the Belgian champions in 2023.

With nearing 20 goals in various competitions, the 17-year-old's breakout campaign has been impressive. His highlight includes a crucial stoppage-time goal against Barcelona in the Champions League group stage. Ilenikhena aspires to one day play for Manchester United.

35. Paul Wanner (Bayern Munich - loan at Elversberg)

Former Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann hailed Paul Wanner as an exceptional talent when he became the youngest player in the club's history in January 2022. This sentiment is widely shared among those who have witnessed the attacking midfielder in action since then.
Wanner, a tall and elegant No.10, is currently on loan at second-division club Elversberg to enhance his physical attributes.

The goal is to secure a regular spot at the Allianz Arena in the coming seasons. At just 18 years old, Wanner is already considered a future star for Germany, although Austria's manager Ralf Rangnick is actively trying to persuade him to switch allegiances ahead of Euro 2024.

34. Isaac Babadi (PSV)

While PSV's pursuit of an undefeated Eredivisie season is noteworthy, their most significant off-pitch accomplishment in 2024 has been securing a new contract with Isaac Babadi, a highly sought-after teenage talent who was being courted by clubs such as AC Milan and Atletico Madrid.

Babadi, a genuine box-to-box midfielder, is lauded for his skill in dribbling through opposing defenses, which is considered his greatest strength. Additionally, his leadership qualities have been highlighted, having captained the Netherlands at youth level.