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      Chelsea wonderkid Charlie Webster, 16, has been labelled the ‘next Jadon Sancho’ and amazed Kevin De Bruyne in KDB Cup

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      THE future’s bright if you’re a Chelsea fan.
      The Blues were enjoying the emergence a number of youth products in their first team earlier this year before coronavirus turned the world upside down.

      Chelsea wonderkid Charlie Webster is wanted by Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Tammy Abraham came of age last season, Reece James showed his mettle, Fikayo Tomori revealed his potential, and Billy Gilmour even had the hard-to-please Roy Keane singing his praises.
      And now, there’s another name you can add to the list of youngsters hoping to get their chance under Frank Lampard.
      England’s Charlie Webster, 16, is a rising star at Stamford Bridge, and is already wanted by Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
      That’s why he’s been dubbed the ‘next Jadon Sancho’.

      MAKING AN IMPRESSION
      Last year, at just 15, Webster had Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne wowed by his ability.
      The setting was the prestigious KDB Cup – an international U15 tournament named after the Belgium ace – with the midfielder as the guest of honour.
      Players from clubs including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and PSG were on show – all desperate to impress.
      It was Chelsea that ended up being victorious – beating Racing Genk on penalties after an exciting 2-2 draw.

      Star of the show was Webster, and his performances didn’t go unnoticed.

      Blues starlet Webster has been called the ‘next Jadon Sancho’

      Webster starred at the KDB Cup in 2019

      He was awarded player of the tournament – winning a golden ball, as well as a signed De Bruyne shirt.
      One feels it could be the first of many awards headed Webster’s way in the future.
      A CULTURED MIDFIELDER
      In similar vein to Billy Gilmour, Webster is a cultured midfielder – good on the ball and smart in possession.
      However, unlike the Scot who prefers to dictate play from deep – Webster likes to get in the box and score goals.
      He started playing football at the Pezzaz Street Soccer academy, which have bases in Wiltshire and Hampshire, before joining Chelsea in 2016 at the age of 12.
      Coaches there believe he has a bright future in the game, and in the past Webster has spoken about his football dream.
      “Obviously, it’s to play for this brilliant club,” he told a reporter at the KDB Cup after starring for the Blues.

      Webster is a cultured midfielder, good on the ball and in possession

      In the past Webster has said it was his dream to play for “brilliant” ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      LEADING BY EXAMPLE
      Webster’s qualities have seen him earmarked as a leader.
      Last year, he captained England’s U16 team in a match against Republic of Ireland – scoring his first international goal.

      He’s also played for the Three Lions’ U17s – coming off the bench in a 4-1 rout over the USA back in February.
      And that was the same month Webster made his U18 Premier League debut for Chelsea against Southampton.
      With Lampard giving the kids a go and with fixtures coming thick and fast this year, it might not be long before Webster gets the opportunity to impress at first team level.

      Webster has captained England at U16 level

      Webster might get his opportunity in the Chelsea first team under boss Frank Lampard

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      Reading’s £40m rated Michael Olise, 18, was released by Chelsea but now is transfer target of top Premier League clubs

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      HE’S only 18, but already Michael Olise is playing with a maturity beyond his years.
      Since making his debut in 2019, the attacking midfielder who can play out wide has come on leaps and bounds for Reading in the Championship.

      Michael Olise is blossoming into one of the best players outside of the Premier LeagueCredit: Rex Features

      Blossoming under the tutelage of Serbian boss Veljko Paunović, his delivery has been his standout attribute as the French U18 international has come of age.
      His form has helped The Royals rise to third in the table, while a host of Premier League club scouts are monitoring Olise closely.
      Wolves were said to have failed in a bid to bring him to Molineux in the summer, and they might just regret that now.
      It’s been said, he could now fetch £30m-£40m in the transfer market, should a Premier League giant want to swoop on the promising talent.

      CITY AND CHELSEA WILL BE KICKING THEMSELVES
      Premier League clubs have had their opportunities with Olise.
      He trained with Chelsea – who currently boast a very competitive academy – until he was released.
      There was also a spell at Manchester City, but that failed to bring anything more concrete for the youngster.

      The French U18 international has attracted interest from Premier League sides including WolvesCredit: Rex Features

      A price tag of £30m-£40m has been placed on Olise’s headCredit: Rex Features

      Olise was once on the books of Chelsea and Manchester CityCredit: Instagram
      In 2016, Reading took him on – and within three years he made his debut against Leeds United.

      But it’s this season he’s grown into one of the most talked about footballers outside the top flight.
      STARRING IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP
      Over the weekend, Olise put on another swashbuckling display in Reading’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
      His superb cross for Michael Morrison’s 53rd-minute goal to make it 2-0 was his fourth assist of the season – joint second in the Championship.
      It was from his cross also in the 16th minute that led to Brice Samba flapping to allow Holmes to head the ball which led to Ryan Yates handling on the line and being sent off with Lucas Joao converting from the spot.
      Former Reading defender Matt Mills said: “For a player of that age and quality, you’ve got to say he’s worth £30m-£40m now.” 
      With the transfer window opening in January, there’s no doubt Olise will attract interest.

      With four assists this campaign, Olise has progressed nicely since his debut in 2019Credit: Rex Features

      Olise has matured this season adding quality in his delivery to his gameCredit: Rex Features

      Teenager Olise has won the praise of Reading boss Veljko Paunović this campaignCredit: Instagram
      BOSS APPRAISAL
      His manager Paunović was full of praise for the teenager’s performance against Forest.
      “Yes, he’s very talented,” he said. “In Michael we have seen a lot of progress this year. He is getting more minutes and competition and surrounded by a very good team – a group of leaders.

      “Experienced guys and younger ones are supporting him, providing him with a structure and the way we play enables him to shine in games like today.
      “But we also know with young players it’s about getting the consistency and maturity to compete on the same level in every single game.
      “That’s something that will come over time and we’ll enjoy his talent when he is at his best delivering for the team.”

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      Arsenal wonderkid Miguel Azeez is set for Europa League debut against Molde and has starred in Adidas ad with Pogba

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      THE future at the Emirates Stadium looks bright. A new wave of young talent is trickling into the first team, with the likes of Joe Willock, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson all getting game time in North London. The Europa League has been kind to Arsenal’s youngsters, with many being blooded into […] More

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      Dortmund sensation Youssoufa Moukoko, 16, makes Bundesliga debut vs Hertha to become youngest German footballer ever

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      YOUSSOUFA MOUKOKO made his long-awaited debut for Borussia Dortmund – smashing a Bundesliga record.
      The outrageously talented striker came off the bench to replace Erling Haaland in the 85th minute against Hertha Berlin – with the eyes of the footballing world upon him.

      Youssoufa Moukoko makes his long-awaited debut for Borussia Dortmund replacing Erling HaalandCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Moukoko has become the youngest ever German pro footballerCredit: AP:Associated Press

      With his brief cameo, the German wonderkid became the youngest ever German pro footballer – having only turned 16 on November 20.
      His debut in the 5-2 win comes after the Bundesliga changed age eligibility rules to allow players younger than the cut off point of 16 and a half to play.
      And there’s every chance he could break another record, after he was included in Dortmund’s Champions League squad back in October.
      The German side face Club Brugge on Tuesday, and if he appears he will become the Champions League’s youngest ever player.

      Moukoko’s appearance tonight was widely expected, and he’s been tipped for the top since he was 12.
      RULE BREAKER
      Unbelievably, Moukoko is so good the Bundesliga changed their age eligibility rules in order to let him play.
      Previously, players have not been allowed to play in Germany’s top-flight until they are 16-and-a-half.
      But such have been the waves caused by Moukoko’s rapid rise, that this has now been lowered to just 16.

      Furthermore, in anticipation of his German debut the live-wire forward was training with Lucien Favre’s first team.
      The original Dortmund record was set by Nuri Sahin back in 2005, when he made his debut at 16 years, 11 months and one day – before going on to play for Real Madrid and Liverpool.

      Striker Moukoko has scored goals for fun at youth levelCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Moukoko averaged a goal or an assist every 40 minutes during the 2019-20 seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Last year, Moukoko signed a 10-year boot deal with Nike worth around £9mCredit: Nike
      The German teen, who signed a boot deal with Nike for 10-years worth a reported £9million in 2019, has left observers flabbergasted by his incredible ability at such a young age.
      But his progress is nothing new.
      GOALS, GOALS, GOALS
      At the age of just 12, pre-teen Moukoko was playing for Dortmund’s under-17s and Germany’s under-16s.
      He scored an astonishing 90 goals in 56 games at under-17 level, before bagging 34 in 20 this season for the under-19s – despite having started the season as a 14-year-old.
      Champions League-winning club legend and youth boss Lars Ricken spoke to German newspaper Bild about Moukoko’s rapid rise.
      “He’s scored a lot of goals, is very inquisitive, hungry for success, hardworking and always comes with a smile that distinguishes him,” he said.
      “That’s what we look at. The tools are there.”

      The Bundesliga lowered the legal age for debutants because of Moukoko’s abilityCredit: Getty – Contributor

      First team striker Erling Haaland welcomes Moukoko to trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HOW OLD IS HE?
      But such success has been quickly met with doubts about his age, even from inside his own club.
      Dortmund’s Under-23s manager Timo Preus said: “With Youssoufa, I can imagine that his age has only been guessed.
      “Maybe in reality he is one or two years older. But certainly he is not 17. For him that is very difficult.
      “There is nothing to blame him for, the boy is not cheating or anything.”
      However, Moukoko’s dad Joseph has been forced to insist his son is the age he claims he is – even if he refuses to get caught up in the tidal wave of excitement surrounding the lad.

      Moukoko jostles for the ball with Dortmund’s Jadon SanchoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Questions have been asked of Moukoko’s ageCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Moukoko Sr said: “His age is right.
      “Immediately after he was was born I registered him at the German consulate in Yaounde. We have a German birth certificate.
      “For me he is not a wonderkid. I was even better as a kid.”
      CONVEYOR BELT OF TALENT
      Dortmund have a rich heritage in bleeding first class youngsters from their youth set-up to the first team.
      Impressive Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old under Thomas Tuchel in 2016.
      And more recently, Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho and Gio Reyna have made fans sit up and take notice of their ability.

      Moukoko is the next big thing in Germany and has the world at his feetCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      14-year-old BVB wonder kid Youssoufa Moukoko’s two goals from Wednesday’s U17 victory…followed by a famous celebration ⭐️💎 pic.twitter.com/2ag5LHCTFa
      — Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) June 7, 2019

      The German giants also spent around £30million on Birmingham City starlet Jude Bellingham, who himself only turned 17 back in June.
      Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said of Moukoko last November: “He’s an outstanding talent and we want him to learn how to train and play with adults.”
      Now he has, the future looks exciting for Dortmund fans.

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      Dortmund wonderkid Moukoko set for Bundesliga debut, has a 10-year boot deal with Nike worth £9m, and is a goal-machine

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      WHERE were you when Youssoufa Moukoko made his debut for Borussia Dortmund?
      That could be the question on every football fans’ lips, if this outrageously talented striker appears for the Bundesliga giants this weekend at Hertha Berlin.

      Dortmund star Youssoufa Moukoko has turned 16 and could appear for the Bundesliga giants against Hertha Berlin this weekendCredit: Getty – Contributor

      The German wonderkid is now of age to play first team football, after the Bundesliga changed age eligibility rules.
      And there’s every chance he will be included in the first team squad, having already been in Dortmund’s Champions League squad back in October.
      If he does appear, he will be the youngest ever person to play a professional match in Germany.
      Then, if he faces Club Brugge three days later, he will become the Champions League’s youngest ever player.

      RULE BREAKER
      Unbelievably, Moukoko is so good the Bundesliga have changed their age eligibility rules in order to let him play.
      Previously, players have not been allowed to play in Germany’s top-flight until they are 16-and-a-half.
      But such have been the waves caused by Moukoko’s rapid rise, that this has now been lowered to just 16, which he turns on November 20.
      Furthermore, in anticipation of his German debut the live-wire forward has been training with Lucien Favre’s first team.

      The current Dortmund record was set by Nuri Sahin back in 2005, when he made his debut at 16 years, 11 months and one day – before going on to play for Real Madrid and Liverpool.

      Striker Moukoko has scored goals for fun at youth levelCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Moukoko averaged a goal or an assist every 40 minutes during the 2019-20 seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Last year, Moukoko signed a 10-year boot deal with Nike worth around £9mCredit: Nike
      The German teen, who signed a boot deal with Nike for 10-years worth a reported £9million in 2019, has left observers flabbergasted by his incredible ability at such a young age.
      But his progress is nothing new.
      GOALS, GOALS, GOALS
      At the age of just 12, pre-teen Moukoko was playing for Dortmund’s under-17s and Germany’s under-16s.
      He scored an astonishing 90 goals in 56 games at under-17 level, before bagging 34 in 20 this season for the under-19s – despite having started the season as a 14-year-old.
      And after the Bundesliga’s new ruling, dubbed the “Moukoko rule”, he could make his first-team bow in the winter – and become Dortmund’s youngster-ever player.
      Champions League-winning club legend and youth boss Lars Ricken spoke to German newspaper Bild about Moukoko’s rapid rise.
      “He’s scored a lot of goals, is very inquisitive, hungry for success, hardworking and always comes with a smile that distinguishes him,” he said.
      “That’s what we look at. The tools are there.”

      The Bundesliga lowered the legal age for debutants because of Moukoko’s abilityCredit: Getty – Contributor

      First team striker Erling Haaland welcomes Moukoko to trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HOW OLD IS HE?
      But such success has been quickly met with doubts about his age, even from inside his own club.
      Dortmund’s Under-23s manager Timo Preus said: “With Youssoufa, I can imagine that his age has only been guessed.
      “Maybe in reality he is one or two years older. But certainly he is not 17. For him that is very difficult.
      “There is nothing to blame him for, the boy is not cheating or anything.”
      However, Moukoko’s dad Joseph has been forced to insist his son is the age he claims he is – even if he refuses to get caught up in the tidal wave of excitement surrounding the lad.

      Moukoko jostles for the ball with Dortmund’s Jadon SanchoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Questions have been asked of Moukoko’s ageCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Moukoko Sr said: “His age is right.
      “Immediately after he was was born I registered him at the German consulate in Yaounde. We have a German birth certificate.
      “For me he is not a wonderkid. I was even better as a kid.”
      CONVEYOR BELT OF TALENT
      Dortmund have a rich heritage in bleeding first class youngsters from their youth set-up to the first team.
      Impressive Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old under Thomas Tuchel in 2016.
      And more recently, Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho and Gio Reyna have made fans sit up and take notice of their ability.

      Moukoko is the next big thing in Germany and has the world at his feetCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      14-year-old BVB wonder kid Youssoufa Moukoko’s two goals from Wednesday’s U17 victory…followed by a famous celebration ⭐️💎 pic.twitter.com/2ag5LHCTFa
      — Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) June 7, 2019

      The German giants also spent around £30million on Birmingham City starlet Jude Bellingham, who himself only turned 17 back in June.
      Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said of Moukoko last November: “He’s an outstanding talent and we want him to learn how to train and play with adults.”
      And thanks to the “Moukoko rule”, this November it appears that Zorc can get his wish.

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      Barcelona wonderkid Alejandro Balde, 17, promoted to first team by Ronald Koeman is ready to push Alba for starting spot

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      HE’s ready.
      Barcelona boss and club legend Ronald Koeman knows a good defender when he sees one.

      Highly-rated Alejandro Balde is ready to star for BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Balde has been promoted to Barcelona’s first team by boss Ronald KoemanCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      As an unconventionally attacking centre half, the Dutchman offered as much going forward as he did marshalling his defence.
      And that’s exactly what he sees in exciting left-back Alejandro Balde, 17, who has the Spanish press purring over his ability.
      The promising teenager is as renowned for his marauding runs forward as he is at picking the pockets of forwards that come up against him.
      It’s because of his outstanding ability, Koeman has promoted Balde to his first team.

      GOING BALDE
      One wonderkid’s misfortune is another’s gain.
      This week, Ansu Fati, the potential heir to Lionel Messi’s throne, was ruled out of action for four months after suffering a knee injury against Real Betis in a 5-2 win.
      Rather than seek answers outside the club and draw a list of potential replacements for the January transfer window, Barcelona promoted from within.
      Balde will now get his chance, partly because the Spanish giants are skint after the coronavirus pandemic has left them in financial dire straits.

      But mostly because he’s THAT good.

      Barcelona’s official website describes Balde as “explosive”Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Balde is ready to push Jordi Alba for a first team spot for club and countryCredit: Instagram @abalde11

      A marauding left back, Balde is renowned for being lightning quickCredit: Instagram @abalde11
      Described as “explosive” on Barcelona’s website, he is expected to push Jordi Alba for a first team spot.
      ESPANYOL
      Balde has been tipped as being good enough to already play for a Barcelona side that’s been beleaguered by internal squabbling in the board room and poor form on the pitch, by the media in Spain.
      Until 2011 he was on the books of Barça’s crosstown rivals Espanyol, where he initially blossomed.
      Impressed by what they saw in a game against them, coaches at the Camp Nou lured him to their La Masia academy the age of eight.
      His steady progress has seen Balde work his way up the ranks, even drawing interest from Premier League giants Liverpool and Chelsea.
      He’s also represented Spain up to Under-18 level.
      THROWN IN AT THE DEEP END
      With Barcelona sitting in eighth place in LaLiga and struggling to find any sort of cohesion in what clearly looks like a transition season for the club, Balde may be set for his first team bow soon.
      After the international break, the Catalans will square off against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, which is always a feisty affair.

      Balde has starred for Spain at youth levelCredit: PA:Press Association

      Balde could be set for a baptism of fire if he makes his debut against Atletico MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Desperate for a win, it could be too big a game to blood Balde in from the start.
      However, his fresh legs just before the final whistle might just give the opposition something to think about.
      Especially, if he’s rampaging down the left-hand side with Barcelona holding a lead in the final moments and playing keep ball.

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