The 10 best JPL players under 21

Lukaku, De Bruyne, Doku, De Ketelaere – just to name a few. The JPL has long been a breeding ground for young talent, providing a platform for future stars to hone their skills before making the leap to Europe's elite leagues. Here, we rank our selection of upcoming young players under 21 who are set to light up the league this season. These prodigies hail from a variety of clubs and play different positions, but they all share one thing in common: immense potential. So keep an eye on these guys, they might surprise you - and maybe so do we, with our Golden Markets during the first match weekend.

1. Konstantinos Karetsas – KRC Genk

Position: Attacking midfielder  
Date of birth: 19/11/2007  
Market value: €4M

At just 16, Konstantinos Karetsas is already turning heads at KRC Genk. Known for his vision and creativity, this attacking midfielder is poised to become the next big thing. His stats with the Jong Genk team are impressive, boasting numerous assists and a keen eye for goal. Expect dazzling dribbles and defense-splitting passes from this wonderkid.

2. Jorne Spileers – Club Brugge

Position: Centre-back  
Date of birth: 21/01/2005    
Market value: €5M

Jorne Spileers is a towering presence at the back for Club Brugge. The 19-year-old center-back combines physicality with a tactical mind, making him a nightmare for opposing strikers. His stats show a high interception rate and excellent aerial ability. Keep an eye on his solid defensive performances this season.

3. Matias Fernandez Pardo – KAA Gent

Position: Left winger  
Date of birth: 03/02/2005    
Market value: €3M

Speed, flair, and an eye for goal define Matias Fernandez Pardo. The KAA Gent winger has been making waves with his electric pace and ability to take on defenders. Being the best Gent player in PO2 last season, with several goals and assists to his name in the youth leagues, he's set to become a fan favourite.

4. Matte Smets – KRC Genk

Position: Centre-back  
Date of birth: 04/01/2004    
Market value: €5M

Transferred from Sint-Truiden to KRC Genk, Matte Smets will undoubtedly become one of Genk’s new gems. He is known for his calmness under pressure and exceptional reading of the game. At 20, he's already showing maturity beyond his years. Expect to see him marshalling the defense with self-confidence and contributing to the build-up play.

5. Mario Stroeykens – RSC Anderlecht

Position: Attacking midfielder  
Date of birth: 29/09/2004    
Market Value: €10M

Mario Stroeykens is arguably Anderlecht's most promising young talent. This attacking midfielder has it all: vision, dribbling, and a knack for scoring crucial goals. With a market value of €10M, he's already attracting attention from bigger clubs. His playmaking abilities will be key for Anderlecht this season.

6. Kyriani Sabbe – Club Brugge

Position: Right-back  
Date of birth: 26/01/2005    
Market value: €4,5M

Kyriani Sabbe is the modern right-back every team dreams of. Fast, strong, and with a penchant for attacking, Sabbe can bomb down the flank and deliver pinpoint crosses. His defensive stats are also impressive, making him a well-rounded player to watch.

7. Mathias Delorge – KAA Gent

Position: Central midfielder  
Date of birth: 31/07/2004    
Market value: €5M

Mathias Delorge's versatility in midfield makes him a valuable asset. Freshly transferred to KAA Gent, Delorge has shown an excellent range of passing and the ability to control the tempo of the game at his previous club, Sint-Truiden.

8. Lucas Noubi – Standard de Liège

Position: Centre-back  
Date of birth: 15/01/2005    
Market value: €3M

Lucas Noubi is a robust defender who is making his mark at Standard de Liège. His no-nonsense defending style, coupled with his ability to play out from the back, makes him one to watch. Noubi's development will be crucial for Standard's defensive solidity. And the fact his coach hasn’t been all that gentle with him, might make Noubi even stronger than he is right now.

9. Arthur Piedfort – KVC Westerlo

Position: Defensive midfielder  
Date of birth: 01/02/2005    
Market value: €2,5M

Arthur Piedfort is the midfield general every team needs. This defensive midfielder is known for breaking up play and initiating counter-attacks. His stats show a high number of tackles and interceptions, indicating his importance in the heart of Westerlo's midfield.

10. Lucas Stassin – KVC Westerlo

Position: Centre-forward  
Date of birth: 29/11/2004    
Market value: €3M

Rounding out the top 10 is Lucas Stassin, a clinical centre-forward from KVC Westerlo. Stassin's goal-scoring prowess in the youth leagues has been nothing short of spectacular. With a keen sense of positioning and a powerful finish, he's expected to find the back of the net frequently this season.

In conclusion

The JPL continues to be a fantastic environment for nurturing young talent. These players, with their impressive skills and potential, are set to make significant impacts for their respective clubs. Whether it's Karetsas' creativity, Spileers' defensive solidity, or Stassin's goal-scoring abilities, fans have much to look forward to. Watch this space, as these young stars are on the brink of greatness! And you might even look forward to winning yourself as well with our Golden Markets during the first match weekend!