5 Best Argentinian WONDERKIDS In Football

Argentina has produced some wonderful footballers throughout the years, including Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona – but who are the best Argentinian wonderkids in the world today?

In this list, we will only be looking at players who are 21 or younger – anyone who fails to meet this threshold won’t be considered for inclusion.

Valentin Barco

One of the best young left-backs in the world, Valentin Barco has already played and thrived in three of Europe’s top five leagues so far in his short career.

At 5ft 7, he is quite diminutive for a defender – even by modern full-back standards. However, he uses his size well – due to his lower centre of gravity, he is quite difficult to push off the ball.

Additionally, his main strengths are in his attacking output – he can also function as a wing-back or as a left midfielder.

Nico Paz

Nico Paz is one of the best young talents in Serie A at the moment, dazzling defences for Cesc Fabregas’ Como.

So far, the 21-year-old has scored nine goals in Italy’s top division this season, racking up six assists along the way. He also scored a single goal in the Italian Cup.

An attacking midfielder by trade, Paz can also function as a centre-forward or as a central midfielder if he is called upon to do so.

Franco Mastantuono

At 18 years of age, Franco Mastantuono is the youngest player in our list by a considerable distance. Likewise, he may also possess the greatest potential.

He was snapped up by Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, having previously played for River Plate in his native Argentina.

He has been afforded plenty of chances to shine in Los Blancos first team this season, featuring in 15 La Liga games. He has performed at his highest level in the Champions League, in which he has scored one goal and has racked up a single assist over the course of five appearances.

Santiago Castro

In many ways, Santiago Castro resembles a young Gonzalo Higuian – he is technically adept, possesses fantastic timing and has a wicked eye for goal.

Currently, Castro plays for Bologna in Serie A. He is enjoying a decent season with the Greyhounds, scoring seven goals and notching up two assists in 22 league games.

He has yet to win his first senior cap for La Albiceleste, but this will surely come in time – he is far too talented to be overlooked forever.

Alejandro Garnacho

It is hard to believe that Alejandro Garnacho is only 21 – it seems as though he has been around for far longer than he actually has. If anything, this should be an indicator of how talented he truly is.

We are cheating a little bit by including the Chelsea ace, as he was born in Madrid, but he represents Argentina on the international stage.

Previously, Garnacho played for Manchester United, before making the jump to Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window for a fee of £40 million.