The Bundesliga admittedly doesn’t have the sheer star power of the Premier League or La Liga. But what they do have is a rich crop of young, up-and-coming stars who could potentially make their way to those big clubs in England and Spain in the near future.
For now, though, they will ply their trade in Germany. Here are 10 names, in particular, to keep a close eye on as they could very well set the Bundesliga alight this season.
Jadon Sancho (19), Borussia Dortmund
Sancho simply took the Bundesliga by storm last season. The precocious Englishman had 12 goals and 14 assists to power Borussia Dortmund’s title charge, which ultimately came up just short.
At just 19 years of age, there’s every reason to think Sancho can make even more Bundesliga 2019 highlights this term; he already gave Bayern a taste of what could be in store for the rest of the league in Dortmund’s 2-0 Supercup win.
Sancho is one of, if not the most exciting player to watch in Germany at the moment and is a must-watch for all SBOBET Bundesliga fans all season long.
Kai Havertz (20), Bayer Leverkusen
Sancho may have been getting much of the attention with his brilliant performances last year, but Havertz was equally as impressive. The 20-year-old midfielder scored an impressive 17 goals, including seven in the last seven games of the season to help Leverkusen secure Champions League football.
With Julian Brandt leaving for Dortmund over the summer, Havertz will have to shoulder the load in Leverkusen’s attack. But if last season was any indication, he is certainly more than capable of stepping up to the challenge.
Serge Gnabry (24), Bayern Munich
Gnabry was arguably Bayern’s second most important attacker last season. The German was a consistent performer out on the wing as Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben struggled to get on the field.
With the two veteran wingers now gone and Bayern unable to secure the services of Leroy Sane, Gnabry will be even more vital to the champions’ plans.
Perhaps that security of a starting spot every week will push Gnabry to even greater heights this year, which should only improve their already strong Bundesliga 2019 odds.
Timo Werner (23), RB Leipzig
Werner has been among the best players in the Bundesliga since coming over to Leipzig back in 2016. He’s averaged 16 goals and six assists over the past three seasons, which are terrific numbers.
But there’s a decent chance Werner can reach an even higher level this season with the arrival of highly rated young manager Julian Nagelsmann. The 32-year-old was able to coax some great seasons from his players during his time in Hoffenheim and could potentially to do the same with a world-class talent like Werner.
Florian Neuhaus (22), Borussia Monchengladbach
With Hazard now in Dortmund, it will be up to Neuhaus to help fill the void the Belgian left in the Gladbach attack. While the 22-year-old is a completely different type of player, he did show flashes of brilliance last season (three goals, eight assists) and figures to take another step up this year.
Maximilian Eggestein (22), Werder Bremen
Eggestein has been among the essential members of Werder Bremen’s squad over the last two seasons. The 22-year-old had five goals and four assists last year and also got his first call-up to the German national team. If he can add more goals to his already well-rounded game this season, his first cap should be just around the corner.
Thorgan Hazard (26), Borussia Dortmund
Hazard had another brilliant campaign with Gladbach last year. Eden’s younger brother had 10 goals and 10 assists, which earned him a big move to Dortmund. But instead of being the main man in attack, Hazard will be third in the pecking order behind Sancho and captain Marco Reus.
That could end up being a good thing for Hazard, though. He stands to benefit from all the attention those two will receive from opposing defences when they play together. Hazard’s presence should also help reduce the pressure on Sancho and Reus to create chances for Dortmund this season.
Ibrahima Konate (20), RB Leipzig
At the tender age of 19, Konate was one of the best defenders in the entire Bundesliga, according to WhoScored. He was one of the foundational pieces of a Leipzig defence which conceded a mere 29 goals, the best mark in the league.
Konate will now have to prove he isn’t a one-hit wonder, but with the brilliant Nagelsmann now in charge, Konate could end up being even better.
Ishak Belfodil (24), Hoffenheim
Once on the books at Inter Milan, Belfodil looked set to be one of those talents who never quite reached their potential. But then at age 27, the Algerian had a breakout season with Hoffenheim as he scored 16 goals in just 28 Bundesliga appearances.
The question now is whether that was a one-season fluke or if Belfodil has finally figured things out. But after losing the likes of Joelinton and Kerem Demirbay in the summer, Hoffenheim will be hoping it’s the latter.
Dodi Lukebakio (21), Hertha Berlin
Lukebakio spent last season on loan at Fortuna Dusseldorf from English club Watford, and he made the most of that situation. The 21-year-old scored a historic hat-trick against Manuel Neuer in a 3-3 draw against Bayern Munich and also scored a goal to end Borussia Dortmund’s undefeated run.
That strong season — 11 goals in 23 games — was enough for Hertha Berlin to break their transfer record to sign him. A lot will be riding on the young Belgian’s shoulders, but he all the physical gifts to rise to the challenge.
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