The 20 Highest Rated U21s in Europe's Top 5 Leagues - Part II
Following on from yesterday's look at the top rated under-21s in Europe's top 5 leagues last season, we complete the rundown by revealing the players ranked from 10 to 1.
10. Jose Gaya (Valencia)
Despite apparent interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Arsenal, Jose Gaya extended his contract with Valencia this summer, aiming to emulate the success of left-back predecessors Jordi Alba and Juan Bernat at the Mestalla. The adventurous full-back ended the previous campaign with 6 assists, which was not only the second best of any defender in La Liga but also a joint high for Los Che.
9. Hakan Calhanoglu (Bayer Leverkusen)
Already renowned for his ability to strike from all manner of distances and angles, Hakan Calhanoglu did that reputation no harm last season, with 7 of his 8 Bundesliga goals coming from outside the box - more than any other player in the league. With a further 6 assists to his name, the Turkish international had a direct hand in 14 goals in his debut season with Leverkusen.
8. Bernardo Silva (Monaco)
Having shone at this summer's U21 European Championship, Bernardo Silva's already hefty stock has risen, though Monaco will refuse to sell the Portuguese this summer. The 20-year old ended the campaign as Monaco's joint top scorer last season, with 9 goals, and put in a real shift for an extremely well-organised side, averaging 1.8 tackles per game.
7. Benjamin Mendy (Marseille)
20-year old Mendy was key to Marcelo Bielsa's Marseille side last season, operating from any position on the left-flank to great effect. When excluding corners only one player attempted more crosses in Ligue 1 last season (156), with the youngster's attacking nature leading to 4 assists over the course of the campaign, without shirking his defensive responsibilities either.
6. Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)
He may be the subject of a bid somewhere in the region of £50m this summer but Liverpool's Raheem Sterling only ranks sixth in our list of the top rated youngsters last season, despite a commendable season for the Reds. The England international ranked third in terms of key passes from open play in the Premier League last season, with a tally of 75 bettered only by David Silva and Eden Hazard.
5. Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo)
Acting fast to get in ahead of any other potential suitors for the forward, Sassuolo secured the permanent signing of Domenico Berardi from Juventus last month having had a crucial role in their survival over the last two seasons. No player registered more assists in Serie A in 2014/15 (10), while another 15 goals ensured that only two players had a direct hand in more league strikes in Italy last season.
4. Abdul Baba (Augsburg)
It's little surprise that there seems to be plenty of interest in Augsburg left-back Abdul Baba this summer, with Chelsea thought to be at the front of the queue for the Ghanaian international. The 21-year old enjoyed a sensational campaign in the Bundesliga last season, attempting more crosses when excluding corners (120) and completing more tackles (109) than any other player in Germany's top-flight.
3. Morgan Sanson (Montpellier)
Were it not for a serious injury suffered towards the end of last season there is no doubt that Montpellier midfielder Morgan Sanson would have been hot property this summer. The all-action 20-year old registered 6 goals and 3 assists last season, as well as attaining superb averages of 3.2 tackles and 2.5 dribbles per game and his club might just be thankful that he seems to be off the market for the time being.
2. Gimenez (Atletico)
The progression of Uruguay international Gimenez alongside compatriot Diego Godin for both club and country has been so impressive that it has broken one of the most effective defensive partnerships from 2013/14, with Miranda sold to Inter this summer. With Velazquez - who ranked 15th in yesterday's rundown - still to return Atletico's long term future at the back seems assured, with Gimenez winning a lofty 3.4 aerial duels and 2.7 interceptions per game last season.
1. Jordan Amavi (Nice)
Top of the pile, and by some distance, the fact that Aston Villa seem to be at the front of the queue to secure the services of left-back Jordan Amavi this summer is somewhat baffling. The 21-year old was superb last season, earning the second highest rating in all of Ligue 1 (7.74), having made the most interceptions in all of Europe (163) as well as ranking among the top 5 players in terms of tackles (140), whilst weighing in with 4 goals and 1.9 dribbles per game.
Which young players impressed you in Europe's top 5 leagues last season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
