European teenage 11
We're past the midway point of the season and the major European Leagues have kept us busy as always with its usual set of surprises and breakthroughs.
We've seen the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Gianluigi Donnarumma continue their progress and make it in the big leagues and we've seen quite a few other youngsters of high calibre come up the ranks of various teams.
This is a list of a starting XI that could be made out of the best teenagers who are plying their trade in Europe. The list considers players who are below the age of 20 and have been performing with a maturity way beyond their tender years.
A traditional 4-4-2 formation shall be considered for this XI which will solely be comprised of teenagers playing in Europe.
Without further ado, let's see who makes the cut:
Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan)
Other alternatives: Alban Lafont (Toulouse), Mile Svilar (Benfica)
Age: 18
League appearances: 89
For anyone who has seen AC Milan play in the past two seasons, it would be difficult to comprehend the fact that their giant shot-stopper is still only 18.
One of the first names on the team sheet and a product of the famous AC Milan youth academy, Donnarumma has established himself as the No 1 for AC Milan and is almost set to take over the No 1 post for the Italian National Team too, following Buffon's retirement after a disappointing World Cup qualification campaign.
A seasoned starter by now, with great potential for further growth, one can only imagine how good this youngster can be. Having created a lot of furore and talk after reportedly rejecting a contract renewal offer, Donnarumma was mocked and ridiculed by the Milan faithful before he finally put pen to paper and extended his stay at the Italian club.
All the big clubs in the world would have certainly kept tabs on Donnarumma's development and with AC Milan not performing well domestically even after a stunning squad overhaul, it might not be long before he is prised away from the San Siro.
A solid and experienced keeper at only 18 years of age, the sky is the limit for this young gun.