Future stars - M'Baye Niang

A striking prodigy at just 16 years of age, SM Caen's M'Baye Niang has the world at his feet.  Already valued at €8 minimum and attracting the interest of many a Premier League team, see Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham, in addition to many other big names all over Europe.  However he is the latest in a long line to be hailed as the next great saviour of French football, so will he fall to the way side like so many others in this position or continue to progress and become one of the most feared strikers on the planet?


After initially being signed up as a 13-year-old following a tip off, Niang excelled in the academy and was eventually awarded a senior contract earlier this year.  It was also rumoured that some of France's big guns were interested, but Caen beat off competition to sign the youngster.

Niang exploded on to the scene last season, becoming the youngest man to represent Caen in a senior match and also the second youngest to score in Ligue 1.  This was as he went on his way to scoring three goals in just seven appearances, four starts and three from the bench, making the world sit up and take note.  He has also represented France at under-16, under-17 and under-21, with the national progression of senior squad surely not too far away.

It is not too hard to see why so many teams are already beginning tentative steps to lure Niang away, with a strong physical presence but plenty of athletic ability with it, is there a league around in which he couldn't develop into a major force.  However all this talk of the future is far too premature, and this best thing at the moment would be for him to stay and progress.  A move at an early stage could be detrimental to his progression, and the best thing is for him to continue to get first team football where he is.

Future Stars - Yann M'Vila

If like most football fans you keep an eye on the rumour mill, which seems to get crazier by the day, then the name Yann M'Vila won't have escaped your attention. Stade Rennes' 20-year-old defensive midfielder is making a name for himself in his native France, and could be charged with being one of the few to bring an ailing national team back it's best.

A whole host of European clubs are believed to have taken a look, Liverpool, Manchester United and the Milan's though are the names that are popping up most frequently. That's quite a list of admirers, so let's take a closer look at the young man.

After starting his career at Sains-Saint-Fussien where he stayed for three years, M'Vila had future stints at Ameins SC and Mantes before making his way to Rennes. After five years in the youth set up he made the step up to the seniors, and it was a match made in heaven. He became a key member of the squad in his debut season, and hasn't looked back. This season M'Vila has been key in Rennes charge up the table, where they are still in the hunt for a maiden Ligue 1 title.

Nationally representations have being earned all the way from the France under 16s side, all the way through to the seniors. Raymond Domenech chose to axe the midfielder from his initial 30 man World Cup squad, but in the new Laurent Blanc reign he is becoming somewhat of a mainstay. His hard working nature ensures he performs greatly in his defensive midfield role, but he isn't restricted to just this role. In addition to cutting out moves and passing expertly, he is comfortable going forward with thee ball at his feet.

It is clear to see why clubs are queuing up to take him, but it will no doubt take a huge offer to convince his club to part with such a key member of their squad. One thing though is for sure, will be hearing the name Yann M'Vila for many years to come.