Football’s production lines never stop and 2017 is set to be another year where potentially world class talent is about to be unearthed for the rest of the watching world to view. The most prestigious clubs around the world develop some incredible talent to boost their seasons and The Boot Room have picked out five potential world-beaters who are ready to take the footballing planet by storm…
Giovanni Simeone – Genoa, Argentina
“Cholito” as he’s called by many is making a rapid name for himself in his early months as a professional footballer in Europe. Son to Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, Giovanni joined Italy’s Genoa from River Plate and has already bagged seven goals in 17 games for the Rossoblu so far – including two against defending champions Juventus, late in November.
It was in Italy where his father made an impact with Inter Milan and Lazio and it is there where Simeone Junior is catching the eye of the biggest names in European football. The 21-year-old striker can also play as an offensive midfield player and his nimble footwork and speed have been great assets to the sides he represented before he came to Italy – River Plate and, briefly, Banfield, both in his native Argentina.
And while he does his best to make his own in Europe, several of his coaches have noted similar characteristics between him and his father. The same passion, hunger and desire to succeed will surely take him far in the continent and with the national team as well. So far, there’s talk of the Premier League as well as Napoli looking to swoop in for the young forward, but the way he’s going, that list will surely increase in number.
Kasper Dolberg – Denmark, Ajax
Ajax’s stunning carousel of spotting talent has a new member in the name of Danish Kasper Dolberg. Discovered by John Steen Olsen – the same scout that found the likes of Christian Eriksen, Victor Fischer and a certain Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the 19-year-old forward has often drawn comparisons to the big Swede for his style and impressive goal record in his breakthrough season with the Amsterdam giants.
The forward has been scintillating in attack and can play across all areas of a front three. He’s worked on his game as a forward having started out as a left winger and has made the most of his natural talent with his speed, strength and supremely powerful right foot coming to very good use as his 11 goals in all competitions this season have helped Ajax in a relatively poor season so far.
He even bagged a 37-minute hat-trick in a game against NAC Breda in November – the second fastest Eredivisie hat-trick for Ajax after the great Marco van Basten and that boosted his reputation even further and has the finest scouts having his name at the top of their lists. Juventus, Manchester United and Manchester City have all reportedly sent scouts to watch the man so far, and a move may not be too far away.