The importance of identifying new talent
In the world of soccer, the search for and the discovery of promising new players are critical to the success of teams and clubs. Every season, young players emerge who dazzle on the soccer field and could be the sport's next big star. Identifying these talents involves not only observing their physical and technical skills, but also understanding their long-term potential in the professional game.
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Strategies for discovering new talent
1. Direct Observation
One of the most traditional and effective methods of identifying future talent is direct observation. Scouts must attend minor league games, youth tournaments and school competitions to see players in action. This approach allows them to assess not only technical skills, such as ball control and passing accuracy, but also aspects such as attitude, teamwork and resilience under pressure.
2. Data analysis and statistics of soccer players
In the digital age, the use of data is essential. Statistics allow scouts to measure player performance objectively. Data such as the number of goals, assists, successful dribbles and distance covered during a match can provide a clear picture of a player's effectiveness. Data analysis platformssuch as those offered by ENIGMIAcan help clubs identify hidden talent based on information gathered from different competitions.
3. Social networks and digital media
Nowadays, many young soccer players use platforms like Instagram and TikTok to showcase their skills. Scouts and coaches can follow these networks to discover emerging talent that might not be on the conventional radar. The virality of the videos can quickly get some players noticed and attract the attention of professional clubs.
4. Academies and youth development programs
Soccer academies are a breeding ground for future talent. Investing in youth development in controlled environments allows clubs to identify skills from an early age. Participating in academy tournaments and collaborating with youth development programs can provide access to a wide range of promising young players with potential.
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The role of Artificial Intelligence in soccer player discovery
The artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the way soccer clubs scout and evaluate talent. Using advanced algorithms, AI can analyze large volumes of data and provide insights that would be difficult to obtain manually. Some of the benefits include for determining promising footballers are:
- Predictive AnalyticsAI can predict a player's future performance based on his data history, physical characteristics and past match performance. This allows clubs to make more informed selections.
- Pattern DetectionAI can identify patterns in player behavior and performance that may go unnoticed by human scouts.
- Optimization of the Scouting Process: The tools of scouting AI-based solutions enable more efficient and effective player tracking, facilitating the identification of talent around the world.
Promising players to watch in 2025 ⚽
These players are considered some of the greatest young talents in world soccer, and many of them are already making their mark on the sport, with great expectations for their future, being promising players to follow in 2025:
To improve your article and make it more up to date, I suggest you include some of the emerging young players mentioned in the report by Flashscore that are not yet on your list. Here are some options that could enrich your content:
New soccer promises for 2025
World soccer is always evolving, and every year young talents emerge with the potential to become the next stars of the sport. Here is a list of the most promising up-and-coming players who could shine in the future. 2025. Some of them have already started to stand out in their teams, while others are ready to make the leap to the highest level.
1. Endrick (Real Madrid)
- Age: 18 years old
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Position: Forward
- Description: Endrick is the Brazilian jewel that the Real Madrid signed from Palmeiras. His powerful shot, speed and dribbling makes him one of the most eagerly awaited promising players. In his last season in Brazil, he was involved in 22 goals (13 goals and 9 assists), and is expected to shine in Europe in 2025.
2. Estevão Willian "Messinho" (Palmeiras)
- Age: 17 years
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Position: Right end
- Description: Nicknamed MessinhoEstevão is an attacker fast, skillful and with a great capacity for definition. With only 17 years old, he has been key in Palmeiras and has a promising future in Europe. Chelsea has already practically closed his signing.
3. Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona)
- Age: 17 years
- Nationality: Spanish
- Position: Right end
- Description: With his dribbling skills and his maturity on the field, Lamine Yamal is considered one of the most promising FC Barcelona. In this 2024/25 season, it has been key player in the attack He has been a star player of the azulgrana team and of the Spanish national team for his vision, speed and ability to run away with the ball despite his young age.
4. Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United)
Alejandro Garnacho is a Generational Talent pic.twitter.com/8qDyRj9vmF
- (@Garnacho__utd) January 15, 2024
- Age: 20 years
- Nationality: Argentino
- Position: Far left
- Description: Garnacho is a young Manchester United talent and a key attacking player for the Argentina U-20 team. With an explosive dribble and a keen eye for goal, he has been compared to some of the legends of the game.
5. Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Age: 19 years old
- Nationality: French
- Position: Midfielder
- Description: This midfielder has impressed everyone at PSG with his maturity and ability to control the pace of the game. Despite his youth, Warrenhas managed to establish himself in the team and is a great hope for French soccer. In the PSGhas become one of the key pieces of the team thanks to his maturity and leadership in the midfield.
6. Francesco Camarda (AC Milan)
Phenomenal Francesco Camarda in the UEFA Youth League #UYL | @acmilan pic.twitter.com/70QrnjGaY9
- UEFA Youth League (@UEFAYouthLeague) January 8, 2025
- Age: 16 years old
- Nationality: Italian
- Position: Forward
- Description: Considered one of Italy's most promising strikersdebuted with the AC Milan in Serie A at the age of 15 and in the Champions League at the age of 16. goal-scoring instinct has made him a name to watch closely.
7. Rico Lewis (Manchester City)
- Age: 20 years
- Nationality: English
- Position: Attacking midfielder
- Description: Your versatility and tactical maturity Pep Guardiola has used him both as a fullback and as a midfielder in the Manchester City. Rico Lewis a has been one of the revelations in the Premier League and is undoubtedly one of the promising players to watch in 2025.
8. Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
Ethan Nwaneri - Premier League 24/25:
- Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) January 7, 2025
☑️12 games
☑️269 minutes
☑️2 goals
☑️89 passes
☑️93% pass accuracy
☑️4/4 accurate long balls
☑️4 key passes
☑️7/10 successful dribbles
☑️3 tackles
17 years of age. Technique, confidence, and bravery. Such a quality and versatile prospect.... pic.twitter.com/04WG1OlaGk
- Age: 17 years
- Nationality: English
- Position: Attacking midfielder
- Description: He is the youngest player ever to make his debut in the Premier League. Despite his young age, he has been a key member of the first team of the Arsenalshowing its talent and creativity in the midfield.
9. Geovany Quenda (Sporting CP)
- Age: 17 years
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Position: Right end
- Description: Your speed, technique and vision have made Geovany highlight in the Sporting de Portugal. He is one of the jewels of the Portuguese youth academy and is expected to make it to the senior national team soon.
10. Paul Wanner (FC Heidenheim, on loan from Bayern Munich)
- Age: 19 years old
- Nationality: German/Austrian
- Position: Attacking midfielder
- Description: Wanner has shown great capacity for creation and completion in its assignment to Heidenheimand the Bayern Munich is following him closely with a view to integrating him into the first team.
11. Chidozie Obi-Martin (Manchester United)
- Age: 17 years
- Nationality: Danish
- Position: Forward
- Description: A powerful striker with an impressive goal-scoring ability. Scored 10 goals in an U-16 match against LiverpoolThis attracted the attention of major European clubs.
12. Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth)
- Age: 19 years old
- Nationality: Spanish / Dutch
- Position: Central defense
- Description: With its 1.95 m tall and great ball skillsHuijsen has consolidated his position in the defense of the Bournemouth. It is in the sights of the Real Madrid to reinforce its backline in the future.
13. Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig)
- Age: 22 years old
- Nationality: Slovenian
- Position: Forward
- Description: Šeško is a powerful and technical striker who has been nicknamed "the new Haaland" for his imposing physique and style of play. Nicknamed "the new Haaland", he is a striker with great physique, speed and goal-scoring ability. In the RB Leipzigcontinues to improve and attract the attention of large clubs.
14. Arda Güler (Real Madrid)
- Age: 20 years
- Nationality: Turkish
- Position: Attacking midfielder
- Description: Known for his exceptional technique and vision, Güler has a vision and passing ability that have made it a key player in the Real Madrid. It is expected to play an even greater role in the 2025 season.
15. Gavi (FC Barcelona)
- Age: 20 years
- Nationality: Spanish
- Position: Midfielder
- Description: Gavi is one of Barcelona's youngest and most promising players. With his grit, intensity and technical qualityhas become one of the most important midfielders of the Barcelona and the Spanish team.
16. Youssoufa Moukoko (Borussia Dortmund)
- Age: 19 years
- Nationality: German
- Position: Forward
- Details: Moukoko is a young striker with great potential and has already been a starter at Borussia Dortmund. He is the youngest player to debut and score in the Bundesliga, and his finishing skills and movement in the box make him a great promise.
17. Romeo Lavia (Chelsea)
- Age: 20 years
- Nationality: Belgian
- PositionDefensive midfielder
- Details: Laviawho was one of the revelations in the Premier League with Southampton, now plays for Chelsea, where he is expected to develop into an elite midfielder. His defensive ability and reading of the game are outstanding.
18. Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille)
- Age: 17 years
- Nationality: French
- Position: Midfielder
- Description: Bouaddi is a midfielder who stands out for his tactical maturity and ability to read the game at a young age. With an imposing physique and refined technical skills, he is already a mainstay at Lille and is attracting international attention.
19. Alexandru Stoian (Farul Constanta)
- Age: 17 years
- Nationality: Romanian
- Position: Attacking midfielder
- Description: Stoian is one of the most promising young players in Romanian soccer. With impressive vision and exceptional ball control, he has already been highlighted as one of the most promising young players in European competitions.
20. Dominik Pech (Slavia Prague)
- Age: 18 years old
- Nationality: Czech
- Position: Attacking midfielder
- Description: With a dynamic style of play and superior dribbling skills, Pech has begun to excel in international competitions with the Slavia Prague. He is known for his attacking creativity and vision.
21. Leo Sauer (NAC Breda, on loan from Feyenoord)
- Age: 19 years old
- Nationality: Slovak
- Position: Far left
- Description: Sauer is a skilled winger who combines speed with excellent dribbling. His ability to play with both feet and his tactical intelligence make him one of the gems of Slovakian soccer.
22. Jan Faberski (Jong Ajax)
- Age: 18 years old
- Nationality: Polish
- Position: Right end
- Description: Since his arrival at AjaxFaberski has shown impeccable technique and a great ability to position himself on the field. His ability to make quick decisions in the final third of the field makes him a constant threat.
23. Sean Steur (Jong Ajax)
- Age: 16 years old
- Nationality: Dutch
- Position: Attacking midfielder
- Description: Steur has been compared to great midfielders for his ability to distribute play and his technical ability. At just 16, he is already a regular in the team. Jong Ajax and promises to become a key player in the future.
24. Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City)
- Age: 19 years old
- Nationality: Argentino
- Position: Attacking Midfielder / Winger
- Description: Claudio Echeverri is one of the great jewels of Argentine soccer. Signed by Manchester City in 2024, he made his official debut at the 2025 Club World Cup, including a goal. His technique, vision and leadership make him one of the most interesting promises on the international scene.
25. Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid)
- Age17 years old (will be 18 on August 14)
- Nationality: Argentine
- Position: Attacking midfielder / Winger
- DescriptionMastantuono is one of the most expensive signings in River Plate's history, second only to Enzo Fernandez. Real Madrid has signed him before his 18th birthday, and he will be officially presented in August 2025. Left-footed, technical and with great vision, he has been compared to great Argentine talents for his precocious and elegant style.
Case Studies: Future talents who have shined
The history of soccer is full of examples of promising soccer players who were discovered at an early age and have gone on to become international stars. Cases such as Lionel Messiwho was identified by FC Barcelona since his childhood, or the one of Kylian Mbappéwho surprised the world with his speed and skills at Monaco, demonstrate the importance of spotting talent early in their careers.
In short, discovering talented soccer talent is an art that combines observation, data analysis and a good dose of intuition.. In an increasingly competitive environment, clubs that use a holistic and comprehensive approach to take advantage of artificial intelligence tools, they will be better positioned to find the next great players in the sport.. The search for these talents will not only enrich the clubs, but will also provide new inspiring stories to the world of soccer.