Who were the breakout footballers of 2021

By Jonny Bray

A new group of young players have made a massive impact in every major league over the last 12 months.

But who have been the breakout footballers of 2021?

Whoever it is, they would have had to have made a significant impact considering the tough competition.

The next generation certainly aren’t waiting their turn, and players born after 2000 are now stepping into the limelight as the world’s best.

Emile Smith Rowe

Emile Smith Rowe would have been very low on people’s lists of the most exciting young English talents at the start of this season.

That couldn’t be further from the case now, with the Arsenal midfielder quickly becoming one of the most highly-rated players in the Premier League.

He’s already tripled his goals tally for the previous campaign in four fewer appearances and has built a reputation as one of the most skilful dribblers in Europe.

He may have broken into the team last season, but he was very much in Bukayo Saka’s shadow during that time.

There’s no shame in that but in the past 12 months, Smith Rowe has carved his own path, showing both he and Saka are crucial to the future in North London.

With half the season remaining and the World Cup in Qatar on the horizon, Smith Rowe’s trajectory appears set to continue in one direction.

Dušan Vlahović

Dušan Vlahović had an outstanding 2021.

In an increasingly competitive Serie A, the Serbian striker has scored 16 goals in 18 appearances for Fiorentina this season.

His goalscoring exploits have attracted the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe and he’s been praised by pundits such as Micah Richards, who believes the number nine has everything you need in a striker.

He’s being valued at £70 million and a big move to a European giant looks to be on the cards, all because of the impact he’s made in 2021.

Florian Wirtz

After a great start to the 2021/22 season, Florian Wirtz is widely regarded as the jewel in the crown of German football.

The conveyer belt of talent that is Bayer Leverkusen have found another star in Wirtz, with the attacking midfielder already matching his goal tally for last season during this campaign.

He’s already become the first player under the age of 19 to score more than 10 Bundesliga goals and is expected to be the future of the German national team.

Leverkusen are currently fourth in the Bundesliga and if they’re going to secure Champions League qualification, Wirtz will be absolutely vital.

Vinicius Jr.

After years of being billed as the next big thing, Vinicius Jr. finally stepped into the centre stage in 2021.

He’s always looked fantastic on the eye but statistically, he didn’t deliver.

Now that added bringing goals and assists to his incredible skill and technique, there’s no telling just how far he could go.

Photo Credit: Getty Images