15th Oct 2023
Whisper it, but the Messi and Ronaldo era of football is over. Sure, saying something like that might raise the ire of Messi and Ronaldo fans on social media, with the great Argentinian now plying his trade in the MLS and the majestic Portuguese now in Saudi Arabia, it feels like the beginning of the end. Indeed, the fabulous duo are not alone in departing from the top clubs of Europe, with the likes of Karim Benzema and Neymar following suit. It definitely feels like a sea change is in the air.
But that’s football, after all. And there are always new players coming up to replace those who move on. Back in the 2000s, for instance, there was only one Ronaldo. And few of us thought we would see a player as good as Zidane again. But football moves on, and the giant European clubs and nations will be satisfied that they have the next generation of young talent ready to step up.
In light of that, we’d like to look at the seven best European talents, those who have already begun to make their mark, and who we believe will be key players at the next major international tournament, Euro 2024, next summer. All of these players are aged 21 or under, and they prove that the future of European football is bright indeed:
1. Jude Bellingham (20) England and Real Madrid
What more needs to be said about the man who already has the Bernabéu fans in the palm of his hands? Bellingham has relished the opportunity to play for Los Blancos, and he is going to be a key player for England over the next decade. The only question is whether current England boss Gareth Southgate knows how to get the best of him.
2. Eduardo Camavinga (20) France and Real Madrid
There’s a reason that many bookmakers and those giving Euro predictions believe France should be considered favourites once again, and it comes down to the midfield duo of Camavinga and Madrid teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni. The pair form a formidable axis in midfield, perhaps the best in Europe. And it’s scary for other nations that Camavinga is only 20.
3. Jamal Musiala (20) Germany and Bayern Munich
It’s incredible to think that Musiala is now in his fifth season at Bayern Munich, despite just turning 20 in February. He can play in a variety of positions, but he is at his best when he is allowed to run at defenders from the wings. Look at how he terrorised the Manchester United defence in the recent Champions League encounter for proof.
4/5. Gavi and Pedri (20 & 19) Spain and Barcelona
Yes, we are cheating a little here by lumping two distinct players together, but we wanted to mention the Barcelona pair as they highlight exactly the type of renewal we are talking about here. Yes, it might be a little wide off the mark, as well as premature, to suggest that they are the next Xavi and Iniesta, given they aren’t exactly the same in terms of style of play. But Gavi and Pedri could be the backbone of the Spain and Barcelona teams for years to come.
6. Antonio Silva (19) Portugal and Benfica
A brilliant defender who has shades of Sergio Ramos, Antonio Silva looks like he could soon be counted among the world’s best centre-backs, despite being a teenager. He was underused at the 2022 World Cup, but it seems that Roberto Martinez sees him as a key player for the future. We expect him to be an integral part of Portugal’s Euro 2024 team. And we also expect a mega-money move away from Benfica sooner rather than later.
7. Arda Guler (18) Turkey and Real Madrid
It might be a little premature to start talking about Guler among the best players in the world, given that his chances will be limited at Real Madrid until he matures. But he is already regarded as a superstar in Turkey. His national team still have a bit of work to do to qualify for the Euros. But should Turkey get there, the stage seems set for this explosive talent to show everyone why Real Madrid moved mountains to sign him in the summer.
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