Potential Superstars of Tomorrow

As we gear up for the new football season, let us have a look at two of the most promising young defenders of world football. At a time when world football is experiencing a genuine lack of world-class defenders, they can go a long way in becoming two of the best defenders the world has ever seen. These footballers were a joy to behold last season and were two of the most talked about upcoming talents in the world of football. No doubt, they would definitely want to continue where they had left last season in order to attain the superstardom that they are destined for.

1) Raphael Varane (Real Madrid and France)
Of all the talented youngsters in the world, it is Real Madrid centre back Raphael Varane who is earning rave reviews after producing some outstanding defensive performances for Los Blancos last season. Varane has cemented his place at the heart of the Real defence alongside Sergio Ramos. He is a strong, quick and powerful centre-back who is flawless at bringing the ball out from the back, he is incredibly comfortable on the ball and his decision-making is first-class. His range of passing is immaculate. He is dominant in the air and the powerfully built defender is able to easily out-muscle strikers. It would appear that he has the perfect package for a defender and if he is able to continue to mature and develop over the next few years, you wouldn’t put it past him becoming one of the best defenders in the world.

2) Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil)
Despite having barely a season of professional football to his credit, 19-year-old Marquinhos had just become the fifth most expensive defender of all time following his 31.4 million euro (£27m) move from Roma to Paris Saint-Germain.
Marquinhos only moved to Roma for £3.2 million last summer but his value has increased tenfold after a stunning debut season in Serie A and he has become one of the globe’s most promising defenders despite making only 44 senior appearances in his career. Everyone has been won over by the defender’s compelling blend of pace, anticipation and intelligence - attributes which make him a very accomplished centre-back. He has all the qualities needed for a centre-back at a top club and it is not long before he becomes a permanent fixture for Brazil.