Gabriel Martinelli, Adam Hlozek, Tino Livramento among U21 stars ready to break through in 2022

In April, I looked at the next generation of male soccer stars – top talent, age 21 and under, who have shown promise and ability to be the next big name in the family.

While the 39 players on that list are already reasonably established at their clubs, there are also some lesser-known names that have also raised the bar this year – enough to show what they can be. next breakout star in 2022.

Here is a list of those who, with the right development, luck and chance in their first teams, can make a real name for themselves in the new year.

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Adam Hlozek | 19 | Forward | Sparta Prague

The 19-year-old has long been tipped to move abroad and is still being watched by some of Europe’s elite clubs as he nears his 200th game for Sparta. A fast, responsive striker who can be played as a centre-back or in a deeper, more supportive/roaming role, Hlozek has been a full-fledged senior international for Czech Republic and made three substitute appearances at Euro 2020 last summer.

Despite his relatively tall 6-foot-2 height, Hlozek is happier when the ball is on the ground, and he likes to make runs behind defence. Time will tell whether there are any top clubs – Liverpool, West Ham, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich were mentioned as possible suitors – prepared to meet Sparta’s reported €18 million valuation in January.

After a promising start following his arrival at Ituano in 2019, the Brazilian’s progress in the Premier League has been held back by a recurring injury. However, his recent performances have been impactful, and his two goals in Leeds United is the highest order.

Whether playing wide on either side or through the center, Martinelli excelled with his excellent off-ball movement and agility, often finding space between the lines to initiate long runs. He also possesses great touch and an extremely high rate of labor – and with his quick coordination in the final third, he fits well into Mikel Arteta’s attacking plans.

The Ivory Coast international has grown tremendously since he was allowed to move in Club Brugge of Hammarby after just six months in Sweden. Making an immediate impression in Belgium, Kossounou spent two years at the club before he secured a €23m move to Bayer Leverkusen, amid Premier League clubs’ reported interest in the summer of 2021 .

In addition to his agility, command of the air, focus and balance to withstand the challenges of entering midfield with the ball, Kossounou knows how to defend one-on-one. Even when he is pulled out of central positions, he tends to rush out with the ball first.

Having become a Premier League regular throughout this year, one wonders what new achievements await the teenager in 2022. Despite being dubbed the “Academy of the Season Player” at Chelsea and joined in the first team formed at the end of 2020-21, Livramento turned down a new contract with Chelsea – where he found his way blocked by England international Reece James – joined Southampton.

A quick right-back, able to cross the ball well, he has good technique and is an excellent dribbler. Livramento has blossomed at St Mary’s to prove itself a real prospect.

Tyler Morton | 19 | Central Midfielder | Liverpool

The talented midfielder has enjoyed a respectable start to his professional career, with two stellar performances in the Champions League before FC Porto and AC Milan, though he has so far struggled to replicate that form in the country. In the absence of Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara, the Melwood academy product took on the role of creating deep play for the Reds, distributing and rotating the ball with ease, where he caught the eye.

After playing at academy level, Morton can also become a “number 8” or even a wide attacking midfielder. An intelligent footballer who scans a lot before receiving the ball, he has impressed with his composure and range of passes while playing for the first team.

A €7m signing from Brondby in the summer, Lindstrom has been heralded as one of the bargains of the season in the German Bundesliga. After a few months to settle down, Denmark The international is in inspiring form for Frankfurt, scoring in the last three games before the Christmas break.

While capable of playing in most midfield positions – he tends to move a lot, no matter where he starts – Lindstrom has thrived in the attacking midfielder role, second only to lone striker in Frankfurt’s 3-4-2-1 system. . An excellent ball carrier, he is a dynamic player in midfield, often seen close to opponents in the central area, and his dexterity makes him capable of scoring. from long distances with both feet. He is a modern, multi-talented midfielder.

Any doubts that a €15m summer signing from FC Nordsjaelland was worth the record fee paid to a Danish club was quickly dismissed. The Ghana international, who sometimes seems to play at 1.5x the speed, scoring on his debut against Lens returned in August and has shown his incredible ability in spells for the French side this season.

Sulemana’s best match was the 2-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain (which happened to be his only full game for Rennes this season), in which he tormented one of the best full-backs in the world, Achraf Hakimi, with his mesmerizing turns, sprints and dribbling abilities. There are still many ups and downs in terms of the end product, with Sulemana’s potential already ranked among the highest in Ligue 1.

Jurrien Wood | 20 | Midfielder / Right-back | Ajax

Said to be one of European football’s fastest-growing defenders, Timber can look back on a fantastic six months. A key member of Ajax’s defence, which has conceded an unbelievable four goals in 17 league games, the 20-year-old has forged a fruitful partnership with the Argentinian. Lisandro Martinez and has been kept highly appreciated Perr Schuurs sometimes out of the starting lineup.

His quick thinking and great focus keep Timber ahead in 70% of defensive challenges, while he’s slick with a quickness that allows him to move into midfield (often finding defenders). wide wing with a favorable pass).

Yuri Alberto | 20 | Striker | Internacional

In an era where young strikers tend to be more prone to good plays, firing and technical play, Alberto is a relatively new throw-in. While he has a good first touch and is developing his hold, the young Brazilian – who has scored 12 goals for Internacional this season – comes alive as he faces goal.

Armed with his incredible speed of change, as well as strength and balance, he is difficult to knock down the ball and has a tendency to overtake opponents at will as space opens up in front of him. he. Developed at Santos, the striker has recently attracted interest from several major European clubs, including Barcelona, after an inspiring season.

Gabriel Veron | 19 | Forward | Palmeiras

Considered by many to be the next Brazilian superstar, the teenager Palmeiras has a natural ability in every way. However, whether his technical skill and flair is backed up by his tactical discipline and ability to make an impact over the course of 90 minutes remains an open question.

An unused substitute as his club recently won the Copa Libertadores, Veron – who is unlike the legendary Argentine central midfielder he is named after, Juan Sebastian – is a slick, right-footed winger who excites fans with his agile body and change of direction. Perhaps regular status for Palmeiras should be a priority for the brilliant attacker ahead of his move to Europe, but thanks to his inspiring performances for Brazilof the national youth teams, he has been targeted by many top clubs.