23 Talented Under-23 Players to Monitor
There are a lot of young, supremely brilliant soccer players in the world, and some of them are due for a jump up in competition or status over the next year.
Much like basketball, soccer is filled with all sorts of young talent. So, I decided to profile 23 players who intrigue me. But, as a caveat, I’m only doing it if that player is presently under 23 years old. That ended up ruling out a few players that I wanted to have on this list, but we move on anyways.
That’s the only criterion that I used: just be under 23 years old.
Now, granted, there are a lot of über-talented players under that age limit in the world, but you won’t see the fully well-known ones on this list. I tried my best to limit it to players that perhaps aren’t widely known or talked about. Some names will be familiar as it’s almost impossible to have folks from completely off the radar show up. But it is what it is.
There are going to be valuations listed in parentheses. When applicable, the reported release clause figure, with a link to the source, will be listed in that spot. Otherwise, you’ll see an approximation from various sites of what that specific player’s transfer value is. Does that mean that’s the price their respective clubs would sell the player for? Not at all. It’s just what I could track down.
Without further ado …
GOALKEEPER
1.) Charlie Setford, 19, Jong Ajax (~£5m): 19-year-old Charlie Setford is a fascinating story. Setford, who was born in the Netherlands, holds dual citizenship for both Holland and England and has even played for both teams internationally at the youth level. Ultimately, he chose England. Setford gets to train and play for the world-famous Ajax Academy (Jong Ajax) and has even picked up their Talent of the Future award that has gone to previous Ajax youth such as Matthijs de Ligt, Wesley Sneijder, and Ryan Gravenberch among others. Setford is a modern keeper, standing 6-foot-4 while possessing good athleticism, being trusted as a ball-playing keeper, and even venturing into sweeper-keeper duties at times. Setford extended his contract a few months ago, tying him to the Amsterdam club through 2027. But don’t rule out a transfer in the future to a club willing to not only grant him first-team matches but also pony up the necessary cash.
LEFT FULL-BACK
2.) Archie Brown, 21, KAA Gent (~£1.5m): When Archie Brown first starred with Derby County's youth system, he was a forward. In the 2019 Premier League U18 final, Brown scored a hat trick against Arsenal — an Arsenal squad that had Bukayo Saka at the time — to notch County their first-ever youth top-flight title. Now, though, life is different Brown. He just completed a summer move to KAA Gent in the Belgian Pro League, but Brown is now a wing-back. While not the traditional style left-back, Brown fits teams looking to play a more possession style with an eye towards inverting. Brown uses his pace, dribbling, and passing to open up opportunities for teammates while also being physical defensively thanks to his 6-foot-2 frame. What he does at Gent will be of great interest to lots of people, and if he performs well then perhaps a return to England won't be too far down the road.
3.) Quentin Merlin, 21, Nantes (~£7m): Much like Brown, left-back Quentin Marlin of Nantes in France’s Ligue 1 began his career as a forward before sliding into a left wing-back role. Merlin is a fantastic passer, excelling at crosses especially. There are warts with Merlin’s game, however, and those primarily creep up on the defensive end. But any team that needs someone comfortable on the ball should be knocking down Nantes’ door for Merlin’s services due to his proclivity to create for others. While he's not the tallest defender in the world — 5-foot-9, to be exact — Merlin's skill set allows him to be a formidable component of any top-flight squad. It should be noted that Merlin, who just turned 21 in May, has logged over 3,800 minutes in Ligue 1 since arriving in the summer of 2021. That's a whole wealth of experience to build on if a bigger team comes calling.
LEFT CENTER-BACK
4.) Mika Mármol, 22, Las Palmas (~£5m): Finding a left-footed center-back can be tough, but they can be incredibly valuable. First up is Mika Mármol, the dynamic center-back for Las Palmas in Spain’s La Liga. Mármol completed the move to Las Palmas from FC Andorra this summer, but with a hint of intrigue: Spanish giants Barcelona had a buy-back clause on Mármol and they exercised it before sending him to Las Palmas as a way to save themselves €5 million they would have otherwise owed Las Palmas for Pedri from a transfer three years ago. If it sounds complicated, it’s not. Now, Mármol can ply his trade in Spain’s top league, interesting buyers everywhere who don’t have to fear Barcelona swooping back in. Mármol profiles well as the left-sided center-back in a back-three. He's able to play with the ball at his feet and is equally adept at progressing it as a dribbler while being sturdy defensively.
5.) Lucas Beraldo, 19, São Paulo FC (Release — £40m): Brazil is producing a lot of left-footed center-backs lately and Lucas Beraldo might be the best of the bunch. Beraldo is so in demand that several Premier League teams have cast a gaze his way over the last few months, including Brighton, Newcastle, and Wolves. None have been able to pull off the heist, though. The number listed next to Beraldo’s name is his release clause, but that doesn’t mean São Paulo wouldn’t take less for him. Beraldo is a naturally gifted left-footed center-back with a propensity to progress the ball up the pitch with pinpoint passing that aids his squad in the attacking phase. He's also more than capable on defense, finishing in the 83rd percentile in ball recoveries according to FB Reference. At 6-foot-1, Beraldo has the size to conceivably be comfortable in a three-at-the-back setup that would allow the right-back to attack more.
6.) Jon Pacheco, 22, Real Sociedad (Release — £43m): When talking about young, all-around center-backs, you cannot overlook Jon Pacheco. Last July, Pacheco penned a five-year extension with Real Sociedad, but if he keeps on the same trajectory that he’s been on, expect many teams to come calling over the next year or so. Pacheco, like the others in this section, is fantastic on the ball both in progression and passing. And, despite being listed at 6-foot, Pacheco is a tremendous aerial threat and master at winning duels while registering good scanning rates to keep an eye on everyone else on the pitch. It wouldn't shock me to see Pacheco stay at Real Sociedad for a long time, but the allure of others will be tough to turn down. Pacheco has already accomplished a lot, notching caps for Spain at the U17, U18, U19, U20, and U21 levels. Perhaps a call to the main squad is coming soon.
RIGHT CENTER-BACK
7.) Martin Vitík, 20, Sparta Prague (~£10m): You cannot underestimate the impact of getting a boatload of playing time for a very good team in a solid league. That's what we have here with Martin Vitík. The 20-year-old has played nearly 5,000 minutes since debuting with Sparta Prague in October 2020. That is a ton of match experience for such a young player. Vitík is great on the ball while possessing great height (6-foot-4) for his position. There's been some talk in recent weeks that Ajax, in an effort to bring in reinforcements after selling Jurrien Timber to Arsenal, could be attempting to bring Vitík aboard. Vitík still has a ways to go in his development. He's not great in the air and he can still get muscled at times, but a step up to Ajax's development institution would do wonders for Vitík's footballing future. It'll be interesting to see if that move actually happens.
8.) Adamo Nagalo, 20, FC Nordsjælland (~£5m): When we talk about the world of soccer, we have to talk about the incredible work that the Right to Dream Academy has done in Ghana. They have churned out world-class talent, including but not limited to Mohammed Kudus, who I profiled here. The academy actually bought Nordsjælland in the Danish league, and that’s where you can find another graduate from Right to Dream: Adamo Nagalo. The 20-year-old is a converted midfielder who's naturally adept on the ball as a line-breaking passer, profiling as the type of defender teams look for in the modern game. While Nagalo still has some work to do, especially physically and when it comes to competing in the air, he’s fantastic in the open field defensively. Put him on a squad that values possession and you’ll see the range of his skills on full display. The sky is the limit for the 6-foot-1 center-back.
RIGHT FULL-BACK
9.) Devyne Rensch, 20, Ajax (~£13m): It’s hard not to notice Devyne Rensch whenever you pop on an Ajax match. Last season, Rensch started 26 matches for the Dutch side, totaling just over 2,000 minutes in the Eredivisie. What makes Rensch so intriguing is that he won't be restricted to just right-back as he's able to play all over the back line thanks to his two-footed ability and prowess as a ball-controlling defender. Rensch is quick, fast, and a good reader of the game. He's also competent defensively as Rensch applies his trade not just in ground duels but also through the air. At 20 years old, there's a chance that Rensch stays at Ajax for a couple more years before finally moving on, but it should be noted that Rensch's contract only runs through June 2025. Should Ajax look to cash in, this summer might be their last best chance.
10.) Iván Fresneda, 18, Real Valladolid (Release — £17m): The hot name in the January transfer window after he was linked to Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund still has some heat left in the tank thanks to reported interest from Barcelona. Iván Fresneda is worth the hype and the intrigue thanks to his ability to function as a progressive ball carrier down the right flank for attack-minded offensive systems. Fresneda doesn’t fare too well in aerial duels despite his 5-foot-10 stature, but he is solid in defensive actions and isn’t afraid to take on the challenge. Fresneda’s ability to mix in overlapping runs and bring a physical style would surely make him an ideal fit for most teams looking for someone to add at his respective position. Fresneda is still very much in demand in the transfer market, and considering Real Valladolid got relegated from La Liga to Segunda División, I'd imagine Fresneda is open to departing this summer.
HOLDING MIDFIELDER
11.) Lucas Gourna-Douath, 20, Red Bull Salzburg (~£22m): Look, anytime you have a team like Brighton interested in bringing you aboard, you must possess a whole world of potential, and that’s certainly the case with Lucas Gourna-Douath of Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga. Gourna-Douath has logged considerable time over the last couple of seasons in some top leagues. Prior to arriving in Salzburg, Gourna-Douath started 33 matches over two years for Saint-Étienne in French's Ligue 1, registering over 3,100 minutes in that time. Last season was his first year in Salzburg, but Gourna-Douath delivered the goods, starting 17 matches and playing nearly 1,500 minutes for the league champions. Gourna-Douath is a pure defensive midfielder, not only supplying line-busting progressive passes but also being a monster should his team find themselves out of possession. Gourna-Douath is signed through 2027.
12.) André, 22, Fluminense (Release — £34m): Speaking of prototypical defensive midfielders, let’s introduce André Trindade of Fluminense in the Brazilian Serie A. André has racked up a ton of playing time in Brazil over the last three years — approximately 6,500 minutes over that span. The Brazilian midfielder is 5-foot-8 and stout in his defensive coverages while using his natural athleticism to operate in the open field whether as a ball carrier or as a passer. André is a relatively safe passer, opting to help his team retain possession by playing simple passes. While not a real aerial difference maker, André has more positives than negatives in his arsenal. Tacked with a reported €40 million (£34 million) release clause and a contract that runs through 2026, there might be no rush for Fluminense to sell him unless someone meets their valuation. For his skill set, we might see teams line up in a few months.
13.) Dario Essugo, 18, Sporting CP (Release — £39m): Prior to trimming this list down to 23 players, I originally had two other Sporting players on here besides Dario Essugo, but now he’s here all by himself. Anyway, Essugo has all the makings of a modern-day holding midfielder (or No. 6). He’s strong, anticipatory, sound, a good tackler, and a natural passer that is sturdy enough in possession. To Sporting's credit, they recognized his immense skill set, locking him up through 2025 and tacking on a release clause for good measure. 2023 should be a huge step for Essugo under Sporting tactician Rúben Amorim, and it's not out of the realm of possibility that we see Essugo logging huge minutes for Sporting this year. What that means for him in the future remains to be seen, but the release clause and archetypal profile will have other squads salivating.
BOX-TO-BOX MIDFIELDER
14.) Kuryu Matsuki, 20, FC Tokyo (~£1m): One of the most gifted midfielders outside of Europe resides in Japan in the form of Kuryu Matsuki. The talented 20-year-old has seen nearly 3,600 minutes for FC Tokyo over the last two seasons. Matsuki possesses a great work rate, fantastic technique, and great passing. Matsuki excels in counter-pressing and using his size (5-foot-11, 170 pounds) before progressing the ball up the field as a passer. The good news for teams that are interested in Matsuki's services is that his contract is reportedly up at the beginning of 2025, so any potential suitors will probably keep an eye on what transpires with those contract discussions in an effort to bring him to their side. This is where a team like Brighton could swoop in for Matsuki as a replacement for Moisés Caicedo. They certainly know how to develop youthful players. Word is that Lyon in France is also pushing hard.
15.) Equi Fernández, 21, Boca Juniors (~£6m): An Argentine midfielder who goes by E. Fernández? Surely this can’t be déjà vu. Well, get used to it because Equi Fernández, whose full name is Ignacio Ezequiel Agustín Fernández Carballo, is a stellar player for Boca Juniors in Argentina. The 21-year-old has been used in a variety of ways by Boca Juniors even this season, notching time as a left-winger, center midfielder, left midfielder, right midfielder, and defensive midfielder. But no matter where Fernández plays, he delivers. He's excellent as a passer, defender, and ball carrier that can affect the game in a multitude of ways. Fernández's contract runs out at the end of 2025, which means there's a chance he's due for a step up in competition. Even Alexis Mac Allister, who is now at Liverpool, suggested his old squad Brighton make a play for Fernández. It'll be interesting to see where the next phase of his career takes him.
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER
16.) Valentín Carboni, 18, Inter Milan (~£5m): The 18-year-old recently joined Serie A club Monza on loan from Inter Milan, and while Valentín Carboni has logged just 25 total minutes at the professional level, the talent is quite clearly there to become a worthwhile contributor to a major club. In 2022, he helped Inter win the Campionato Primavera 1 which is essentially an U19 tournament for Seria A clubs. Carboni was a major talent coming up, so much so that Inter had to beat Juventus and Liverpool to his signature in 2020. Carboni is an attacking midfielder but can drop into a regular midfield spot if needed. The young Argentine has a killer left foot that can lead to plenty of goalscoring opportunities and wicked passes to play for teammates. Carboni extended his contract with Inter this summer which will see him there through 2027, but don't rule out anything if his loan at Monza goes well.
17.) Luka Sučić, 20, Red Bull Salzburg (Release — £18m): 20-year-old Croatian wunderkind Luka Sučić stars for Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga where he has logged close to 3,700 minutes in his time there. The 2021-22 campaign was remarkable for Sučić as he scored eight goals and added three assists in 28 matches. However, 2022-23 saw a drop in production as he only managed four assists and no goals before suffering a season-ending knee injury in March. Still, it hasn't diminished his standing as a bright young star. Sučić is able to spearhead attacks in the famed No. 10 role thanks to his passing and movement. It doesn't take long to see Sučić's ability to read the game at a high level whenever you fire up his film. Sučić has a release clause and word is that Liverpool could be eyeing the youngster. Keep Sučić's name in the back of your mind as you watch this year unfold.
18.) Paxten Aaronson, 19, Eintracht Frankfurt (~£10m): The lone American on the list, Paxten Aaronson is a supremely talented attacking midfielder that will likely lead the next wave of American soccer, at least if the powers that be within the United States Socer Federation aren't dumb which isn't something we can be sure of. Aaronson, the younger brother of Union Berlin (on loan from Leeds) midfielder Brenden Aaronson, is a technically gifted midfielder with a good work rate and nose for triggering the press against the opposition whenever his side loses possession. Aaronson also possesses good ball control and great dribbling. The 19-year-old was used primarily as a winger for MLS club Philadelphia Union but has since been used mostly as an attacking midfielder since making the move to German side Eintracht Frankfurt. He might eventually turn into a true winger, but for now, we leave him here. The sky could be the limit for Aaronson.
LEFT WINGER
19.) David Kalokoh, 18, Jong Ajax (~£5m): Recently turning 18 in April, Ajax youngster David Kalokoh is a rather intriguing prospect. Kalokoh has been a product of Ajax's youth academy for the last several years, starring in their U17, U18, and U19 sides before recently getting playing time with Jong Ajax, their youth squad that's in the Dutch second tier. Kalokoh is also part of the Netherlands U18 side. Profiling as a left-winger with a fantastic right foot, it means that Kalokoh is able to play on that side and attack coming across the face of goal. He's a natural scorer and gifted athlete that's blessed with elite ball control and drive. It's going to be a few years before Kalokoh makes a true impact, but considering Ajax's developmental structure, don't be shocked to hear his name later on this season as someone who gets called up to their main squad, especially if they sell Mohammed Kudus.
20.) Simon Adingra, 21, Brighton & Hove Albion (~£10m): I actually hesitated to put Simon Adingra on this list since he just made his debut for Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, but I also figured that he's a player everyone should be talking about and taking notice of. Adingra — who, like Adamo Nagalo on this list, is a former Right to Dream Academy graduate — possesses incredible skill that is also backed up when looking at the metrics. The 21-year-old has played nearly 4,000 minutes of top-level soccer in his career, splitting time at both Nordsjælland and Union Saint-Gilloise before appearing for Brighton. Adingra, like Kalokoh, is a right-footed left-winger that has a fantastic goalscoring record while also supplying passes for others. Adingra isn't a defensive workhorse, but there's belief that Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi can coax it out of him. Should Brighton sell Kaoru Mitoma, it's Adingra who would slot into that spot.
RIGHT WINGER
21.) Roony Bardghji, 17, FC København (~£8.5m): Inverted wingers are all the rage these days as you saw in the section above, so we're going to continue that trend with FC København right-winger Roony Bardghji. The young Kuwaiti-born Swedish international has made impacts throughout his stops with the club, including a 17-goal season during his time at their U17 level. Bardghji has already spent a good amount of time with the top club, though, including netting five goals over the last two seasons in his 821 minutes. This season, however, Bardghji has started three of the four matches he's played, slotting home two goals and clinching their Champions League playoff against Sparta Prague with a nasty panenka in the penalty shootout. The sky is the limit for Bardghji as he'll likely remain at København until a bigger club comes calling in a couple of years, but keep an ear out for him and his dazzling exploits.
STRIKER
22.) Arnaud Kalimuendo, 21, Rennes (~£26m): It's not often that a Parisian-born player leaves his boyhood club Paris Saint-Germain for another French squad, but that's what happened in the case of striker Arnaud Kalimuendo. After a successful two-year loan spell for Lens in Ligue 1, Kalimuendo returned to PSG but wasn't guaranteed playing time so he left for the greener pastures of Rennes where he scored seven goals and contributed three assists in 1,849 minutes last season. Kalimuendo has great pace and dribbling with a worthwhile shot profile and unselfish passing skills. The youngster would probably be better served to stay at Rennes for at least another year in order to continue building on his skill set as Kalimuendo is tied to Rennes through 2027. But a step up in production this season would land him on the radar of bigger clubs looking to make a splash in the near future.
23.) Gift Orban, 21, KAA Gent (~£26m): Last but certainly not least, we have arguably the brightest diamond in the rough in striker Gift Orban who plays for KAA Gent in the Belgian Pro League. Orban sprung onto the scene when he scored the fastest hat-trick in UEFA club competition history by netting three goals in three minutes and 25 seconds for Gent against İstanbul Başakşehir. But before that, Orban was playing for a team that quite literally doesn't exist on Google before being snatched up by Stabæk in the Norwegian First Division where he became the league's top scorer. Orban has since moved to Gent where he's scored 25 goals in 26 matches thanks to his prodigious pace, power, and shot which have seen him now being linked to Tottenham. Add in his loathing for their hated rivals Arsenal and you're looking at a Tottenham fan favorite. The 21-year-old seems destined to be a star.
No Saka or Martinelli?