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#25For2025 – Finding Tomorrow’s Stars – 19-17

Between now and 2025, the top players of today will begin to make way for the next generation of super star talents. This list will attempt to pick out some of those players, in no particular order, and establish what will make them the best around.

#19 – Marcos Asensio (Real Madrid) – Attacking Midfielder

It has long been said that it is impossible for young players to break through at Real Madrid. Asensio has managed to push past the Galactico’s at the Bernabeu to become a key part of a team that has won back-to-back Champions League titles, and looks on track to win a third. The young Spaniard looks guaranteed to follow in the footsteps of team-mate Isco and become a key part of a new looking Spain team in the near future.

Similar to: David Silva, Johan Cruyff, Thomas Muller

#18 – Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) – Centre Forward

Last year, it was found that Manchester United had a youth team product in every matchday squad for 3,883 games in a row. It might be said that some of those would have been to make up the numbers but with Manchester-born Rashford, they have a player who could make a real impact on the fortunes of the first team. Under Jose Mourinho, Rashford has found himself playing wider and wider but has been just as effective from a wider position. The United youngster has also become a valuable member of Gareth Southgate’s England squad and looks a certainty to stay that way for a long time.

Similar to: Douglas Costa, Neymar, Frank Ribery

#17 – Pietro Pellegri (Monaco) – Centre Forward

Breaking through into one of the most competitive leagues in the world, Serie A, is an extremely task even for those that have been at the top of the world game. Pietro Pellegri did it with ease, a feat that did not go unnoticed by the media and other clubs alike. Monaco made the move in January, sealing a deal worth 25 million Euros to bring a player with less than a year of first team starts. He has yet to have a real impact on the first team in the south of France but at 17 he has time to develop at a club world renowned for giving youth a chance.

Similar to: Alessandro Del Piero, Ronaldo, Antonio Di Natale

What do you think of these three players? Do they have what it takes to be a leading player in 2025? Let me know in the forums!

 

Images within the article courtesy of Getty Images.

Featured Image created by: Charlie Pumfrey