MY ACCOUNT
The Bundesliga is the perfect location for hot prospects hoping to be the next big thing.
Generally, matches are end-to-end and chaotic, creating an environment that encourages players to take risks in order to impress.
It is why Germany’s top flight has become the division that nurtures wonderkids. Jadon Sancho, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Florian Wirtz have all emerged in recent years
Ahead of the new campaign, we take a look at five youngsters who could be the latest talents off the production line.
Karim Adeyemi
Karim Adeyemi stepped up to fill the void left by Haaland at FC Salzburg — and he is ready to do the same at Borussia Dortmund.
The 20-year-old impressed in the Austrian Bundesliga last term and played his way into the German national team. According to reports, he turned down better offers from elsewhere due to his affection for BVB.
The young forward revealed as much during his announcement.
He said: “As a young boy I was fascinated by the Black and Yellows’ fast-paced football.
“That’s why, as soon as I heard Dortmund were interested in me, I knew I wanted to sign with BVB.
“I made the conscious decision to sign a long-term deal because I’m convinced that we’re going to form an exciting team, that with the support of the amazing fans in Dortmund will be able to compete for and win titles in the years to come.”
Kevin Schade
Kevin Schade had his 2021-22 campaign cut short as a result of an abdominal injury.
However, he made quite the impression in his 825 minutes of Bundesliga action, scoring four and assisting once for Freiburg.
The 20-year-old winger is believed to be a target for Brentford and his current team know it is a matter of when, not if, he moves on.
Schade has a distinctive profile that makes him desirable. He is a right-footer who plays on his stronger side and constantly looks to take people on down the line to stretch play.
Jamal Musiala
Jamal Musiala enjoyed a deceptively brilliant season last time out.
The 19-year-old involved himself in 10 league goals for Bayern Munich in a little over 1,400 minutes — and even scored in the Champions League.
He featured practically everywhere for the Bavarian giants in 2021-22, appearing on both flanks as well as in central midfield.
The Stuttgart native’s versatility only adds to his value and he will likely play an even bigger role for Julian Nagelsmann’s men next season — especially with so much uncertainty surrounding the futures of Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry.
With Thomas Muller also approaching his 33rd birthday, there will be plenty of opportunities for Musiala in the months ahead.
Josko Gvardiol
Wanted by Chelsea and Tottenham this summer, Josko Gvardiol appears to be staying at RB Leipzig — at least for another season.
Adept at playing in a back three and a back four, the left-footed central defender has even been deployed at left-back and did not seem out of place there.
Not the most active in the air, Gvardiol does nonetheless boast a 60% aerial duel success rate.
His main strength, however, is his ball-playing ability. The Croatia international is comfortable in possession and has an exceptional passing range.
Gvardiol, 20, is everything you could want from a modern-day centre-back and it will surely not be long before a bigger club comes calling.
Aster Vranckx
Aster Vranckx is something of a throwback to midfielders of yesteryear.
The 19-year-old is a strong box-to-box player, who can break up play in the final third before popping up in the opposition penalty area seconds later to get a shot off at goal.
He racked up close to 1,200 league minutes for Wolfsburg last term and it is safe to assume that figure will increase in 2022-23, especially with a settled team and manager in place.
Vranckx has the potential and the ability to really make the step up next season. It would not be a surprise to see him billed as an alternative option to Dortmund starlet Bellingham as the campaign progresses.
