Looking for the best young players in PES 2021?
Check out our updated list of the greatest wonderkids in eFootball 2022 here.
Another year has passed and that means a new release in Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer franchise. The latest release – titled eFootball PES 2021 Season Update – was released in mid-September 2020 and marks the 25th release in the much-loved video game series.
This year we’re back with our popular PES wonderkid list to help you find the best young talent for your team in myClub or Master League mode. You’ll notice some new faces on the list, as many of last years players have come of age and become seasoned professionals, while the next crop of young footballers is ready to make their mark.
Once again, to qualify for our list of the best young players in Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer 2020, players need to be 20 years of age or younger and be amongst the top ten players in terms of potential. Check out our list of the best wonderkids in PES 2021:
10. Eduardo Camavinga
Age: 17
Position: CMF
Club: Rennes
Country: France
Rating: 77
Potential: 92
17-year-old Frenchman, Eduardo Camavinga is the youngest player on this years list and is a product of the Rennes academy. He recently won his first cap for France and in doing so became one of the youngest players to be capped and score for the French national team. The midfield wonderkid had a standout campaign in Ligue 1 last season and is highly-rated both at home and abroad, with a host of clubs including Manchester United circling. His strongest in-game attributes include his low pass (79), tight possession (80), ball control (78) and acceleration (78). Camavinga is good enough to play a role for most sides from the get-go, and with so much potential left to reach, he would surely be an excellent signing for years to come.
9. Ozan Kabak
Age: 20
Position: CB
Club: Schalke 04
Country: Turkey
Rating: 79
Potential: 92
Ozan Kabak is the only defender to feature on this year’s best young players list, but it’s not hard to see how he qualified. After breaking through at Turkish giants Galatasaray, Kabak moved to Stuttgart where he won the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award in 2018-19. He then moved to Schalke 04 for a €15 million fee and has since established himself as a first-team regular. Already a full international with Turkey, Kabak has experience well beyond his years and his in-game abilities reflect that. As you’d expect from a centre-back, his best attributes are heading (85), jumping (85), ball-winning (80), physical contact (84) and aggression (83). But Kabak is also quick on his feet with his speed (82) and acceleration (76). If you’re after the best young defender in the game, look no further.
8. Jonathan David
Age: 20
Position: AMF
Club: Lille
Country: Canada
Rating: 79
Potential: 92
Canadian attacking midfielder Jonathan David makes the top 10 list of best wonderkids in PES for the first time this year. One of two Canadian’s to feature this time around, David has already made a splash on the international scene with a record of almost a goal a game for his national team. He made a name for himself at Gent in the Belgian First Division over the past couple of seasons, scoring 18 goals in 27 league appearances in 2019-20. His fine form at Gent saw him move to Ligue 1 club Lille. David’s best in-game abilities include his speed (85), acceleration (90), balance (82) and tight possession (80). The young Canadian would be an excellent signing for most Master League and myClub gamers looking to strengthen their attack.
7. Callum Hudson-Odoi
Age: 20
Position: LWF
Club: Chelsea B (Chelsea)
Country: England
Rating: 79
Potential: 92
The first of two Englishmen to appear on this years list, Callum Hudson-Odoi has shown glimpses of his potential over the past couple of seasons but is yet to really nail down a spot in Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side. Touted by many as the ‘next big thing’ in English football, time will tell whether he’ll reach his early promise. But if you’re looking pace in PES 2021, Hudson-Odoi has it in spades with his speed (90) and acceleration (90). Apart from his dribbling (85), you’ll need to give him plenty of game time to ensure his other attributes continue to improve. Take the time to develop this promising youngster, and there’s no doubt he can develop into a world-class talent.
6. Ferran Torres
Age: 20
Position: RMF
Club: Manchester B (Manchester City)
Country: Spain
Rating: 81
Potential: 93
Ferran Torres is somewhat surprisingly the only Spaniard on the list this season, but he doesn’t disappoint. With a whopping potential of 93, the Manchester City midfielder can blossom into one of the best players in PES 2021. The youngster established himself at Valencia where he was a regular for the past couple of seasons before being snapped up by Pep Guardiola, and it’s easy to see why. His best in-game attributes include his speed (86), dribbling (85) and balance (85) and he is equally at home on either side of midfield. Already capped by Spain, Torres will be looking to fill the void left by the old guard of the national side in the years to come. He promises to have a bright future and would be a wonderful signing for any gamer in PES 2021.
5. Vinícius Júnior
Age: 20
Position: LWF
Club: Madrid Chamartin B (Real Madrid)
Country: Brazil
Rating: 81
Potential: 93
This is not the first time Vinícius Júnior has appeared on our list of the most promising young players in PES, but it will surely be his last. Now 20, the Brazilian featured regularly for Los Blancos last season, helping his side lift the La Liga title for the first time in three years. The pacy winger has excellent speed (86) and acceleration (91), in addition to fine dribbling skills (92). While his overall and potential ratings have not changed since the last edition of the game, Vinícius Júnior still has bucket loads of potential and would be a welcome addition to any side looking to add a classy winger to their team.
4. Alphonso Davies
Age: 20
Position: LB
Club: FC Bayern München
Country: Canada
Rating: 82
Potential: 93
No surprises to see Alphonso Davies on the list this year. The versatile Canadian can play anywhere on the left and already has plenty of first-team experience to his name. A highly successfully 2019-20 campaign saw the youngster lift the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal, UEFA Super Cup and Champions League. Despite this success, he still has some improving to do before he reaches his undoubted potential. Blessed with blistering speed (96) and acceleration (94), as well as strong dribbling (81) and balance (80) he’s not afraid to beat his man or use his ball-winning ability (77) to win back the ball. If you’re looking for a talented left-sided player who can walk straight into the first team and has all the makings of a world-class player, Alphonso Davies is your man.
3. Rodrygo Silva de Goes
Age: 19
Position: RWF
Club: Madrid Chamartin B (Real Madrid)
Country: Brazil
Rating: 81
Potential: 94
The Brazilian made a big-money move from Santos to Real Madrid in 2019, and despite making his Brazil debut, has yet to set La Liga alight. In saying that, Rodrygo faces stiff competition for places at the Santiago Bernabéu. He did manage to lift the La Liga title with Los Blancos last season, and a personal highlight was a hat-trick against Galatasaray in the Champions League. Rodrygo’s best attributes include dribbling (85), balance (87), speed (86) and acceleration (87). He still has plenty of room for growth too. So if you’re willing to give him the game time he craves, he’ll no doubt become an essential member of your team.
2. Erling Haaland
Age: 20
Position: CF
Club: Free Agent*
Country: Norway
Rating: 83
Potential: 94
Over the past 12 months, few players have found the back of the net with such regularity as the young Norwegian. Erling Haaland announced himself to the world with Red Bull Salzburg last season, before moving to German giants Borussia Dortmund halfway through the campaign. He picked up where he left off, scoring at an average of almost a goal a game since joining the German giants. Haaland’s attributes reflect this with his strongest abilities being his offensive awareness (85), finishing (87) and kicking power (90). The poacher is also quick on his feet with his blistering speed (90) and acceleration (85), ensuring he is quick to make the most of his opportunities. If it’s a young striker you’re after, Erling Haaland is your man.
1. Jadon Sancho
Age: 20
Position: RWF
Club: Free Agent*
Country: England
Rating: 86
Potential: 96
It’s hard to believe that Jadon Sancho is still just 20 years old. The Borussia Dortmund winger has set the Bundesliga alight over the past couple of seasons and is now one of the first names on the team sheet for club and country. Sancho’s performances last season have seen his potential rise from 94 to 96 in the latest PES 2021 update. The Englishmen’s best in-game abilities include his dribbling (93), tight possession (91), ball control (89), as well as his speed (90) and acceleration (94). A move to Manchester United looked on the cards during the transfer window, however, it never materialised. With an excellent current rating and the highest potential of any youngster in the game, you’d be a fool not to try and sign Jadon Sancho in your Master League or myClub save in Pro Evolution Soccer 2021.
*Borussia Dortmund do not feature in PES 2021 so these players start as Free Agents.
Gamers will want to keep an eye on this list when searching for the best young players to add to their teams in Konami’s eFootball PES 2021. Whether you’re starting a new save or looking to inject some youth into your ageing squad these players can do a job for you now, and also become world-class talents in the years to come. All the best with your myClub or Master League save happy gaming!
