50 youngsters to watch in Europe’s top 5 leagues: 25-21
25. Marcus Rashford (Manchester United / 20 / AM(L)/FW) - WhoScored.com rating 7.13*
It’s been an odd season for Marcus Rashford, who has come in for some criticism of sorts from Jose Mourinho in recent weeks but has been handed more oppotunities under the Portuguese this season. The 20-year-old has had a direct hand in a very respectable nine league goals this season, given only 13 of his 22 appearances have been starts, but his finishing has been found wanting at times, bagging just four goals to now. His confidence when dribbling hasn’t wavered though, completing 2.4 dribbles per 90 minutes.
24. Federico Chiesa (Fiorentina / 20 / AM(L/R)) - WhoScored.com rating 7.14*
Following in his father’s Fiorentina footsteps, Federico Chiesa had to deal with the pressure that comes with that name for the Viola but he has certainly lived up to it to now. Still only 20, the winger is one of the first names on the team sheet for the Serie A outfit already, starting 18 league matches this season and chipping in with four goals and two assists. Like Rashford his finishing still needs work but he couples impressive dribbling (1.5 per game) and creative figures with excellent defensive work rate (1.7 tackles per game) to ensure he is a real fan favourite.
23. Benjamin Pavard (Stuttgart / 21 / D(C/R)) - WhoScored.com rating 7.16*
Earning a first France call up at the end of last year, Pavard’s form for Stuttgart hasn’t only caught the eye of the national side this season. The centre-back can play on the right or even step into midfield when called upon and hasn’t missed a single minute of Bundesliga action this season as a result. Comfortable on the ball, averaging 60.6 passes per game at a near 86% accuracy, the 21-year-old reads the game well to make 2.8 interceptions per game, and only three players have won more WhoScored.com man of the match awards in Germany’s top-flight this season (3).
22. Jakub Jankto (Udinese / 21 / M(C/L)) - WhoScored.com rating 7.16*
The WhoScored.com Serie A player of the month for December, Jankto’s excellent form ahead of the New Year has attracted interest from the likes of Milan and Arsenal in particular. The 21-year-old has had a direct hand in seven league goals this season (3 goals, 4 assists) playing from the centre of the park or on the left of midfield, and racked up ten international caps for the Czech Republic last year. A set piece specialist capable of creating chances from open play to boot, it would be a surprise if the youngster is a Udinese player beyond this season, with the club reportedly unwilling to listen to offers this month.
21. Martin Terrier (Strasbourg / 20 / AM(L)/FW) - WhoScored.com rating 7.16*
It’s fair to say Lille, who find themselves in the bottom three in Ligue 1, may well regret allowing Terrier to join newly-promoted Strasbourg on the loan. The 20-year-old has helped his new club to a mid-table standing at the midway point of the season by comparison, starting 11 of 14 league appearances and weighing in with three goals and two assists. Capable of leading the line or playing from the left flank, the French youth international has averaged 1.7 key passes per 90 minutes but also contributed defensively with an excellent 2.5 tackles per 90.
*WhoScored.com rating from starts alone (minimum of ten in Europe’s top 5 leagues this season to qualify)
