Germany’s 7 Of The Best U-21 Talents Featuring Liverpool And Tottenham Targets

The word ‘Germany’ always sounds synonymous with the word ‘development’, not just in terms of technology or machinery but none more so than in the development of young football players and their nurturing. The land has been the abode of blooming youngsters since time immemorial and hasn’t stopped producing them yet. Their World Cup triumph last year wasn’t just an indication of their power but also of their capacity to groom young players. Almost every single German player that was a part of that squad was developed in the Bundesliga. And I bet my life that the Die Mannschaft may just end up winning it again 3 years on in 2018.

And here, we present to you Germany’s 7 best Under 21 talents, who currently ply their trade in the Bundesliga, or elsewhere.

7. Timo Werner- VFB Stuttgart

Here’s a man who may be relatively unknown, when compared to the others, but is just as effective and dangerous as them. Werner is 19 and is a left sided attacker or a striker and is a very difficult customer to deal with, if you’re a full back or a centre half

He’s scored twice and has assisted once for Alex Zorniger’s Mercedes Benz based side, but his abilities are something that tell more about them than his stats. He’s made 5 starts and 3 starts from the bench and has created 9 chances. The Stuttgart number 19 is a very active character and never stands still for a second on the pitch. He’ll always look to do something or the other, either on the ball or off it.

He’s a Spurs target and at the age of 19, his future looks very bright indeed.

6. Maximilian Arnold- Wolfsburg

Here’s a lad who’s overall playing style is engaging and captivating. Arnold is just 21 and is a crucial cog in the wheel of Dieter Hecking’s side, who came close to challenging Bayern Munich for the title last season.

This season, his performances are in need of a bump, but he was among Wolfsburg’s most consistent performers last season despite being just 20 then. Arnold is a central midfielder and alongside players like Luiz Gustavo or Josuha Guilavogui, he has impressed in the midfield after his arrival on the stage in the 2012-13 campaign.

He is someone who’s guaranteed a spot in the first team and performs his job of keeping the Wolfsburg midfield ticking very well. His assuring presence is good in both aspects of play. It acts as an assurance policy for players around him.

5. Emre Can- Liverpool

 

 

Emre Can, the Liverpool starlet, is just 21 years of age and is as versatile a player can actually get. He can play centre back, central midfield, defensive midfield and right back. And apart from Liverpool he has already played for clubs such as Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen, who are rather recognizable and powerhouse clubs of Europe.

Ever since joining Liverpool from Roger Schmidt’s Bayer Arena based side, Can has become Liverpool’s Mr. Reliable, who can slot in at any position the manager wants. During Dejan Lovren’s pathetic run of form, Can stepped up to the plate and proved his worth and later was seen controlling games from the middle of the park too.

A utility player, Can is a grafter and is a player who steps up to the occasion when his side wants him to do the same. He, rightly so, is the most valuable and useful player at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal at Anfield.

4. Matthias Ginter- Borussia Dortmund

Often touted to be one of the best young centre backs in the world during his stint at Freiburg. Ginter has acquired a similar title, but at right back at Borussia Dortmund. The 21 year old, apart from playing at centre back and right back can be deployed as a defensive midfield player too.

From the right back spot, Ginter has racked up 4 assists this season and has scored twice for BVB in all competitions under Thomas Tuchel. Strong aerially and just as strong in the tackle, Ginter has a knack for dictating possession in deeper areas too, allowing the play to build up.

Ginter is confident on the ball and after a rather injury prone and disturbing previous season under Jurgen Klopp, Ginter has proved his worth for the former Mainz manager and has certainly carved out a name, a reputation and a spot for himself in the Dortmund first team. He has even earned a spot in the Germany first team, where he is seen feature regularly.

3. Leroy Sane- FC Schalke

Ever since playing a pivotal part in taking Real Madrid apart last season in the Champions League Knockout stages, Leroy Sane has become a household name for Schalke fans, despite of being just 19 years of age.

Sane, who predominantly features as a left forward for Andre Breitenreiter’s side, has been is some fine nick this season. He has scored thrice and has assisted thrice and is a prime reason why Schalke are as up as 3rd in the standings so far in the Bundesliga. At 19, he’s Schalke’s highest scorer this season, despite coming off the bench in as many as 5 games.

Sane is a character who’s got immense composure and when that couples with his dribbling skill, he can run rings around defenses at will.

2. Max Meyer- FC Schalke

This diminutive midfielder has been making waves and turning heads since the 2013-14 season, when the 21 year old bagged six goals in total and created a total of 35 chances in 30 appearances for the Gelsenkirchen based club.

He has been consistent throughout his career, after his breakout in 2013 and has carried on the form of the previous season to this campaign too. He has registered a goal and an assist so far, creating 10 chances, which is sure to improve taking into account his current age, which is 20.

He’s emerged as a target for Liverpool already and is a wide player by trade but is good just behind the striker too. He’s quick, nippy and his intentful passing and creativity is always a real delight to watch.

1. Jonathan Tah- Bayer Leverkusen

A tall, strong and well built centre back, Jonathan Tah has become a defensive wall for Die Werkself after his low key arrival from Hamburg this past summer. Alongside Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Tah has made a name for himself as being a determined, committed yet cultured defender.

Tah is just 19 and is one of Bundesliga’s best defenders right now, disregarding his tender age. He has appeared 11 times for Schmidt’s men and has clearly exhibited his tackling and ball winning capabilities, winning 72 percent of his headed clearances and winning 50 percent of his tackles.

More so, he’s made 36 interceptions and 33 clearances too. While his Greek defensive partner is more of a combative and aggressive centre half, Tah has a more cultured approach to the game.

A man destined for reaching the very pinnacle of world football, you can refer to Jonathan as the real deal that Leverkusen would certainly be proud to have at this stage.