50 youngsters to watch in Europe’s top 5 leagues: 15-11

15. Joe Gomez (Liverpool / 20 / D(C/R) - WhoScored.com rating 7.25*

Given the maturity with which he plays, taking into account a serious injury sustained early in his Liverpool career, it’s hard to believe that Gomez is still just 20 years old. Already a full England international, and looking at home in Gareth Southgate’s back three, the former Charlton graduate’s potential is perhaps downplayed compared to others that have come through in his position in recent years. He’ll be happy to keep it that way though, quietly emerging as a first team regular under Jurgen Klopp, using his pace and strength to good effect at both ends, averaging 2.4 tackles per game and registering two assists this season.

14. Fabian Ruiz (Real Betis / 21 / M(C)) - WhoScored.com rating 7.25*

Betis have emerged as one of La Liga’s most entertaining sides this season, involved in some truly memorable games, and Fabian Ruiz’s progression into the first team fold has certainly helped in that regard. Starting ten of 14 appearances this season, the gifted midfielder has weighed in with two goals and three assists this season, stepping into the fold following the departure of Dani Ceballos. He’s not quite as busy as the Madrid man but his composure on the ball in the middle of the park has been plain to see, boasting an 87.1% pass accuracy from 66.8 passes per 90 minutes.

13. Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City / 20 / FW) - WhoScored.com rating 7.27*

It’s easy to forget that Gabriel Jesus only broke onto the scene at Manchester City this time last year, such has been the ease with which he has adapted to Premier League football. Those in Brazil would have expected nothing less though, with the 20-year-old the undisputed first choice striker for the World Cup favourites this summer. Tite will be hoping the youngster’s latest injury setback isn’t too serious then, with Jesus campaign brought to a halt at present with figures of eight goals and two assists on the board in just over 1000 minutes of action.

12. Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund / 19 / AM(L/R)) - WhoScored.com rating 7.29*

One player that is certain to miss the World Cup in the summer, Christian Pulisic carried the expectations of the US nation on his shoulders at just 19 but was unable to earn a spot in Russia. He remains not only his country’s best player but their brightest prospect, well, ever potentially. That’s a bold claim to make for a teenager but the winger is a regular for Dortmund for good reason and has a superb amount of experience under his belt already. His ability to beat a man is his greatest strength, completing 3.1 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga this season, but he’s an unselfish player that puts the team first and can pick out intelligent passes in the final third.

11. Mikel Merino (Newcastle / 21 / DM(C)) - WhoScored.com rating 7.29*

From one current Dortmund player to a former one, Mikel Merino was never really given a fair crack of the whip in the Bundesliga but any loss for BVB has certainly been Newcastle’s gain. It became instantly apparent that the young Spaniard was technically a cut above those around him in Rafa Benitez’s midfield, while it has been his ball winning ability that has perhaps been most surprising. Indeed, an average of 4 tackles per 90 minutes ranks third of Premier League players to make more than five appearances, whilst also possessing the ability to drive his side forwards when in possession, with 1.5 dribbles per 90 from the base of midfield.

*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)