When Premier League golf equipment seek for younger expertise in France, Portugal, Spain or Germany, they’re spoiled for alternative. Golf equipment who fail to buy effectively in these markets have to take a protracted, laborious take a look at the standard of their recruitment employees and scouting constructions.
This isn’t the case in Italy. For too many Serie A golf equipment, younger expertise is about as welcome as just a few slices of pineapple on their conventional Sunday night time pizza.
There are a lot of wonderful sporting administrators in Italian soccer however their temporary is normally deal-making, not growing. Many Serie A coaches don’t final the season and a few golf equipment make a couple of change within the dugout throughout the marketing campaign. It’s hardly the setting for younger gamers to thrive.
However the expertise is there. Italy received the European Underneath 17 title final summer season and the Underneath 19 crown the earlier 12 months. They had been Underneath 20 runners-up in 2023 and misplaced within the Underneath 19 remaining final 12 months.
Juventus, Roma and Atalanta recruit effectively at youth degree and AC Milan are catching up, too. The mixed common age throughout the eleventh spherical of matches in Serie A this season was 26.7, so maybe there’s gentle on the finish of the tunnel.
Right here Mail Sport examines 20 high abilities aged 23 and underneath who Premier League golf equipment needs to be monitoring – and which of them are the most effective matches.
Juventus kids Vasilije Adzic and Kenan Yildiz are amongst wonderkids to regulate
Giorgio Scalvini can grow to be one of many most interesting defenders on the earth in the course of the subsequent decade
SAMUELE RICCI
Age: 23
Membership: Torino
Nation: Italy
Place: Central midfielder
When Italy flopped horribly at Euro 2024, Luciano Spalletti knew he wanted to vary to outlive. He settled on the 3-5-2 formation and handed the keys to a tall central midfielder from Torino, a membership wealthy in historical past and soul regardless of its comparatively low profile exterior Italy.
Within the tiresome fashionable jargon, Ricci is ‘press-resistant’. In plain English, which means he is ready to retain possession beautifully underneath stress. In an evaluation performed throughout 20 of the world’s greatest leagues by the revered CIES Soccer Observatory, Ricci was second solely to Bayern Munich and Germany star Joshua Kimmich on this class.
Although not a flashy participant, the way in which Ricci receives and makes use of the ball could be very spectacular. He’s already serving to Italy flip a nook and can certainly be doing the identical within the Champions League earlier than lengthy.
Attainable touchdown spots: Liverpool, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest
Torino central midfielder Samuele Ricci helps the Italian nationwide staff flip a nook
SABA GOGLICHIDZE
Age: 20
Membership: Empoli
Nation: Georgia
Place: Centre again
The success of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at Napoli has made golf equipment in Europe’s high leagues, significantly these in Serie A, look carefully at Georgian soccer, and Goglichidze is one in all a number of younger abilities producing curiosity.
In some methods, Goglichidze is a throwback. Enjoying on the proper of a again three, he is among the high tacklers in Serie A and is never overwhelmed – a formidable report for a facet who sit deep and invite stress.
Goglichidze, whose idol is Paolo Maldini and made his senior debut for his nation in September, is a piece in progress. He can seem scruffy on the ball and desires to enhance his passing. But the uncooked materials is there and he might be a great purchase for a bottom-half Premier League membership in the future.
Attainable touchdown spots: Ipswich, Wolves, West Ham
Georgian centre again Saba Goglichidze is a high tackler however stays a piece in progress
MORTEN FRENDRUP
Age: 23
Membership: Genoa
Nation: Denmark
Place: Midfield
Except you’re a genius, you received’t make it as a Premier League midfielder if you happen to can’t transfer in regards to the pitch effectively – and Frendrup actually passes that take a look at.
A look on the Dane’s common place heatmap for final season exhibits he pops up in all places, normally serving to out team-mates with defensive duties or snuffing out assaults. Often called a shy character, Frendrup’s position displays his character.
In line with StatHead metrics, Frendrup’s defensive work compares effectively with that of Wolves pair Mario Lemina and Joao Gomes, who stay robust Premier League midfielders regardless of their facet’s dreadful type. He has additionally been in contrast with Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard, and the Bees have an impressive report with Nordic gamers.
Both means, Frendrup is able to go away Genoa. The Premier League appears a great vacation spot – although perhaps within the backside half of the desk moderately than the highest.
Attainable touchdown spots: Brentford, Crystal Palace, Wolves
Morten Frendrup, left, pops up in all places and helps out team-mates together with his defensive work
MATTIA VITI
Age: 22
Membership: Empoli, on mortgage from Good
Nation: Italy
Place: Centre again
Two summers in the past, Sir Jim Ratcliffe spent about £11million to convey a left-footed Italian centre again from Empoli to Good. A 12 months later, Mattia Viti was again in Serie A on mortgage after making 9 appearances in Ligue 1, and Empoli have the choice to purchase him again completely on the finish of the season.
On the face of it, it appears a failed switch, however it’s value digging just a little deeper. Viti had spent his life in Italy’s Tuscany area and was transferring overseas for the primary time. The earlier November, his mom had died when he was simply 19. It’s no shock he discovered it tough.
The statistics right now inform a unique story. Empoli are top-of-the-line defensive groups in Italy and Viti’s numbers observe effectively in opposition to these of Arsenal centre again Gabriel Magalhaes. The 6ft 3in Underneath 21 worldwide has received 60 per cent of his duels this season.
Numbers inform solely part of the story and Viti must show he can thrive exterior Tuscany. There’s actually a participant right here, although.
Attainable touchdown spots: Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle
Mattia Viti, left, struggled at Good however is impressing again in Italy after returning to Empoli
ANGE-YOAN BONNY
Age: 21
Membership: Parma
Nation: France
Place: Ahead
Watching Bonny, it’s straightforward to be reminded of Olivier Giroud. His neat contact, bodily energy and choice for dropping deep and linking play all invite comparisons with the previous Arsenal and Chelsea ahead.
Bonny shouldn’t be there but. His approach shouldn’t be but as refined as Giroud’s and he doesn’t use his physique as cleverly as his fellow Frenchman. But this capability each to mix with team-mates and to stretch the play by operating behind defences make him very thrilling.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca introduced Bonny into the first-team squad throughout his temporary spell at Parma.
‘He’s an introverted lad, a tough employee,’ mentioned former France worldwide Benoit Cauet. Bonny will make himself heard quickly sufficient.
Attainable touchdown spots: Brentford, Brighton, Fulham
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca introduced Ange-Yoan Bonny into Parma’s staff throughout his temporary spell
FRANCESCO CAMARDA
Age: 16
Membership: AC Milan
Nation: Italy
Place: Ahead
They couldn’t waste one other one, may they? Camarda was thought-about adequate to make his AC Milan debut aged 15 and solely a VAR verify stopped him turning into the youngest scorer in Champions League historical past, in opposition to Membership Bruges final month. He has been in contrast with Robert Lewandowski and former Milan striker Fernando Torres.
However as we have now talked about, Italian soccer doesn’t belief younger gamers. The perfect Milan can do, apparently, has been to lend Camarda to Milan Futuro – successfully their ‘B’ staff, who play within the third tier.
Camarda has just one purpose in six league video games at that degree, although he has discovered the online thrice in 5 Italy Underneath 19 caps. A season in powerful, lower-league soccer could be the making of him.
The worry, nevertheless, is that Milan will quit on him too shortly. In the event that they do, he will certainly make the grade elsewhere.
Attainable touchdown spots: Manchester Metropolis, Liverpool, Chelsea
Solely VAR prevented Francesco Camarda turning into the youngest Champions League scorer
PIETRO COMUZZO
Age: 19
Membership: Fiorentina
Nation: Italy
Place: Centre again
Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci may need retired, however there are many gamers able to tackle the mantle. Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni is among the world’s high centre backs, Giorgio Scalvini will certainly grow to be one and Riccardo Calafiori was adequate to be signed by Arsenal final summer season.
Comuzzo has damaged into the staff solely this season, but the very fact he has stayed in it already says lots about him.
Fiorentina is an emotional membership and a tricky crowd, particularly for academy gamers. Comuzzo is taking it in his stride and Fiorentina have already seen sufficient to reward him with a brand new four-year contract in September.
Raffaele Palladino has dropped the line of defense nearer to purpose since changing Vincenzo Italiano as boss, and that can assist Comuzzo.
Might he work in a better line? The jury is out but Comuzzo’s composure, willingness to be taught and strong defensive traits are encouraging indicators for the long run.
Attainable touchdown spots: Everton, Crystal Palace
Pietro Comuzzo solely broke into Fiorentina’s staff this season and has taken it in his stride
KHVICHA KVARATSKHELIA
Age: 23
Membership: Napoli
Nation: Georgia
Place: Winger
Hardly an unknown amount, we admit. But Kvaratskhelia remains to be solely 23 and any record of high Serie A abilities could be incomplete with out him.
Brighton had been on to ‘Kvaradona’ – because the Georgian shortly grew to become recognized in Naples after his spectacular begin to life in Italy – earlier than most European golf equipment, however the lure of Champions League soccer was sufficient to tempt him to Serie A.
Kvaratskhelia is tall, fast, skilful and in a position to rating and create by reducing in from the left on to his proper foot, and was one of many main lights as they swept to the Serie A title final 12 months, their first Scudetto since 1990 and the times of Diego Maradona.
As Victor Osimhen has discovered, it’s fiendishly tough to influence Napoli to promote their high gamers. However Kvaratskhelia is sweet sufficient to make elite golf equipment push the boat out, even within the period of stricter monetary controls.
Attainable touchdown spots: Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is a recognized high quality now and one elite golf equipment ought to push the boat out for
ADRIAN BERNABE
Age: 23
Membership: Parma
Nation: Spain
Place: Central midfielder
When you may construct a typical Spanish midfielder, it could look one thing like Bernabe. Excellent steadiness, positive contact, intelligent motion and daring passing. But few have had as powerful a path to top-level soccer.
When Bernabe joined Parma in 2021, the medical he underwent picked up a coronary heart defect. ‘I used to be there alone with my agent,’ remembers Bernabe. ‘I used to be distant from my household and needed to inform them by telephone. It was a tough second.’
Fortunately, Bernabe was in a position to resume his profession after surgical procedure and he has barely appeared again.
Regardless of failing to make the grade within the youth ranks at Barcelona or Manchester Metropolis – the place he made one look in a 3-0 League Cup win at Oxford United in September 2018 – Bernabe was helped by present Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca throughout their quick time collectively at Parma. In the future they could be reunited.
Attainable touchdown spots: Chelsea, Brighton, Bournemouth
Adrian Bernabe has had a tricky path to top-level soccer however is impressing at Parma
MANDELA KEITA
Age: 22
Membership: Parma
Nation: Belgium
Place: Midfielder
Put your self in Mandela Keita’s footwear. You make a £10million transfer to Parma and make your debut 10 minutes into the second half of a Serie A fixture at Udinese. Lower than 20 minutes later, you’re proven a second yellow card and given an early tub.
It’s all a part of the educational course of for a defensive midfielder who has been on Premier League radars for a while. Keita, who wears ‘Mandela’ on his shirt, is a traditional No 6 – fast, agile, athletic, and powerful in duels.
‘My mum selected the identify ‘Mandela’,’ mentioned Keita, who’s of Guinean descent and was born in Leuven, Belgium. ‘She introduced me up on her personal. She all the time instructed me by no means to give up, like Nelson Mandela.’
Parma is the proper spot for Keita. They belief younger gamers and play a progressive sport, which means his defensive abilities can be examined.
As a newly promoted facet, they may face powerful instances this season. If Keita can move all these assessments, it is going to persuade stronger golf equipment he can take the subsequent step.
Attainable touchdown spots: Brighton, Tottenham, Manchester United
Parma’s Mandela Keita, proper, is a traditional No 6 – fast, agile, athletic, and powerful in duels
MICHAEL KAYODE
Age: 20
Membership: Fiorentina
Nation: Italy
Place: Full again/winger
A star of Italy’s victorious European Underneath 19 Championship marketing campaign in 2023, Kayode shortly pressured his means into Fiorentina’s first staff and his begin to final season was so spectacular that there was even discuss of a call-up to the senior nationwide staff within the early days of the Luciano Spalletti period.
The hype prepare has slowed since then. Fiorentina boss Raffaele Palladino doesn’t regard Kayode as extremely as his outdated boss Vincenzo Italiano did and Kayode has managed a handful of minutes in Serie A this season.
That doesn’t imply we should always quit on him. Kayode has exceptional power, permitting him to cowl all the proper flank with relative ease, is tenacious in defence and harmful in assault. He stays one of many top-rated Underneath 21 gamers in Italy and we are going to certainly see way more from him.
Attainable touchdown spots: Aston Villa, Tottenham, Bournemouth
The hype prepare has slowed round Michael Kayode, however he stays a high Underneath-21 expertise in Italy
NICOLO ROVELLA
Age: 22
Membership: Lazio
Place: Central midfielder
‘What took him so lengthy?’ That was the phrase on the lips of most of Rovella’s present and former team-mates when he earned a primary call-up to the Italy squad this week, for the Nations League fixtures in opposition to Belgium and France.
Modelling his sport on Luka Modric and Frenkie de Jong, Rovella is a linchpin of the Lazio facet stunning many in Serie A and might go so far as he likes within the sport. He reminds lots of Demetrio Albertini, the good Italy midfielder of the Nineteen Nineties. Now he should present he can emulate him.
Rovella, who by no means made the grade at Juventus, is a large fan of MMA. ‘I discover it superb how they’ll combat to the purpose the place they draw blood and nonetheless present respect for one another,’ he has mentioned.
Reaching the Champions League elite isn’t any straightforward process however Rovella, it appears, is up for the battle.
Attainable touchdown spots: Manchester Metropolis, Liverpool, Arsenal
Nicolo Rovella is the linchpin of Lazio’s facet and has earned his first Italy call-up this week
KENAN YILDIZ
Age: 19
Membership: Juventus
Nation: Turkey
Place: Attacking midfielder/winger
Within the post-Cristiano Ronaldo period, Juventus determined to focus closely on youthful gamers. They’d attempt to signal the most effective expertise round, develop these gamers of their Subsequent Gen squad – which competes in Italy’s third tier – and transfer the most effective ones into the first-team group.
The profit was apparent: by having these gamers early, Juve may coach them precisely as they needed. And if ever they wanted to promote, they might achieve this for substantial revenue. Fairly useful for a membership who in early November introduced losses of £165m.
They received’t get each one proper however Yildiz is the poster boy for the brand new coverage. The rise of the German-born Turk, who already has 16 caps for his nation and went to Euro 2024, meant Juve had been comfortable to promote Federico Chiesa to Liverpool final summer season.
If Yildiz progresses at his present price, Juve are taking a look at a participant value £100m-plus – with just a few particular exceptions, the one golf equipment who can afford such charges are in England.
Attainable touchdown spots: Manchester Metropolis, Manchester United, Chelsea
If Kenan Yildiz continues progressing at his present price, Juventus are taking a look at a £100m star
VASILIJE ADZIC
Age: 18
Membership: Juventus
Nation: Montenegro
Place: Attacking midfielder
Juventus signed Adzic from Montenegrin membership Buducnost Podgorica initially of the 12 months and they’re designing the same path to the one Yildiz adopted.
Adzic, an attacking midfielder, was highlighted in August by revered youth soccer platform Scouted, who in contrast him with Kevin De Bruyne. Adzic has already made his Serie A debut and there can be loads extra appearances to come back.
So long as he can keep injury-free, Adzic might be one of many most interesting gamers to emerge from the Balkans for a few years.
Attainable touchdown spots: Manchester Metropolis, Liverpool, Arsenal
Montenegro teen Vasilije Adzic has earned comparisons to Man Metropolis’s Kevin De Bruyne
REDA BELAHYANE
Age: 20
Membership: Hellas Verona
Nation: Morocco
Place: Defensive midfielder
N’Golo Kante is a reasonably good mannequin for aspiring younger midfielders and the previous Leicester and Chelsea star has lengthy since been Belahyane’s idol.
‘He has been my instance since I used to be a toddler,’ says Belahyane. ‘He units an instance each on and off the pitch. He’s all the time calm off the pitch, all the time aggressive on it.’
Belahyane was born in France however has chosen to play for Morocco, the nation of his ancestors, and made his senior debut for them in October. In addition to with the ability to win and retain possession, Belahyane is a formidable ball service from the centre.
Amongst gamers in Europe’s high 5 leagues underneath the age of 21, solely Lamine Yamal, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Nico Paz (extra of him later) have accomplished extra dribbles than Belahyane this season. Nonetheless, Belahyane has already been booked thrice and despatched off as soon as this season – points that want addressing.
Attainable touchdown spots: Chelsea, Aston Villa, Brighton
Hellas Verona’s Reda Belahyane, proper, has been modelling his sport on N’Golo Kante
GIORGIO SCALVINI
Age: 20
Membership: Atalanta
Nation: Italy
Place: Defender
Fingers crossed Scalvini makes a full restoration from the ACL damage he sustained final summer season, which dominated him out of Italy’s Euro 2024 squad, as a result of Scalvini is among the greatest Italy has produced for a few years and might grow to be one of many most interesting defenders on the earth in the course of the subsequent decade.
It was love at first sight for Ally McCoist, whose eye was drawn to Scalvini whereas commentating on Atalanta’s win over Bayer Leverkusen in final season’s Europa League remaining, and most of Europe’s high golf equipment really feel the identical means.
He’s the dream fashionable centre again, with the imaginative and prescient to launch assaults and the braveness and timing to cease them. Scalvini scores extremely in all the important thing metrics provided by the revered StatHead web site.
Scalvini plans to enrol at college after his profession and, not like many footballers, exhibits little curiosity in video games consoles. So long as he stays wholesome, whoever buys him can be getting their fingers on a real gem.
Attainable touchdown spots: Manchester Metropolis, Liverpool, Tottenham
Scalvini, centre proper, enchanted Ally McCoist as helped Atalanta win the Europa League
NICCOLO PISILLI
Age: 20
Membership: Roma
Nation: Italy
Place: Central midfielder
Life isn’t straightforward for Roman footballers who play Roma. Simply ask present captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, who’s whistled continuously by followers who consider he was culpable for the sacking of one other native hero, Daniele De Rossi, as supervisor earlier this season.
De Rossi himself had ups and downs with the house crowd, as did Francesco Totti – most likely the best participant within the membership’s historical past. It is not going to be easy to comply with of their footsteps.
The early indicators are constructive. Pisilli would do effectively to check his near-namesake, Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella, when the pair hyperlink up for Italy obligation. Like Barella, Pisilli is an lively midfielder who contributes successfully everywhere in the pitch.
But staying in Rome for all times won’t be the wisest choice. Liverpool have recruited beautifully from Roma up to now, signing Mohamed Salah and Alisson. New switch chief Richard Hughes is a Serie A consultant and could have clocked Pisilli a while in the past.
Attainable touchdown spots: Liverpool, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest
Roma’s Niccolo Pisilli is an lively midfielder who contributes successfully everywhere in the pitch
NICO PAZ
Age: 20
Membership: Como
Nation: Argentina
Place: Attacking midfield
One of many gems of Actual Madrid’s La Fabrica academy, Paz was offered to Serie A membership Como for about £5m final summer season. It’s a shrewd transfer: he’s working underneath a Spanish supervisor, Cesc Fabregas, and must be the principle man for a staff more likely to spend the marketing campaign combating relegation.
He has already been endorsed by the most effective. After Paz made his debut for Argentina in a 6-0 win over Bolivia in October, Lionel Messi mentioned: ‘He has a really spectacular thoughts and understands sport conditions completely. He likes to play with the ball at his ft and he’ll really feel at residence right here.’
Paz was born in Spain however has chosen to signify the nation of his father, Pablo, who received 14 caps for La Albiceleste together with at France ‘98. He has already claimed one purpose and 4 assists this season and has the potential to attain far larger issues.
Attainable touchdown spots: Brighton, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest
Nico Paz made his Argentina debut final month and earned the endorsement of Lionel Messi
PATRICK DORGU
Age: 20
Membership: Lecce
Nation: Denmark
Place: Left again
Lecce paid simply £200,000 to convey Dorgu into their academy two years in the past and all issues being equal, they’re nearly assured to make an enormous revenue on him.
Tall, athletic and adventurous, Dorgu appears made to measure for the Premier League and has already damaged into the Denmark senior squad, scoring 42 seconds into his debut together with his very first contact in opposition to Switzerland.
Unai Emery loves top in his defence. When Villa substitute Lucas Digne, Emery will need competitors for Ian Maatsen and 6ft 2in Dorgu’s profile is bound to catch their eye.
Attainable touchdown spots: Aston Villa, Manchester United, Brentford
Patrick Dorgu is bound to web Lecce an enormous revenue and his profile may catch Unai Emery’s eye
MATIAS SOULE
Age: 21
Membership: Roma
Nation: Argentina
Place: Winger
Proper participant, proper membership… mistaken time. An attacker like Soule, together with his good ball-carrying and fast ft, needs to be excellent for a membership like Roma however like so lots of his team-mates, he’s struggling in a season of chaos in Rome.
He turned down curiosity from Bournemouth and Leicester to maneuver from Juventus to the Italian capital.
Aston Villa additionally needed to incorporate Soule within the deal that took Douglas Luiz to Turin however Juventus knew that they might generate a excessive charge for him and declined.
Born in Argentina however eligible for Italy, Soule rejected the prospect to hitch Luciano Spalletti’s squad for Euro 2024, having starred on mortgage that season at Frosinone with 11 objectives in Serie A.
Because the begin of final season, solely Soule and German wonderkid Florian Wirtz have accomplished greater than 90 dribbles and created greater than 90 possibilities for his or her team-mates in Europe’s high 5 leagues. Soule’s time will come once more.
Attainable touchdown spots: Aston Villa, Tottenham, Bournemouth
Matias Soule is an excellent ball service with fast ft however is struggling within the chaos at Roma
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