50 youngsters to watch in Europe’s top 5 leagues: 50-46
50. Timo Baumgartl (Stuttgart / 21 / D(C)) - WhoScored.com rating 6.96*
A youngster with a fair amount of first team experience for his age, particularly at centre-back, Baumgartl has been a regular for VfB since the start of last season, playing a key role in the club’s promotion back to the Bundesliga at the first time of asking. The German youth international has started all but one game for the club this season, whose position just above the drop zone owes much to a solid defensive record. The rangy 21-year-old has played an important part in that sense, averaging the most tackles per game of any centre-half in the league (2.9), and showing the composure to play out from the back when appropriate.
49. Nicolo Barella (Cagliari / 20 / M(C)) - WhoScored.com rating 6.96*
A key player already for a Cagliari side bidding to stave off the threat of relegation, Barella has shown great responsibility in the middle of the park for Luis Diego Lopez’s side. With a new generation needing to step up for the Italian national side, there are high hopes for the 20-year-old, who has started 18 league games already this season, scoring twice. It’s his industry off the ball that has been most impressive, averaging 2.7 tackles per game, while the youngster has the ability to drive his team forward with the ball too, having completed more dribbles (25) than any teammate.
48. Davinson Sanchez (Tottenham / 21 / D(C)) - WhoScored.com rating 6.97*
There’s still great confidence that Davinson Sanchez can become one of Europe’s finest young centre-backs but there is also no question that his form has dipped in recent months after an excellent start to life at Spurs. In truth he’s seemed a little rattled since a harsh decision went against him in the North London derby that proved costly, sent off against Watford before being withdrawn by Pochettino at Swansea amidst fears of a repeat. His ability to play out from the back hasn’t come into question, nor has his physical prowess, but Sanchez’s discipline still needs some work.
47. Rolando Mandragora (Crotone / 20 / M(C)) - WhoScored.com rating 6.97*
On loan at Crotone from Juventus, the Old Lady will certainly be satisfied with the experience that Mandragora is getting in what promises to be a demanding relegation battle this season. The 20-year-old has started all but one league game thus far this season and has earned the highest WhoScored.com rating for his new club. It’s the shield that he offers a busy defence that will be key to Crotone’s survival hopes, with the 20-year-old leading the team for both tackles (2.9) and interceptions per game (2.7).
46. Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen / 21 / AM(C/L)) - WhoScored.com rating 6.98*
Hoping to earn a place in Joachim Loew’s World Cup squad, Julian Brandt has had a steady if unspectacular season to now but will hope for bigger and better things in 2018. The young playmaker has actually been an effective weapon from the bench this season, earning a higher WhoScored.com rating as a substitute (7.12) than a starter, which may not necessarily be a bad thing as far as his international aspirations are concerned. Brandt has modest tallies of four goals and two assists to this name this season, though his creative output has increased, averaging a notable 2.4 key passes per 90 minutes.
*WhoScored.com rating from starts alone (minimum of ten in Europe’s top 5 leagues this season to qualify)
