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In the business-minded world of football, it’s paramount for managers and club owners to invest in the talent of tomorrow almost as much as the talent of today.

In this sport, it’s normal for an outfield player to hit their maximum playing potential between the ages of 27 and 30, while a goalkeeper might take slightly longer.

Whether you’re into spotting the next big star on Football Manager or just a general Wunderkind fanatic, everyone can take pleasure in seeing future stars mature from their adolescence into superstardom.

Some take longer to nurture their talent, while others are slotted into the limelight from their teenage years, forced to live up to their potential now rather than later.

Whichever path of the two they may be on, the following 50 players have been selected in terms of success and the career performances they may have displayed so far in their football lives.

Just to clarify, the list doesn't take into account whatever potential a starlet may or may not be showing, these selections were made based on results produced thus far.

All 50 candidates will not have celebrated their 22nd birthday yet, and I’ve even put myself in the line of fire by going as far as ranking all those included.

It may be five more years before you see some of these kids on the international stage, and some of them may already be on it.

Wherever they may be, look out for every single one in the seasons to come.

Follow me on Twitter: @TomSunderland_