Rising stars: Picking the best teenage XI currently playing in Europe

Back in February, we here at GIVEMESPORT gave our thoughts on what was the best teenage XI in European football.

Matthijs de Ligt, Jadon Sancho, Kai Havertz, it was a team stacked with talent, but as we approach the end of 2019, most of the players from our February article are now no longer teenagers.

So in the midst of yet another dull international break, we've decided to provide an updated version of the best teenage XI currently plying their trade across the continent.

Only one player from our previous selection has kept his place, while one misses out despite still being in his teenage years...

GK - Stefan Bajic (17)

The French teenager's inclusion was pretty much by default, seeing as he's the only goalkeeper under the age of 20 to make an appearance in Europe's top five leagues this season.

He was thrown in at the deep end during Saint Etienne's 1-0 loss to Metz, with Bajic playing the full 90 minutes.

RB - Reece James (19)

When you're already one of the most exciting prospects in world football, what more can you do to enhance your reputation? Oh that's right, making Wilfried Zaha look like a below average winger.

That's exactly what James did on his first Premier League start for Chelsea and after his impressive loan spell with Wigan last season, he looks ready to take on the world.

A brick wall at the back, a threat going forward and versatile, the Englishman may even threaten Trent Alexander-Arnold's spot in the national team before Euro 2020.

CB - William Saliba (18)

There's a reason why Arsenal and Tottenham were locking horns to sign Saliba from Saint Etienne in the summer.

The French centre-back oozes class and despite being just 18, he plays like a seasoned veteran. Prior to picking up a serious foot injury, he was starring for the Ligue 1 side in 2019/20.

Saliba's youthful exuberance and undeniable talent is exactly what Arsenal's defence needs next season and he could be the man to help change their fortunes.

CB - Benoit Badiashile (18)

AS Monaco love providing a platform for young players to thrive and Badiashile has taken that opportunity by the scruff of the neck.

Already one of the key men in the principality side's defence, the young Frenchman plays with an assurance and maturity that you rarely see in a teenager.

Chelsea are already heavily linked with the defender.

LB - Alphonso Davies (19)

Now, Davies is a midfielder by trade, but the Canadian has deputised at left-back for Bayern this season due to the club's injury woes, with David Alaba shifting over to centre-back.

And the teenager's performances in defence may suggest his future lies in a more pragmatic role, with his skills as a full-back arguably outweighing his offensive prowess at the moment.

Davies' performance in the 4-0 win over Borussia Dortmund was gargantuan, making fellow teenager Sancho look a fool, resulting in the Englishman being subbed before half-time.

CM - Sandro Tonali (19)

At just 19, the Italian midfielder already has a full 90 minutes under his belt for his country and is sending shockwaves across the world with his performances for Brescia.

There are very few - if any - weaknesses in Tonali's game and like many in this team, he has already attracted the attention of Europe's elite.

Brescia owner and president Massimo Cellino has previously stated that it would take €300m to sign the midfielder, though...

CM - Eduardo Camavinga (17)

When you're man of the match against Paris Saint-Germain at just 16 years old, you've got a big future ahead of you.

Camavinga also picked up an assist in that memorable 2-1 win over the champions for Rennes and since then, the defensive midfielder has been an ever present in the side.

Mature beyond his years, the Frenchman is going to command some seriously high transfer fees in the coming years, with Barcelona and Manchester United already heavily linked with his signature.

CM - Phil Foden (19)

Despite having to compete in one of Europe's most competitive midfield setups, Foden still shines when he's handed opportunities by Pep Guardiola.

The Man City manager has regularly referred to the midfielder as one of the most talented players he's ever worked with, which really is praise of the highest order.

A few teenage central midfielders across Europe have made more appearances than Foden, but none are us talented as the City man.

RW - Jadon Sancho (19)

Despite an indifferent start to the 2019/20 season with Borussia Dortmund, it would be foolish not to include Sancho once again.

Few wingers in world football excite the crowds quite like the Englishman and he's well on course to be a pivotal figure for the Three Lions at Euro 2020.

Even during his slightly off season with Dortmund, he's still managed three goals and five assists in just nine Bundesliga games. A generational talent.

ST - Erling Haaland (19)

What more can be said about Haaland? The guy is just a goal scoring machine.

Fifteen goals in 12 Austrian Bundesliga games and seven in just four Champions League fixtures, the Norwegian was born to find the back of the net.

RB Salzburg are surely bracing themselves for a mountain of bids in the January window, but at least they will make a huge profit on the prodigal talent!

LW - Rodrygo Goes (18)

Last time around it was Vinicius, this time it's Real Madrid's other Brazilian starlet.

The former could still make the cut given he's still just 19, but Rodrygo just seems to have that extra cutting edge to his game, as well as the ability to make finishing chances look easy.

With a Champions League hat-trick to his name for Los Blancos in his first season, the silky forward already looks a world-class player.

Honourable mentions:

Vinicius Junior, Dwight McNeill, Reiss Nelson, Ansu Fati, Yacine Adli, Matty Longstaff, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Aaron Connolly, Hamed Traore, Bukayo Saka, Moise Kean, Ferran Torres and more.

The world of football really is in safe hands.