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A Selection Of Wonderkids That Will Make Headlines In 2017

A Selection Of Wonderkids That Will Make Headlines In 2017

Watch out for these guys.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

He's the talk of social media at the tender age of 13. Karamoko Dembele stunned world football in 2016 after making a 10 minute cameo for Celtic's under-20 squad.

It looks iike this is just the beginning for Dembele but with many comparing him to the likes of Freddy Adu, who's fall from grace was documented every kick of the way, he must be nurtured properly.

Just look at the likes of Ousmane Dembele, who featured in The Guardian's top 40 young players to watch in 2014. He has impressed in the Borussia Dortmund first team of late and with the right guidance, he will undoubtably become one of the best in world football by the time he's 25.

It got us thinking. Who will emerge as a real star in 2017? Could a young Lionel Messi be making his mark in an academy somewhere in Italy?

Italy
Italy

Here we've put together a list of players to look out for next year.

- Leon Bailey (Genk - Left Wing)

After reportedly turning down a move to Chelsea to stay at Genk this summer, 19-year-old Leon Bailey is seen as a controversial figure but his talents are abundantly clear.

Growing up with the likes of Thibaut Courtois and Kevin de Bruyne has clearly had an affect on the youngster and the once protege is now fleeting into a top player.

Ronald De Boer once said the following about Bailey: "He's got it all. Like all the other players, he underwent a series of tests at the club. When it came to speed and agility he did better than several first team boys.

"He's so quick, it's not normal. He couples that with great technique, an exceptional combination. What are his weaknesses? I couldn't tell you."

Bailey
Bailey

- Mauricio Lemos (Las Palmas - Centre-Back)

After being chased by Barcelona earlier this summer, Lemos' current club Las Palmas received an offer from the Catalan side, but wanted his release clause - a staggering €30 million.

Barca scouts have reportedly followed Lemos' progress since representing the Uruguayan Under 20 national team, and after he arrived at Las Palmas from Rubin Kazan last January, the La Liga side have wanted to sign him.

Everton also wanted to sign the centre-back this summer as a replacement for John Stones, but failed in their attempts.

Don't be surprised to see Palmas cash in this January.

sss
sss

- Antonio Sanabria (Real Betis - Striker)

Considering the fact that he's only 20-year-old, Sanabria's La Liga goal tally reached double figures in February after an impressive campaign on loan at Sporting Gijon in 2015/16.

Sanabria, who was previously at Roma, is the youngest player to score three goals in one game in La Liga at 19 years and 277 days.

The above stats pushed a move to Real Betis in the summer window in a deal worth a reported €7.5 million but Roma retained a 50% clause on the transfer and a re-buy clause. It's clear to see why.

Sanabria was at Barcelona B team as a youngster, which gives us an inkling that he may become a top, top player in the future.

- Amadou Diawara (Napoli - Centre Midfielder)

After being spotted playing for a club in San Marino back in 2014, Italian side Bologna spotted his incredible talent and brought him to the club in a deal worth £420,000.

This incredible story began to unfold as he started 34 games for Bologna in the 2015/16 season, earning a reputation as a no nonsense, N'Golo Kante type player.

Despite interest from the likes of Chelsea, Aston Villa and West Ham, he signed for fellow Italian side Napoli but has yet to make an appearance for the club.

Just wait, he will become a world class defensive midfielder.

- Victor Osimhen (Wolfsburg - Striker)

As a product of the Nigerian based Ultimate Strikers Academy. Osimhen has been touted for great things after scoring 10 goals in 7 appearances for his national side at the under-17 World Cup back in October 2015.

A threat in the air as well as in-front of goal, the 17-year-old attracted the interest of many European clubs, including Arsenal and Tottenham but he decided to join the Bundesliga.

FIFA regulations have stopped him from signing a professional contract until he turns 18 but the youngster will join Wolfsburg on the 1st January 2017, three days after his birthday.

This kid looks like the real deal.


- Kasper Dolberg (Ajax - Striker)

We may have saved the best for last.

When the same scout who spotted players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Christian Eriksen and Viktor Fischer tips this player for great things, you take note and write this article.

Dolberg began his professional journey with Superliga side Silkeborg IF in Denmark but was soon on the radar of Dutch side Ajax at the age of 17.

The striker has bagged four goals in seven league appearances so far this season, including a goal in the Europa League

There you go. Now go and snap them up on whatever career mode you're working on at the moment because the guys are the real deal.

Watch out, 2017.

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