Which Wonderkids Are Shining Outside the Big Five Leagues?

Impressing in one of Europe’s biggest leagues is a strong way for young players to make a name for themselves, but there is a wealth of talent emerging from less heralded leagues as well. The CIES Football Observatory has analysed various metrics to identify the top-ranked footballers born in 2006 or later, competing outside Europe’s established top five leagues. Their findings spotlight ten promising youngsters poised to become recognisable names in the coming years.

Last updated: 15 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The CIES Football Observatory's recent analysis has brought attention to a new generation of football talent blooming outside Europe’s top leagues. Players in leagues such as the Eredivisie, Primeira Liga, and the Danish Superliga are showcasing skills that could potentially elevate them to the upper echelons of football within the next few years. Each of the players highlighted is making a significant impact in their respective teams, demonstrating the kind of potential that could translate into successful careers in more prominent competitions.

Key takeaways

The CIES Football Observatory ranked players born in 2006 or later from outside Europe's top five leagues.
Metrics used for analysis included aerial play, recovery, distribution, dribbling, chance creation, and finishing.
Young talents from leagues like the Eredivisie and Primeira Liga are emerging as potential stars.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the beginning of the 2023–2024 football season, numerous young players have emerged as standout performers in their leagues. The CIES Football Observatory has compiled its rankings based on data collected throughout this period, with a focus on notable performances and statistics. Significant milestones in the careers of these players include their professional debuts, international call-ups, and key contributions to their teams in domestic competitions.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest rankings from the CIES Football Observatory have introduced fans to ten promising talents, including players like Quenda and Yirenkyi, who have made headlines for their performances in their respective leagues. These players have demonstrated not only technical ability but also the potential for growth in more competitive environments.

What was already established

Prior to this analysis, several of these players had already garnered attention for their skills and performances. For instance, the recognition of midfielders like Smit and Montoro had been on the rise, with their clubs and youth national teams noting their contributions in key matches.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The rise of these young talents may have implications for UK football fans, particularly as clubs in the Premier League look to invest in emerging players from abroad. Increased scouting and recruitment efforts could lead to a more diverse and exciting league, possibly impacting ticket sales, merchandise, and overall interest in the sport.

Businesses and jobs

For football clubs in the UK, the influx of promising young talent could reshape recruitment strategies. Clubs may seek to establish stronger scouting networks in less prominent leagues, which could lead to job opportunities within clubs, especially in scouting and analytics departments.

Policy and regulation

With the potential for increased recruitment from these leagues, there may be discussions regarding regulations on player transfers and youth development across Europe. The English Football Association and governing bodies might need to consider frameworks that ensure clubs are compliant while also fostering the growth of young talent.

Numbers that matter

19: Age of the Netherlands Under-21 international who has become a regular at Feyenoord.
18: Quenda’s age, nearing 50 league appearances for Sporting, attracting interest from Chelsea.
9: International caps for Ghana by Yirenkyi, highlighting his rapid ascent in the sport.
1: The record for being the youngest-ever European goalscorer at the Club World Cup, achieved by an 18-year-old Portuguese midfielder.
5: Goals scored by Rayan, the top scorer in the 2025 Copa do Brasil.

Definitions and jargon buster

CIES Football Observatory: A research group that analyses football data to provide insights on player performance.
Take on: Dribbling the ball at least eight metres towards the opponent's goal.
Wing-back: A player positioned on the flanks, responsible for both defensive and offensive duties.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans should keep an eye on the upcoming fixtures involving these young talents, as their performances could influence transfer decisions in January. Clubs may look to secure deals or scouting opportunities in this window.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As we move into the latter part of the season, expect to see these players solidify their roles within their teams. Continued standout performances could lead to increased interest from top clubs in Europe.

Signals to watch

Performance metrics: Look for players’ statistics in upcoming matches.
Transfer news: Watch for announcements regarding any potential moves during the January transfer window.
International call-ups: Monitor if these players receive further opportunities with their national teams.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow these rising stars through their respective leagues to gauge their development.
Stay updated on transfer news as clubs may look to secure these talents.
Engage with football analytics to understand player performance trends.

Don’t

Overlook players from lesser-known leagues; they can emerge as top talents.
Base opinions solely on highlights; consider full match performances to assess potential.
Neglect the impact of youth development systems in shaping these players’ careers.

Checklist

Check player statistics weekly to monitor performance trends.
Research clubs’ scouting networks for insights on emerging talents.
Engage with football podcasts and publications for expert opinions.
Attend local matches featuring these young players if possible.
Join online forums to discuss and analyse their development with fellow fans.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the CIES Football Observatory provides valuable insights, it’s essential to recognise that young players can be unpredictable. Factors such as injuries, changes in coaching staff, and fluctuations in form can impact their development. Additionally, the competitive nature of football means that not all promising talents will achieve their potential, so caution is warranted when making assumptions about their future success.

Bottom line

The CIES Football Observatory has successfully highlighted promising young players who are making waves outside Europe’s top leagues. Football fans in the UK should keep an eye on these talents, as they could soon transition to more prominent roles in the sport. With the potential for these youngsters to become stars, the landscape of football may soon shift, offering exciting narratives for fans to follow.

FAQs

Who are the top young players identified in the CIES analysis?

The CIES analysis highlighted players such as Quenda, Yirenkyi, and various others from less prominent leagues, showcasing their potential to rise in football.

What metrics did the CIES Football Observatory use to rank these players?

The Observatory used metrics such as aerial play, recovery, distribution, dribbling, chance creation, and finishing to assess player performance.

How can fans track the progress of these emerging talents?

Fans can follow league matches, check player statistics, and stay updated with transfer news to monitor the progress and potential moves of these young players.