5 players aged 20 or below with most minutes played in Europe this season
"Age is just a number" - there's no better proof of this saying than the sport of football. Players are unlikely to hit their peaks when they are 20 years old. However, several clubs are starting to invest in U-20 players to build for the future.
Many U-20 stars play as starters for their respective clubs and even countries. Not only have these five names been starters, but they have also been the most played footballers in the big five leagues in Europe.
Disclaimer: Only the top five leagues have been considered. Data as on March 4, 2022.
#5 Jasko Gvardiol - 1871 minutes
Josko Gvardiol is a bit different than typical centre-backs as he relies on his ball-carrying abilities more than defense. However, that doesn't mean that he is not defensively sound.
Gvardiol came through the ranks in Dinamo Zagreb before Leipzig acquired him. However, the Croatian centre-back has quickly managed to establish himself as a starter. He has already made his national debut and even appeared in a crucial match against Spain at the Euros.
Croatian centreback Josko Gvardiol seems to have overtaken Pau Torres and Sven Botman as Tottenham number one target to reinforce its defence this summer.
- @mundodeportivo https://t.co/losQDy5GF1
RB Leipzig have been far from their best this season and have underperformed for the most part. However, Gvardiol has been a consistent performer so far. He has already made 34 appearances and has even chipped in with five goals involvements as a bonus.
#4 Aaron Hickey - 1877 minutes
Aaron Hickey wasn't even 20 when he decided to leave his home country to move to Serie A. It was a bold move that has dramatically benefited Hickey and has made him noticeable to bigger clubs in Europe. Hickey is a highly offensive wing-back who can work as a full-back on either flank.
At Bologna, Hickey has primarily played as a left-back. He has been a great performer for the couple of seasons he has been in Italy and has quickly become a starter as a teenager.
Aston Villa wanted Aaron Hickey in January, but Bologna refused. Come the summer, PL clubs will return for Hickey ✍️ [ @FabrizioRomano ]
He may want to go somewhere where he doesn’t have to compete with someone as good as Digne but I’d certainly be happy with the signing #avfc https://t.co/KGarbX0Kr2
Hickey has been one of the most important players for Bologna this season. He has so far played in 24 games across all competitions and has put in consistent performances. Hickey has looked defensively solid and hasn't been shy to venture forward. In addition, his attacking plays have got him four goals and one assist in the ongoing campaign.