We take a look at the Rookies looking to break through this season
1. Endrick
Given the nickname ‘Bobby Charlton’ by his teammates (after he revealed that he was one of his idols – despite Charlton retiring 33 years before he was born) , the Brazilian prodigy joined Los Blancos this summer from Palmeiras. At just 18, Endrik already has a lot of football under his belt – playing in over 100 professional games!
With the new Champions League format adding additional games to the calendar, expect Endrick’s minutes to be consistent, providing respite for regular starters Mbappe, Rodrigyo and Vinicius.
2. Lucas Bergvall
Joining officially this summer (after a fee was agreed in February 2024) Bergvall impressed in pre season and is now fully integrated into Tottenham’s first team. With Spurs competing in multiple competitions this season, expect Lucas to start a few games in Europe, with Ange Postecoglou looking to rest James Maddison.
3. Gabriel Misehouy
Signing from Ajax’s youth team, Misehouny became an instant hero for Girona when he scored on his league debut. He may not be a guaranteed starter for Girona, but with the Spanish club qualifying for the Champions league for the first time in their history, he’s sure to get minutes across the season.
4. Pau Victor
Signed from Girona after a successful spell on loan at Barcelona B, Pau Victor has already impressed in pre-season with a standout brace against Real Madrid. A late bloomer at 22, Victor will likely fill the void left by Marc Guiu (after he transferred to Chelsea) as a capable understudy to main man Robert Lewandowski.
5. Ethan Nwaneri
With the champions League just around the corner, Arsenal are in a bit of an injury crisis with Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Jesus all likely sidelined for the next few games. As a result, September could be Ethan Nwaneri’s ‘Cesc Fàbregas moment’ – can he step up like Cesc did when Patrick Viera got an injury?