Football is always looking for the next big star, and England has no shortage of young talent ready to make their mark. Two rookies, Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United and Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace, are being hailed as potential future superstars. They could follow in the footsteps of Jude Bellingham, who has already significantly impacted the European stage.
Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo in the Golden Boy Rankings
Kobbie Mainoo, who scored for Manchester United in the FA Cup Final, and Adam Wharton, a talented midfielder for Crystal Palace, have both been included in the top 14 rankings for the next edition of the Golden Boy Award. This prestigious award, presented by Turin-based TuttoSport, recognizes European football’s most promising young talents.
Jude Bellingham, now a prominent figure in international football, became the third English player to win the Golden Boy Award in December, following Wayne Rooney and Raheem Sterling. Mainoo and Wharton hope to emulate Bellingham’s success and be named Europe’s next emerging superstars. They have a strong chance, especially if they perform well in the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament.
At the launch event held at the Solomeo estate, owned by fashion mogul Brunello Cucinelli, Golden Boy founder Massimo Franchi praised the young talents. He mentioned that the rankings are based on performances in significant matches. Mainoo and Wharton are impressed with their skills and seen as potential candidates for England’s squad for the Euros. Franchi hinted they might achieve what Bellingham did last year if they continue to shine.
The rankings are determined by a complex algorithm developed by Football Benchmark, which analyzes performances and minutes played. Only players born after January 1, 2004, are eligible. Mainoo’s Manchester United teammate Alejandro Garnacho is currently in third place, with Joao Neves of Benfica in second.
The promise of young English talent
The list of top 25 players includes two other English talents: Rico Lewis from Manchester City, ranked 10th, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, in 15th place. In total, 11 young Premier League players feature in the top 100 names, representing the top domestic leagues in Europe.
Among the notable mentions are Newcastle’s Lewis Miley, 6th, and Lewis Hall, 60th. Brighton also has a strong presence, with four players in the top 100, matching Barcelona’s tally, including full-back Jack Hinshelwood.
Mainoo and Wharton recently made a notable appearance in a warm-up win against Bosnia and Herzegovina, where Wharton debuted as a composed and intelligent substitute. Both players await Gareth Southgate’s final selection for the Euro 2024 squad. Regardless of the selection outcome, their inclusion in the Golden Boy rankings significantly indicates their potential and the bright future of English football.
The recognition these young players receive highlights England’s growing talent pool. With Manchester United’s Mainoo and Crystal Palace’s Wharton leading the way, the future of English football looks promising. Fans and football enthusiasts are eagerly watching these young stars, anticipating their rise to international stardom.
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