The Hyundai A-League is full of some exceptional young talent and we look at some potential rising stars at your club in season 2016/17.
Lachlan Scott – Western Sydney Wanderers
The 19-year-old striker is highly-regarded at Wanderland and is pushing hard to play a big part during the upcoming Hyundai A-League campaign.
Scott earned a two-year deal with the Wanderers first-team earlier this year after scoring 15 goals in 13 games in the NYL last season.
He went on to mark his first-team debut with a brace in the 3-2 win over Wellington Phoenix in the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32.
Sebastian Pasquali – Melbourne Victory
If first impressions last, then Pasquali is certainly one to keep an eye on at Melbourne Victory.
The 16-year-old showed just what a bright future he has in a 25-minute cameo against Italian giants Juventus in pre-season, scoring a crucial penalty in Victory’s shootout win.
Technically sound and supremely composed for someone so young, could get a shot in the Hyundai A-League this season under Kevin Muscat, who loves to give youth a chance.
Jamal Reiners – Perth Glory
In a Glory squad choc-full of attacking talent, Reiners’ is their young gun.
Still just 18, the South African-born flyer caught the eye in a handful of appearances last season and should be even better with another full off-season under his belt.
Devante Clut – Newcastle Jets
We’ve seen what Clut can do in a handful of opportunities at Brisbane Roar but he’s likely to get more of a chance to shine in the Hunter.
The 20-year-old midfielder is an exciting prospect, not only with his link-up play in the middle of the park but he has shown he also has an eye for goal.
And they are often pretty spectacular ones as well. Jets fans should get excited over what Clut can produce in season 2016/17.
George Blackwood – Sydney FC
Sky Blues boss Graham Arnold is a huge fan of this 19-year-old, who has shown his undoubted ability in spurts over the last season and a bit.
Could 2016/17 be the season Blackwood lives up to his potential? Blessed with an imposing physique, great skills and a powerful shot, the teenager could be a real x-factor for Sydney FC.
Ryan Kitto – Adelaide United
The Adelaide-born winger is back at the Reds this season and could play a big role for Gui Amor’s defending champions.
Released by United in 2014, Kitto hones his game in the PS4 NPL South Australia – scoring 17 goals for West Torrens Birkalla – before being snapped up by the Newcastle Jets last season.
Now 22, Kitto looks comfortable as an A-League player and could thrive back in his home town.
Daniel Arzani – Melbourne City
The talented teenager has graduated from the FFA’s Centre of Excellence to wind up at City.
Arzani, who represented Australia at the AFC under-16 Championships and under-17 World Cup, is a creative-minded midfielder with an eye for goal and excellent at set pieces.
The next Aaron Mooy perhaps?
Michael Neill – Central Coast Mariners
Neill already has 29 Hyundai A-League games under his belt but you get the feeling this could be the year we see the best of the Sutherland junior.
With club stalwart Josh Rose now at Melbourne City, the 22-year-old should get a consistent run in the team at left-back. A reliable performer, Neill should also excel under new boss Paul Okon.
Logan Rogerson – Wellington Phoenix
Just 18, Rogerson is one of the brightest prospects coming out of New Zealand.
The striker impressed Wellington Phoenix boss Ernie Merrick so much he gave him a three-year first-team contract, while he has also been a part of the full All Whites squad recently.
A tricky attacker with quick feet, Rogerson is a player with immense potential for Phoenix and someone we could see breakout this Hyundai A-League season.
Joe Caletti - Brisbane Roar
The 17-year-old is regarded as one of the most promising holding midfielders in the country.
Caletti would have learned a lot working under Spanish whiz Corona last season and despite his slender frame, is a midfielder full of tenacity and hunger.
He also has maturity and excellent leadership skill for someone so young, leading the Joeys at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Argentina in 2015.