By Curtis Bagley

Young Scottish sensation, Karamoko Dembele has taken the footballing world by storm, making his debut for the Scotland under 20’s side at just the age of 13. Here are five of the world’s most promising young players right now that you may not be aware of just yet.

1. Youri Tielemans

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Youri Tielemans is said to be one of the most exciting young prospects in Belgian football, teasing the likes of Dortmund, Chelsea, and both Manchester clubs. The 18 year old currently plays for Belgian giants, Anderlecht. The midfielder made his break into the first team in a league game against Lokeren, aged 16. In the following season, Tielemans made his first appearance in the Champions League game against Olympiakos, making him the youngest Belgian to play in the competition. The Anderlecht star made his international debut for the Belgium on the 10th November 2016, in a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands. The 18 year old isn’t shy of finding the back of the net either. He has netted over 20 times from holding midfield in his career already, with many comparing Tielemans to Frank Lampard.

2. Renato Sanches

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After signing for Bayern Munich during the summer for a staggering €35 million, the 19-year-old was part of Portugal’s European Championship winning squad. He became the youngest Portuguese player to win a major trophy and he also picked up the prize ‘young player of the tournament’… not a bad international tournament debut? Sanches started his career at Benfica where he came through the ranks as a central midfielder. He has also been named ‘Golden boy’ of the year for 2016, an award in the past won by Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Paul Pogba. If he follows the same path as those three, Sanches will be one of the world’s best players in years to come.

3. Mahmoud Dahoud

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Syrian born Mahmoud Dahoud is definitely one to watch. Currently at Borussia Monchengladbach, Dahoud moved to Germany at a young age, and now qualifies to play for the German national team. Dahoud started his career at Fortuna Dusseldorf before making a move to Gladbach in 2010, aged 14. Five seasons later, after impressing in the academy ranks, Dahoud got his call up to the first team in a 7-0 Europa League win. After becoming a regular under manager Andre Schubert, Dahoud received a standing ovation from the Eintracht Frankfurt supporters after delivering a conquering performance against them, scoring once and setting up another two in a 5-1 victory. The centre midfielder has yet to make his international breakthrough, but is sure to be on his way having made appearances for the German under 18, 19 and 21 teams.

4. Breel Embolo

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After just four years in the FC Basel Academy, Cameroon born Breel Embolo made a break into the first team, in a Europa League clash against Red Bull Salzburg. Embolo is a very accomplished striker who knows where the net is. Breel scored 21 goals in 61 appearances catching the attention of many major clubs. He finally got his big money move to German side Schalke 04, for around £20 million. The exciting hotshot has yet to make a huge impact at the German club due to injury. Although Breel was born in Cameroon, he is eligible to play for Switzerland due to moving there at the age of 6, and has 15 caps under his belt, establishing himself as the first choice swiss striker.

5. Gianluigi Donnarumma

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Last but certainly not least, is young Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Donnarumma is arguably one of the most impressive youngsters from the list. At only 17 years of age, he is already established as AC Milan’s first team keeper. The youngster looks to be number one choice to take over the goalkeeper reign of the Italy first team, when the great Gigi Buffon retires…big gloves to fill! The 6’5 towering goalkeeper only spent two years in the AC Milan academy before making his progress into the first team squad. Gianluigi has already made over 40 appearances for the Red and Black Devils and has found his way into the Italy team already winning two caps. He is the youngest ever goalkeeper to play for Italy. Very impressive!