Five Players Heralded As 'The New Maradona'

The only player on this list to have justified the tag. There are even those that believe Messi will go on to be better than El Diego. The Barcelona playmaker can dribble with the ball like no other player, possesses quick feet and a deadly eye for goal. Being part of the best Barca side in history, Messi is sure to win a lot more than Maradona. He played under the Argentina legend at the 2010 World Cup.

El Kun arguably has more of a claim than most given that he is Maradona’s son-in-law. The Manchester City star is more of an out-and-out striker than Maradona was although he also likes to drop into deeper and wider positions to create. Despite a diminutive stature, Aguero possesses the strength to hold off defenders and is a good finisher.

Excelled at River Plate in his homeland before moving to Barcelona where he enjoyed a prolific first season. However, he fell out of favor at Camp Nou and became a perennial substitute, despite often making an impact when summoned from the bench. He was nicknamed ‘The Rabbit’ by former River Plate goalkeeper German Burgos because of his running style. Ultimately, Saviola will look back on a career that failed to live up to expectation despite playing for both Barcelona and Real Madrid. He once gave Maradona his shirt when the great man was ill in hospital.

Like Maradona, Tevez played for Boca Juniors and feels a great affection for the club. The Man City star shares similar urchin-like qualities, having grown up in a rough part of Buenos Aires and learning many of his skills on the streets. Tevez possesses the same never-say-die attitude as Maradona, who claims the player is "like a son" to him. The pair met in 2001 when Tevez was at Boca, with Maradona impressed by his "hunger and passion for the game".