The Bundesliga, Germany’s top-flight football league, is renowned for its rich history, passionate fanbase, and commitment to developing young talent. The league has consistently produced world-class players, many of whom have emerged from its youth academies. In recent years, the Bundesliga has seen a surge in the number of talented under-19 players, whose potential is captivating the football world.
These young stars are not just promising talents; they are the future of German football and could soon be making waves on the global stage. This article will shed light on the most valuable young players in the Bundesliga and provide insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and the areas where they can further develop their skills.
Thus, without further ado, let’s take a look at the 10 most valuable under-19 players in the German Bundesliga.
Note: In line with the figures from Transfermarkt.co.uk, we use the Euro (€) as the currency, and transfers that took place till September 2024 have been fact-checked with other sources.
Market Value: €7.5 million
Jean-Mattéo Bahoya, a young and promising French-Cameroonian footballer, is a versatile attacker who can play as a left winger, attacking midfielder, or even as a centre-forward.
Known for his exceptional pace and agility, the young 19-year-old possesses lightning-fast acceleration, allowing him to quickly burst past defenders and create goal-scoring opportunities.
Besides, Bahoya is also a good technician. He is comfortable with both feet and can deliver accurate passes and crosses. He also has a knack for finding the back of the net, as evident by his goal-scoring record for his youth teams.
However, his decision-making in the final third can sometimes be questionable, and he needs to work on his consistency in delivering accurate crosses and passes. Additionally, he can improve his defensive work-rate and tracking back.
Despite his young age, Bahoya has already shown immense potential and has the ability to become a top-class player in the future.
Market Value: €8.5 million
Julien Duranville, a young Belgian winger, has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in German football. Born on October 17, 2005, in Brussels, Belgium, Duranville’s exceptional talent and precocious performances have caught the attention of clubs and fans alike.
Known for his blistering pace, exceptional dribbling ability, and a knack for creating goal-scoring opportunities. He possesses a low centre of gravity, allowing him to change direction rapidly and leave defenders in his wake. His agility and quick feet further enable him to weave through defenses with ease, making him a constant threat on the wings.
Despite his young age, he exhibits a maturity beyond his years, often making calm and calculated decisions in the final third. His ability to finish with both feet and his precise crossing make him a valuable asset.
However, like any young player, his decision-making can sometimes be erratic, and he can occasionally be wasteful in possession. Additionally, he needs to develop his physical strength to cope with the rigors of top-level football.
Despite these minor shortcomings, Julien Duranville’s immense potential is undeniable. With proper guidance and development, he has the potential to become a key figure for both club and country in the years to come.
Market Value: €10 million
Assan Ouédraogo, a rising star in German football, has quickly captured attention with his impressive performances for RB Leipzig. The 18-year-old midfielder possesses a unique blend of physicality, technical ability, and tactical intelligence.
Ouédraogo’s imposing physique and powerful running style make him a formidable force in midfield. He excels at driving forward with the ball, often carrying the team’s attacks into dangerous areas, while his ability to shield the ball and win aerial duels is another significant asset.
Beyond his physical attributes, the young 18-year-old possesses a good passing range, while his vision and creativity allow him to unlock defenses with well-timed through balls and incisive passes.
At such a young age, Ouédraogo’s potential is immense. With continued development and experience, he has the potential to become a top-class midfielder.
Market Value: €12 million
Can Uzun, a young and promising German-Turkish forward, has quickly garnered attention for his exceptional talent and potential.
Uzun possesses a commanding presence on the field. His physical attributes, combined with his technical finesse, make him a formidable force in the attacking third. His ability to hold up play, shield the ball, and deliver accurate passes is impressive for his age.
Uzun’s versatility is another key strength. He is comfortable playing as a centre-forward, second striker, or even on the wings. His adaptability allows him to seamlessly integrate into various tactical setups, while his dribbling skills and pace enable him to create goal-scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
The Frankfurt forward also displays a strong work ethic and defensive awareness. He is willing to track back and help his team regain possession, demonstrating his commitment to the team’s overall performance.
With continued development and experience, he has the potential to become a key player. His combination of physical attributes, technical skills, tactical awareness, and mental fortitude make him an exciting prospect for the future.
Market Value: €12 million
Tom Bischof, a young and promising talent, is emerging as a key player for TSG Hoffenheim. Bischof’s rise through the ranks has been rapid, making him one of the youngest players to feature in the Bundesliga.
As an attacking midfielder, Bischof possesses exceptional technical ability and a keen eye for goal. He excels in tight spaces, demonstrating excellent ball control and dribbling skills.
Moreover, Bischof’s ability to read the game and anticipate the movements of his teammates makes him a valuable asset in the final third.
However, like any young player, Bischof still has areas to improve. His physicality, particularly in aerial duels, needs to be developed. Additionally, he can sometimes be prone to making rash decisions, leading to turnovers in dangerous areas.
Despite these minor shortcomings, Bischof’s potential is undeniable. His combination of technical skill, creativity, and work ethic make him an exciting prospect for the future of German football.
Market Value: €18 million
Paul Wanner, a young and promising talent from Bayern Munich, has been making waves in the Bundesliga with his impressive performances for Heidenheim during the 2024/25 season.
Primarily an attacking midfielder, who can also operate as a winger or even a false nine. His exceptional ball control, dribbling skills, and vision allow him to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
One of Wanner’s standout qualities is his intelligence on the pitch. He has a remarkable ability to read the game and make timely decisions. His quick thinking and accurate passing allow him to dictate the tempo of the game and unlock defenses.
Moreover, Wanner’s work rate is another impressive aspect of his game. He is constantly pressing opponents, recovering possession, and contributing defensively. His tireless efforts help his team maintain a high level of intensity throughout the match.
While Wanner still has room for improvement, particularly in terms of his physicality, his potential is undeniable. With continued development and experience, he could become a key player for Bayern Munich and a valuable asset to the German national team.
Market Value: €20 million
Jeanuël Belocian, a 19-year-old defender currently playing for Bayer Leverkusen, has emerged as one of the most promising young talents in European football.
Primarily a left-footed centre-back, he can also play at left-back or even in central midfield. This adaptability makes him a valuable asset, as he can fill in multiple positions effectively.
Defensively, Belocian is strong and composed. He possesses excellent tackling and interception skills, which allow him to disrupt opposition attacks and win the ball back for his team. He is also good in the air, winning his fair share of aerial duels.
However, like any young player, Belocian still has areas where he can improve. His decision-making can sometimes be questionable, and he needs to work on his long-range passing accuracy. Additionally, he can sometimes be a bit rash in his challenges, which can lead to unnecessary fouls.
Overall, Jeanuël Belocian is a highly talented young defender with a bright future ahead of him.
Market Value: €25 million
Arthur Vermeeren, a young Belgian midfielder, has been making waves in the football world with his exceptional talent and maturity beyond his years. Currently playing for RB Leipzig, Vermeeren possesses a unique blend of defensive solidity and creative flair, making him a versatile and valuable asset to RB Leipzig.
Known for his impressive footballing IQ, the 19-year-old possesses an excellent understanding of the game, reads play exceptionally well, and makes intelligent decisions both on and off the ball. Also a gifted passer with excellent vision and range, Vermeeren has the ability to play incisive through balls, switch play effectively, and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
In addition to his passing range, Vermeeren is also a capable ball carrier. He possesses good dribbling skills and can progress the ball up the field with purpose. His ability to combine these attributes makes him a dangerous attacking threat from midfield.
Defensively, Vermeeren is a tenacious and disciplined midfielder. He excels in winning back possession, making timely tackles, and breaking up opposition attacks. His strong physical presence and ability to read the game enable him to effectively shield the backline and disrupt the opposition’s build-up play.
Overall, Arthur Vermeeren is a highly promising young talent with the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the league.
Market Value: €28 million
Antonio Nusa, is a young 19-year-old Norwegian winger known for his exceptional speed, dribbling prowess, and clinical finishing.
The 19-year-old thrives on running at defenders, using his blistering pace to get past them with ease. His dribbling skills are exceptional, allowing him to create space for himself and his teammates. He possesses a natural ability to cut inside onto his stronger right foot, unleashing powerful shots that can trouble any goalkeeper.
In addition to his attacking prowess, the young Norwegian is a hard-working player who tracks back diligently and is always willing to put in a shift for the team. His tactical awareness is also impressive, as he often makes intelligent runs and positions himself well to receive the ball.
Nusa’s potential is immense, and with the right guidance has the potential to become one of the best wingers in the world. However, he still has a lot to learn and needs to improve certain aspects of his game, such as his decision-making in the final third and his crossing accuracy.
Market Value: €30 million
Mathys Tel, a young French forward, has quickly emerged as one of the most promising talents in European football. His rapid rise to prominence has caught the attention of many, with his exceptional skills and fearless approach to the game making him a standout player.
Currently playing for Bayern Munich, Tel possesses a versatile skill set that allows him to operate effectively in various attacking positions. He is blessed with blistering pace, which he uses to exploit spaces behind the defense. His dribbling ability is also impressive, as he can effortlessly glide past defenders with his quick feet and close control.
A relatively calm finisher for his age. Tel has a keen eye for goal and is capable of finishing with both feet. His ability to strike the ball accurately from distance and inside the box makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
However, like any young player, Tel still has areas where he can improve. His decision-making in the final third can sometimes be erratic, and he needs to work on his consistency in front of goal. Additionally, he can benefit from developing his physical strength to better withstand the challenges of top-level football.
Overall, Mathys Tel is a highly talented young forward with immense potential, has the potential to become one of the best forwards in Europe in years to come.
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