Few can argue with the fact that as a constant production line for talented young players, Spanish football is hard to beat. Throughout the competition, numerous players rise from relative obscurity to make names for themselves, rising through the academy ranks as clubs look to bring through their own talents.
Backing the Future
Arguably one of the most exciting aspects of the beautiful game in Spain, fans are treated to new players who are given their opportunity to shine each season. Although some can fade and fall by the wayside, others are quickly able to prove their worth to managers, earning themselves regular game time and eventually becoming key team players.
This has inevitably helped to boost the attraction of LaLiga to international audiences, including the Middle East, where leagues in Qatar and Saudi Arabia have maintained strong ties with Spanish football. Just like anywhere else in the world, betting on the outcome of games has become hugely popular.
Nevertheless, it’s always wise to bet on sports securely and safely, after taking a look through plenty of detailed reviews covering the best Arabic betting sites. Along with backing local domestic leagues, online bookies for Arab nations also offer all the big European leagues, including LaLiga. Now, let’s take a look at the top young stars to watch in 2021-22.
Pedri – FC Barcelona
Hailing from the Canary Islands, there was no hesitation from Barcelona when they signed Pedri from UD Las Palmas in July 2020. Furthermore, there was absolutely no doubt this hugely talented midfielder could make an instant impact, even at the tender age of 17. Under the guidance of head coach Ronald Koeman, the youngster became an integral part of the team.
In total, Pedri made 52 appearances in all competitions, contributing 4 goals and 6 assists. He also went on to represent the Spanish national team at Euro 2020, and the Tokyo Olympics during the summer. Already regarded as one of the most promising young players in world football right, now 18, midfielder Pedri quite literally has the world at his feet.
Yeremi Pino – Villarreal
Villarreal have established a fine tradition of developing talented young players. In fact, more than half of their 2020-21 squad started their careers at the club’s academy. The latest promising prospect is 18-year-old Yeremi Pino, who started out last season as an unknown quantity last season. However, it didn’t take long for this wonderful young winger to start hitting the headlines.
Pino fully repaid the faith of manager Unai Emery, dazzling with his creativity and skill, scoring 3 goals and making 37 appearances in total. His last appearance of the 2020-21 campaign was in UEFA Europa League final, when Villarreal beat Manchester United via penalties to lift the trophy. That also made Pino the youngest Spaniard ever to appear in a major European final.
Ander Barrenetxea – Real Sociedad
Since debuting during the 2018-19 season in LaLiga, the career of Ander Barrenetxea continues to flourish at Real Sociedad, having now established himself as a member of the first team squad. The Basque club is famed for nurturing the progress of talented future stars, and the 19-year-old winger is a fine example of that strong tradition being maintained.
Barrenetxea is enjoying a swiftly growing reputation for his intelligence and skill on the pitch, which has inevitably caught the attention of numerous top clubs around Europe. If his performances continue to be top quality, Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil will face a tough battle to keep this exciting attacking player at the club.
Oihan Sancet – Athletic Club
Famed for their policy of only fielding Basque players, Athletic Club has an established and renowned history for developing some of the best young footballers in Spain. Gradually making his presence felt in the first team is 20-year-old Oihan Sancet, with the midfielder having seen plenty of action already over the last two seasons.
Oihan is expected to be handed a more prominent role during the 2021-22 campaign, which means we’ll get to see more of this marvellous prospect. Such is the high level of confidence that Sancet will continue to make great progress, the Bilbao side inserted a release clause worth €60 million in his last contract renewal.
Wealth of Spanish Talents
As we follow the progress of these four players throughout the 2021-22 season in LaLiga, they should underline just how rich this competition is when it comes to producing talented players. More names will undoubtedly emerge, as the beautiful game in Spain continues to flourish, consistently producing what seems like a never-ending supply of wonderkids.