Features
LUN 12.08.2019
To make the grade as a LaLiga Santander player, candidates need to excel in all aspects of the game, including technical ability, fitness, tactical awareness and mental strength. Coaches are often known to prefer to field players who boast top-flight experience and tend to place their faith in the sort of seasoned campaigners who have clocked up plenty of game time in the division and would, on first sight, appear to be better equipped to handle the rigours of the Spanish top tier.
However, talent is one commodity that knows no age. Every season, a number of up-and-coming starlets manage to claim a spot in the squads at their respective clubs at some point throughout the campaign as they accomplish the dream harboured by all football-mad youngsters: to play in LaLiga.
We've drawn up a list of 10 rising stars who won't have celebrated their 20th birthdays by the time the 2019/20 LaLiga Santander season kicks off but nevertheless look sure to sparkle on the biggest stage:
- Pedro Porro (13 September 1999)
Real Valladolid have acquired the services of one of the most promising upcoming young defenders in LaLiga Santander, who despite his age played 32 games in the competition with Girona FC last season, providing four assists. His talent and willingness in attack particularly caught the eye, and he arrives at a club that are strong at the back – something which should help him refine the defensive part of his game.
- Alex Isak (21 September 1999)
Real Sociedad swooped to secure the services of the towering Swedish wonderkid, who measures in at an imposing 1.90 m. However, Isak's tall frame doesn't mean to say that he isn't a threat on the ground, with his immense physical strength making him a real speedster. The Swede's attributes mean that he promises to be a useful weapon for the Basques right from the start of the season, whilst he has massive potential to go on and really blossom with the Txuri-urdin.
- Joao Felix (10 November 1999)
The Atletico Madrid schemer is one of the most high-profile talents to make our list. The Portuguese trickster did his burgeoning reputation no harm at all with a veritable masterclass in the Madrid derby contested this pre-season in the US. Felix shot to fame in his native Portugal, where he proved to be a constant thorn for opposition defences, with his phenomenal ability on the ball, exceptional vision, ability to pick a pass and eye for goal attracting no shortage of suitors.
- Hugo Duro (10 November 1999)
The Getafe CF academy graduate proved to be an instrumental figure for Jose Bordalas's side last time out[R1] , turning in some eye-catching displays in both his customary striking role and when deployed as a wideman in the Azulones' 4-4-2 blueprint as the team went in search of goals. Duro's major strength lies in his willingness to involve himself in the action, whilst he boasts the maturity and assuredness of a senior pro.
- Ferran Torres (29 February 2000)
Valencia CF boss Marcelino has shown no reluctance in turning to the academy-reared Torres. The budding star has racked up an impressive 37 first-team appearances, which have yielded two goals and assists apiece. The youngster is a right-winger who loves to get past his man and boasts a wand of a right peg that supplies pinpoint crosses and unleashes killer shots. He demonstrated his sharp goalscoring instincts in the final of this summer's Under-19 European Championship, in which he bagged a brace.
- Diego Lainez (9 June 2000)
The brightest young thing in Mexican football is about to embark on his first full season at Real Betis. The former Club America trainee got a taste of LaLiga Santander action last term and notably provided an assist in the Sevillians' Matchday 28 meeting with Barcelona. Lainez is a left-footed attacking midfielder with fine technical ability and a low centre of gravity (measuring in at 1.67 m), which allows him to quickly change direction and leave opponents trailing in his wake.
- Vinicius Jr. (12 July 2000)
The top-rated Brazilian ace is, once again, set to wow the Bernabeu faithful after fully overcoming the injury that curtailed his progress last season, when he turned out to be one of Real Madrid's standout performers. Audacious, fleet-footed and a creative schemer are fitting descriptions of Vinicius, who's a safe bet in one-on-one situations and never thinks twice when given the chance to run at his man
- Bryan Gil (11 February 2001)
The Andalusian prodigy, who came up through the ranks at Sevilla FC, scored once and claimed an assist in the 11 LaLiga Santander outings he clocked up last term under the stewardship of Joaquin Caparros, who deemed the skilful flanker ready for a taste of first-team action. Bryan is a left-footed wing wizard who possesses breathtaking dribbling skills, fine vision and the ability to ghost past opponents with consummate ease.
- Kang-in Lee (19 February 2001)
The precocious South Korean, who heads into the new campaign fresh from having bagged a runners-up medal and the Golden Ball at the Under-20 World Cup, has spent the best part of the last decade on the books at Valencia, with Marcelino handing him his LaLiga Santander debut last season. Kang-in is a powerful and creative midfielder who boasts a strong physique and a fearsome left-foot shot.
- Ander Barrenetxea (27 December 2001)
The prolific Real Sociedad hitman takes the distinction of being the youngest prospect in this star-studded lineup, although Barrenetxea is no stranger to such recognition after becoming the first 21st-century-born player to make his LaLiga Santander bow back in December 2018. The local lad done good is a magician with the ball at his feet and his diminutive stature makes him a powerful runner. He often floats out to the left flank, from where he's able to cut inside and make menacing inroads into the opposition's box.
© LALIGA - 2019