Top 50 rising stars

There are no guarantees when predicting which of the world’s young footballers will become stars – other than the certainty that any discussion will provoke heated debates.

Our list of 50 rising stars to watch in 2009 provoked a huge response from readers, with opinions varying wildly on who we missed out - and those we included. For example, some complained the UK was poorly represented; others argued that there were too many British players. Thanks for your responses, and here’s an alternative list: 25 players you suggested.

Alexandre Pato, AC Milan
The biggest consensus was that the 19-year-old Brazil striker was the most glaring omission. He scored the winner against Fiorentina on Saturday and his coach, Carlo Ancelotti, believes he will develop into a superstar.

Bojan Krkic, Barcelona
Hank from Brussels and others praised the ability of this diminutive Spanish forward. He’s only 18 but has been trailed as the next big thing since 2007, the year he made his debut.

Hatem Ben Arfa, Marseilles
The £10 million-rated winger has apparently caught the eye of Chelsea, as well as Thierry from Bordeaux, even though he failed to make the France Euro 2008 squad. But perhaps that was a blessing in disguise.

Miroslav Stoch, Chelsea
Of the “fantastic” Chelsea prospects proposed by M Goad of Hemel Hempstead, let’s go for the 19-year-old Slovak, who is yet to break into the team beyond a couple of substitute appearances.

Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal
After Arsene Wenger splashed out £5 million for the 18-year-old midfield player and selected him for his first team, several readers felt this Welshman merited inclusion.

Jeremy Menez, AS Roma
The 21-year-old French support striker was among a host of talent proposed by Othman from London. Menez attracted the attention of a number of big clubs when at Monaco and Roma stumped up the cash to take him to Italy

Rafael da Silva, Manchester United
Especially after we included the Brazilian's twin brother, Fabio, Jason from Dublin felt that this exciting right back, who has looked lively this season, deserved to be on the list.

Arda Turan, Galatasaray
“R” from Turkey, Musab in New York and Gabbe of Gothenburg were united in their admiration for the 21-year-old striker, already a veteran of the Turkey side and the scorer of two important goals at Euro 2008.

David Luiz, Benfica
Joao from Lisbon is a fan of the 21-year-old defender, a Brazilian who broke into the team in 2007 and has not looked back.

Wayne Hennessey, Wolverhampton Wanderers
Among the Welsh talent proposed by G Hedges of New Quay is the 21-year-old Wolves goalkeeper, who has helped his club rise to the top of the Coca-Cola Championship.

Explore Football

• Premier League

• Football League

• Scotland

• European Football

• International Football

• TheGame

• Live Match Tracker

• The Fink Tank

• Fantasy Football