Every year, you can count on young players capturing the hearts and imagination of fans around the world. And 2013 will be no different, with bright stars lined up in bunches, all with promising futures and full of hope looking to prove their mettle in the grandest of stages.

With youngsters looking to become the next "big thing," nothing is ever, ever guranteed. Yet, it's always interesting to see how these diamonds will pan out on the club and international fronts, which is why we present the 10 prospects that you should keep an eye on during the new year:

Honorable mention: Dennis Praet (Anderlecht, Belgium), Christian Benteke (Aston Villa, Belgium), Majeed Waris (Spartak Moscow, Ghana), Nathan Aké (Chelsea, Netherlands), Manuel Lanzini (River Plate, Argentina), Hector Herrera (Pachuca, Mexico).

The 19-year-old midfielder has exploded to the international landscape after several impressive showings with Argentine club Racing. Compared as the next Angel di Maria, Centurion has the speed, technique and vision to fly past defenders in open space.

That same skill has helped draw the attention of various European clubs for his services including Manchester City, Inter Milan, Milan and Benfica just to name a few. The final price tag will not be cheap and Racing will surely milk every cent imaginable for the talented young wizard.

Reyes was instrumental in Mexico’s Olympic gold winning squad during London 2012, playing in every match and holding down the defensive fort during El Tri’s 2-1 win over heavily favored Brazil at Wembley Stadium. Known for his versatility and athleticism, the Club America defend proved his worth during Liga MX Apertura tourney, securing a €7million transfer move to Portuguese giants FC Porto in the process.

Though Reyes will not make his official Porto debut until the 2012-13 season, it will be interesting to see how the 20-year-old will enter Jose Manuel de la Torre’s national team plans, especially considering Mexico's razor thin depth in the center back position.

One of the few bright spots during USA forgettable U-23 Olympic Qualifying campaign, the German born striker had a memorable 2012 after securing a transfer move to SK Rapid Wien from Borussia Dortmund. Known for his size, power and soft finishing touch in attack, Boyd has already bagged 9 goals in 16 appearances with the Austrian club.

American fans received an added boost when Boyd cemented his international football status by playing in USA’s World Cup Qualifier back in June against Antigua and Barbuda. Given USA’s lack of natural “9,” Boyd will surely provide Jurgen Klinsmann with an extra attacking option during CONCACAF’s rigorous World Cup Qualifying Hexagonal round.

Defending Dutch champions are in talks to lock up the teenage sensation to a long-term contract to ward off the interest from major clubs in Europe. And at this point, who can blame them?

Fischer raised eyebrows during last season’s NextGen Series performance and helped Ajax reach the final by notching seven goals overall. Ajax did not ease the integration process for Fischer as manager Frank De Boer called up the young Danish ace earlier in . Fischer rewarded De Boer’s faith, scoring three goals while adding three assists in eight Eredivisie appearances in 2012.

Possessing the natural playmaking skills, along with the patience to finish at goal needed to succeed at top-flight European football, expect Fischer’s name to appear in world football’s radar.
 

Ever since his outstanding breakout season for Barcelona B and his starring role in Spain’s U19 European Championship conquest in Estonia, the hype-machine surrounding Deulofeu has been non-stop.

Having spent his entire career at Barcelona since the age of nine, the La Masia pupil has been promoted every year since his arrival to Barcelona’s B team and has garnered transfer interests from clubs through Europe.

Many have questioned, including senior Barca players, the young footballer’s attitude but there’s no denying Deulofeu’s talent and true skill. Whether or not Tito Vilanova will give him a chance to shine with Barca’s senior squad remains to be seen.

Brendan Rodgers finally persuaded the 18-year-old winger to sign a long-term contract in December and many pundits think Sterling is an exceptional talent. Incredibly quick and with an eye for goal, Sterling became the second youngest player, behind Michael Owen, to score in a competitive match when he struck the winner against Reading.

He is also eligible to play for Jamaica, but England coach Roy Hodgson will be keen to ensure he pledges his international future to his adopted country. Regardless of his choice, expect Sterling to dominate headlines for years to come.

The Switzerland international, born to Albanian parents in Kosovo, joined Bayern Munich on a four-year contract from Basel at the start of the season and is already starting to make an impact.

At just 21, Shaqiri has already made 12 appearances and scored his first goal in a 1-1 draw with Borussia Moenchengladbach in December and was one the brightest stars to shine this past year. What sets Shaqiri apart from the rest is his blazing speed, incredible endurance and technical ability with the ball. If the cards hold true, Shaqiri might become one of the world's best by the end of 2013. He's that good.

Yes, the Arsenal youngster might have already exploted to the scene but big things are expected come 2013 for the England international. Oxlade-Chamberlain is being treated with kid gloves by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, yet they have to come off sooner or later, especially with Arsenal advancing in Champions League play while fighting for a top four Premier League spot.

It’s easy to forget that ‘The Ox’ is still only a teenager such was the hype surrounding his talent from a few years ago. The powerful 19-year-old winger could get more opportunities if Theo Walcott moves on in the summer and will only get better with more experience. For now, we have to sit and wait to see if the kid can live up to his superstar potential.

Like Wilfried Zaha, Ince is plying his trade in the Championship but not for long if the rumor mongers are to be believed. Liverpool manager-at-the-time Kenny Dalglish sold Ince to Blackpool last summer, although he has been linked with a return to Anfield.

Ince, son of former England international Paul, is an exciting attacking midfielder and usually plays on the left-hand side. At the time of writing, Ince has scored 13 goals in 22 appearances. Expect Ince to make a big splash in the European scene in 2013.

Lovers of the game in Europe and the United States may not have heard of Zaha, but this winger has the talent to become one of the biggest names in England. Although the England Under-21 international currently plays in second tier football, he is widely expected to join a Premier League club, probably in the summer.

Possesses great skill and pace which prompted England coach Roy Hodgson to hand him his international debut against Sweden, Zaha is still qualified to play for Côte d'Ivoire where he was born.