June 24, 2020, entered the history books of the Spanish LaLiga: In the match between Real Madrid and RCD Mallorca (2-0), the visitors’ head coach Vicente Moreno brought on homegrown youngster Luka Romero in the 83rd minute. At just 15 years, seven months and six days old, the attacking midfielder became the youngest player in the history of the Spanish top tier, replacing Sansón after 81 years. Already back then it was clear that the Argentine, born in Victoria de Durango, Mexico, was a special talent.
After six years with Mallorca, Romero moved to Lazio for €200,000 last summer, where he made his debut in a 6-1 victory over Spezia Calcio this season – not the youngest player in Serie A history, but of course the youngest this season at 16 years and nine months. “I have never seen a 16-year-old with so much quality and determination,” head coach Maurizio Sarri praised his player.
At Lazio, Romero immediately established himself in the first team squad, where he mostly sits on the bench. In addition, he has also made three appearances in the Primavera league to date. He had already quickly skipped the youth teams in Mallorca, where he scored 230 goals in 108 matches between 2015 and 2020. In 2011, the left-footed midfielder was supposed to join FC Barcelona’s youth academy La Masia. But because his family did not live in the region – his father, a professional footballer himself, had just moved to the Balearic island of Formentera – FIFA rules prevented the move.
Talents Calendar 2020: Here is how the players have developed
That Kluiverth Aguilar would move to Europe was already certain last year. Signed by Manchester City, the right-back is currently under contract at Lommel SK, which also is part of the City Group.
For Xavi Simons the last season was a mixed back. First close to the first team, the talented attacking midfielder has been ignored by Mauricio Pochettino and is currently considering a transfer to another club.
Mexiko, Canada or England: For now Marcelo Flores the talented midfielder has opted for Mexico’s U20 but it is expected that Flores will await a final decision as Canada remains in the mix to secure the services of the 18-year-old.
Hannibal Mejbri is the third player in the calendar to switch national teams. Previously with France, the Man United talent has since made the switch to Tunisia.
Not surprising Caden Clark will join RB Leipzig this winter. This year the 18-year-old played his first full season with New York Red Bulls with whom he was eliminated in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson | Iceland | Market value: €4.5 million
Yusuf Demir has fulfilled his wish and joined FC Barcelona where he has already made his debut for the first team.
Luka Romero: Eligible for three national teams
Born in Mexico and raised in Spain, the Argentine has three passports and may well be able to choose a national team if he continues his stellar development. So far, he has played for the Albiceleste at U15 and U17 level. At the South American U15 Championship, Scott Christensen, area manager TM Argentina, watched Romero. “In my opinion, he was the second best player in the Argentina team behind Valentín Barco, the brilliant left-back who is just taking his first steps at Boca Juniors,” he recalls.
Romero’s greatest strength, he says, is controlling the ball at high tempo. At youth level, Christensen continues, defenders were usually only able to stop him with a foul when he got going. Qualities that, how could it be different in Argentina, earned the Lazio youngster comparisons with Lionel Messi – also due to his height of 1.65 metres. But “although he was something of a star in the team, he had no problem contributing defensively and won many balls in counter-pressing. He has a good shot and knows how to position himself cleverly.” His defensive qualities will likely improve further under Sarri in Rome.
Gavi, Moukoko & Co.: The most valuable players born in 2004
11 Shola Shoretire – Manchester United – Market value: €3m
Argentina expert Christensen currently sees Romero’s greatest weakness in his physicality – but that is “of course completely normal at that age. He can resist a lot of fouls and keep playing without arguing, but if he gets a bit stronger – something that will happen as time passes – he could become a very good player with his skills. Especially if he improves his right foot, because he actually does everything with his left.” The TM area manager would like Romero to play “a bit closer to the right side, where he can cut inside to find space to shoot. Then it becomes quite difficult to stop him.”
From December 1 to 24, we introduce new players from different countries born in 2004. Area managers, users, and data scouts come into play as experts throughout the series. You can follow all those players by adding them to your TM watchlist.
