10 youngsters who could burst onto the scene in 2016

The following are players who are 21 or under, either getting regular playing time at smaller clubs or chomping at the bit at bigger ones. Regardless, they are celebrated for their potential, and look poised to capture all the headlines.

Here are the new year's 10 most promising youngsters:

M'Baye Niang, AC Milan

After going out on loan twice over the past three years, M'Baye Niang has finally earned a starting role with AC Milan. In scoring his first Serie A goals for the Rossoneri in November, he's begun repaying the faith they've always had in him. Milan signed the 21-year-old to a two-year contract extension in the summer following his impressive stint at Genoa, and he now looks poised to take his career seriously. Niang was caught driving without a license in 2012, and received a suspended 18-month jail sentence after a hit-and-run incident in 2014. Those days, however, are in the rearview mirror.

Joe Gomez, Liverpool

Regarded as one of England's most precocious young talents, Joe Gomez has been stifled by injuries. A torn ACL all but ended his season at new club Liverpool after it signed the 18-year-old in the summer transfer window. Gomez, however, has the potential to be a mainstay for club and country in the coming years, with his versatility at the centre-back and full-back positions making him all the more intriguing. He has already played beyond his years, having been promoted to Charlton's under-18 team when he was 13 years old.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Chelsea

Midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is one of the few Chelsea academy graduates who hasn't been forced to seek regular playing time on loan. The club sent 33 of its players to various clubs this season, but Loftus-Cheek earned a spot in the first team under Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese manager criticised the 19-year-old's intensity in November, and there were concerns Loftus-Cheek would push for a move before his contract ends in 2017. Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich have all been linked to the player, who's already proven himself at the under-21 level.

Kelechi Iheanacho, Manchester City

Since playing and scoring during City's summer tour of the United States in 2014, forward Kelechi Iheanacho has been slowly integrated into the first team. Manuel Pellegrini cannot deny that his club already has the ideal replacement for Sergio Aguero if and when the Argentine decides to leave. Iheanacho, 19, has four goals this season, despite just two starts for City. "I think he has the quality to have a very high level in this squad," Pellegrini said. More opportunities should yield more goals for the first real graduate of City's burgeoning youth program.

Alen Halilovic, Sporting Gijon (on loan from Barcelona)

On loan from Barcelona at Sporting Gijon, 19-year-old Alen Halilovic has established himself as a La Liga regular. Despite Gijon's 17th-place standing in the league, Halilovic has furthered his own development and shown signs he'll find a place in Barcelona's squad next season. He's the conductor of Gijon's game plan, with the ball going through him. Halilovic is among the top five La Liga players in total dribbles so far this campaign, and it's his demand for the ball that makes him a perfect match for Barcelona's high-flying attack.

Inaki Williams, Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao quietly produces so much raw, young talent - most of whom hail from the Basque Country. Inaki Williams was born in the region to Ghanaian and Liberian parents and in February, he became the first black player to score for the club in its 117-year history. He said he feels Spanish, and is likely to feature in the national team in due time, but the 21-year-old is playing like a man ready to go on to bigger and better things. Bilbao has already moved to increase his buyout clause to €40 million from €20 million, and it's no wonder why. Watch this goal he scored in November, and you'll know everything you need to know about Williams.

Youri Tielemans, Anderlecht

The people at Anderlecht have talked up Youri Tielemans for the past couple of years. He made his debut for the Belgian side as a 16-year-old, and became the third youngest player ever to feature in the Champions League. Now 18, Tielemans already has more than 100 senior caps for Anderlecht, which is exorbitant for a teenager. He's been with the club since he was 5, and could leave next summer for big money. Moved from a deep-lying role into a more advanced capacity, Tielemans has the attributes many scouts covet: pace, excellent passing ability, and smart positioning. He's earned comparisons to Frank Lampard as a scoring midfielder.

Federico Bernardeschi, Fiorentina

Fiorentina had so much confidence in Federico Bernardeschi that it had no problem handing him the vaunted No. 10 jersey to start the season. He hasn't disappointed, becoming a vital part of La Viola's impressive attack. He functions best as a winger, but he can play virtually anywhere across the front line. Manager Paulo Sousa admires Bernardeschi because of his "open-mindedness," and gave him starts in the majority of Fiorentina's matches this campaign as a result. The 21-year-old has been linked with Barcelona, as well - the ultimate compliment for a youngster. Yet to receive his first senior Italy call-up, Bernardeschi is only beginning his ascent.

Vincent Koziello, Nice

One of the most exciting prospects out of Ligue 1 belongs to one of the great success stories so far this season. Midfielder Vincent Koziello has helped Nice to fifth place in the French top flight, starting in 18 of the club's 19 matches as part of a central-three combo. The 20-year-old stands at just 5-foot-6, but his influence on matches is massive. Despite only registering two goals and two assists, Koziello has a keen sense of positioning and can transition between defence and offence. His 90.7-percent passing rate ranks among the top-10 players in Ligue 1, and he's attracted interest from Arsenal for his efforts.

Kieran Tierney, Celtic

After suffering a broken leg toward the end of 2014, defender Kieran Tierney has emerged as Celtic's most promising academy graduate in years. He joined the Glasgow side as a 7-year-old, and admitted he's living out his dream. The 18-year-old's battling veteran Honduran international Emilio Izaguirre for the starter's role at the left-back position. He's started in six Scottish Premiership matches this season, and earned minutes in the Europa League. Tierney, who idolised Roberto Carlos as a child, is poised to make further strides in 2016. "His attitude is always first-class, and he will only get better," said Celtic manager Ronny Delia. "He's already shown he can play at a high level in Europe, and he's only 18."

Honourable mentions: Gabriel Barbosa (Santos), Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan), Leroy Sane (Schalke)