The 3 hottest striker prospects in European football

Across Europe, an argument can be made that there is a distinct lack of world-class strikers around. 

Harry Kane and Erling Haaland are in a league of their own, while Kylian Mbappe became a Real Madrid centurion thanks to his brace in the El Clásico against FC Barcelona last week. 

Beyond those three, there is a noticeable drop-off in quality among Europe's elite strikers. Alexander Isak has failed to hit the heights expected of him at Liverpool, although he is starting to show signs of a resurgence, and Arsenal have moulded Kai Havertz into the striker berth with the Victor Gyokeres experiment yet to truly ignite. 

Perhaps an ode to a changing style where a focal point is no longer a necessity, there is however a fresh batch of prospects rolling off the number nine conveyor belt who could be dominating the continent in the years to come. 

We take a look at three of the most exciting young strikers in Europe and where their next move could be if they continue on their current trajectory. 

Gustavo Varela - Monza 

Leading the Serie A goal-scoring charts having only arrived at the newly-promoted outfit in the summer, the Portugal U21 international is already starting to pay back the €2.5 million Monza invested in him. 

Varela has been one of the standout stories of the Italian top-flight, a relatively unknown quantity from Benfica and a significant outlay for a club the size of Monza. However, nine goals in nine league starts underline his scintillating start to life at a side languishing towards the foot of the table. 

His composure in front of goal is particularly impressive as he can dispatch a wide range of finishes with confidence, from close-range headers to poacher’s instincts inside the box. He has thrived in Ivan Juric’s counter-attacking system but his goals only tell half the story, with his tireless work off the ball proving another key facet of his game.

While his dribbling and aerial ability require improvement, a full season in northern Italy will only benefit Varela who will be instrumental in retaining Monza’s Serie A status. 

Whether this is a purple patch or a sign of continued goal-scoring exploits remains to be seen but if it is the latter, a move next summer seems inevitable regardless of what division Monza are in. 

Benfica hold a buy-back clause of around £10 million, although there will be stiff competition for his signature from clubs across Europe if he continues in this vein of form.

Paris Brunner - Monaco 

Touching down in the French Riviera two years ago from Borussia Dortmund, the 20-year-old has led the line for Monaco admirably this term and is enjoying a breakout campaign. 

He was limited to just 127 Ligue 1 minutes last term, primarily due to the fine form of Folarin Balogun, but has proved his worth with a starring role this season. Notching eight goals and one assist in his ten appearances in all competitions, Brunner has been deployed as a sole striker who makes darting runs in behind. 

His 6"1' frame may not appear particularly imposing, but his incredible strength on the ball allows him to efficiently hold off defenders and bring others into play, while being able to muster opportunities of his own. 

The ex-Cercle Brugge loanee also flourishes aerially, being able to bully defenders off the ball and using his electric pace to exploit space behind the defence, a weapon particularly useful against Ligue 1 sides who play a high line. 

Given Monaco’s precarious financial situation, a January departure looks increasingly plausible and possibly at a cut-price fee. Links to Chelsea and Arsenal seem premature given he needs time to develop and play regularly, so Leeds United could pursue an ambitious move for the German to rival Dominic Calvert-Lewin. 

Said El Mala - Köln

Rising through the ranks of German football and widely viewed as a future star of the national team, El Mala is the latest exciting German forward to emerge from their production line. 

He has established himself as the go-to man for Köln over the past two seasons, recording 13 goals and four assists in the Bundesliga last term, before adding another four league goals so far this term.

The former Borussia Mönchengladbach academy prospect combines blistering pace with sensational dribbling ability, able to make driving runs at defences before finishing ruthlessly. Adding another string to his bow with his versatility across the forward line, his frame adds to his repertoire as he wins a large portion of his offensive duels. 

Pace and height don't often go hand in hand but the 20-year-old is able to use his physicality to his advantage, outmuscling opponents while using his tricky footwork to navigate low blocks.

Ending speculation of a potential switch to Borussia Dortmund in the summer by penning a contract extension, it was the perfect decision for El Mala who needs a starring role and would have just been another attacking option for Niko Kovac. 

Nonetheless, it seems a case of when and not if the German international seeks pastures new, but it will take a seismic sum to pry him away from the RheinEnergieSTADION.