Youri Tielemans, earmarked as one of the world’s brightest teenagers, turns 20 in May.
The highly-rated midfielder is expected to make an inevitable move from Anderlecht, having developed significantly in recent seasons and Monaco are said to have agreed a deal ‘in principle’ to sign him, although the player, aware that clubs like Arsenal have been scouting him, has not made up his mind.
So what would Arsenal get if they signed him or miss out on of they don’t?
1. Strengths
Tielemans is another talented youngster who has shown his ability to play in a range of positions across midfield. Defensively minded, he can also play in the number ten role as well as his preferred central midfield position. He has continued to improve with experience.
With 18 goals and a further 14 assists (all comps) this season, Tielemans has proven pivotal in a creative sense. His technique and agility with the ball are impressive, as he’s able to jink past challenges across the pitch.
Spatial awareness and his knack for goalscoring have continued to improve with maturity. Long-range efforts are rippling into the back of the net with commendable regularity, whilst he exudes confidence and composure on the ball too.
He’s a tricky player to predict and often makes opponents look silly with deft skill to retain possession and alleviate pressure on team-mates in the same movement. As well as this though, he’s unafraid to make important defensive interventions when called upon.
Keen to display his eyecatching passing range over both short and longer distances, team-mates must enjoy having him around. Able to create and convert opportunities without hestitating, he catches opponents unaware to devastating effect: