Top 10 best U21 centre backs to look out for in 2024

Published at :March 17, 2024 at 11:00 PM

Modified at :March 17, 2024 at 11:08 PM

Some of the best top upcoming centre backs in football

Watching rising stars cement their place in the first team and proving their worth at the highest level is one of the most exciting things for a football fan. Be it a young Sergio Ramos breaking through at Sevilla, or a certain 17-year-old by the name of Erling Haaland scoring for fun in the Champions League for RB Salzburg, seeing these teenagers succeed at the top level is an amazing feeling.

While the youngsters getting regular game time are usually attackers and midfielders, young centre-backs establishing themselves into the first team is a rarity. Thus, here are ten U21 centre-backs who have already become first-team regulars or might become so in the near future-

Jorrel Hato (AFC Ajax, Netherlands)

Starting with a bang, Jorrel Hato has already established himself as a first-team regular for Ajax, having made 37 appearances for the Dutch outfit already this season. While Ajax have been shocking this season, Hato has been one of the few bright spots in the team. At 5’9, the Dutchman is not towering, but possesses incredible technical ability and is brilliant with the ball at his feet. The 18-year-old also is a natural leader, having become the club’s youngest-ever skipper at just 17 during their win against Almere City in November. While he could improve on his aerial abilities, the youngster certainly has the world at his feet.

Leny Yoro (LOSC Lille, France)

Another youngster who has established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet, Leny Yoro is a typical modern centre-back with a composure that is beyond his tender age. At just 18, the French U-21 international has already made 33 appearances for a Lille side that is defensively proficient. At 6’2, he not only provides height in the defensive line but also has a precise first touch and an eye for a pass under pressure.

Ousmane Diomande (Sporting Lisbon, Ivory Coast)

Ousmane Diomande is a modern-style centre-back capable of playing from the back with the ability to break the forward press. While he does not start every match, the 20-year-old has made 27 appearances for a possession-heavy Sporting side currently leading the league. At 6’2, the Ivorian is physically strong with pace, making him an ideal option at the heart of the defence. Though Diomande tends to be rash at times, he certainly has the attributes to be a big name in the future and has already broken into the Ivorian national team.

Antonio Silva (SL Benfica, Portugal)

Antonio Silva is currently one of the highest-rated centre-back prospects in the market. Tipped to be Portugal’s best defender in a few years, Silva possesses incredible defensive positioning and has a conservative approach to the game, thus allowing him to fizzle out attacks early. He is also a precise passer, allowing him to play comfortably in a high line. The 20-year-old has already become a starter for his national team and has garnered interest from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.

Jorne Spileers (Club Brugge, Belgium)

Jorne Sipleers’ emergence has gone under the radar due to his playing in the Belgian league. However, the national team will surely pin their hopes on Spileers to finally succeed Toby Alderwiereld at the heart of their defence. With a good footballing IQ and an ability to sense attacks, the 19-year-old is already a regular for his club side, having made 39 appearances already.

Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta BC, Italy)

With Italy having recently lost their defensive core of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Scalvini is expected to be the next one to step up to continue the history of world-class centre-backs. Towering at 6’3, the 20-year-old is different from traditional Italian centre-backs, being not only defensively solid but adventurous with his positioning. Having established himself as a starter for Atalanta, he has also made a mark already in the national setup.

Yasin Ozcan (Kasimpasa SK, Turkey)

The youngest defender on the list, Yasin Ozcan has the potential to be Turkey’s best defender ever. Having made his senior debut when he was just 16, the 17-year-old is already a regular in the Turkish top flight. Tall and defensively solid, the Turkish international is also versatile, with the ability to also play as a left-back. With the hype around the youngster being similar to a certain Martin Odegaard at his age, Ozcan can certainly become a star if he continues to grow.

Lucas Beraldo (Paris Saint-Germain, Brazil)

Lucas Beraldo’s stock has steadily risen as a promising prospect in world football. Since his debut as an 18-year-old for Sao Paulo, he had established himself in the first team thanks to his solid defensive ability and eye for a pass. After garnering interest from European giants like Liverpool, the 20-year-old was snapped up by PSG this season. Though he is just a sporadic player for the French champions, the Brazilian U-20 international has immense potential.

Zeno Debast (ASC Anderlecht, Belgium)

You might not have heard of Zeno Debast yet, but the Belgian is considered to be a wonder boy and has been compared to Vincent Kompany. At just 20, he has been extensively scouted by Newcastle United for some time now. Having already been called up to the national team, the excitement surrounding the Belgian is understandable due to his defensive positioning, aerial abilities and ability to break the opposition’s press. A move to a big European club might not be far away for Debast.

Tobias Slotsager (Odense, Denmark)

Another prospect who is not in the forefront yet is Tobias Slotsager. The 18-year-old is already a regular starter for his club in the Danish league, having made his debut at just 16. The 6’2 youngster is good on the ball, solid aerially, is tidy with his passing and already a leader in the team. If he continues his development and keeps gaining experience, Slotsager might explode into the forefront soon.

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