U21 MVPs
With a reputation for spending big in each transfer window and now less than 19 Champions League trophies between them, Real Madrid and Barcelona are undoubtedly well regarded as two clubs that demand the very best players in the world. And more often than not, that usually means senior players in their late twenties or early thirties that are in the prime of their careers and ready to win the ultimate prize in club football.
However, football is an ever-evolving sport and while LaLiga can still lay claim to six of the last 10 winners of the European competition, the manner in which Barcelona and Real Madrid build their squads has changed dramatically. So much so that both Spanish giants can now lay claim to some of the youngest and most dynamic teams among Europe’s elite clubs.
The most valuable U21 players in the Champions League
The 20 most valuable U21 players in the Champions League
Indeed, a quick look at the most valuable players under the age of 21 in this season’s Champions League will tell you all you need to know about the current state of Barcelona and Madrid’s squads. With Jude Bellingham in first place with a market value of €120 million, followed by Pedri (€100m), Gavi (€90m), Edouardo Camavinga (€85m) and Alejandro Balde (€50m), both club can lay claim to no less than five of the most valuable players. When we open that out to the top 20 across the competition, it then includes 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal in 16th place with a value of €25m.
As such, not only are Barcelona and Madrid the most represented clubs in the top 20 but such an array of young talent goes a long way to explaining how both Spanish giants have had to adapt their transfer policy in recent decades. Long gone are the years of either club simply outspending all others across Europe and in its place is a new generation of talents that are likely to star in LaLiga for the next 10 years. And along the way they may just help both sides to continue dominating in Europe, even if Barca and Madrid now have much younger stars to call upon.
Homepage