TOP 5: World's Talented Teenagers

I was watching Dortmund and AS Monaco contest their Champions League tie last week and I noticed something unusual.

Unfortunately, the tie will probably be most noted for off-field incidents; where an explosion near the Dortmund bus prior to the game left Marc Bartra hospitalised.

However, when their quarter final match-up was played, it was a thoroughly entertaining game with both teams showing a great deal of attacking flair. But the talent on show was not just limited to veteran professionals who have experienced occasions like this for years; three of the players on the pitch were teenagers. 

18 year-old Kylian Mbappe terrorised the Dortmund defence from the outset as he bagged two goals. Ousname Dembele and Christian Pulisic were the other two teenagers on display and impressed themselves.

Their notable displays on such a big stage made me think: Who are the most talented teenagers in world football? Do any of the three named above make the Top 5? Do any English youngsters make the list? Find out the answer to these questions later on in this article.

5) Marcus Rashford - Age: 19

5) Is Marcus Rashford the future of English football?

There is perhaps an argument advocated by a few that Rashford has been a disappointment this season. 

After bursting onto the scene last season with two goals in the Europa League against FC Midtylland, the then 18-year old went from strength to strength and for the rest of the season he was a prominent figure in Louis Van Gaal's side.

Equipped with electric pace, Rashford would go on to score eight times that season in all competitions; including goals against Arsenal and Manchester City. He also made his first international appearance, scoring just three minutes into his debut against Australia.

His dream first season as a professional footballer was rounded off with a call-up to England's Euro 2016 squad. Although he would play a bit-part in England's disappointing campaign, Rashford was regarded by many as the golden boy in English football and many expected him to continue this form going into his second season at Manchester United.

But things have not materialised quite the way Rashford would have liked it too. The wonder-kid has struggled to hold down a first team place at Manchester United and has had to make do with cameo's off the bench for much of the season. Nevertheless, he has still appeared in 42 games to date, scoring 8 goals.

Progress has slowed for the 2016 Golden Boy Runner-Up. But at only 19-years old Rashford is not just the future of English football; he also has the potential to be the future of world football.

4) Gianluigi Donnarumma - Age: 18

4) Gianluigi Donnarumma looks set to become Italy's number 1 when Buffon retires

The AC Milan stopper is the youngest player on this list, but despite his age he is perhaps the most experienced. Donnarumma got his breakthrough as he made his debut in 2015; at the age of just 16. 

Despite AC Milan having two established and well-respected goalkeepers in the form of Diego Lopez and Christian Abbiati, the youngster took the opportunity when it was given to him and he has embraced it with open arms.

When the Italian got his chance in the first team, he became the second youngest goalkeeper to ever appear in Serie A. Since that momentous day in 2015, Donnarumma has not looked back and he has already appeared in 61 league games for AC Milan.

The 6 foot 5 shot-stopper has also made the transition onto the world stage. He has made three appearances for his national side; in the process becoming the youngest goalkeeper to ever appear for Italy.

Now 18, Donnarumma continues to break records and he has now established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Italian football. With legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon at the end of a glittering career, Donnarumma looks like his natural successor as Italy's number one. Who knows, maybe Donnarumma could go on to become an even better goalkeeper than Buffon himself?

3) Renato Sanches - Age: 19

3) Sanches was named Golden Boy in 2016, an award given to the best footballer of that year under the age of 21

Like Rashford, Sanches has not progressed in the manner that many would have expected him too. However, the Portuguese teenager made such an impact in his break-through year that he must be considered as one of the most talented youngsters in world football.

Known primarily for his physical capabilities despite his young age, Sanches made his debut for Benfica at the age of 18 and immediately established himself as a regular starter. The teenager ended his club campaign with 35 appearances in all competitions, scoring 2 goals.

Sanches' superb season was identified by Fernando Santos and thus the youngster was rewarded with a call up to Portugal's national team. Despite his age, Sanches would go on to play a prominent role in Portugal's European Championship triumph as he was named European Championship Young Player of the Tournament. A few months later he was also named as 2016's Golden Boy.

Sanches had made such an impact on world football that he was the subject of interest from a host of the world's top clubs. Despite Manchester United being heavily linked with him, Sanches would eventually join Bayern Munich in a deal worth up to €80 million.

But the Golden Boy winner has struggled to adapt to life in Germany, and thus far the competition for places has been too much for the youngster to handle. He has therefore spent a large majority of this season on the bench; raising doubts about his potential.

But at only 19-years of age, Sanches has a number of years to build on the form he showed at Benfica and for Portugal in Euro 2016. With the impending retirement of Xabi Alonso, Sanches could be the main beneficiary as he looks to ignite his career at the German club.

2) Ousname Dembele - Age: 19

2) Ousname Dembele has impressed with both his skill and speed on the ball

The future most certainly looks bright for Dortmund. Emre Mor. Alexander Isak.  Christian Pulisic. Felix Passlack. All four of these teenagers at Dortmund's disposal look set to make their mark in world football. But Ousname Dembele is the best of the lot.

The Frenchman caught the world's attention last season for Rennes. Despite playing at a mid-table French side, Dembele showed great promise as he helped his side to an 8th placed finish. The youngster would finish the season with 12 goals and 5 assists in 28 appearances.

Dembele subsequently attracted the attention of both Tottenham and Liverpool last summer, but he was eventually convinced by Thomas Tuchel to join a Dortmund side brimming with young talent.

The former Rennes man was immediately utilised by Tuchel in a wide position supporting Aubameyang up front, and he has not let down his manager thus far. Dembele has scored 8 goals in 40 appearances, and according to Squawka.com. has been Dortmund's third best player this season.

Euro 2016 came too soon for the talented youngster and he thus played no part in the championships. However, he has since broken into the first team picture and has currently accumulated five appearances for his national side. A tricky winger with great skill and blistering pace; Dembele looks set to be a mainstay on the world stage for many years to come.

1) Kylian Mbappe - Age: 18

1) Mbappe's performances both in France and in the Champions League makes him the world's most talented teenager

I am going to be perfectly honest. Before this season I had not heard much of Kylian Mbappe. Never would I have imagined that he would be the most coveted youngster in world football.

Mbappe has been a revelation for AS Monaco this season. At only 18 years of age and despite his relative inexperience, he has dismantled some of the world's best teams at ease as he looks at home on the world stage.

The youngster caught my attention when he helped his side cause a huge upset by knocking Manchester City out of the Champions League. In their two-legged last 16 tie, Mbappe would prove to be a menace to the English side as he scored two goals across both legs.

The youngster would continue his fine form in club football's biggest continental competition by scoring two goals against Dortmund in Germany in their quarter-final tie. This helped his side to an eventual 3-2 victory as the French team look set to win qualification to the semi-finals.

Mbappe been in scinilating form for AS Monaco this season: so far he has made 34 appearances and notched 21 goals. He has also been rewarded with two caps for his national side. 

Known for his speed and composure in front of goal, the Frenchman's form has drawn comparisons to Thierry Henry, quite the comparison. At 18-years of age, it seems as if Mbappe has the footballing world at his feet and I would not be surprised if the world's biggest clubs engaged in a bidding war for his services come the summer.

With both Dembele and Mbappe at their disposal, as well as a plethora of other young talent, exciting times undoubtedly lay in wait for the French national team.

Like the article? Be sure to follow me on Blogger and Social Media for future Top 5 posts! The next special edition of TOP 5 will be based on 'Britain's most talented teenagers'. Thank you for reading!

Do you agree with the list? Or do you think that I've missed someone out and want argue your case? Let me know by commenting on this post or by messaging me on twitter: @JamesStroud1995 @FootballAddick