2016 could be a big year for some of 'the Korean Messi' in their ranks at La Masia the world's hottest prospects... So here at 10 stars who may be about to burst onto the scen.
- 2016 could be about to bring the newest superstar in world football
- Manchester United and Arsenal both have youngsters featured
- AC Milan's Gianluigi Donnarumma is already in their first team
- Barcelona have 'the Korean Messi' in their ranks at La Masia
There will be plenty of young footballers waking up this New Year's morning desperate to make 2016 their own.
Each year, a new crop of rising stars make a name for themselves by bursting into the first team at their club and making a positive impression.
Here, Sportsmail's Adam Shergold takes a look at 10 who could do just that in 2016.
Barcelona have youngster Lee Seung-woo in their ranks, who is nicknamed the 'Korean Messi'
TIMOTHY FOSU-MENSAH
Club: Manchester United Age: 17 Position: Central defence
With Louis van Gaal never afraid to throw young players into the his teams and the Manchester United back line especially prone to injury, it is surely a matter of time before Timothy Fosu-Mensah is handed a senior debut.
The Amsterdam-born centre-half joined the Old Trafford academy from Ajax in the summer of 2014 and has impressed in the club's youth teams with his reactions, athleticism and versatility.
Fosu-Mensah has also shown his leadership qualities as captain for the Holland under 17 team and is earmarked as one of his country's stars to watch in the future.
LEE SEUNG-WOO
Club: Barcelona Age: 17 Position: Striker/Attacking midfielder
Although still only 17, Lee Seung-woo has already been labelled as 'the Korean Messi'. No pressure, then.
At least the teenager is following in Messi's footsteps by progressing through Barcelona's famous La Masia academy and is expected to start playing for their B team when he turns 18 later this month.
Lee has been at Barca since 2011 but shot to a more international prominence with some impressive performances for South Korea at the Under-17 World Cup in 2015, where they caused an upset by beating Brazil.
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