Europe's 20 most-valuable 'rookies' - including RB Leipzig starlets

Everyone in football is keeping an eye on the next big thing, with thousands of talent-spotters positioned all over the globe to identify budding superstars and pass on their analysis to clubs, who then make a decision to sign them or not.

And while the prices for players have reached staggering levels, the fees attached to these wonderkids also tend to be high, to an eye-watering extent. Sometimes it may be worth it, but other times these prodigies slip through the cracks.

Taking a calculated risk is part and parcel of running any club, and there are plenty of starlets catching the eye in the modern game who look destined to be on the move.

It is no surprise, then, that CIES Football Observatory have been able to put together a list of of the most-valuable 'rookies' in Europe. These players are all under the age of 23 and have made their debut in a 'big five' league in a recent season.

At the top of the rankings, valued at just over a whopping £80m is RB Leipzig centre back Josko Gvardiol. The centre back, aged just 20, has established himself as a key stalwart for both his club and his country, Croatia. 

There are certain to be a host of potential suitors for him and, if they were to make a move for him, that switch may break the record for the biggest fee ever paid for a defender - underlining his status as one of the world's most coveted sensations.

Coming in second place is one of his team-mates at Leipzig, Dominik Szoboszlai. He is renowned for the last-minute winner which sealed Hungary's spot at Euro 2020, and possesses elegance in possession, quick feet and sublime technique.

The midfielder, according to the CIES stats boffins, is valued at a hefty £50.3m.

In third spot is Barcelona's silky performer, Gavi. His