Talent Scout: African Wonderkids
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We are bringing you a selection of young players from across Africa that are attracting attention from some of Europe’s top clubs. Any of these players could prove to be the next ‘wonderkid’ but transforming that potential into actual talent separates the wheat from the chaff.
The term ‘wonderkid’ derives from the German word ‘wunderkind’ and can be described as,
“a young person whose excellence in his or her discipline is appropriate to someone older and more experienced.”
In terms of football, we often hear about wonderkids that make the great such as Ronaldo and Messi, but there are some that don’t as well. Freddy Adu is one of the most memorable wonderkids that simply didn’t live up to the hype. Hopefully, the players in this list will fulfil their potential and become household names in the future.
- Isaac Tshibangu – This talented winger is still rough around the edges but possesses the pace and power to do some real damage to the opposition’s defence. Tshibangu is from Congo and currently plays for TP Mazembe.
- Metinho – Now Brazilian, Metinho has been likened to Paul Pogba and is seen as a hard-working midfielder. Originally born in Congo, the Fluminense midfielder adopted the nickname Metinho, and his real name is Abemly Meto Silu.
- Prince Kwabena Adu – The Bechem Utd striker is very quick and has an eye for goal, netting 8 goals in 14 appearances in the Ghana Premier League. The 17-year old will surely leave his native country soon and has already been linked with a move to Europe.
- Ilaix Moriba – A product of the Barcelona academy, Moriba is a box to box midfielder from Guinea. The youngster has been dubbed the ‘next Paul Pogba’ and is someone the Catalonians rate highly.
- Mohamed Amine Essahel – The Moroccan attacking midfielder likes to pick the ball up in space and play through balls for his teammates. The North African youngster plies his trade for Academie Mohamed VI and is seen as one of his country’s brightest prospects.
- Kelvin John – John currently studies at Brooke House College, Leicestershire, but made his name aged 15 at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations for Tanzania. The 17-year old striker is expected to stay in England until his 18th birthday but has already been linked with a move to Belgium.
Africa so often produces great footballers, and these six teenagers are considered some of the best and brightest in 2020. There is often a lot of pressure on young players that carry the ‘wonderkid’ label but providing they have the right people advising them, and they concentrate on their football; there is no reason we won’t hear about all of these talents for years to come.
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