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      Barcelona wonderkid Gavi, 17, has been likened to Spain legend Xavi and is the future of Catalan giants’ midfield

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      IT’S not all doom and gloom at Barcelona.The Catalans may have fallen from grace after financial issues robbed them of Lionel Messi, and were on the receiving end of a Champions League thumping at home to Bayern Munich in their opening group game.
      Barcelona wonderkid Gavi provided a star turn against Bayern Munich as a subCredit: AFP
      Midfielder Gavi has been tipped as the next Xavi at the Nou CampCredit: Getty
      But, with one eye on the future, the match gave the struggling LaLiga club an opportunity to bleed a youngster that’s going to be integral to their success moving forward.
      In the 59th minute, boss Ronald Koeman brought teen wonderkid Gavi, 17, on for stalwart Sergio Busquets.
      15 minutes later, the attacking midfielder tried to burst through the Germans defence before he was expertly stopped by Dayot Upamecano. However, the potential was there to see and the crowd responded every time he touched the ball.
      Perhaps he was lucky to stay on the field after consecutive fouls on Thomas Muller and Dayot Upamecano, but fans were already buoyed by what they had seen.
      Gavi, who has been likened to Spain legend Xavi, is the future of Barça’s midfield.
      ARRIVED FROM BETIS
      Although he already appears to have the Barcelona style of play engrained in his DNA, he didn’t join La Masia until he was 11.
      Originally from Los Palacios y Villafrance, some 18 miles outside of Seville, Gavi’s technical ability made him a standout.
      He played for Real Betis, scoring 96 goals in youth football, and getting scouted by Villarreal, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.
      But in 2005, it was Barcelona who convinced the talent his future belonged at the Nou Camp.
      Gavi, playing against Real Madrid as a kid, signed for Barcelona aged 11Credit: Instagram / @pablogavi10
      Gavi played last season in a mask after breaking his jawCredit: Getty
      “He is so technically gifted,” his former La Masia coach Franc Artiga told Goal.
      “He is capable of changing a what he is about to do in tenths of a second, and improvising under any circumstance of the game.
      “It is very difficult to find a player with these abilities, and with this speed of execution.”
      Gavi rose through the ranks and skipped U18 football to go straight into the U19 team last term.
      “Physically, this year he has evolved a lot,” Artiga said.
      “He has made the change and is now a very strong player.
      “This physique complements his technical quality and decision making. He now has the quality to protect the ball. His lower body helps him and has made him more competitive in the youth teams.”
      ‘HYPERCOMPETITIVE’
      As was proven by his over-eagerness in the tackle against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night, Gavi’s competitive nature can get the best of him in the pitch.
      “He  is hypercompetitive,” Artiga revealed.
      “He is one of the most competitive players I know. That is something you have to stabilise.
      “He has improved a lot in the control of his emotions. He is always on top of them, while keeping a winning mentality until the last minute. He still, though, has room for improvement in this.”
      Last season, Gavi appeared for the Barcelona B team twice before he was promoted to the first team for this summer’s preseason friendlies.
      It was against VfB Stuttgart in a 3-0 friendly win, where he earned comparisons to ex-Barcelona star Xavi.
      So far, he has only appeared once in LaLiga – playing in the 2-1 win over Getafe replacing Sergi Roberto in the 73rd minute this season.
      Gavi’s cameo against Bayern Munich had fans on their feetCredit: Rex
      Competitive Gavi does sometimes let his emotions get the better of him on the football pitchCredit: Getty

      But, they’re easing him in gentle. After all, there is the belief he will be gracing the Nou Camp for years to come.
      Artiga divulged: “He plays and executes on instinct. More experience will help him be able to read the game, and not act so much on instinct.
      “We have to be patient, we have to let him reach certain objectives.
      “If we do things well and have a good environment, we will have Gavi for many years.”
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      Reiss Nelson’s amazing 2018 prediction for Bukayo Saka revealed as Arsenal starlet picks out his next rising wonderkid

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      ARSENAL youngster Reiss Nelson knew Bukayo Saka would become a superstar – making a huge prediction three years ago.The winger, 21, told the press to ‘watch out’ for the future England international, 20 – and now he’s made another big call.
      Reiss Nelson knew Bukayo Saka would become a superstarCredit: Getty
      And Nelson has backed Charlie Patino to flourish at ArsenalCredit: Getty
      As quoted by Football London’s Chris Wheatley, Nelson told journalist David Ornstein in 2018: “There’s only one you should watch out for: and it’s Saka.”
      Saka was a promising Arsenal reserve at the time, making his senior debut in a Europa League match against Vorskla Poltava in November 2018.
      Nelson, who is currently on loan at Dutch side Feyenoord, had already broken into the first-team under ex-Gunners boss Unai Emery.
      Saka has since become an Arsenal favourite, playing 62 Premier League games and winning the club’s Player of the Season award last term.
      He’s also become an England regular, earning 11 senior caps and helping Gareth Southgate’s team reach the final of Euro 2020.
      Fans were loving the news of Nelson’s correct call on social media, with one tweeting: “Reiss Nelson, new head scout?”

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      While another replied: “Reiss will be a fantastic player, too. I’m sure of that. He just needs to play consistently and find form.”
      And – according to Wheatley – Nelson has made another prediction, telling the public to ‘remember’ Charlie Patino’s name.
      The midfielder, 17, has been dubbed Arsenal’s next wonderkid and signed his first professional contract with the club last October.
      Patino made his pro debut on Tuesday evening, captaining Arsenal’s U23 team in their 2-1 Papa John’s Trophy defeat to Swindon Town.
      The teenager has been compared to Manchester City talent Phil Foden and is said to be even better than Gunners legend Jack Wilshere was at 16.
      Reiss knows a star when he sees one.Arsenal fan on Twitter
      Arsenal signed Patino from EFL outfit Luton Town in 2015 for £10,000, with his father Julio admitting it was ‘time to move on’.
      Speaking to the Luton Herald & Post at the time: “Opportunities like this don’t come too often so you’ve got to take them and we’re absolutely delighted for him.
      “When clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City, Tottenham, come knocking on your door, there’s a reason behind it and you can’t just say ‘no thanks, I’m quite happy where I am’.
      “Luton Town didn’t want to lose Charlie, they absolutely love him there, but they realised for him to develop further he needs to move on.”
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      Barcelona kid Yusuf Demir, 18, is the youngest foreign debutant to play for the LaLiga giants since Messi

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      TEENAGE sensations will have to be Barcelona’s bread and butter moving forward.The cash-strapped Catalans are having to rely on youngsters as boss Ronald Koeman attempts to rebuild the club’s reputation, after a poor season domestically and in Europe.
      Yusuf Demir, 18, became the youngest foreign debutant since Lionel Messi when he appeared against Athletic Bilbao over the weekendCredit: Getty
      Demir, pictured with Barcelona president Joan Laporta, has joined the Catalans on an initial loan deal
      Pedri, 18, has already shown what a talent he is – as one of Barça’s standouts in another dismal campaign, as well as a star-turn at the Euros for Spain.
      But on the other wing, it’s Yusuf Demir who could join the little playmaker in terrorising LaLiga defences.
      The Austrian born wideman, 18, made his debut for the fallen giants in a 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao over the weekend.
      His teasing appearance at such a tender age saw Demir become the youngest foreigner to play for the club since Lionel Messi in 2004.
      It’s no surprise than he’s already drawing comparisons to the legendary Argentinian.
      LOAN TO BUY
      Effectively, Demir is currently on loan to Barcelona from Rapid Vienna in a deal that includes a £9million option to buy next summer.
      But Koeman had no worries about throwing the talent into the deep end at the fiery San Mames stadium with the scores level.
      “Demir has had a hard time in the big San Mames stadium because he’s still very young,” the Dutch coach said after the game.
      “But it is very good for him to have made his debut here to begin to adapt to football of this level.”
      Demir has revealed it’s an honour to play for BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      Demir, himself, was equally as buzzing about making his bow.
      “It’s an honour for me to play for this beautiful club,” he told Barça TV.
      “It feels like a kid’s dream come true. I worked really hard to reach this stage and I’m really happy to make my debut”.
      ESTABLISHED IN AUSTRIA
      Demir was born in Vienna to Turkish parents.
      He was signed by Rapid in 2013 aged just 10, before making his debut as a 17-year-old in the Austrian Bundesliga.
      Soon, his ability had attracted a host of scouts from clubs including Borussia Dortmund, Red Bull Salzburg and Inter Milan.
      But, he only had eyes for the Blaugrana when Rapid revealed they were willing to cash in on their prized asset.
      “I only want to play for Barcelona,” he reportedly told his bosses, as per Mundo Deportivo.
      Some 31 games and six goals later, he was loaned to Barca, who couldn’t afford the transfer fee to buy him this year.
      Last season, Demir played for Rapid Vienna in the Europa LeagueCredit: PA
      Brilliant teen Demir scored six times in 31 games for Rapid Vienna, after making his debut at 17
      BLISTERING START
      It is expected that Demir will play most of his football with Barcelona’s B team in the Segunda Division.
      However, after impressing Koeman over pre-season he might’ve forced his way into the ex-Everton manager’s first team plans.
      The confident kid first dazzled fans in a game against Gimnastic in July. He then went on to play a part in four more friendlies.
      It’s astonishing that within a month of his arrival he had already impressed Koeman enough to be handed a chance.
      Demir has been used as a midfielder, winger on the left and right, as well as a forward.
      His versatility could be key to his success at the Nou Camp.
      Demir’s versatility makes him a genuine possibility for a first team spot under Ronald KoemanCredit: Rex
      If he’s a success, Barcelona have the option of signing him for £9millionCredit: Getty

      And he’s proving himself to be popular amongst his peers already. He was one of the few players invited to Messi’s farewell dinner at his home, before his PSG departure.
      While his cheeky and irreverent personality has already endeared him to team-mates.
      A few impressive performances for Barcelona, and he will prove just as much a hit with the fans too.
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      Man Utd target Pape Matar Sarr, 18, is the Metz wonderkid who came through the same African football club as Sadio Mane

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      FORGET Eduardo Camavinga, it’s Pape Matar Sarr who is the most sought after teen in French football right now.The 18-year-old Metz star, who can play anywhere across the midfield, has plenty of suitors.
      Pape Matar Sarr, 18, is wanted by Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester CityCredit: AFP
      Midfield powerhouse Sarr has exploded on to the scene in French footballCredit: AFP
      Manchester United are the latest club to be linked with the £40million-rated youngster.
      Chelsea, Manchester City, and Real Madrid are also all hot on the trail of the generational talent after he broke through at the Ligue 1 club during the last campaign.
      Back in March, Sarr made his international debut for Senegal as he continued his rapid rise.
      Like Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, he began his football career in the Generation Foot academy – an African football club who has also produced Watford’s Ismaila Sarr and former West Ham striker Diafra Sakho.
      EXPLOSIVE START
      In September 2020 Metz brought in Sarr from Generation Foot on a five-year deal.
      While it wasn’t a headline signing, the Ligue 1 club had hopes high hopes for him.
      Initially, he was sent to play for Metz’s reserves in the Championnat National 2.
      But after just one game in which he stood out head and shoulders above the rest, he was promoted to the first team.
      However, with the coronavirus halting the footballing landscape, Sarr had to wait for his first team opportunity.
      Sarr began his football career in SenegalCredit: Instagram
      Like Sadio Mane, Sarr trained with the Generation Foot AcademyCredit: AFP – Getty
      At just 18 Sarr has established himself in the Metz first teamCredit: Getty
      Back in November, he made his debut against Brest. Just a few months later, he scored his first in the reverse fixture in a 4-2 win.
      He has since established himself as a first team regular – appearing 25 times already for the club, despite his tender years.

      PLENTY OF ATTRIBUTES
      Physically, he was certainly ready for his chance.
      At around 6ft tall, he cuts a gangly figure. But Sarr is tough in the tackle and excels in aerial duels.
      Used primarily as a box-to-box midfielder, he possesses a good shot.
      For a young player, his concentration levels are also excellent which means he understands his defensive duties too.
      Going forward he can score goals and had four to his name last season.
      Metz academy manager Olivier Perrin was responsible in bringing Sarr to the club, after seeing him progress at Generation Foot, where the French coach managed for five years until 2018.
      Perrin told Senego: “I immediately said to myself that he was a top player, with a very high-level (with regards to) reading and analysing the game. He is (like) Miralem Pjanic.
      French coach Olivier Perrin saw Sarr’s potential at Generation Football during his time thereCredit: AFP – Getty
      Sarr has been used a box-to-box midfielder by Metz, but could play anywhere across the midfieldCredit: Getty
      “He can play in a system with two number 10’s, he can be middle and box-to-box, he can be 10, 6, it depends on the coaches.”
      ROOTS IN AFRICA
      Sarr has come a long way since his debut in Senegal’s top flight at the tender age of just 15.
      With Generation Foot, who are a feeder club for Metz, he established himself as one of his country’s most promising players.
      Six U17 caps and three goals followed, before it was clear he was ready for a bigger stage.
      Soon after, he broke into the Metz side his country came calling.
      Sarr made his Senegal debut in an AFCON 2021 qualifier against Congo back in March, and is now a regular international.
      Back in March, Sarr made his international debut for SenegalCredit: Instagram
      Combative Sarr would be a hit in the Premier League due to his playing styleCredit: AFP

      Everything he has done so far in his career, he has done fast. And his current coach Frédéric Antonetti is full of praise for his starlet.
      “Pape Matar Sarr is elegance in the midfield, it’s talent, it’s making others play,” he said.
      And if he decides to make others play on our shores, then we’d be very lucky to have him.
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      Erling Haaland’s Premier League title dream with Leeds Utd, after dad Alf-Inge starred at Elland Road

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      HISTORY remembers the Haaland name with a wince.That eye-watering tackle from Roy Keane on Manchester City’s Alf-Inge Haaland in 2001 saw the surname go down in legend, linked with pity and pain.
      Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland is a target for Europe’s top clubsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Leeds legend Alf-Inge Haaland is Erling’s fatherCredit: Refer to Caption
      But that has quickly been forgotten about. Now Alf-Inge’s son, Erling Haaland is the hottest striker in Europe and tracked by a number of clubs, including Chelsea.
      The Borussia Dortmund striker, still only 20, has been one of the Bundesliga’s most-feared marksman after signing from Red Bull Salzburg for £18m in 2020.
      In one and a half seasons he scored 57 goals in just 59 games, which is why teams are willing to pay over £100million to secure his services.
      Few can forget his debut – coming on as a second half substitute against Augsburg and scoring a hat-trick within 23 minutes.
      He’s only the second player in Dortmund history to score three times on his debut – the other being Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
      But that’s nothing for the hulking great teen, who first hit the headlines when he struck NINE goals in one game at the Under-20 World Cup for Norway in 2019.
      Haaland is the hottest property in world football right nowCredit: Getty
      This summer a transfer scramble is expected for Haaland’s signatureCredit: https://www.instagram.com/erling.haaland/
      Norway pummelled Honduras 12-0 with Haaland’s treble hat-trick seeing the nation go out on a high as they finished third in the group and were eliminated.
      Blessed with power and pace, he may still be far from the finished product — yet his appearance suggests he is already there.
      A giant of a man at 6ft 4in, the Yorkshire-born forward has already bulked-up and uses his size to his advantage, bullying and bashing his way past defenders.
      HAAL OF FAME
      But to think of Haaland as a traditional bulldozer would be a mistake.
      Roy Keane caught Alf-Inge Haaland on the knee with this horrendous challenge in 2001Credit: Sky
      Haaland joined Dortmund in 2020 for £18mCredit: AFP
      On his debut against Augsburg Haaland scored a hat-trick in just 23 minutesCredit: AFP or licensors
      At 6ft 4in Haaland is built like a battering ramCredit: AP:Associated Press
      He possesses a classy touch and clinical finish, a style that has seen Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who coached the prospect at Molde, compare him to a former Old Trafford favourite.
      Solskjaer said: “He will be at the top of the game for sure. He reminds me of Romelu Lukaku.”
      At around the same age, Lukaku made the move to the Premier League when he joined Chelsea.
      Haaland could be given a similar opportunity soon.
      Manchester United were aware of Haaland’s talents when he played at Molde, and regularly sent scouts to check his progress.

      Haaland was a target for Man Utd who have missed out on him twiceCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Haaland was born in Yorkshire as his father Alf-Inge played for LeedsCredit: Instagram @erling.haaland
      Erling Haaland has been stand-out performer for Dortmund scoring 57 goals in all competitions since his arrivalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      They once saw Haaland score every goal in a 4-0 win, but have missed out on signing him twice.
      First, he moved to Red Bull Salzburg in 2019, then after banging 29 goals in 27 games in Austrian football – Dortmund had seen enough to pip Solskjaer to his signature.
      However, the prospect of Haaland ending up on the red side of Manchester may be uncomfortable for his dad who spent three years at City.
      Up to now, the youngster has tread a similar path.
      Haaland began his career in the same place as Alf-Inge, with Norwegian side Bryne FK who play in the nation’s second tier before moving to Molde.
      And his next move could be to the Premier League, and if he wants to appease his dad, he’ll be leading the line at Elland Road.
      “The dream is to win the Premier League with Leeds,” Haaland once told Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten.
      Haaland is a powerful striker with a classy touch and clinical finishCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Haaland’s dad Alf-Inge in action against his nemesis Roy KeaneCredit: PA:Press Association
      Haaland dreams of winning the Premier League with LeedsCredit: Instagram
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