The 6 wonderkids with a greater potential than Kobbie Mainoo according to GOAL

GOAL have released their annual NXGN list of the 50 best teenage talents in the world and Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo managed to secure the seventh spot.

The last few months will have been a whirlwind for the United youngster as he’s established himself as part of Erik ten Hag’s side while also earning his first England call-up.

There’s no doubt that he ranks as one of the top teenage prospects in the world, but GOAL have suggested that there are six youngsters with a greater potential than the 18-year-old.

We’ve taken a closer look at the NXGN top 50 list and have delved into the six wonderkids who ranked about Mainoo on the list.

Vitor Roque

Considering he’s only 19, Roque has already achieved a hell of a lot in the game. He’s already racked up over 100 professional appearances, has won a league title in Brazil, has been capped by his country and is now starring for Barcelona.

Following some prolific years with Athletico Paranaense, Barcelona were quick to recognise his potential as they agreed a deal for the teenager last summer. He then joined the La Liga outfit in January and hasn’t looked back since.

In his first 11 matches, he’s prominently been used as an impact sub but has managed to bag two goals in that time. Xavi has insisted that the club will be patient with the youngster’s development.

“We will take things slowly with him – he is only 18 years old and we can’t shoulder too much responsibility on him,” Xavi told reporters in January.

“He is doing well, is eager and has adapted very quickly to the group and to training, but we will be cautious.”

Arda Guler

You know the sky is the limit for Guler when he’s already been dubbed as the ‘Turkish Messi’. The 19-year-old made the switch to Real Madrid in the summer and has continued his development in Spain.

A tricky attacking midfielder with a deadly drop of the shoulder, Guler has all the skills to become a world class player in the near future.

Since arriving in Spain, the teenager has made seven senior appearances and has scored one goal. We’re in no doubt that there’s more to come from him in the next few years.

READ: Seven players that snubbed Barcelona to join Real Madrid: Guler, Ozil, Ronaldo….

Mathys Tel

Despite playing a back-up role to Harry Kane, Tel has still managed to grab plenty of headlines this season. The 18-year-old forward is the ultimate super-sub.

Amazingly, 28 of his 33 appearances this season have come from the bench. Considering the lack of stars, it’s impressive that he’s managed to score so many goals.

Across all competitions, he’s bagged eight goals and has provided a further four assists. Taking into consideration his limited minutes, he’s currently averaging a goal contribution every 75.9 minutes. That’s some effort.

The French forward will eventually want to be a starter, but for the time being he seems content with his role. Earlier this month he extended his contract with Bayern until the summer of 2029.

Warren Zaire-Emery

The PSG youngster is ahead of the majority of his age group. At just 18 years old, he’s already established himself as a regular starter at PSG and he’s been fast-tracked into the France squad too.

The young French prospect has already had the seal of approval from his fellow teammate Kylian Mbappe, as he told reporters: “He is fascinating. He is already very mature and he plays with a lot of personality.

“He is a modern midfielder, who isn’t scared of going forward with the ball. What we have to do is accompany him.”

Endrick

Upon moving to Real Madrid for €72million (£61m) Endrick became the fourth most expensive teenager of all time. The hype surrounding the 17-year-old prospect is absolutely off the charts – and for good reason.

He’s already been capped twice by Brazil and looks like a Galactico in the making. The teenager will officially join Real Madrid once he turns 18 in the summer.

We couldn’t be more excited to see him in Europe next season. His goal catalogue from 2023 left us speechless.

READ: Endrick is superhuman – his outrageous 2023 goal catalogue has left us speechless

Lamine Yamal

The La Masia product earned the top spot on the NXGN top 50 list and for good reason. Being just 16 years old, Yamal is the youngest player on this entire list and he’s already a cut above a lot of the competition.

He’s seamlessly filled the void on the right wing which was left by Ousmane Dembele going to PSG and Barcelona fans couldn’t be happier.

In 40 matches this season, he’s chipped in with six goals and seven assists, averaging a goal contribution every 167 minutes. You’d struggle to find a youngster with more potential than Yamal right now.

“It’s been a dream to be able to play for FC Barcelona in front of our fans,” Yamal told the club website earlier this month. “It’s also a unique experience to share a dressing room with world class players. I am really content and happy.

“Everything is all new to me. Nothing like this had ever happened to me. My only intention is to keep playing and enjoying being in the Barca shirt.”

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