Young stars to watch in the 2015/2016 Bundesliga
Leroy Sané
- 19 years old
- Forward/Attacking midfielder
- FC Schalke 04
Son of two former athletes (his mother was a rhythmic gymnast and his father a footballer), Sané had his breakthrough last season with some great displays for Schalke 04. Although he’s already played 14 games and scored thrice in the Bundesliga, the skillful teenager’s greatest moment so far was in the Champions League. In the second round, Sané came off the bench against Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabéu and scored a beautiful goal from outside the box, helping his team achieve a historic 4-3 win.
Sané is fast, skilled and smart. If last season he was regarded as a future prospect, this one he wants to reinforce his place in the starting lineup and become one of the protagonists.
Jonathan Tah
- 19 years old
- Defender
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Jonathan Tah was one of Hamburger SV’s greatest young talents, but, after his team’s bad campaign in 2013/2014, was loaned to 2. Bundesliga side Fortuna Düsseldorf. After a decent period in Düsseldorf, the young Tah signed a contract with a team from a neighboring city: Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite being so young, the defender is quite steady and calm, some qualities of much more experienced players. He’s already played 16 matches in the German top flight with HSV, but now he’s got another shot and with (sorry Hamburger fans) a much better squad by his side.
Marc Stendera
- 19 years old
- Attacking Midfielder
- Eintracht Frankfurt
With 30 games played and 14 goals scored for Germany’s youth teams (from U-17 to U-20), Eintracht Frankfurt’s Marc Stendera is already one of his country’s greatest hopes for the future. His creativity, passing skills and intelligence can make a difference against any opposition.
Stendera has already played 36 matches and netted three times in the Bundesliga, but this might be the season in which he finally takes the spotlight and becomes his team’s main character.
Timo Werner
– 19 years old
– Winger/Striker
– VfB Stuttgart
Similar to many players on this list, Timo Werner had his first team breakthrough at a very young age. He’s fast, skillful and has already showed that can score goals. Werner has played 33 games so far for Germany’s youth teams, scoring amazing 26 goals. In the Bundesliga, the young Stuttgarter has collected 48 appearances and netted seven goals.
Last tournament his Stuttgart went through difficult times and almost got relegated. Now, in a new season, Timo Werner can redeem himself and take his team to more glorious paths.
Julian Weigl
– 19 years old
– Central Midfielder
– Borussia Dortmund
Another 19-year-old on this list, Julian Weigl began his career playing for 1860 München. After two good seasons for the Löwen, Julian signed this summer for Borussia Dortmund, one of Germany’s most popular and traditional sides. And just like in Munich, the young and talented Weigl seem to be impressing in his new club.
This great “passing machine” played both Europa League qualifying games against the Austrian side Wolfsberger and BVB’s first cup match, against Chemnitzer FC. His precise passes, intelligence, defensive skills and creativity can make him a key player to the Schwarzgelben (Black and Yellows).
Joshua Kimmich
– 20 years old
– Central Midfielder
– Bayern München
Joshua Kimmich reminds Julian Weigl regarding his career and his playing style. Just like the new Borussia Dortmund signing, Kimmich started playing professionally for a lower division team (RB Leipzig) and now has joined a national giant in the top flight (FC Bayern). With 53 matches in the 3. Liga and 2. Bundesliga, Joshua was a key player for the new club from Leipzig.
Even though he was an unused substitute in today’s opening match against Hamburger SV, it seems Kimmich will have some chances to show his qualities throughout this season.
