'Little Maradona', Mainoo, Scalvini and those to watch in 2023

With a new year looming, it's only natural to look to the next 12 months and the footballers who could benefit from breakthroughs at the highest level.

From one player who bears a striking resemblance to Diego Maradona, to another who hopes to follow in the footsteps of Erling Haaland, Stats Perform has identified eight youngsters who could be worth watching in 2023.

Gavin Bazunu – goalkeeper, 20, Southampton

It was a difficult introduction to the Premier League for Bazunu. The Republic of Ireland international joined Manchester City at the end of last season for a fee of £12m, highlighting how well rated he is in the game.

But his 30 goals conceded (excluding own goals) comes from 21.3 expected goals on target (xGOT), suggesting Bazunu has been at fault for 8.7 goals this season - this is comfortably the worst record like this in the Premier League.< /p>

Can he change his season and bolster Southampton's survival hopes? Bazunu has potential but is struggling to live up to the moment.

Devyne Rensch – full-back, 19, Ajax

With Noussair Mazraoui leaving for Bayern Munich in pre-season, Rensch has been given more exposure to first-team football, with his 12 Eredivisie starts already four more than in the 2021-22 campaign.

He's less of an obvious attacking threat than Mazraoui, but Rensch is a sleek player, as you'd expect from an Ajax academy product, and fast.

Comfortable on the ball and versatile enough to play in the back four, Rensch is a very complete defender with a big future.

Giorgio Scalvini – 19, central defender, Atalanta

Scalvini burst into Atalanta's first-team picture in 2021 at the age of 17. Since then, he has progressed rapidly and impressively, with the club set to benefit from him significantly in 2023.

A towering yet elegant centre-back, Scalvini is truly the epitome of the modern centre-back in terms of functioning, with his 22.9 forward passes per 90 minutes this season among the best in his role in Serie A.

Also comfortable in midfield, Scalvini likes to defend on the front foot, as evidenced by his 2.7 tackles per 90 minutes which also rank among centre-backs.

Atalanta expect to net him at least €40m over the next year, with Inter, Juventus, Tottenham and Manchester City all admirers.

Kobbie Mainoo – 17, central midfielder, Manchester United

Mainoo looks to be one of the most talented players United have produced in a while. The teenager has caused a stir with his performances in the club's youth teams over the past few years, which recently led to an internal promotion.

A silky central midfielder, Mainoo was a key part of the United side that won the FA Youth Cup last season.

Given his technical ability, comparisons to Paul Pogba are to be expected, although early signs suggest Mainoo may be able to offer the deep playing qualities the Frenchman lacked.

He signed his first professional contract in May, was benched for the second time this season in the Premier League in Saturday's win over Wolves, and featured prominently for United during the break of the World Cup after being promoted to the senior team.

If there's a teenager in line to follow Alejandro Garnacho as he settles at Old Trafford, it's Mainoo.

Andreas Schjelderup – 18, left winger, Nordsjaelland

Martin Odegaard, Haaland… Could Schjelderup be the last Norwegian superstar? The first signs are extremely positive.

The 18-year-old is still awaiting his first senior cap, but he is truly making a name for himself in the Danish Superliga, with his dazzling dribbling skills and eye for a goal causing endless defensive problems.

Schjelderup's 74 dribble attempts are the second in the league this season, while no one has improved on his 10 goals, with the teenager being very effective down the left flank on his right foot.

Benfica would be one of the clubs that appreciate him. Wherever he ends up, 2023 seems to be a breakthrough year for the youngster.

Carlos Alvarez – 19, attacking midfielder, Sevilla

It only takes a few seconds to understand why Alvarez is being compared to Maradona. The stature, his shirt tucked in, the hair - then he gets on the ball and the realization hits even harder.

Left-footed, blessed with exceptional dribbling abilities and a remarkably low center of gravity, Alvarez appears to be the most naturally gifted player to come through Sevilla's academy since Jose Antonio Reyes, and probably beyond.

But the club were very protective of him and his development, so much so that his 75 minutes against Juventud Torremolinos...