features

1 Leo Messi (Barcelona and Argentina) Came through the Barcelona youth system with Cesc Fabregas, though he is originally from Argentina, where he grew up idolising Diego Maradona. What he didn’t do while growing up was, well, grow very much. Messi suffered a hormone deficiency that needed expensive medical treatment and Barcelona, seeing his talent, assumed those costs when he was 13. Made his first-team debut at 17, and has established himself under the wing of Ronaldinho. Certain to be at the World Cup with Argentina.

2 Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal and Spain) Recruited as a 16-year-old from a miffed Barcelona, the Catalan has set records as the youngest goal scorer for Arsenal and their youngest Premiership and Champions League debutant. A mature positional sense and a fine eye for a pass are his major strengths, and he is timing his run into form brilliantly with the World Cup in view. He made his Spain debut in March, and with regulars such as Raul and Xavi struggling for either form or fitness, he might just capture a place in their midfield for Germany.

3 John Obi Mikel (Lyn Oslo and Nigeria) Mikel, 19 this month, is the kid Manchester United thought they had signed until he expressed a strong desire to go to Chelsea instead. The ensuing dogfight featured allegations of death threats. Tall, elegant, poised on the ball, he scored on his competitive debut for Nigeria.

4 Freddy Adu (DC United and USA) This much-hyped 16-year-old prodigy has skill, balance, verve and a fetching backstory. Born in Ghana to a mother who won a green card lottery, he was soon setting records in Major League Soccer — youngest debutant, goalscorer and so on — and could become the youngest American at a World Cup.

5 Theo Walcott (Arsenal and England) Sporting excellence in his genes. Sir Clyde Walcott, the great West Indies cricketer of the 1950s, is distantly related. Walcott was taken on as a schoolboy by Southampton and made his professional debut for them as a 16-year-old, quickly making his way onto the score sheet. Arsenal, a club where tender years are no barrier to promotion, beat off Chelsea for his signature in January. They paid Ł12m for a long-term investment. He has tended to watch from the bench so far, but will get his chance.

6 Carlos Javier Acuna (Cadiz and Paraguay) Might have made it to the World Cup with Paraguay. Instead he is in limbo because too many parties want a piece of him. Because of a dispute over his transfer to Cadiz, the midfielder is unable to play in Europe until his 18th birthday on June 23.

7 Vincent Kompany (Anderlecht and Belgium) Made his Champions League debut at 17, and was selected for Belgium three months later. The central defender, who turns 20 this month, is tall and pacy, though with some rashness to iron out of his game. Restricted by injury this season.

8 Aaron Lennon (Tottenham and England) At 16 years and 129 days he became the youngest Premiership player in 2003. Spurs paid Leeds Ł1m for him and he has made his mark very quickly. A slim, slight winger with real pace and good ability on the ball.

9 Jonathan De Guzman (Feyenoord and Canada) Feyenoord began their relationship with the younger brother of Julian when he was 12, gave him his first team debut at 18, and he was scoring his first goal for them less than a fortnight later. An attacking midfielder with an explosive shot.

10 Ryan Babel (Ajax and Holland) Babel turns 20 in December, by which time he may have traveled to his first World Cup. Made his Ajax debut at barely 17, and then a year later the forward scored in his first international, a crucial World Cup qualifier in Romania. He has since then breached the Italian defense, too.

by Ian Hawkey