XI worth €291m
Sterling, Kimmich, Martial & Co. – The most valuable U21 XI from 10 years ago
©TM/IMAGO
As every top club looks to unearth the next gem in world football this transfer window, we have turned back the clocks to take a look at the most valuable wonderkids on Transfermarkt this time 10 years ago. TM’s market values are world renowned among fans, players, clubs and agents. We have calculated the most valuable under-21 XI from this time 10 years ago in 2016. Who would go on to be a future superstar? Which young stars would fail to deliver on their potential? Let’s find out.
The most valuable U21 XI in 2016
In between the sticks is Italian Gianluigi Donnarumma. He was just 17 years old at the time, but was already making an impression at AC Milan and had a market value of €10 million. He would go on to reach a €45m value and is currently the most valuable keeper in the world. A success on that one. At right-back was 21-year-old Héctor Bellerín, who had a market value of €18m at the time at Arsenal. He would go on to reach a €40m value with the Gunners, but would never go on to truly realise his potential. At left-back was 21-year-old Luke Shaw, who had a €21m value at Manchester United. He would reach a record €42m value, and despite serious injuries, go on to be a key man for club and country.
Market Value
Luke Shaw
Left-Back
€8.00m
At centre-back is José María Giménez (€30m) – 21 years of age and Atlético Madrid – and Alessio Romagnoli (€18m) – 21 years of age and at AC Milan. The former would reach a record value of €70m, with the latter’s record value being €50m. In centre-midfield, it’s 21-year-old Saúl Niguez (€35m) of Atlético, and 21-year-old Joshua Kimmich (€20m) of Bayern Munich. The Spaniard hit a €90m record value, with the German hitting the same figure. Renato Sanches was once considered the next big thing, and as an 18-year-old – 10 years ago – had a €30m value at Bayern. However, that value would never go higher, and he is currently worth just €2m at 28 years of age.
The most valuable U21 player in the world in 2016 and therefore in the XI is in fact winger Raheem Sterling. Aged 21, he had signed for Manchester City for €56m two years prior and had a market value of €45m at this time. His record value would reach €160m as he won numerous titles with the Sky Blues and became a key player for England. Although, his latter years would disappoint. Up front, 19-year-old Schalke forward Breel Embolo (€22m) and 20-year-old Man United attacker Anthony Martial (€30m) lead the line. The former’s record value never went higher than €22m, whilst the latter hit €65m, but never delivered on his massive potential.
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