Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are just 23 and 25 respectively, so it is reasonable to expect them to continue to dominate world football for a while yet. But who are the stars of the next generation? These are five who might make it all the way to the top.
Romelu Lukaku (Belgium & Anderlecht)
The Belgian was the top scorer in the Jupiler League last season at the age of just 16, and has been compared to Didier Drogba due to his impressive physique combined with phenomenal technical skill. Still just 17, he has already played and scored for the Belgian national team, and is being trailed by a number of top clubs across Europe. He has shown his ability on the continental stage too, scoring twice in a Champions League game with Ajax for his club. It surely won’t be long until he moves to a top European side, though his father Roger (a former footballer) is trying to keep his feet on the ground and ensure that his son doesn’t ruin his career by moving to one of Europe’s biggest clubs too soon. With the talent that Lukaku possesses, it may only be a matter of time until he moves on.
Erik Lamela (Argentina & River Plate)
Skillful, an elegant passer and cultured with an impressive left foot, Lamela plays for River Plate in his native Argentina. Barcelona tried to sign him at the age of 12, and he is now demonstrating precisely why after breaking into the first team at River this year. He has been likened to Lionel Messi and admits that he is his idol, and still dreams of emulating his countryman by moving to Barcelona in the future. Now being trailed by Juventus as well, Lamela will probably be making the trip across the Atlantic sooner rather than later.
Gai Assulin (Israel & Manchester City)
Another described as a ‘new Lionel Messi’, Israeli Assulin came through the youth ranks at Hapoel Haifa before moving to Barcelona as a 12 year old. Though he starred in the Barcelona B side coached by current first team coach Pep Guardiola, Assulin found it difficult to break into the first team with the likes of Messi, Iniesta and Pedro in his path. After failing to get first team opportunities last season, Assulin was released and spent several months deciding on his next move before opting to move to England to join Manchester City.
Stevan Jovetic (Montenegro & Serbia)
Jovetic is more widely known, having starred for Fiorentina in their Champions League campaign two years ago, including scoring an impressive brace against Liverpool in the Artemio Franchi. Jovetic is skillful, intelligent and possesses an eye for goal. He moved to Fiorentina from Partizan Belgrade as an 18 year old and has blossomed in Italy, scoring a number of goals for the Viola and setting up his fair share as well last season in Serie A. Jovetic will be a star of the next decade, with his prodigal skill already in evidence at the highest level.
Andy Najar (Honduras/USA & DC United)
Honduran teenager Najar is a wonderkid of Major League Soccer, and has already caught the eye of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. Having moved to Virginia as a 13 year old, he was noticed by his high school coach who described him as “one of the best kids I’ve ever had”. An attacker, his technique is lauded and can reputedly do just about anything with a football at his feet, with an ability to dribble past players with natural ease and flair. Honduras & the USA are battling to have him in their national ranks, and with his form for DC United, it is unlikely to be long until his club side become locked in a similar battle.
