Just as the previous years have produced, 2023 is expected to usher in new players that could reach the highest heights in World Football or soccer. The winter World Cup in 2022 witnessed the rise and domination of youngsters on the world stage by young players.

An example of players who exploded was Jamal Musiala, Jude Bellingham, Nico Schlotterbeck, Gavi, etc. And 2023 promises more.

So who are the best young players to watch in 2023? According to Marca (h/t ESPN Brasil), these players are the ones to watch out for in the new year.

Ranking the top 11 best young players to watch in 2023 by Marca

1. Endrick – (Palmeiras, Brazil)

Endrick is one of the best young players on the South American continent. The 16-year-old forward had an outstanding performance for Palmeiras, which resulted in Real Madrid’s $63.6 million money splash on the player.

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He has represented Palmeiras in different age groups and is the first team, winning the Brazilian Football Championship at the end of the 2022 season. He was awarded Best Newcomer for the 2022 Brazilian Serie A season.

Endrick will join Real Madrid in 2024 when he turns 18. He is expected to bring significant change to the club’s attacking options.

2. Xavi Simons – (PSV, The Netherlands)

Xavi Simons left PSG to join PSV Eindhoven, becoming one of the best players in the Dutch team. The 19-year-old decided to move to the Netherlands and rejected a new contract by Paris Saint-Germain.

He began his career with Barcelona youth development setup (La Masia) to join PSG and was one of the most outstanding on the team.

Following his arrival at PSV, he has continued to grow and become one of the key players at the club.

3. Youssoufa Moukoko – (Borussia Dortmund, Germany)

Youssoufa Moukoko is one of the best young players in the German Bundesliga. He came through the youth ranks of Borussia Dortmund and eventually broke into the first team.

4. Alejandro Garnacho – (Manchester United, Argentina)

Alejandro Garnacho is one of the new revelations at Old Trafford. The Man United youth development star has been included in the team’s roster for first-team duties and has continued to impress.

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5. Alejandro Balde – (FC Barcelona, Spain)

Alejandro Balde has been excellent and is considered the ideal solution to Barcelona’s problems in the left-back position.

6. Maximo Perrone (Velez Sarsfield, Argentina)

Maximo Perrone is a 19-year-old midfielder who plays for Club Vélez Sarsfield in the Argentine Primera Division. He is already tipped for a big-money move following his impressive performance.

7. Désire Doue (Rennes, France)

Désiré Doué plays as a midfielder for Ligue 1 club Rennes and has been one of the most outstanding young talents at the club.

8. Malo Gusto (Lyon, France)

Lyon continues to produce exceptional talents in European football, and Malo Gusto is another case study. The 19-year-old plays as a right-back for the French club.

9. António Silva (Benfica, FC Porto)

António Silva is a 19-year-old centre-back for FC Porto. This season, he’s been involved in eleven league games. He was also part of Portugal’s squad at the World Cup in Qatar.

10. Zeno Debast (RSC Anderlecht, Belgium)

Zeno Debast plays as a centre-back for RSC Anderlecht. His performance at the Belgian top flight has drawn comparisons with former players like Vincent Kompany.

11. Marten Vandevoordt (Genk, Belgium)

Marten Vandevoordt plays as a goalkeeper for Genk. Since he was discovered, he has been the first-choice goalkeeper at the club, especially in the 2022/23 season.

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