Thinking only about recent times ( back in the day, the likes of Georgie Best etc were wonder players) i`d pick a couple of youngsters whose talent displayed on the day I watched them was immense. It was in 2021, when they were 17 and 18 respectively. Both were playing for Manchester United`s u-21`s in a Prem2 game at Lancashire FA.
Shola Shoretire, a wonderkid if ever there was one. Ball control and attacking instinct on another level. Convinced that I was watching an upcoming England (senior) team star. Scored a hat-trick.
Alvaro Fernandez, a Spaniard, unbelievable maturity and composure plus the kind of speed and accurate crossing you dream of in a wing back.
Shoretire went on to play for the senior team at Old Trafford but, only once. Inexplicable drop in form saw him loaned to Bolton Wanderers where he failed to make a solid impression scoring just once. I don`t even know what he`s up to right now - might be without a team !
Fernandez never made an appearance for the Man Utd first team and was loaned to PNE where he had a full season and played well. Subsequently loaned to Benfica where he`s appeared for the first team half a dozen times. Man Utd contract ends this May.
Just goes to show, even lads on apparent gilt-edged platforms, who appear to be world beaters in their teens, have a long and very windy road ahead to truly make it to the big time. Sometimes talent, even top-rate talent, isn`t enough.
In terms of ability and entertainment, both the lads I watched on that day treated the punters to a talent show of the highest quality. There`s a lot of talent out there right now, good luck to all the youngsters trying their best to become the most talented player you have yet to see in person !