Ten Prem stars make NxGn list of top 50 teenagers for 2018

Oli Fisher

Manchester City starlet Phil Foden has made the top five of Goal’s NxGn 50 top teenagers for 2018, it has been confirmed.

Each year, Goal compiles a list of the 50 most promising teenage players from around the world.

Premier League players who didn’t crack the top five include Liverpool’s Ben Woodburn (at No. 7) and Rhian Brewster, Arsenal duo Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson, Mason Mount (on loan at Vitesse), Man Utd’s Angel Gomes and Tahith Chong, Man City’s Brahim Diaz, and Chelsea’s Ethan Ampadu.

Gianluigi Donnarumma was the winner last year, and below are the top five players born or after January 1, 1999.

5. Phil Foden

The Manchester City starlet was recently described by Pep Guardiola as “a gift” after he made the step up from the club’s academy to the first team fold.

Foden was one of the stand out players in the England U17 team which won the World Cup last November, and the midfielder is tipped for a bright future.

4. Matthijs De Ligt

The upcoming Ajax ace is considered one of the best defensive prospects in world football and his placing in the top five is reflective of that.

Barcelona have been linked with a move for the 18-year-old, who has established a place in the starting XI at the Eredivisie club despite his tender age.

3. Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid struck a deal with Brazilian side Flamengo at €45million last May to acquire the striker, so it is no surprise to see him third on the list.

He became the most expensive 16-year-old in football history in the process, and has been loaned back to Brazil until 2019.

2. Gianluigi Donnarumma

The AC Milan goalkeeper started at Wembley as England drew 1-1 with Italy on Tuesday night, and is widely tipped to be the man to take the reigns from the legendary Gianluigi Buffon when he retires.

Having made his debut at San Siro at just 16 years of age, Donnarumma faces an uncertain future with the Rossoneri thanks to agent Mino Raiola.

1. Justin Kluivert

Another client of Mino Raiola, Justin Kluivert – the son of Dutch legend Patrick – has already been linked with a move to Barcelona.

He already has seven Eredivisie goals this season in what has been a breakout campaign, and the 18-year-old has the speed, skills and shooting ability to reach the very top.