With the beginning of the A-League season imminent, competition for starting positions in round one is fierce.
Preseason has granted the youth of each club opportunities to press their claim for senior duties, but who are the best five youngsters to emerge from the pack?
Devante Clut (Brisbane Roar)
Brisbane Roar midfielder Devante Clut is a youngster brimming with potential and a penchant for the spectacular. Clut is a former world finalist of Nike’s ‘The Chance’ in 2012, where he competed against young talent from across the globe at FC Barcelona’s famed football factory La Masia. Clut made his debut in the Roar’s successful 2013-14 campaign, which would be his only appearance of the season. He announced himself to the A-League by rattling in a volley and displaying a glimpse of his goalscoring ability.
Clut notched a brace in his Asian Champions League debut against Suwon Bluewings, with both of his strikes hit from outside the area. Clut continued his development in the National Youth League, where he maintained his prolificacy, scoring 11 goals in 15 appearances. Clut broke back into the Roar’s first team in the back half of the 2014-15 season, impressing with not only his eye for goal but his ability to bring his teammates into play from the attacking-midfield position, where he created eight chances in just six appearances. Clut is one of the most exciting prospects in the A-League and with the departure of Luke Brattan, the opportunity is there for Clut to claim a spot in John Aloisi’s midfield three.
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