Three U-20 players to keep an eye on in Spain this upcoming season

We as humans are always in search of the latest and the greatest. Whether it be that new smartphone, car or video game; we all want to have at least one foot running in the rat race of relevance.

Football fans are no different. Established players are usually the bed rocks of our club’s success, but there will always be that wandering eye towards players of the future that could eventually take on the mantle left by their predecessors.

Going into this new LaLiga season, there are a handful of young, yet promising starlets that should raise the collective interest of fans everywhere. These U-20 players may be inexperienced, but what they lack in that department is more than made up for in talent that is primed to leave a sizeable impact on their squads now, or in the coming future.

Without further adieu, let’s take a look at three U-20 players to keep an eye on in Spain this season.

Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)

Since being snacthed up by Real Madrid at just the tender age of 17, the spotlight has burnt bright on Brazil’s latest footballing prodigy. Purchased for a reported fee of €46 million, Vinícius’ price tag represented the highest amount ever paid by a club for a footballer under the age of 19. Due to a rule forbidding international transfers to move clubs before their 18th birthday, Vinícius had to wait a year before taking his talents to the Spanish capital.

Recruited in preseason to join the first team on strict orders by manager Julen Lopetegui, the Brazilian finally got his opportunity to showcase his skill set. Throughout all of his appearances, Vinícius displayed a change of pace that can flummox defenders. The use of his body for positioning and the ability to dart out of tight spaces was a recipe for drawing countless fouls or creating for his teammates.

Nevertheless, his inexperience at this level of professional football still remains evident. Having spent just one year with Flamengo’s senior side, aspects such as his finishing ability and the accuracy of his passes still need to be refined. Whether Lopetegui is willing to help him polish his game this season remains to be seen, as he may prefer for the Brazilian to work out the kinks with Castilla.

Riqui Puig (Barcelona)

For as long as many could remember, La Maisa’s conveyor belt produced an endless supply of world class talent. Barcelona’s first team was constantly being replenished with young players who were able to step in and maintain the sides incredible level of success. To the surprise of many, the pool of talented players emanating from their youth set-up has dried up considerably in recent years.

After a prolonged wait that has divided much of the fan base, it seems Barcelona have finally uncovered their next gem, a player who has already drawn praise from the likes of Xavi and AC Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso. His name is Riqui Puig, and he is baby faced 18-year-old center midfielder who finally received his long awaited shot with the first team in this summer’s ICC.

Intelligent beyond his years, Puig has already drawn plenty of comparisons to club legend, Andres Iniesta. Whether it’s his feathery touch, birds-eye vision, or calmness in the face of oncoming pressure, Puig has culés excited about the future of their midfield for the first time in a while.

Fran Beltrán (Celta Vigo)

Going into last season, expectations for Rayo Vallecano were tepid at best. If all things shook right, many pipped them to have an outside shot for the play-offs in the Segunda. Little did they know, the goliath-like performances of one of the smallest players on the pitch would springboard them to promotion after a two-year absence from Spain’s top-flight.

Standing at a mere 5ft 5in, 19-year-old Fran Beltrán can be an easy player to miss initially. However, once the whistle is blown, the midfielder is able to captivate your eyes with his incredible ability. Positioned primarily as a deep-playing midfielder, Beltrán made the bulk of his impact at Rayo through his tireless motor and ability to obtain and retain possession.

Purchased by Celta Vigo for €8m, the Spaniard’s acquisition could prove to be one of the bargains of the summer. His role in Galicia will likely be altered, as a potential partnership next to the more stationary Stanislav Lobotka could see Antonio Mohamed ask Beltrán to push forward and be creative force in the team. With his adept passing ability and the desire to succeed at any cost, Beltrán could prove to be one of Celta’s most important figures this upcoming season.

How well do you know European Football? Want to challenge the best Spanish Fantasy Managers? Play www.liga-fantasy.com now.