Weekly European Football Scouting - Mario Gotze, Julian Draxler & More!
In this article I list certain young footballers that play their trade in Europe and that I feel will be moving onto bigger and better things in the future.
In this article I list certain young footballers that play their trade in Europe and that I feel will be moving onto bigger and better things in the future. Some are nearly there in making a name for themselves already, others are still working hard at trying to make a name for themselves on the big stage. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the read. Name: Mario Gotze Age: 19 Club: Borussia Dortmund Position: Midfielder Nationality: German Gotze is just 19 years of age yet is playing first team football for one of the top clubs in Europe and participating in one of the most prestigious events in the world, in the Champions League. Blessed with remarkable vision, abundance, flair and skill Gotze is seen as an all-round type of midfield player. Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has described him as a "wonderkid" and he's already had interest from teams such as Arsenal, Sevilla and Bayern Munich. Still just a teenager he has capped Germany nine times and has scored twice. All this and not even in his 20's yet - some talent eh? Whether Mario will stay with Dortmund next summer is questionable as he could easily have his head turned to a bigger club sooner or later. He's a much wanted player - no surprise with fifteen assists and six goals last campaign in the Bundesliga. Jurgen Klopp will be hoping he can hang onto Mario for just that little bit longer but with such high-profile clubs interested it may end in tears for Borussia Dortmund fans. He's gradually making a name for himself and if he can string together another good season this year then who know's what could happen. A truly wonderful talent and seen as the future successor to Mezut Ozil. Name: Yaroslav Rakitskiy Age: 22 Club: Shakhtar Donetsk Position: Defender Nationality: Ukranian A tall, powerful, strong centre back who prides himself on a no-nonsense, tough style of play. The heart and engine of the Shakhtar defence. Named in the Euro under 21 Championships Team of the Tournament and has already made his senior debut for the national team. Another who is a first team regular at one of Europe's top clubs and is also participating in the Champions League this season, like Gotze. Rakitskiy coped well last season in the competition as Donetsk got to the quarter-finals only to lose to Barcelona (see above). Not many know about Rakitskiy - not sure why. He's still only young and isn't playing in a more well known league such as La Liga or Premier League. He has masses of potential and grace on the ball - he'll soon be a regular in the Ukranian national team - that's for sure. One of Ukraine's biggest prospects and seems to be enjoying life with Shakhtar in Donetsk. Name: Julian Draxler Age: 17 Club: Schalke Position: Midfielder Nationality: German Another German youngster - this time in the name of Julian Draxler - a ball playing, elegant midfielder who plays for Schalke in the Bundesliga. With experience on the international stage, in the Champions League and in the Bundesliga, Draxler is no fool when it comes to the big games. At just 17 he possesses a good, strong physique and this is often used to Schalke's advantage by boss Horst Heldt. But he's got more to his game than just ariel threat. He has fantastic vision, excellent passing abilty, thunderous long-range shots and is usually found most effective out wide where he can take an opponent on; something he is very good at. Draxler isn't all about attacking - though - as he can defend well, too. He can fill in as a full back if needs be and this kind of versatility helps him with his game. He should be starting more games under Hurdst this term so look out for him - remember the name - Julian Draxler. Name: Emmanuel Frimpong Age: 19 Club: Arsenal Position: Midfielder Nationality: Ghanaian Now we find ourselves in England in the Barclays Premier League. Who is Emmanuel Frimpong? Quite a character, that's who. Frimpong has recently been playing in Arsenal's Premier League matches as the departures of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas left Wenger short of players. Frimpong got sent off on his debut for the Gunners - a real shame as albeit he was very solid before the sending off - which was a harsh decision. He plays in a very similar way to Alex Song in that he sits infront of the back four, breaks up the play, puts his head in where it hurts, isn't afraid of getting his hands dirty. He's been impressive so far in the three matches he's played in. You can tell Frimpong has a short temper through some of the challenges he goes into in a game situation but I take this as a positive as Arsenal lack that extra bit of grit and hard work ethic in the midfield area, Frimpong provides that for the team. I think we shall be seeing lots more of Frimpong in the Cup games and Champions League fixtures in the upcoming seasons. He's taken his chances well and in five years time or so should be a regular in that sacred Arsenal midfield.