Nike Wonderkids - The Next Wave
As football has exploded into the biggest sport in the world, players have become icons of sports brands. Some of the biggest sponsorship deals have helped shape a brands image. Linking players to brands has become a long process as they battle it out for the biggest young names in the game.
The ''big three'' are always on the look out for the next Messi or Ronaldo, knowing that an early contract can ensure a players image rights for the rest of his career. Scouting systems are in place to identify talented youngsters before they get under the spotlight. With the recent emergence of Brazil s youngest stars, most noticeably Neymar, we thought we'd take a look at some other big young names already on the Nike roster.
Nike know they have one of the most exciting stars of the future in their hands! Brazilian soccer starlet Neymar has all the qualities to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and become the new face of the Mercurial range. Recently Neymar signed a new 11-year contract with Nike which covers the next three World Cups! Neymar is a perfect example of the importance of noticing players from an early age. The Santos striker has been part of Nike since the age of just 16!
Along with Neymar, Ganso is being labelled as one of the most exciting prospects in world football. Possessing good pace, vision, passing and a strong left foot, the Santos player has scored 11 goals in 18 games for his side. The dynamic duo of Ganso and Neymar have already been secured as Nike players for the foreseeable future. Ganso has the potential to become one of the CTR's biggest future stars. With his days at Santos looking numbered, Nike will be paying close attention to any transfer developments.
Thiago AlcÂntara is further evidence of La Masia ability to produce players of the highest quality. Already on the fringes of Barcelona's first team, AlcÂntara is believed to be the natural heir to Xavi. If the young Brazilian reaches the potential that Real Madrid legend Fernando Hierro believes he can, Nike could have another CTR player set for Barcelona stardom.
Lucas Rodrigues makes up the talented trio of Neymar and Ganso that are considered Brazil's best young talents. The 18-year old attacking midfielder is regarded as the best young player to emerge from SÃo Paulo since Kaka. European leagues might have to wait another season to see the Mercurial wearer as he is expected to be awarded his clubs No.7 shirt with Jorge Wagner leaving the club. Being a fast and offensive-minded midfielder, Lucas is another future Nike star set for Mercurial greatness.
At just 19 years old, Ajax and Denmark's teenage sensation Christian Eriksen is another Nike Mercurial star for the future. After thriving at Ajax's famed youth system, Eriksen has broken into the Ajax and Danish first team, brining a confident flair and attacking ability. Possessing all the natural abilities that a true Mercurial wearer should, the skilful attacking midfielder has already drawn comparisons with some of the best Ajax and Danish No10s.
The future looks very bright for one of Germany and Nike's most exciting young prospects. At just 18 years old, Borussia Dortmund's Mario GÖtze has been described as one of the greatest talents Germany have ever produced. GÖtze fits the typical playmaker role that could have seen him become a CTR player. For now though, the young prodigy has chosen the Mercurial path. Having already displayed excellent technical ability and vision GÖtze could go on to become one of the biggest European Nike stars of the future.
Real Madrid's 18-year old Ãlvaro Morata has been described as the next Raul. The only difference being Morata wears Nike! After prolific international appearances at U19 international level, the young striker has gradually been getting involved in Los Blancos first team. Unlike the other names, Morata is already making headlines for himself at one of the biggest clubs in the world. At just 18, any form of recognition at Estadio Santiago BernabÉu must suggest something special.
Many boot fans will know Ryo Miyaichi as one of the first players to be spotted in the new Superfly III boots. The on-loan 18 year old wonderkid from Arsenal, is currently playing at Feyenoord where he has already become a local hero. Built with immense pace on and off the ball, the teenager is an exciting prospect for the Premier League and the Nike Mercurial roster. Nike will have high hopes for their Japanese Mercurial wearer who could go on to become the Japanese poster-boy for the Mercurial range
Famous for producing players including Javier Mascherano, Gonzalo HiguaÃn and Esteban Cambiasso, the famous River Plate academy have another star set for a bright future. Manuel Lanzini has really started to excite fans in Argentina and has forced his way into River Plate's first team at just 18. The young Argentine wonderkid is a classic playmaker who chooses to wear Mercurial boots. As he continues to develop, Nike could have another future star set to follow in the footsteps of Argentinian greats.
Another exciting prospect hot off the River Plate academy production line is Rogelio Funes Mori who is already being linked to some of Europe's top clubs. The latest wonderkid to emerge at River Plate, Mori is being labelled as the next Hernan Crespo. Although one of his biggest assets is his head, Nike have ensured that the promising youngster wears the giant swoosh on his feet! Eye catching displays have attracted interest from Manchester United and Juventus.
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