Judging the calibre of a young player is often a tricky task. Perceived potential has an important bearing in any consideration and is just one of the many parameters to consider when trying to quantify the ability of football’s young stars. To add a basis to what may be a leap of faith, it is useful to look back and trace the growth, or indeed lack thereof, in young players.
Our Talent Radar Player Rankings, along-with our Talent Radar Team of the Weekdocuments the progress of youngsters across Europe, with those featuring in these regular pieces, eventually being recognised in our end of season Talent Radar Young Player Awards and 100 Best Young Players to Watch list. Read this document for all your queries on Talent Radar and explanation of the features under it.
UPDATE: 2017-18 Rankings
UPDATE: 2016-17 Rankings
[Eligibility: As of 1st June 2015 – 21 years old and below for outfield players, 22 years old and below for goalkeepers]
KEEPER RANKINGS
Read details of each keeper and each edition below:
Edition one (September 2015): Jack Butland graps his opportunity
Edition two (October 2015): Jan Oblak surges to the top
Edition three (February 2016): Jack Butland reclaims top position
Edition four (March 2016): Jan Oblak returns to the top
DEFENDER RANKINGS
Read details of each defender and each edition below:
Edition one (September 2015): Jordan Amavi, John Stones & Samuel Umtiti impress
Edition two (October 2015): Bellerin climbs, and Gimenez makes the cut
Edition three (February 2016): Dortmund’s Ginter & Atletico’s Gimenez rise
Edition four (April 2016): Watford’s Ake & Lyon’s Umtiti rise
MIDFIELDER RANKINGS
Read details of each midfielder and each edition below:
Edition one (October 2015): Eric Dier and Julian Weigl fight for top spot
Edition two (November 2015): Weigl retains his spot as Coman climbs
Edition three (March 2016): Dele Alli enters the mix
Edition four (May 2016): Weigl maintains his position
FORWARD RANKINGS
Read details of each forward and each edition below:
Edition one (October 2015): Anthony Martial and Michy Bathshuayi fight for top spot
Edition two (November 2015): Harry Kane & Paulo Dybala enter top five
Edition three (March 2016): Dybala and Kane dominant
Edition four (May 2016): Janssen shoots up