Top 20 Young Footballers to Watch in 2009

ShadowChaser · Post time 24-12-2008 03:08 PM

Written by BD Condell

10 Most Promising English Premier League Players for 2009In no particular order:
1. Theo Walcott (19, Forward, Arsenal, England)
Finally seems to have made the break-through after so much hype andpremature exposure to the England squad. If he can avoid Robsonesqueissues with his shoulder he should be a real force in 2009….and beyond.
2. Rafael Da Silva (18, Defender, Manchester United, Brazil)
With Wes Brown injured and Gary Neville off the pace, Rafael hasmade an outstanding start to his first team career at Old Trafford andlooks like making the RB position his own. Brazilian flair and a meanshot. Could become a Utd legend!?
3. Aaron Ramsey (17, Midfield, Arsenal, Wales)
Transferred from Cardiff to Arsenal in the summer following many(justified) superlatives and already making an impression in the firstteam. Looks certain to be a star and already a key player for Wales.
4. Jonny Evans (20, Defender, Manchester United, Northern Ireland)
Having gained experience at Antwerp and Sunderland,Evans has arrived back at Old Trafford this season and instantlyasserted himself in the first team squad. Already with several outingsthis season he has filled in almost seamlessly for Ferdinand or Vidic.There’s no higher praise than that!
5. Carlos Vela (19, Forward, Arsenal, Mexico)
Another to make the breakthrough at Arsenal this season and hasshown flashes of brilliance. 2009 could be the year that he can’t beignored. 4 goals and 2 assists for Arsenal’s first team so far andalready a goalscoring member of the Mexican national side.
6. Franco Di Santo (19, Forward, Chelsea, Argentina)
Bought for 3.5m from Audax Italiano (Chile) in early 2008. 3appearances so far this season and has caught the eye of Big Phil. 2goals in 6 appearances for Argentina’s U-20 team. With Drogbaconstantly injured and a lack of strikers at Chelsea 2009 could be hisbig break.
7. Rodrigo Possebon (19, Midfield, Manchester United, Brazil)
Talented Brazilian who made his debut this season. Having justreturned from injury this rangy midfielder looks to have what it takesto compete for a place in the ultra competitive Utd midfield. Anotherwho could blossom in 2009.
8. Jack Wilshere (16, Midfield, Arsenal, England)
Breaking my own rules here as 16/17 is surely too young for abreakthrough? But Wilshere is an outstanding kid, even by Arsenalstandards and 2009 could see his star rise.
9. Krisztian Nemeth (19, Forward, Liverpool, Hungary)
Boasts a stunning 38 goals in 32 games at underage level forHungary. Voted Liverpool (Title Winning) Reserves player of the yearlast season. Looking to make the breakthrough in 2009.
10. David N’Gog (19, Forward, Liverpool, France)
Bought from Paris St.Germain in July 2008 he has already made thebreakthrough into the senior squad, scoring his first goal against PSVin the Champins League. 20 goals in 30 underage internationals forFrance says he knows how to find the target. Could make thebreakthrough in 2009….move over Robbie Keane???
Yes, it is noticeable that all of these players are with one orother of the ‘Top 4’ but then aren’t they the clubs with the widestscouting networks that attract the best talent? I did consider bothJames Vaughan of Evertonand Andy Carroll of Newcastle but in my opinion both have been toutedfor some time now, both have had their opportunities at first teamlevel and neither look likely to step-up to stardom in 2009 but maybethey’ll prove me wrong.
You can also argue that 2 young Liverpool strikers are unlikely tomake the breakthrough in the same year and this is a valid point, sotake this as an each way bet. Equally, how can Evans displace eitherFerdinand or Vidic at United? Well, he probably can’t but he can becomepart of an established 1st team 3 instead of just a 2.
So onto the Top 10 potential international stars for 2009:
10 Most Promising International Based Players for 2009 In no particular order:
1. Bojan Krkić (18, Forward, Barcelona, Spain)
Already established as an exciting new talent in the Barcelona firstteam making 36 appearances last season. 15 goals in 17 internationalsat underage level for Spain and gained his first full cap this season.Exceptional talent who could become as big as Ronaldinho was at Barcain 2009.
2. Alexandre Pato (19, Forward, AC Milan, Brazil)
Now a regular at Milan having scored 14 goals in 28 games forInternacional before his big money (22m Euro) move in 2007. 4 caps forBrazil to date (1 goal). Highly rated forward who is a key piece in theMilan rebuilding process.
3. Breno (19, Defender, Bayern Munich, Brazil)
Brazilian defender who famously rejected Real Madridafter they requested a bone analysis to prove his age! A $22 millionsigning from Sao Paulo in 2007, Breno has been a regular on the benchfor Bayern this season. Has captained the Brazilian U23’s and could betargeting compatriot Lucio’s place in the team.
4. Lorenzo De Silvestri (20 , Defender, Lazio, Italy)
Attacking right full-back widely regarded as one of the best youngtalents in Italy. Made 24 appearances for the Lazio 1st team lastseason and was considered as having Robben ‘in his pocket’ when Lazioplayed Real Madrid in the Champions League. Capped at every juniourlevel for Italy.
5. Mario Balotelli (18, Forward, Inter, Italy)
Born in Italy of Ghanian descent , has been capped by Ghana but thisyear scored 3 goals in 4 internationals for Italy’s U-21s. Made thebreakthrough to Inter’s first team last season and starred in theirCoppa Italia run, scoring some vital goals. 2009 could be the yearMourinho lets him off the leash!
6. Stevan Jovetić (19, Forward, Fiorentina, Montenegro)
Moved from Partizan Belgrade to Fiorentina in May 2008 for 8m Euro.Has scored 4 goals in 7 games at full international level forMontenegro and captained the U-21 side at the age of 17. One to watchin 2009.
7. Miralem Sulejmani (20, Forward, Ajax , Serbia)
First came to prominence at Heerenveen where he scored 15 goals in34 games. Transferred to Ajax in July 2008 for 16.25M Euros (a Dutchrecord) and has since scored 5 goals in 7 appearances. With Klass-JanHuntelaar off to Madrid his horizons have opened up. 3 senior caps forSerbia.
8. Ivan Rakitić (20, Midfield, Schakle 04, Croatia)
Born in Switzerlandbut declaring international allegiance to Croatia, Rakitic won theSwiss young player of the year award and ‘best goal’ award in 2006/7. 5goals in 16 internationals for Croatia he can be deployed in bothattacking and defensive midfield roles. Could be a transfer target in2009.
9. Franco Zuculini (18, Midfield, Racing Club, Argentina)
Made his debut for Racing in April 2008 and now with 26 appearances.Already on Maradona’s radar as a future potential international. Hasbeen pursued by Manchester United and Liverpool and may soon move to Europe. Big things await in 2009.
10. Adem Ljajic (17, Midfield, Red Star Belgrade, Serbia)
Attacking midfielder nicknamed “little Kaka”, high praise indeed.With only a handful of first team appearances behind him and 2 caps forSerbia’s U21’s he is still a fledgling but rated highly enough to be atarget of Sir Alex Ferguson. Maybe too young for a breakthrough in 2009, but maybe not!
So, hopefully, a list of exciting potential but which of them mightbe in the frame for the ‘Best Players of 2009’ lists next year, if any?And who have I forgotten? More importantly, who will prove me wrong orsuccumb to the many pitfalls that await the promising young star thesedays?

ShadowChaser · Post time 24-12-2008 03:11 PM

MU ada 3

Evans
Rafael
Possebon

GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED

ShadowChaser · Post time 24-12-2008 03:12 PM

sengal ada 4

sha02 · Post time 24-12-2008 03:15 PM

xder zaquan ker?

cak! · Post time 24-12-2008 03:51 PM

yg dah nmpak sinarnya..

pato
bojan krkic
wallcott

juwaini · Post time 24-12-2008 03:52 PM

Originally posted by ShadowChaser at 24-12-2008 03:11 PM
MU ada 3

Evans
Rafael
Possebon

GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED

Ni player MU..

10. Adem Ljajic (17, Midfield, Red Star Belgrade, Serbia)
Attacking midfielder nicknamed “little Kaka”, high praise indeed.With only a handful of first team appearances behind him and 2 caps forSerbia’s U21’s he is still a fledgling but rated highly enough to be atarget of Sir Alex Ferguson. Maybe too young for a breakthrough in 2009, but maybe not!
So, hopefully, a list of exciting potential but which of them mightbe in the frame for the ‘Best Players of 2009’ lists next year, if any?And who have I forgotten? More importantly, who will prove me wrong orsuccumb to the many pitfalls that await the promising young star thesedays?