Youngsters to watch in 2008

You can discuss this article ON OUR MESSAGE BOARD.

Giovani dos Santos, Barcelona

This exciting young Mexican forward is the son of retired Brazilian footballer, Gerardo dos Santos, also known as Zizinho. The 18-year-old was one of the stars of the Mexico team that won the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2005. Giovani has been a regular feature in the Barcelona team this season.

The talented forward has already managed to get four caps for Mexico and has managed to keep Brazilian star Ronaldinho out of the starting XI several times at the Nou Camp this season.

Alexandre Pato, AC Milan

Pato, also known as ‘the duck’, became well know when AC Milan spent £15million to buy him in the summer. Rules stopped the 18-year-old striker from playing for the Italian giants until January 3. AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has high hopes when it comes to the youngster and Brazil coach Dunga has already dubbed Pato ‘the new Ronaldo’.

Karim Benzema, Lyon

Benzema came through the ranks at the French club and have impressed after scoring 12 goals in 16 matches this season. Benzema made his international debut for France in March and has so far scored three goals in eight games for Les Bleus.

The 20-year-old striker has been linked with clubs like Arsenal, Real Madrid, Juventus, Inter Milan, Newcastle and Manchester United in recent months.

Breno, Bayern Munich

Breno is a talented Brazil Under-20 skipper who joined German side Bayern Munich on January 1. The German giants paid Brazilian side Sao Paulo £8.5million for the 18-year-old defender.

Former Bayern Munich striker Giovani Elber says Breno is “an absolutely stunning prospect”.

Bojan Krkic, Barcelona

Krkic has been described as Spain’s answer to Argentine whiz Lionel Messi. The 17-year-old striker has scored over 800 goals in the youth teams at the Catalan club. He became the youngest ever player to feature in a Champions League match in September 2007. He also became Barca’s youngest La Liga goalscorer, a month later.

Stevan Jovetic, Partizan Belgrade

Jovetic is just 18-years-old but has already been linked to several of Europe’s biggest clubs. The highly rated striker was named captain of the Montenegro Under-21, at the age of just 17. Jovetic has already made his full international debut.

Jovetic has been a £7million target for Manchester United, Manchester City and several other clubs.

Lulinha, Corinthians

The 17-year-old Brazilian midfielder managed to score 12 goals in seven matches during the South American U-17 Championships. He went on to become one of the stars of the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Many believe Lulinha could be the long-term successor to Barcelona star Ronaldinho.

Lulinha has been linked with several clubs, including Italian champions Inter Milan.