Football Wonderkid Scout

player ever to be capped at international level by Austria. Alaba recently competed at the Uefa Under-19 European Championships for Austria, where he scored a memorable free-kick and played a starring role in their 3-2 defeat to England. The 18-year old, who can operate in midfield on the left or centre, and also in defence has risen through the ranks quickly after moving to Bayern in 2008. An excellent set piece-taker, Alaba is widely expected to make his breakthrough to the first team in the next few seasons and is arguably the jewell in the Bayern youth ranks.

At Schalke there is the highly promising trio of Joel Matip, Levan Kenia and Lewis Holtby, which make up part of Schalke's youthful look. When Felix Magath took charge last season he found himself faced with an ageing under-performing squad and financial problems off the field. Magath decided to take a different approach and decided to cut out the failed signings of past managers and took in a new batch of youngsters, some of which have progressed through the youth ranks and some signed from fellow clubs. One of those is young defender Joel Matip. The 18 year-old Cameroonian who was born in Germany, is a tall imposing figure who has been compared to Patrick Vieira. A member of Cameroon's World Cup squad, Matip had an excellent season last year and put in a number of eye catching performances in the holding midfielder role. A threat from set pieces, Matip is also able to operate at the heart of the defence and will be looking to showcase his talent in this season's Champions League campaign. Levan Kenia is a playmaking midfielder who has been deployed by Magath in a central role as part of Schalke's 4-3-3 formation. Technically superb, Kenia has an excellent range of passing and has good dribbling skills enabling him to go past defenders with ease. Some people have compared him to Mesut Özil, but his style is more like that of Lionel Messi. The 19 year-old has not only caught the eye in the Bundesliga, but also on the international scene for Georgia. Kenia made his debut for the national team on 8 September 2007 against Ukraine, replacing Alexander Iashvili at the age of just 16 years-old. He has since gone on to win 15 caps and has scored 3 goals in the process against the likes of Ireland and Wales. Georgia's former head coach Klaus Toppmöller said he had never before seen a player of his age with such accomplished technical abilities. Kenia clearly has a bright future in the game and will be hoping to continue his development in order to secure a big money move. Joining them in Schalke's ranks is Lewis Holtby, who is a German playmaker of English descent. The 19 year-old who has been capped up to Under-21 level and spent the second half of last season on loan at Vfl Bochum. While impressing he was unable to help his team avoid relegation. Similar in style to Levan Kenia, Hotlby will spend this season out on loan to FSV Mainz in order to gain more experience.

One player making his name on the international youth stage, is Richard Sukuta-Pasu who has been prolific at U17, U19 and U20 levels for Germany. He played at the 2008 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship, where he scored 3 goals, including the winner in the final against Italy. While he has been able to make his breakthrough at club level, Sukuta-Pasu has continued to show promise at youth level. The powerful stiker who is currently on the books at Bayer Leverkusen, was on loan at St. Pauli last season and will spent this season there as well. Another rising star is Deniz Naki who was an integral member of the Germany side which won the Under-19 European Championships in 2009. A former colleague in the youth setup at Leverkusen, Naki was sold to St. Pauli last season and operates as a second striker similar to that of Roberto Baggio. The young German who comes from deep to collect the ball, is a central figure in starting any offensive play and possesses great control and dribbling skills, making Naki a threat in the final third. Last season he managed to score seven goals and create eight assists in 30 games, helping his side to an automatic promotion sport. He will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Marko Marin.

While Borussia Dortmund have struggled in the Bundesliga in the last few years, their hopes will be pinned on wonderkid Mario Goetze. The 18-year old is widely regarded as one of the best players in his age group and will be carefully nurtured by manager Jurgen Klopp. The playmaker who has only made a few appearances to date, made his name and reputation during the 2009 European U-17 tournament in which his team won, he followed that form into the World version of the tournament and scored three goals in four matches as Germany were knocked out by the eventual winners, Switzerland. A player blessed with speed, dribbling ability, and a wonderful pass, he is looking to follow in the footsteps of Dortmund and German legend Andi Moller to become one of the world's top playmakers. While he is unlikely to receive much game time in the current season, Goetze could well be loaned out to a lower league German club. At Werder Bremen, offensive midfielder turned playmaker Philipp Bagfrede was an unsung hero in Bremen's season last year. Pulling the strings in the middle, Bagfrede allowed his teammates Frings, Ozil and Marin to cut through opposition defences. With excellent passion, concentration and close control, Bagfrede helps to keep Bremen's attack ticking.ence.