Gavin Bazunu is rated the second most promising young goalkeeper in the world - according to a study carried out by the CIES Football Observatory.
The scouting report looks at players under the age of 21 in every position across the globe.
And Bazunu comes in just behind Belgian netminder Maarten Vandevoordt of KRC Genk - a player who has already committed to signing for RB Leipzig when his contract expires in 2024.
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In compiling the report, factors such as minutes played in 2022 and transfer value are taken into account when drawing up the lists for each position.
Behind Bazunu in the list are Romanian youngster Robert Popa and Gabriel Slonina, who has moved from Chicago Fire to Chelsea.
Bazunu is the only Irishman to feature in the CIES Football Observatory’s ‘200 Under-21 prospects’.
The news should come as a boost to the youngster, who is under fire after his performance on Monday against Brighton.
Meanwhile, World Cup runner-up Eduardo Camavinga is ranked second behind Sao Paulo prospect Pablo Maia in the defensive midfield position, when qualities such as recovery, distribution, ground and air defence are scrutinised.
The 200 names include some of the most promising stars, such as Roma’s Italian-born Poland international Nicola Zalewski, Ajax ace Kenneth Taylor, Jude Bellingham, Ansu Fati, Anthony Elanga and Nico Williams.
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