Sky Sports Scout - Alexander Merkel

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Latest under our scout's gaze is AC Milan'sAlexander Merkel - recommended by Sky Sports reader Ferdinand Dreher.

The scout reports...

This week the Sky Sports Scout turns his attention the San Siro and one of AC Milan's gems for the future in the shape of German Alexander Merkel.

Despite being just 18-years-old Merkel is already making a big impact on Massimiliano Allegri's first-team squad.

Merkel is very much a product of Milan's own youth system, having joined them in 2008 after turning 16.

He was spotted playing for Stuttgart's junior side by Milan scouts and was soon persuaded to make the move to Italy.

But after just two years in their youth set-up he has made huge strides into the first-team picture.

Merkel was part of the Milan Under-20 squad which won Italy's prestigious youth tournament the Coppa Italia Primavera last year - the first time in 25 years the Rossoneri have collected the prize.

He was called into the first-team squad last season, but was not involved - however, this season he was used during the club's pre-season including the Emirates Cup hosted by Arsenal.

But Merkel, unlike some of his team-mates, has grasped his first-team chance with both hands and is now rubbing shoulder to shoulder with some of Serie A's finest talents.

Merkel has drawn comparisons to the likes of Marek Hamsik and Alexander Hleb, but I feel he bears a striking resemblance - in both looks and his play, to Bayern Munich's Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Solid in build, Merkel is a hugely gifted midfield talent. His first touch is sublime and his passing is what has singled him out as being ready for first-team action.

He also has an eye for goal, but his work-rate cannot be faulted either - whilst he is adept with both feet.

Indeed Merkel possesses a number of qualities which many older players would be grateful for, and again he is a product of German's wonderful international set-up which is producing some of the finest young talent in the world.

Born in Kazakhstan to Belarus parents, Merkel had a number of international options, but he has been capped by Germany at various age groups as his talent shone through from a very early stage.

The scout says...

Merkel has already made one big move to Milan and hopes are very high he could be a mainstay of their midfield for years to come.

If he progresses how his club and country feel, he will not be leaving the San Siro any time soon.

The Scout rating...

Shooting: 7 out of 10

Passing: 8 out of 10

Tackling: 7 out of 10

Heading: 7 out of 10

Pace: 7 out of 10

Vision: 8 out of 10

Current ability: 7 out of 10

Potential ability: 10 out of 10

OVERALL SCOUT RATING: 61/80

Current value: £10million

Potential value: £50million

Your opinion...

You have read our opinion of Alexander Merkel - now we want your views. Have you seen Merkel in action? Do you agree with our assessment? Do you think he will make it?

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