Smash hit

45. Rabiu Ibrahim (Sporting Lisbon)

The Nigerian attacking midfield player with an eye for goal will not be 18 until March yet has already been dubbed the next Jay-Jay Okocha.

44. David McGoldrick (Southampton)

The 21-year-old striker has nine goals this term for the Saints and is tipped to go marching on to bigger things for his all-round ability.

43. Patrik Ingelsten (Heerenveen)

The 26-year-old Swede, converted from winger to striker, is short but pacy and was the top scorer in his native country before signing for Heerenveen last month.

42. Victor Moses (Crystal Palace)

The archetype of raw talent, this Nigeria-born winger or striker is a Palace academy product with explosive pace, and has represented England at youth level.

41. Daniel Opare (Real Madrid)

The 18-year-old right back was called up into the full Ghana side soon after his 17th birthday after starring in the 2007 under-17 World Cup. Real beat out a host of clubs for his signature a year ago and he is expected to break into the first-team soon.

40. Lee Chung-yong (FC Seoul)

The fiery 20-year-old winger is South Korea’s top young talent and a member of the national team. A move to Europe has been mooted.