Top five youngsters of La Liga 2021/22

These players showed immense growth in their performances.

La Liga has been concluded like all other leagues. Real Madrid dominated the league this season and eventually ended up winning it with 86 points to their name. They were followed by their long-time rivals FC Barcelona with 73 points. This clearly points out what a stand-out season the Madrid side had.

La Liga has some excellent young talents. Financial restrictions due to Covid-19 have given these youngsters a chance to bloom. Clubs such as FC Barcelona have introduced many of their academy products whereas clubs such as Athletic Club Bilbao is known for growing players from their academy. Here are the top 5 youngsters of La Liga:

5- Nico Williams

Known for his speed and dribbling skills, Athletic Club Bilbao’s Nico Williams is one for the future. He is the brother of Inaki Williams, a player who has spent all his professional career in the same club (Athletic Club Bilbao). Even though he had a poor 2021/22 season, Nico Williams, aged 19 years is one of La Liga’s incredible talents for the future. The midfielder has 2 goals and 1 assist in 4 games of Copa del Ray. Bilbao finished 8th this season and shall be looking to improve things in the next season.

4- Eduardo Camavinga

Camavinga is a player for the future. With a midfield trio of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Casemiro it is very difficult to be a regular starter in Real Madrid. The 19-year-old had his moments on the pitch this season though. He was instrumental in Real Madrid defeating PSG in the Round of 16, Chelsea in the quarter-finals, and Manchester City in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Many have regarded him as Carlo Ancelotti’s secret weapon. The French midfielder has a bright future in Real Madrid as a replacement for Luka Modric who is 36 years old.

3- Rodrygo

Rodrygo arrived in Real Madrid on the back of a €45m transfer in 2019. The 21-year-old plays as a winger for Real Madrid. Even though he did not have a good La Liga season, he was also instrumental in Real Madrid’s road to the finals in the Champions League. In 10 games, the winger scored 5 goals. This included a crucial goal against Chelsea in the quarter-finals and most importantly two goals against Manchester City in the second leg of the semi-finals. In La Liga, the winger has recorded 4 goals and 5 assists in 33 appearances (17 started, 16 subbed on).

2- Vinicius Jr.

Even though the whole Mbappe saga was a letdown for Real Madrid, they can still afford to keep their heads high. The future of the club looks bright with another youngster, Vinicius Jr making a name for himself apart from Camavinga and Rodrygo. Probably Real’s safest bet, the Brazilian is having a season to remember. Even after Benzema’s dream season, many have pointed out how important Vinicius will be to Madrid’s chances against Liverpool in the Champions League final on Saturday. In 51 appearances this season, the 20-year-old has 21 goals and 20 assists to his name.

1- Pedri

Pedro González López, also known as Pedri is a Spanish midfielder playing for FC Barcelona. He joined the club in 2020 aged 17 and made his debut under manager Ronald Koeman. He rated him very highly. Pedri is known as the ideal Barcelona midfielder as he is excellent in finding spaces, keen on taking the ball. Most importantly he is versatile. He essays the role of a central midfielder or defensive midfielder. The boy is gifted technically and also has a very good sense of the game, showing maturity on multiple occasions. Pedri will only grow under manager Xavi who was amongst the best midfielders of his era.

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