Age: 19

Club: Arsenal

Country: England

Tommy Setford is fast emerging as a standout among his generation of young ‘keepers — combining technical finesse, maturity beyond his years, and a clear pathway towards elite first-team football. Having developed in the renowned Ajax youth system before moving to Arsenal in 2024, Setford brings with him strong foundations in ball playing, calmness under pressure, and excellent game intelligence. 

While still only 18, he’s already represented England at multiple youth levels (U16 through U19), so he knows what it takes to compete internationally. His move to Arsenal was made with real ambition – not just to train, but to learn with the first team and develop under high expectations. 

What sets Setford apart is his reading of the game: his ability to anticipate danger, make smart decisions (both in shot-stopping situations and distribution) and keep his composure in high-pressure moments. He’s also proven he can perform when called upon, clean‐sheeting in important youth matches and making his senior debut with confidence. 

Given his pedigree, skills, mental strength, and the environment he’s in (Arsenal with opportunities to train with the top players), Setford has all the signs of a future elite goalkeeper. With proper opportunities and continued development, he could very well become one of the best in the world.

Age: 18

Club: Arsenal

Country: England

Myles Lewis-Skelly isn’t just any young left back—he’s redefining what it means to be both a defensive stalwart and a creative force. Trained as a central midfielder in Arsenal’s Hale End, he was transitioned into left-back by Mikel Arteta, a move that has proven nothing short of inspired. 

What sets him apart:

• Defensive composure & one-on-one strength: Even though he’s still adapting to the role, he’s shown incredible poise under pressure and rarely beaten in 1v1 scenarios. 
• Ball retention and progression: Not many full-backs carry the ball out of tight spaces so assuredly. His passing accuracy and progressive passing/carrying stats reflect a player who doesn’t just stop danger, but starts attacks. 
• Fearlessness and character: He’s young, but he plays with the confidence of someone well beyond his years. He doesn’t shy from big moments—whether it’s stepping up to beat a seasoned winger, interfering in midfield build-up, or even scoring on his England debut. 
• Tactical flexibility: His background in midfield gives him unique insights—with Arsenal and England using him in inverted positions, so he contributes centrally as well as from the flank. Arteta has spoken about how well his qualities align with how Arsenal want their full-backs to operate. In short: Lewis-Skelly shows the rare blend of defensive reliability, offensive ambition, technical elegance, and mental maturity. If he continues on this trajectory, he won’t just be the best left back in England—he may well be the best in the world.
  

Age: 18

Club: Barcelona

Country: Spain

Pau Cubarsí may be young, but he plays well beyond his years. He has already established himself at Barcelona and for Spain as a defender with exceptional instincts, technical excellence, and maturity. Here’s what makes him special:

• Modern defender who can build from the back: Cubarsí is unusually comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, progressing play with composure and accuracy. His level of passing — including line-breaking passes and finding runners — is remarkable for someone so young
• Reading of the game & anticipation: He positions himself intelligently, cuts off dangerous passes, and reads opponent movements well. He seems to know when to step up, when to drop back, and how to neutralize threats before they fully materialize.
  
• Defensive actions & solidity: He makes strong tackling, clearances, and has good aerial ability. His metrics in combined defensive actions are very strong (interceptions, clearances, tackles) for a centre-back of his age. 
• Composure under pressure / mental traits: One of his hallmarks is calmness — he doesn’t get flustered, even when pressed. That poise, plus leadership and decisiveness in defense, gives him an edge over many peers. 
• Proven progression & trust: Despite being born in 2007, he’s already a first choice for Barcelona in many matches, involved in big games, and has earned a contract extension till 2029. That kind of trust from club and country at such a young age signals belief in his long-term impact.
  

Age: 18

Club: Liverpool

Country: Italy

Giovanni Leoni isn’t just another hot prospect — he’s an 18-year-old who’s already showing the qualities of a top-tier central defender. Signed by Liverpool from Parma in August 2025, for about £26 million, he arrives with high expectations, seen by many as a long-term heir to Virgil van Dijk. 

What sets him apart:

• Physical presence & dominance in the air: At ~6 ft 4-5 in (around 1.95-1.96 m), he combines size and strength. He won a solid percentage of his aerial duels at Parma, making him a real threat in the air on both defensive and set-piece duties
• Maturity beyond his age: Despite being so young, he has already made 17 appearances in Serie A, with one goal, and has been consistent even in challenging matches. His coaches and observers frequently comment on his calmness, reading of the game, and ability to anticipate threats. 
• Ball-playing ability & composure: He is comfortable with the ball at his feet, able to bring it out of defense, distribute with accuracy (including forward passes), and help initiate buildup. That’s essential in the modern game, especially at Liverpool, where playing out from the back is part of the DNA. 
• High ceiling & trust: Liverpool didn’t buy him to sit on the bench. They see him as an investment for the future — someone who can learn from established defenders, but also contribute early. He has already earned a senior Italy call-up, which shows national recognition of his talent. 
• Mental and positional intelligence: What’s often remarked about Leoni is that he isn’t just physically gifted — he positions well, knows when to step in, when to drop, uses his intelligence to read danger, and handles duels with a mix of strength & awareness rather than brute force alone. 

In short: if you combine size, skill, mental sharpness, and the right environment (Liverpool, with senior pros to learn from), Leoni already hits many of the marks you look for in world-class centre-backs. If he recovers well from his recent injury (an ACL, which will sideline him for a while), there’s every reason to believe he can reach—if not exceed—that level.

If you like, I can write a version of this that emphasizes how he compares to established CBs (like van Dijk, stones, etc.) to see where he might already overlap or where he needs to grow.

Age: 19

Club: Manchester City

Country: England

At just 19, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey has already shown the characteristics of a defender with elite potential. Raised in Manchester City’s academy since he was eight, he’s worked his way through every youth level, captained youth teams, and now is getting exposure in senior competition. 

What makes him stand out:

• Maturity & composure: Simpson-Pusey is praised for how calm he is on the ball, even under pressure. Rather than panicking or clearing aimlessly, he tends to make smart decisions, keep his defensive shape, and distribute cleanly. 
• Leadership qualities: He’s captained City’s U-18 side to FA Youth Cup success, led in the Elite Development Squad (PL2), and shown presence in big youth matches. That responsibility at early ages signals trust from his coaches and a mindset beyond simply defending; he wants to organize, influence, lead from the back. 
• Strong performances, recognition & growth: He was the first defender ever to win the Premier League 2 Player of the Season for 2024/25, after helping City earn numerous clean sheets. That kind of recognition—especially coming from a competition filled with attacking talents—is a sign he’s doing his defensive fundamentals extremely well. 
• Versatility & technical profile: Not just a “stopper,” he’s got strong passing range, good positional awareness (reading the game), confidence in bringing the ball out from the back, and he’s tall/physical enough to compete in aerial duels. What makes the coming season especially important is his loan move to Celtic, which offers a platform for regular senior minutes, exposure to more intense fixtures, and the chance to test himself week-in, week-out at a high level. That will be a big test of how quickly he can continue his development and whether he can push his game from “promising” to “top-level.” \
  

Age: 18

Club: Arsenal

Country: England

Ethan Nwaneri might still be a teenager, but he already carries himself like a player far beyond his years. Coming through Arsenal’s Hale End academy from the age of eight, he has consistently impressed at every youth level — and is now making his mark at senior level, turning heads with calmness, vision, and a killer instinct. 

What makes him stand out:

• Record-breaking arrival and early trust: He became the youngest ever player to feature in a Premier League match at just 15 years and 181 days, a big statement of how highly Arsenal believe in him. 
• Technical quality & decision-making: Even at youth level, he wasn’t just playing up an age group — he was often the best on the pitch. Coaches note his dribbling, first touch, ability to receive in tight spaces, turn, and his composure under pressure. 
• Scoring & impact in big moments: When given senior minutes, he’s already delivered — scoring in the Premier League, and in the Champions League (including a goal in a big away win at Girona), showing he can perform under high stakes. 
• Maturity, attitude & temperament: What many find most impressive is how grounded and composed he is despite the hype. Scouts and coaches frequently talk about how he absorbs feedback, remains modest, uses his opportunities wisely, and plays with confidence rather than fear. 
• Versatility & timing: Arsenal’s management have handled him carefully — giving him minutes when the team needs creativity, and gradually increasing his involvement. He shows that he’s more than just potential; he’s already contributing.
  

Age: 18

Club: Fulham

Country: England

What makes Josh King stand out

• Development from a young age & rapid progression
• He joined Fulham’s academy at age 8, so he’s had a long runway to learn their style and foundations. 
• He has played (and performed) above his age group (for example playing U-21s while still younger). 
• Technical and tactical qualities
• He is good in tight spaces: “wriggles out” of tight situations, protects the ball, can dribble and has composure. 
• He has the ability to help transition play: helping start attacks and also finding the final pass. 
• Recognition & trust
• He’s been named “Scholars of the Year” at Fulham, which speaks both to his performance and his attitude. 
• He’s earned a long-term contract (four years, until 2029), showing that the club views him as part of their future plans. 
• Fulham’s manager and coaching staff have given him chances: senior debuts, substitute appearances, and starts in the Premier League. 
• Performance at youth international level
• He has represented England at various youth levels (U15, U16, U17, U19) and has had moments such as scoring for England U19s. 
• He’s shown his abilities in youth tournaments and cup competitions (e.g. scoring on his U21 debut in the Premier League Cup). 
• Big moment potential / standout moments
• There was a notable solo run + finish vs Chelsea (ultimately disallowed), which was voted Fulham’s Goal of the Month. Even though it didn’t count, the fact that it caught attention and was voted shows he can produce high-quality moments. 
• In games when he's been subbed on, he has shown impact, composure, and maturity beyond his years. 

What suggests he could become one of the best

Putting these together, here is what gives belief that he’s not just good now, but has high potential:

• Physical / mental maturity early: Even though he’s young, he’s shown composure in high-level matches, which is often what separates good prospects from elite ones.
• Versatility in midfield: Ability to play in multiple midfield roles (deeper “8” role or more advanced) gives him flexibility. 
• Growth environment: Fulham’s academy, his coaches, and the club’s willingness to integrate youth give him a supportive environment. Also, the contract shows stability, meaning he can develop without rushing or being forced out.
• Recognition and pressure handling: Being talked about by scouts, media, and fans means he’s under pressure; early signs are he handles it well.

Areas he still needs to refine

To reach “best in the world” level, there are always areas to develop — and King has some ahead:

• More senior level experience, especially consistent minutes in Premier League games.
• Physical development (strength, endurance) so he can compete with top midfielders in more physically demanding matches.
• Increasing his goal contributions / end product at senior level (goals, assists, key passes).
• Consistency: putting in very good performances regularly, not just flashes.
  

Age: 18

Club: Real Madrid

Country: Argentina

Franco Mastantuono is widely considered one of the best young players in world football right now. His rise has been fast, and there are several concrete reasons scouts, pundits, and big clubs are so excited about him. Here are the main factors, along with some caveats:

What makes Franco Mastantuono special

• Early impact & records at River Plate
• He became River Plate’s youngest ever goalscorer in February 2024, breaking a long-standing record held by Javier Saviola. 
• He also made his senior debut at just 16, becoming the third-youngest player ever to feature for River in an official match. 
• Transfer to Real Madrid & high valuation
• In mid-2025, Real Madrid signed him from River Plate on a long (six-year) contract. 
• The fee (≈ €45 million) shows big confidence in his potential from one of the biggest clubs in the world. 
• Youth international exposure and early senior national team call-ups
• He has played for Argentina at U-17 and U-20 levels. 
• He made his senior Argentina debut in 2025 at age ~17, becoming the youngest to do so in an official match for his country. 
• Technical and tactical strengths
• Left-footed, which gives him a good edge and differentiation. 
• Very good vision and ability to pick passes, especially through balls. Scouts note he can find small spaces between lines. 
• Strong set-piece ability: in particular a free-kick against Boca in a Superclásico has been one of his highlight moments. 
• Versatility: he can play in the centre, as an attacking midfielder / “10”, or drift wide (often to the right, cutting inside onto his left). 
• Maturity beyond his years
• Coaches and commentators frequently point out his composure, decision-making, and mental readiness. 
• He seems to adapt quickly in tougher matches; handling pressure (for example in big fixtures like Superclásicos) well. 
• Immediate performance in Europe
• After his arrival at Real Madrid, he’s already made history: e.g. becoming one of the youngest goalscorers in LaLiga for Madrid. 

What gives him room to grow (and things to watch)

Even with all the promise, to maintain that trajectory and possibly reach the top of world football, there are some challenges / aspects to monitor:

• Physical adaptation: Moving from Argentina to Europe often requires adjusting to higher intensity, different pace, more physical defenders. How he holds up in those environments will be key.
• Consistency: Big moments are one thing; maintaining them game after game, especially in tougher competitions, is another. Will he deliver not just flashes, but reliably?
• Expectation / pressure: Because of the hype, the transfer fee, the big club move, there will be pressure. How he handles that mentally will matter.
• Tactical roles / position specificity: Versatility is a strength, but sometimes players benefit from a clear, stable role when early in their careers. If he keeps switching roles too much, or isn't trusted in one, that could slow things.

Why many believe he can be among the very best young players

Putting the above together:

• He has already shown what many do not until much later—breaking longstanding records, getting senior national team caps in his teens, performing well in big domestic games.
• The technical tools are there: vision, creativity, dribbling, set-pieces.
• Real Madrid’s willingness to pay for him and integrate him suggests they believe he has the talent and mental attributes to succeed at the highest level.
• His early success in Europe shows he isn’t just a South American phenomenon; he may have what it takes to make it in elite European competition.
  

Age: 17

Club: Liverpool

Country: England

Rio Ngumoha is widely seen as one of the best young players because he’s already shown a number of qualities—achievement, talent, mentality—that mark him out above many of his peers. Here are the main reasons people are excited about him:

Key Reasons Why He Stands Out

• Breaking Records & Big Moments Early
• He became Liverpool’s youngest ever player to start a competitive match (FA Cup vs Accrington Stanley, Jan 2025) at just 16 years and 135 days. 
• On his Premier League debut, he scored in stoppage time vs Newcastle, becoming Liverpool’s youngest-ever goalscorer. 
• Also made history as Liverpool’s youngest appearance-maker in European competition. 
• High Technical & Physical Ability Despite Age
• He’s already showing strong attacking instincts: dribbling ability, composure in front of goal, a willingness to take on defenders in one-on-one situations. 
• He’s versatile in attack: plays mainly on the left wing, but can affect games across the front line. 
• He has composure under pressure—a key moment was the 100th-minute winner vs Newcastle, something which tends to require mental strength beyond one’s years. 
• Strong Development Path & Choices
• He spent many years in Chelsea’s academy, which is well-respected for youth development, before moving to Liverpool where the opportunity for first-team minutes is becoming real. 
• Coaches have fast-tracked him through the youth levels (U18s, U21s, etc) and exposed him to senior situations early. 
• Mental Traits & Attitude
• He appears to have mindset and maturity: not intimidated by older players, ready to take responsibility, stays composed in big moments. 
• He seems grounded, willing to learn, which always helps for transition from promising youth to established professional. 
• Recognition & Potential
• He is highly rated by media and analysts as one of the top youngsters globally. 
• His market value already reflects that, and many believe his ceiling is quite high. 

Things to Keep an Eye On / What He Needs to Sustain

Of course, as with any young talent, there are things he’ll need to work on to make sure his promise turns into a long and successful career:

• Consistency: performing well regularly, not just in flashes.
• Decision making: knowing when to dribble vs pass vs shoot.
• Physical development: strength, stamina, dealing with more aggressive defenders.
• Managing pressure and expectations: as he becomes more famous, things get harder.
  

Age: 19

Club: Real Madrid

Country: Brazil

Endrick is widely regarded as one of the best young players in world football right now. A lot of people see in him many of the traits that make a superstar, even at a very young age. Here are the main reasons why he’s getting so much praise, and what makes him special:

What Makes Endrick Stand Out

• Early and Consistent Goal-Scoring
• In youth football at Palmeiras, Endrick had an almost unbelievable record: something like 165 goals in 169 games for their youth teams. 
• He made his professional debut for Palmeiras at 16, and soon after started scoring in Brazil’s top flight, becoming one of the youngest goal-scorers. 
• Big-Match Impact & Record-Breaking Moments
• He scored a winner for Brazil vs England at Wembley, becoming the youngest male goalscorer (for club or country) at the stadium. 
• For Real Madrid, he became the youngest player to score in the Champions League for the club. 
• He also holds club records for youngest debut, youngest starter in some competitions for Real. 
• Technical Skill + Physical Gifts
• He’s left-footed, but has shown ability with both feet to score and finish chances. 
• He has a powerful shot, poise in the box, and ability to execute in tight or high-pressure situations. 
• Also praised for his speed, dribbling, ability to make runs, movement off the ball, ability to hold up play or drop deep when needed. 
• Maturity & Mentality
• Despite being young, he appears to have strong psychological maturity: confidence, ability to take risks, and composure. Coaches like Carlo Ancelotti have spoken about his decisiveness and capability to perform under pressure. 
• He’s also known to be humble, grounded, with a strong work ethic. He doesn’t let hype distract him. 
• Big Move + Environment to Grow
• He moved from Palmeiras to Real Madrid, one of football’s biggest clubs, which both adds expectation and gives him access to high-level coaching, teammates, facilities, and competitive situations. 
• Even there, he is already breaking records (youngest, firsts) which shows he's adapting well. 

What’s Still to Be Seen / What He Needs to Consolidate

Being fantastic at a young age is one thing; reaching full elite status involves more. Here are what people are watching:

• Consistency: being reliable week in, week out at the highest levels (La Liga, Champions League, international matches).
• Handling physicality & intensity: senior European football is tougher, more tactical, more physically demanding.
• Decision-making: knowing when to shoot vs pass, when to take risks vs play safe. Sometimes young players have raw talent but need time to sharpen tactical understanding.
• Injury prevention & physical development: as he gets more minutes and more tough matches, keeping fit, strong, avoiding injuries.
• Pressure & expectations: being in a spotlight at Real Madrid brings enormous pressure. How well he deals with that, off the pitch too, will matter.

So in summary: people believe Endrick is one of the best young players because he combines talent + finishing + speed + mental maturity + proving himself already in big games and records. If he keeps on that path and develops in the right way, he has the potential to become one of the top forwards in world football.

Age: 18

Club: Barcelona

Country: Spain

What Makes Lamine Yamal Exceptional

• Record-breaking early impact
• He made his first-team debut for Barcelona at just 15 years, 9 months, and 16 days, becoming the youngest player in many decades to do so for Barça. 
• Not long after, he became the youngest goalscorer in La Liga history, scoring in a match against Granada. 
• In the Champions League he’s broken several age-related records: youngest starter, youngest to score in certain knockout phases, youngest scorer in a semi-final, etc. 
• Consistency and productivity
• Despite being so young, he’s been productive: goals + assists at club level, strong showings in big matches. 
• He’s not just making up numbers against smaller opponents—he delivers in El Clásico, in Champions League matches, for Spain in major tournaments. 
• International achievements
• He made his senior debut for Spain at 16 years old, and became Spain’s youngest scorer. 
• He was a key player in UEFA Euro 2024, helping Spain win and earning “Young Player of the Tournament” while also contributing goals, assists, and big performances. 
• Skill-set / Playing style
• He has excellent dribbling and one-on-one ability, pace, and agility. 
• Great vision and creativity: he makes key passes, creates chances, provides assists, adapts well in attacking transitions. 
• He has flair but also composure—able to perform under pressure, finish well, execute in tight spaces. 
• Awards and recognition
• He’s won the Kopa Trophy (best U21 player globally) multiple times.
• He won the Golden Boy award, and other acknowledgments (Breakthrough of the Year, etc.). 
• Media, experts, fans alike speak of him as a “generational talent.” 
• Mentality, maturity, environments
• Coming through Barcelona’s La Masia, which is known for developing talent and instilling tactical intelligence and technical polish. 
• Being thrown into high-pressure environments early and delivering—El Clásico, international tournaments, Champions League knockouts. This helps build experience fast. 
• 

What Makes Him Stand Out Compared to Other Young Players

To sum up why it’s not just that he’s young & good, but that he is exceptional:

• He’s already matching or breaking records that many elite players only hit later in their teens or early 20s.
• He contributes in multiple ways: scoring, creating, impacting big games—not just a flash of speed or dribble, but tactical intelligence.

The trust coaches place in him (Barcelona, Spain) shows they believe in his consistency and readiness.