6 Stars to Watch

Maximilian Eggestein (Werder Bremen)

The 18-year-old (above) appears to be next in line for the 'No.10' position, which in the past has been filled by distinguished names such as Mesut Özil, Diego and Marko Marin.

Eggestein has essentially occupied the position throughout pre-season whenever on the field. He helped the River Islanders to wins over RB Salzburg, 1860 Munich and FC Brno before playing his part in wins over Sevilla and West Ham.

As part of a 4-4-2 diamond - a system Viktor Skripnik has utilized since his appointment - Eggestein offers surprisingly intelligent movement for a teenager, finding pockets of space across the pitch. Club officials note his sterling work-rate, a trait that means Bremen can afford to let the youngster loose.

"I'm firstly very pleased of every minute that I was able to show on the pitch. My goal is to move ever closer to the first-team squad," he told "Weser Kurier", a local newspaper.

Julian Weigl (Borussia Dortmund)

When Julian Weigl moved from crisis-ridden 1860 Munich to Borussia Dortmund, most observers expected the 19-year-old to play just a small role. However, his rise to prominence under Thomas Tuchel has happened in a matter of weeks.

The German youth international immediately struck a chord with his coach in pre-season. His brief, but fleeting glimpses on the ball in the Far East quickly moved him up the pecking order for the important 'No.6' role.

With Nuri Sahin on the treatment table, Weigl is Dortmund's best user of the ball for the role in front of the back-four. The style of Roman Bürki may remove a little bit of pressure from that position, but there are other reasons to be impressed by Weigl.

The midfielder intercepts really well and has good energy. He was 1860's youngest-ever captain. The signs so far are deeply promising for Dortmund supporters. Weigl could be one of the most improved players in the team by the end of the season, if he gains exposure to Bundesliga action.

Gideon Jung (Hamburg)

A year ago, Jung signed from lower-league side Rot-Weiss Oberhausen. Now, after the departure of Jonathan Tah, the 20-year-old is seen as Hamburg's brightest talent.

A central-defender by trade, the Düsseldorf-born player with Ghanaian links has held his own in the middle of the park. According to head coach Bruno Labbadia, Jung has fought his way into his plans ahead of the season opener against Bayern Munich on August 14.

Jung is a rare breed in the sense that he never came through one of Germany's performance centers. He had potential as a basketball player before joining Oberhausen where he played one full season of competitive football. A solid summer for the midfielder means he's in contention for a start in the German Cup next week.

"It's up to the coach to decide," he said after playing in the friendly against Verona. "I can only stay at full speed."

Leroy Sane (Schalke)

What a start to 2015 for 19-year-old Leroy Sane of Schalke. First, he impresses enough to join the first-team squad. Then, he plays against Real Madrid - the Royal Blues won the match 4-3 in the Bernabeu, but lost on aggregate. Finally, he returned to the U19s, helping his mates to win the German championship.

Son of a former professional, the forward, born in Essen, made his debut for Schalke in the season before last. He featured 13 times last year, most of the time as a substitute. However, he did rack up more than 600 minutes of first-team experience, which should prove invaluable next term.

Just like most modern attacking-midfielders, he's tricky, bubbling with ideas and creativity and is versatile. If Sane can form a blossoming relationship with Max Meyer and Julian Draxler, then Schalke fans can be excited for the future.

Mijat Gacinovic (Eintracht Frankfurt)

The 20-year-old recently signed for Eintracht Frankfurt. The Eagles have confirmed the forward signed a four-year-deal and becomes the third Serbian player at the club.

Gacinovic has the potential to be one of the league's brightest talents. An U20 World Cup and U19 European Championship winner, the forward hit double figures for Vojvodina last season in the Serbian Super League.

Quick, blessed with good technique and a nack for scoring goals, the left-winger was praised for his physical development by coach Armin Veh.

Joel Gerezgiher (Frankfurt)

At 19, Gerezgiher is being touted for big things. He was Frankfurt's most impressive performer against FC Tokyo, playing on the flank and assisting the third goal of the afternoon.

Alongside Marc Stendera, the winger could offer a good alternative for returning coach Veh who has been full of praise for the youngster coming through this summer. However, Gerezgiher is just recovering from a long-term injury, so his development may take a number of months to reach its optimum level.

But the future looks bright for Frankfurt. With Gacinovic, Gerezgiher, Stendera and Luca Waldschmidt, Veh has the ingredients for an interesting mix next season.

Who can make the breakthrough to first-team football next season? Who are the brightest talents in German football? Join the discussion below.