With the transfer window well and truly shut, Sport.co.uk sheds some light on those stars in some of Europe’s biggest leagues hoping to make a name for themselves in the coming years.
Dominic Adiyiah – Striker, AC Milan
The Ghanaian recently won the Golden Shoe and Most Valuable Player awards at the 2009 Under-20 World Cup in Egypt, where he scored eight goals. After recently signing for AC Milan in the transfer window, an overjoyed Adiyiah said he felt like he was living in a dream world. He told Sky Sports: “I am in dream land, to be alongside players such as Ronaldinho, Beckham, Seedorf, Inzaghi....unbelievable. It is a big club and will help me in my education to be one day on their level.”
Christen Eriksen – Attacking midfielder, Ajax
Coined as the ‘next Dennis Bergkamp’ by the Ajax fans, this 18 year old Dane is a sure fire bet to be one of the stars of the future. Erikson was crowned Danish Under-17 player of the year in 2008 and has since had trials with Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC and Barcelona. Ajax boss, Martin Jol is one who can’t say enough about Eriksen. “His vision is absolutely amazing. He notices everything that's happening around him when he's in possession.” With Bergkamp giving a glowing report to Gunners boss, Arsene Wenger, it shouldn’t be long before this kid is a house hold name in world football.
Nicholas Lodeiro - Midfielder, Ajax
Another at the Amsterdam Arena, Lodeiro is considered to be one of the brightest stars to come out of Uruguay. After seven years at his boyhood club, Nacional, the Urguguayian moved to fresh pastures in Holland during the January transfer window. At 21, he’s known for his pace and excellent dribbling, often being able to glide past players with shear ease. Earlier this year Lodeiro made his debut for Uruguay’s senior side during their World Cup Play-Off against Costa Rica. His excellent performances over the two legs sent the local press into raptures, and have attracted the attention of Rafael Benitez at Liverpool FC.
Daniel Opare – Defender, Real Madrid
Plucked from Ghanaian side Ashanti Gold at 17, Opare was heralded as one of the best defenders at the recent Under-20 World Cup in Egypt, which Ghana won. Now 19, the starlet is compared to Brazilian legend Cafu due to his dynamic and attacking style of play. Real Madrid manager, Manuel Pellegrini is a big fan of Opare and highly rates him at the Bernebau. However, with more established players such as Sergio Ramos ahead of him in the pecking order, it wouldn’t be surprising if Opare was loaned out to a fellow La Liga side.
Javier Matilla – Midfielder, Villarreal
Currently plying his trade with the Villarreal B team in the second tier of Spanish football, the Spanish under 21 international has attracted a great deal of interest from Sir Alex Ferguson. The Manchester United boss has been reported to have sent scouts to watch Matilla, who is a player in the mould of Barcelona legend, Xavi. The interest from England hasn’t sidetracked the starlet from his football though. Matilla admitted: “I am happy with Villarreal and my dream is to be in the first-team squad. Nobody has contacted me and my challenge is to work hard every day.”
Jan Sebek – Goalkeeper, Chelsea
In the last five years Chelsea has been blessed with Petr Cech between the posts. Like Cech, Sebek is from the Czech Republic and is held in high regard at Stamford Bridge. At already the same height as his fellow countryman, Sebek is known for his flawless catching in the air, as well as his quick reflexes. With a strong personality and leadership qualities too, this 18-year-old could be a future Chelsea captain in the making.
Sam Baldock – Striker, MK Dons
At only 5ft 7 inches, Sam Baldock isn’t your average forward. However at 20, ‘Super Sam’ has bucket loads of predatory instinct in the box to make up for his lack of height. The MK Dons man may be playing in one of the lower leagues, but that hasn’t hindered his growth as he has had to develop and outwit the physical and often brutal defenders in League One. An inclusion in England’s Under-20 World Cup squad in 2009 was proof that Baldock is a talent waiting to be snapped up by the big fish in the Premier League.
Richard Sukuta-Pasu – Winger, Bayer Levekusen
Still only 19, the young German has been capped at Under-17, 18, 19 and 21 levels for his country. In 2008 Sukuta-Pasu shone, helping his country beat Italy in the Under-19 European Championship final. Born in Germany to parents from the Congo, the forward likens himself to Lukas Podolski. “The only difference between us is our skin colour…” Farmed out on loan to Bundesliga 2 side FC St.Pauli in December, Bayer’s Sporting Director Rudi Voller still sees Sukuta-Pasu having a big part to play in Bayern’s future: “Richard is a great German prospect.”
Romelu Lukaku – Striker, Anderlecht
The youngest player on our list at 16, Lukaku has already played over 20 games for the Anderlecht senior side, bagging 13 goals in the process. The wonder kid from Belgium has already attracted a great deal of interest from the likes of Chelsea FC, Manchester United, Arsenal, Real Madrid and AC Milan, but club captain Olivier Deschacht hopes that Lukaku sticks around the team for some time yet. “I hope he stays with us for another two or three years, and after that I think he could go to somewhere like England and play at the very highest level. I believe he’s that good.” It will be fascinating to see where this hot prospect ends up in years to come.
Robert Acquafresca – Striker, Genoa
Highly rated by many in Italy, Acquafresca has already had a journeyman’s career of sorts by turning out for six different clubs. At 22, the striker has scored 11 in 21 appearances for the Italian under 21 side. Turin born to an Italian father and a Polish mother, the Polish Football Federation tried to convince Acquafresca earlier in his career to swap the Azzuri for the whites and reds of Poland. Acquafresca had other ambitions and instead rejected their offer. Likened to Alberto Gilardino, the player on loan at Atlanta has a good heading ability in the box, and is known for putting explosive power on the ball in order to surprise goalkeepers.