As 2019 begins to wind down we are getting ready for a huge year of football in 2020. As well as the terrific domestic action that we regularly enjoy, we are set for an exciting 12 months which includes a European Championship spread across the whole of Europe, another instalment of the Copa America, and (if that’s not enough) there is a summer Olympics as well.
Football Stars to Watch Out for in 2020
Lionel Messi, the world’s highest-paid footballer with earnings of $84 million, will naturally be a huge player in 2020 – and we expect the usual stars to light up the game over the course of the year too. But here are five youngsters who might go under the radar a little more who could be worth following:
Matteo Guendouzi
After a quiet first season in London, Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi is starting to come alive in the Premier League, taking matches by the scruff of the neck and influencing them in the way that Unai Emery and the Gunners love to see.
The 20-year-old is only going to get better over the next few years, and France coach Didier Deschamps has already recognised that. He called the energetic ace into his last squad and his form in England is sure to see him in many more in the future. He could be a big presence for the French in the Euros.
Joao Felix
Atletico Madrid made huge headlines when they paid a reported €126 million fee to Benfica for attacker Joao Felix, a man who at the time had played less than 75 matches at senior level. His prowess was clearly there for all to see when he was with the Portuguese giants, and he should truly break out in 2020.
Portugal will look to defend their European title successfully, but with Cristiano Ronaldo entering the twilight of his career, the next big thing will have the platform to show that even when the great one hangs up his boots, the future is still bright for the nation.
James Maddison
The Leicester City playmaker is only in his second season in the Premier League but he is improving all the time under Brendan Rodgers, and seemingly only injury is going to stop him from being a focal point of the England squad for a European Championship (which concludes at their own national stadium, Wembley).
Keep an eye on the 22-year-old. He is already being touted for a big move in January, and whether that comes off or not, 2020 is a year he should be looking to make a massive impression on.
Erling Braut Haaland
The Red Bull Salzburg attacker was born in Leeds in England and says his dream is to win the Premier League with Leeds United, but the 19-year-old might need to upgrade on those plans as he has already outgrown the Yorkshire club with his impressive performances in Austria and Europe.
It looks like it is only a matter of time before one of the powerhouses in European football takes the striker off the hands of the Austrian outfit, with the big teams in the Premier League and La Liga already watching. The Norwegian recently became the first player ever to score a hat-trick in the first half of a Champions League game, emphasising his huge talent. He has the capacity to be a big star in 2020.
Lautaro Martinez
The Inter Milan striker is going to be pivotal for club and country in 2020. Inter Milan are looking to regain the Serie A title and his goals (alongside those of Romelu Lukaku) will be key. Once the Italian season comes to an end, the forward will head to his homeland for the Copa America.
Argentina failed miserably in the 2019 version of the tournament, where they were fortunate to make the semi-finals before losing to Brazil. Martinez was a bit-part player in that tournament but he’ll make a bigger impression in the 2020 renewal.
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