La Liga, renowned for its technical brilliance and tactical depth, has long been a breeding ground for some of the world’s most promising young talents. With its top clubs investing heavily in youth development and providing ample opportunities for youngsters to shine, La Liga has consistently produced a crop of exceptional players under the age of 19. 

In this article, we  take a look at the most exciting young prospects in the league by ranking the top 10 most valuable under-19 players currently gracing the La Liga stage.

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.

#10 Jon Martín | Age: 18 | Real Sociedad

Market Value: €2 million 

Jon Martín, a young and promising centre-back hailing from Real Sociedad’s esteemed youth academy, has quickly captured attention of top European clubs and scouts with his exceptional talent and potential. Standing tall at 6”2’, Martín possesses a commanding presence on the field, combining his physical attributes with a keen footballing intellect.

One of Martín’s standout qualities is his impressive reading of the game. He anticipates opposition moves with remarkable accuracy, intercepting passes and thwarting attacks before they even materialise. This ability to anticipate danger is coupled with his excellent positioning, ensuring he is always in the right place at the right time.

As a formidable tackler, Martín possesses the strength and timing to dispossess opponents cleanly. His aerial ability is another notable strength, making him a reliable defender in both one-on-one situations and in the air. 

Having made 26 appearances for Real Sociedad’s B team, the 18-year-old has since made six appearances for Txuri-Urdin this season, including three starts in the UEFA Europa League and the Copa Del Rey. 

#9 Sydney Osazuwa | Age: 17 | Real Sociedad

Market Value: €2 million 

Born in Spain to Nigerian parents, Sydney Osazuwa possesses a unique blend of athleticism, technical ability, and raw potential. Standing tall at 6”3’, he primarily operates as a centre-forward, using his imposing physique to dominate aerial duels and hold up play effectively. He is equally adept at playing as a lone striker or as part of a front two, demonstrating versatility and adaptability.

The young 17-year-old possesses intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and impressive hold-up play. He has a keen eye for goal and has shown a knack for finding the back of the net with both feet, scoring seven goals in 11 appearances for Spain’s u17 and u18 sides. Moreover, Osazuwa’s ability to read the game and make timely runs into the box makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses.

Since making the move from CD Leganés last summer, his performances for Real Sociedad B have caught the eye of scouts and pundits alike, and is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Spanish football.

#8 Noah Darvich | Age: 18 | Barcelona

Market Value: €2.5 million 

Born in Freiburg, Germany, in 2006, Noah Darvich is a young and promising attacking midfielder with exceptional talent and potential, earning him a move to FC Barcelona last summer. 

Known for his creativity, technical ability, and intelligence on the ball, Darvich excels in tight spaces, demonstrating excellent dribbling skills and the ability to make incisive passes. His vision and awareness allow him to find teammates in advantageous positions, creating scoring opportunities. While primarily an attacking midfielder, Darvich is also capable of playing on the wing, adding versatility to his game.

While Darvich’s move to Barcelona is a significant step in his career, it is crucial for him to receive consistent playing time and opportunities to develop his skills. Since making the switch to FC Barcelona, the Germany U19 skipper has made 14 appearances for Barcelona B. With proper guidance and support, he could become a key player for Barcelona in the future.

#7 Marc Bernal | Age: 17 | Barcelona

Market Value: €5 million 

Marc Bernal, another promising young talent from the La Masia academy, has been making waves in the football world. The 17-year-old defensive midfielder has caught the eye of many with his exceptional skills and maturity on the field.

Known for his calm and composed demeanor, even under immense pressure, the La Masia product possesses a remarkable ability to read the game, intercept passes, and initiate counter-attacks with precise and well-timed passes. His vision and distribution are exceptional for his age, allowing him to dictate the tempo of the game from deep within the midfield.

A strong and imposing figure, capable of winning aerial duels and holding his own against more experienced opponents. His technical ability is equally impressive, as he can effortlessly maneuver through tight spaces and execute intricate passes with both feet.

While it’s still quite early in his career, Marc Bernal has all the attributes to become a top-class midfielder. His potential is immense, and with continued development and experience, he could emerge as a key player for both club and country in the years to come.

#6 Héctor Fort | Age: 18 | Barcelona

Market Value: €10 million 

Héctor Fort has captivated fans with his performances for FC Barcelona since making his debut for the senior team during the 2023/24 as a 17-year-old right-back. 

Primarily a right-back who is known for his exceptional dribbling ability and creative vision, the young 18-year-old Spaniard can operate from either flank. He possesses a low center of gravity which allows him to effortlessly change direction and leave defenders in his wake.

In addition to his dribbling skills, like most La Masia graduates, he’s a gifted passer. He excels at finding teammates with incisive passes, often splitting open defenses with his precise through balls. His vision and awareness allow him to anticipate the movements of his teammates, creating scoring opportunities for them, having already contributed with three assists from 20 senior team appearances. 

While his offensive abilities are undoubtedly his greatest strengths, Fort is also a hard-working player who is equally adept at defending. He tracks back diligently and presses opponents, with his reading of the game and tackling helping his team regain possession. His work rate and tenacity make him a valuable asset to his team.

#5 Assane Diao | Age: 19 | Real Betis

Market Value: €12 million 

Assane Diao, a young, dynamic winger currently playing for Real Betis, has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in Spanish football. Born in Senegal and raised in Spain, Diao possesses a unique blend of raw talent and technical ability that has captured the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide.

One of Diao’s standout qualities is his blistering pace. He can effortlessly accelerate past defenders, leaving them in his wake. This speed, combined with his excellent dribbling skills, allows him to create goal-scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Moreover, Diao’s direct running style and ability to take on defenders one-on-one make him a constant threat to opposing defenses.

Despite his young age, Diao is not afraid to take responsibility and make crucial decisions in tight situations. His confidence and composure are remarkable for a player of his age, and it is clear that he has the potential to become a top-class player in the years to come.

#4 Yarek Gasiorowski | Age: 19 | Valencia CF

Market Value: €15 million 

Yarek Gasiorowski is a promising young centre-back currently playing for Valencia CF. Standing at an imposing height of 6”3’, Gasiorowski possesses a strong physical presence that allows him to dominate aerial duels and assert himself in defensive situations. His impressive pace and agility enable him to recover quickly and cover ground effectively, making him a valuable asset in transition.

One of Gasiorowski’s standout qualities is his excellent reading of the game. He anticipates danger well, intercepts passes with precision, and positions himself intelligently to cut out attacking threats.

In addition to his defensive prowess, Gasiorowski is also a capable ball-playing defender. He possesses a good range of passing and can distribute the ball effectively from the back, initiating attacking moves. His ability to carry the ball out of defense and progress play adds another dimension to his game.

His combination of physical attributes, technical ability, and tactical awareness make him a valuable asset for Valencia CF and a player to watch in the future.

#3 Pau Cubarsí | Age: 17 | Barcelona

Market Value: €40 million 

Pau Cubarsí, a rising star from Barcelona’s La Masia academy, has quickly made a name for himself as one of the most sought after promising centre-backs in Europe. His exceptional ball-playing ability, coupled with his strong defensive instincts, has caught the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs and scouts. 

One of Cubarsí’s key attributes is his range of passing, allowing him to initiate attacks from deep within his own half. Moreover, he excels at playing long, diagonal passes to bypass the opposition’s midfield and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Defensively, the 17-year-old reads the game well, anticipating opponents’ movements and intercepting passes with ease. His aerial ability is another strength, allowing him to win aerial duels in both defensive and attacking situations. 

With his natural talent, dedication, and the support of Barcelona’s world-class coaching staff, he has the potential to become one of the best centre-backs in the world.

#2 Arda Güler | Age: 19 | Real Madrid

Market Value: €45 million 

Arda Güler, the young Turkish prodigy, has captured the attention of clubs and fans alike. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder possesses a rare blend of technical brilliance, creativity, and maturity, earning comparison with former Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Özil. 

Known for his exceptional dribbling and close control, Güler glides past defenders with ease, often leaving them in his wake with his quick feet and unpredictable movements, while his low centre of gravity and ball control allow him to navigate tight spaces and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

For someone with exceptional passing skills and vision, he can pick out teammates with precise passes, both short and long, while his ability to find the killer pass in the final third makes him a valuable asset to any team.

Besides, the Turkish international has an innate understanding of the game well and positions himself intelligently on the field. With his undeniable potential and room for improvement, he has the ability to become one of the world’s best players, and Real Madrid’s decision to sign him is a testament to his immense talent. 

#1 Lamine Yamal | Age: 17 | Barcelona

Market Value: €150 million 

Since making his Barcelona debut as a young 16-year-old, Lamine Yamal has gone on to become one of the most important players in the current Barcelona side. The prodigious talent hailing from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, was one of the leading lights in Spain’s European Championship triumph last summer, with a goal contribution in each of their knockout stage games, including a goal against France in the semi-finals. 

Primarily playing as a right winger, Lamal utilises his left foot to devastating effect. Also an exceptional dribbler, the 17-year-old effortlessly glides past defenders with his quick feet and close control, while his low centre of gravity and agility allows him to change direction rapidly, making him incredibly difficult to dispossess. Additionally, his two-footedness adds unpredictability to his game, as he can switch the ball to his right foot and deliver accurate crosses or shots.

While his goal-scoring record is still under development, Lamal has taken the world by storm this season with 18 goal contributions in just 21 appearances across all competitions.

As he continues to gain experience and develop physically, the sky is the limit for this young sensation. With Barcelona and Spain already rating the young 17-year-old so highly, Lamine Yamal is poised to become one of the defining figures of the next generation of footballers.