50 youngsters to watch in Europe’s top 5 leagues: Top 5

5. Malcom (Bordeaux / 20 / AM(R)) - WhoScored.com rating 7.70*

Linked with a big money move to the Premier League this month, it’s no wonder some of England’s biggest clubs are in for Malcom following a scintillating start to the season in Ligue 1. The Brazilian has had a direct hand in 11 goals (7 goals, 4 assists) in 16 league starts and has been a real menace down the right flank for Bordeaux, coming into his own after a campaign of real promise in 2016/17. While his impact has dropped as les Girondins’ form has fallen off a cliff of late, Malcom still leads the side in dribbles (2.8) and key passes (2.4) per game, with the latter double what any teammate has managed this season. Defensively, however, he needs a lot of work, which makes Mourinho’s apparent interest a little surprising.

4. Goncalo Guedes (Valencia / 21 / M(L/R)) - WhoScored.com rating 7.70*

On loan at Valencia from PSG, where he found playing time almost impossible to come by, if this season’s form is anything to go by then Guedes could still have a big future in Paris. He has excelled from the left wing under Marcelino, starting only ten La Liga matches but weighing in with three goals and five assists in that time. With 2 shots, 2.3 key passes and 2.9 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, he has great quality in the final third but doesn’t leave his full-back too exposed either, and has averaged 1.4 tackles per 90 to boot this season.

3. Leroy Sane (Manchester City / 21 / AM(L)) - WhoScored.com rating 7.73*

21 at the time this list was produced, Sane has become an integral player to Pep Guardiola’s dominant Manchester City side this season. The winger has what it takes to be a real star turn for the German national side at the World Cup this summer too, so impressive have his performances been from the left of the Premier League leaders’ front three. His end product and decision making not only in the final third but crucially the opposition box have improved dramatically at City, heralding six goals and a joint European-high of nine league assists this season, despite starting just 15 of 20 appearances.

2. Houssem Aouar (Lyon / 19 / M(C)) - WhoScored.com rating 7.85*

As far as breakthrough stars of this campaign thus far are concerned, one need look no further than Lyon wonderkid Houssem Aouar. At just 19 he plays with a maturity and understanding of the game that enables him to adapt to a variety of different roles in midfield, particularly taking to a deeper role for Lyon with outstanding and unexpected success. Given that he hadn’t started a single league game prior to this season, Aouar has done so 12 times this campaign, scoring three goals and registering two assists. Combining superb balance and agility to complete 3.4 dribbles per 90 with a tenacity that has seen him chip in with 3 tackles per 90, the teenager is one that OL will do well to keep hold of beyond a World Cup he’d be more than capable of playing a part in.

1. Kylian Mbappe (PSG / 19 / FW) - WhoScored.com rating 7.94*

To think that Mbappe has, in some quarters at least, faced some criticism since a switch to PSG in the summer just shows what outlandishly high standards he set himself in a remarkable breakthrough campaign at Monaco last season. The France international, who only turned 19 in December, is competing for the limelight in a front three with Neymar and Cavani and posting superb figures yet again. He can be accused of being a little greedy at times but a haul of eight assists to go with his eight league goals highlights that the youngster is more than capable of being a team player for a side that are frankly a joy to watch at times. His form in December proved that Mbappe is more than capable of silencing any critics and there is no question that the striker is a Ballon d’Or winner in waiting. The best young talent in world football.

*WhoScored.com rating from starts alone. Players aged 21 or under as of 09.01.18 (minimum of ten in Europe’s top 5 leagues this season to qualify)