The first matches of the new Europa League season arrive a couple weeks from now, as clubs will once again battle for glory in the continental stage.
Much like its big brother in the Champions League, this season’s competition will feature a revamped format. Aside from the new set of regulations, there is also the new breed of players just biding their time before they break out of their shell—if they haven’t already—and show everyone that the future has arrived.
If it’s not obvious by now, there’s an abundance of mavericks and young stars that’s entrenched within the 36 teams involved in this festive European contest. Now either they’re chasing for the trophy or just wanting to get their feet wet, one thing’s for certain: we will all be hearing their names for years to come.
Jorrel Hato (Ajax)
The Dutch Eridivisie has been a bedrock for young up-and-comers for years on end. Ajax, PSV, Feyenoord and so on—if you’re looking for future talents that’ll aid your side, then you could do worse than scout over the Netherlands.
For Ajax—the country’s most successful club—the amount of young players their youth academy has produced, most of whom have made a name for themselves in bigger leagues, is countless.
The likes of Johann Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Dennis Bergkamp and Clarence Seedorf are just some examples in the long list of names that have graced the club’s legendary training grounds.
Jorrel Hato, 18, is aiming to follow suit.
One of the most exciting prospects and sought-after young defenders, Hato is a centre-half that possess all the qualities a future star has to offer.
A natural-born leader, Jorrel Hato has been a captain for the majority of his young career.
Despite Ajax suffering their worst league finish in 24 years, Hato was a bright spot amidst a difficult time. Last season, the 18-year-old completed the third-most passes and had the highest completion percentage. He’s also versatile at the back, able to play both as a centre-back and a left-back.
Important qualities needed for a defender are also present within Hato. Yes, he’s still raw in some areas given his young age, but his bravery, calmness, passing and ability with the ball are all there.
He’s already attracted interest from some big teams, like Arsenal. But for now, Amsterdam will retain his services.
Amad Diallo (Manchester United)
The SBOTOP Europa League 2024 odds have the Red Devils as one of the favourites to lift the title. And although they are not having the best start to their season so far, Manchester United are not short on youngsters that are ready to take the next big leap in their careers.
One of whom is Amad Diallo, the 22-year-old product of the Atalanta youth system. Regardless of United’s troubles in front and on the wings, it is with absolute certainty that Amad will be a huge part of the squad moving forward.
Trust us on this one, he will surely boss the pitch with plenty of Europa League 2024 highlights.
A technical dribbler that plays on both ends of the pitch, with enough skill and ability to create or score chances on the regular, he ended Liverpool’s FA Cup run last season when he scored a 121st-minute winner to send United to the semi-final. Had his season wasn’t hampered by injuries, then he could’ve really thrived last time out.
Amad has already scored a goal in the new Premier League season, and despite it ending in a loss, plaudits were given to the Ivorian midfielder.
Tom Bischof (TSG Hoffenheim)
German football has produced legendary midfielders that can do it all. Toni Kroos, Thomas Muller, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Ilkay Gundogan, Mesut Ozil; I could go all day and this list will not end.
Following in their footsteps is Hoffenheim’s Tom Bischof, the 18-year-old wonderkid that is touted as a future star due to his playmaking abilities as a number 10.
German giants such as Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have been closely following Bischof’s rise, and rightfully so, his future is blindingly bright.
He is a creative orchestrator that can also play out wide, having brilliant ball control and the knack to score from long range and set pieces.
Last season, Bischof appeared in 13 games for Hoffenheim, contributing a couple of assists. He’s yet to feature so far because of an injury, but make no mistake, Bischof is one to look out for.
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