In our top 2006 prospects, eurosport.com takes a look at some of football's rising stars that could make a real impact next season. Leo Messi is our top man and the only player from one of the 'big three' leagues in a list drawing from leagues as diverse as Russia, the English Championship and MLS.
What do you think of our top ten prospects for 2006? Bear in mind we only include those eligible to play in this summer's World Cup, but is there anyone we've missed or that you feel doesn't warrant inclusion? Email [email protected]!
1. Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Argentina)
Tipped to be 'the New Maradona' by none other than Diego himself, the Argentinean has dazzled fans and defenders alike in La Liga this season.
Having already ousted Ludovic Giuly from the starting eleven, he overshadowed Robinho in Barcelona's 0-3 triumph at the Bernabeu, and followed that with a magnificent performance capped by a glorious strike against Racing Santander.
Although Javier Saviola remains Hernan Crespo's strike partner in the Argentine national side, things could change if Messi continues his current form.
2. Nemanja Vidic (Spartak Moscow/Serbia)
Nemanja Vidic has emerged as one of the top defenders to be playing outside the "major" European leagues, particularly as part of the miserly Serbia and Montenegro back-line that only conceded one goal in their group-winning World Cup qualification.
Vidic has been the subject of tentative enquiries by the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, although Spartak aren't short of cash and will hold out for close to 14 million euros for the player.
3. Yaya Touré (Olympiakos/Ivory Coast)
The younger brother of Arsenal central defender Kolo, Yaya Touré is that rare commodity - a strong and ruthless holding midfielder of high technical ability.
With Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid struggling to find top quality replacements for Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira and Claude Makélélé, Touré is one of the few emerging players in the position with genuine potential (see Rio Mavuba and Javier Mascherano below for two more).
With a series of impressive displays both domestically and in the Champions League, January could be the time when he makes the move although a move may be delayed until the summer on account of his participation in the African Nations Cup that month.
4. Freddy Adu (DC United/USA)
Perhaps the most sought-after teenager in world football. Despite being only 16 years old, the striker is coveted by a host of major clubs around Europe, as well as both the American and Ghanaian national sides.
While Ghana, the country of his birth, have already offered him a place in their 2006 World Cup squad, Freddy is reportedly keen to represent the USA, his adopted home country.
He still has 4 years left on his contract at DC United, but after that, a big money move to Europe is likely to follow. Named in Bruce Arena's provisional US squad this winter, despite mostly featuring as a substitute for DC this season.
5. Rio Mavuba (Bordeaux/France)
Mavuba's rapid progress up the footballing ranks was confirmed by Raymond Domenech's decision to include him for France's key World Cup Qualifying fixture against Ireland two months ago.
As a midfielder, he has been likened to Patrick Vieira, and is seen by many as his natural successor in the French side. Although he has only just become one of the stars at Bordeaux, he has his sights set higher, telling FIFA magazine:
"Juventus are the club of my dreams, but I would not mind playing for Arsenal or Real Madrid either."
6. Sergio Aguero (Independiente/Argentina)
To give an indication of his value, reports in Spain and England suggested just last week that Villareal were preparing an £18m (27m euros) offer for the 17 year old Independiente forward.
Having drawn comparisons with Romario due to his stocky stature and predatory instincts, the Argentine starlet's hopes of a place in Jose Pekerman's World Cup squad were raised after recent praise from the coach.
7. Romeo Castelen (Feyenoord/Netherlands)
Following his move from ABO Den Haag to Feyenoord in Summer 2004, Surinam-born Castelen has proved himself a dangerous, free-scoring winger, and able deputy for Arjen Robben in the Dutch National side.
Tall, graceful and blessed with pace, his return from injury will be a welcome boost for Feyenoord in the New Year.
8. Theo Walcott (Southampton/England)
Plying his trade for the recently relegated South Coast club, 16 year-old Walcott has become an instant hit with four goals in ten starts in his debut season.
With a sublime touch and ferocious turn of pace he came to the fore with a superbly taken goal against Luton and is reportedly interesting Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Valued at 18 million euros and new boss George Burley will do well to hang onto him.
9. Javier Mascherano (Corinthians/Argentina)
The tough tackling midfielder moved from River Plate to the big spending Brazilian club Corinthians last Summer and played a key role in their winning of the &lsquoCampeonato'.
Small but robust, the 21 year-old has already attracted the attention of Arsenal and Atletico Madrid, as well as being mentioned as a possible successor to Roy Keane at Manchester United.
10. Emanuel Adebayor (Monaco/Togo)
Rangy and skilful, not unlike a Nwankwo Kanu blessed with pace, this 21 year-old has mostly come to the fore through top-scoring for African minnows Togo in their shock World Cup qualification campaign.
see you boys in a few days...peace
What do you think of our top ten prospects for 2006? Bear in mind we only include those eligible to play in this summer's World Cup, but is there anyone we've missed or that you feel doesn't warrant inclusion? Email [email protected]!
1. Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Argentina)
Tipped to be 'the New Maradona' by none other than Diego himself, the Argentinean has dazzled fans and defenders alike in La Liga this season.
Having already ousted Ludovic Giuly from the starting eleven, he overshadowed Robinho in Barcelona's 0-3 triumph at the Bernabeu, and followed that with a magnificent performance capped by a glorious strike against Racing Santander.
Although Javier Saviola remains Hernan Crespo's strike partner in the Argentine national side, things could change if Messi continues his current form.
2. Nemanja Vidic (Spartak Moscow/Serbia)
Nemanja Vidic has emerged as one of the top defenders to be playing outside the "major" European leagues, particularly as part of the miserly Serbia and Montenegro back-line that only conceded one goal in their group-winning World Cup qualification.
Vidic has been the subject of tentative enquiries by the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, although Spartak aren't short of cash and will hold out for close to 14 million euros for the player.
3. Yaya Touré (Olympiakos/Ivory Coast)
The younger brother of Arsenal central defender Kolo, Yaya Touré is that rare commodity - a strong and ruthless holding midfielder of high technical ability.
With Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid struggling to find top quality replacements for Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira and Claude Makélélé, Touré is one of the few emerging players in the position with genuine potential (see Rio Mavuba and Javier Mascherano below for two more).
With a series of impressive displays both domestically and in the Champions League, January could be the time when he makes the move although a move may be delayed until the summer on account of his participation in the African Nations Cup that month.
4. Freddy Adu (DC United/USA)
Perhaps the most sought-after teenager in world football. Despite being only 16 years old, the striker is coveted by a host of major clubs around Europe, as well as both the American and Ghanaian national sides.
While Ghana, the country of his birth, have already offered him a place in their 2006 World Cup squad, Freddy is reportedly keen to represent the USA, his adopted home country.
He still has 4 years left on his contract at DC United, but after that, a big money move to Europe is likely to follow. Named in Bruce Arena's provisional US squad this winter, despite mostly featuring as a substitute for DC this season.
5. Rio Mavuba (Bordeaux/France)
Mavuba's rapid progress up the footballing ranks was confirmed by Raymond Domenech's decision to include him for France's key World Cup Qualifying fixture against Ireland two months ago.
As a midfielder, he has been likened to Patrick Vieira, and is seen by many as his natural successor in the French side. Although he has only just become one of the stars at Bordeaux, he has his sights set higher, telling FIFA magazine:
"Juventus are the club of my dreams, but I would not mind playing for Arsenal or Real Madrid either."
6. Sergio Aguero (Independiente/Argentina)
To give an indication of his value, reports in Spain and England suggested just last week that Villareal were preparing an £18m (27m euros) offer for the 17 year old Independiente forward.
Having drawn comparisons with Romario due to his stocky stature and predatory instincts, the Argentine starlet's hopes of a place in Jose Pekerman's World Cup squad were raised after recent praise from the coach.
7. Romeo Castelen (Feyenoord/Netherlands)
Following his move from ABO Den Haag to Feyenoord in Summer 2004, Surinam-born Castelen has proved himself a dangerous, free-scoring winger, and able deputy for Arjen Robben in the Dutch National side.
Tall, graceful and blessed with pace, his return from injury will be a welcome boost for Feyenoord in the New Year.
8. Theo Walcott (Southampton/England)
Plying his trade for the recently relegated South Coast club, 16 year-old Walcott has become an instant hit with four goals in ten starts in his debut season.
With a sublime touch and ferocious turn of pace he came to the fore with a superbly taken goal against Luton and is reportedly interesting Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Valued at 18 million euros and new boss George Burley will do well to hang onto him.
9. Javier Mascherano (Corinthians/Argentina)
The tough tackling midfielder moved from River Plate to the big spending Brazilian club Corinthians last Summer and played a key role in their winning of the &lsquoCampeonato'.
Small but robust, the 21 year-old has already attracted the attention of Arsenal and Atletico Madrid, as well as being mentioned as a possible successor to Roy Keane at Manchester United.
10. Emanuel Adebayor (Monaco/Togo)
Rangy and skilful, not unlike a Nwankwo Kanu blessed with pace, this 21 year-old has mostly come to the fore through top-scoring for African minnows Togo in their shock World Cup qualification campaign.
see you boys in a few days...peace
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