Brandt more talented than Sane? Hhmm if you said that a couple of seasons ago I would definitely agree with you, when I first saw Brandt when he transferred from Wolfsburg I thought he was as talented as Gotze but I don't think he has the motivation/application to become a world class player. He was developing very well under Schmidt as well, had an incredible end to the 15/16 season but then everything stagnated the following season, which he partially recovered last.
Sane though, seeing how he's developed rapidly under Pep, I think has the application to become a world class player in the future. In terms of pure talent both might be similar, Brandt maybe more, but Sane looks like he has the mental tools to make it to the very top. Playing at City demands much more out of a player than Leverkusen, where I think Brandt has become very settled and is not being challenged enough.
Regarding the list of players mentioned, Arnold is an interesting player because he did very well with the U-21's last season but his club form has always been average; but you have consider how much that has to do with how sh*t a club Wolfsburg has become. If Wolfsburg were to have been relegated then maybe he could've moved to another club to then we could see him develop more.
The rest of the players I agree are very talented, Dahoud has been a bit disappointing for Dortmund though; Akkaynak I only know from FM17 but he hasn't played for Leverkusen yet, neither have I seen him play. Is he really talented?
Well, if Brandt had more talent some years ago, he should still have more as of now, shouldn't he?
I agree that Sane made more out of his talent at this point of their careers but if you look at the raw potential, Brandt is above Sane IMO.
You mention the mindaet and I think this is a good point. It is no secret that Sane has a large ego and probably this makes it easier for him at this young age since he has more trust in his abilities. But Brandt is more down to earth (just renewed his contract recently although he could've gone to top clubs) and he also seems to be more open towards criticism and coaching. On the other hand, he appears to be more nervous on the big stage. Yet, players like Brandt usually peak later in their careers. Currently he still has this "phlegmatic" reputation just like Kroos and Özil. He has some maturing to do but developments of young players are not linear. We should wait snd see where both end up. Currently, I can only say that Brandt is the more intelligent player and technically much better thsn Sane while the latter has the advantage of his incredible pace while still being a very good technician himself.
Regarding Akkaynak I cannot give you more insights. Unfortunately I haven't seen him live and there isn't much footage available (typical for German players as we really lack behind in all this stuff. You can find 15 minute videos of every Brazilian talent but not of the biggest prospects in Germany) but he has a vety, very good reputation and woke some serious interests exemplarily from Barcelona. It is said that he's an extremely good passer, agile and very good on the ball. One of these typical modern CMs.
Physicality is not the dominant feature to describe players like Pogba or Lemar, it‘s their outstanding technique.
Who do you have down for Argentina or Brazil in midfield who are good enough to dominate a game?
Pogba has a brillant technique, that's for sure, but he is definitely not a player like Kroos or Xavi. Very direct, often uses his upper body strength instead of finding technical solutions and not the best decision making. Don't think he is such a CM, more a typical box to box type and that is not what I meant.
For Brazil I'd say Coutinho could play the Iniesta role, Fernandinho did very well under Guardiola, Renato Augusto developed into this role and Fred also seems like a decent CM. Arthur is a player that could become interesting in the future. Argentina has Messi on the 10 and also players like Lo Celso and Dybala eho have the skillset and decision making. Pastore is not in the team but wpuld be another choice. Mascherano played for Barca for a very long time and could also play the Busquets role.
Nothing ideal and some players would have to play out of position. Definitely worse than Spain and Germany but still some players that could turn out doing a great job.
Lemar is a good shout but a winger and most likely won't start. If you take a look at France CM, it mainly consists of very physical players. Pogba, Kante, Tolisso, Matuidi, N'Zonzi.. I don't know. Sure they know what to do with a ball at their feet, especially Pogba, but it is not their primary attribute. They look like a Mourinho and not a Guardiola midfield to me. Imagine them playing against Özil/Kroos/Gündogan or Silva/Isco/Thiago/Iniesta/Busquets. They won't get a grab and when they have the ball they will most likely lose it quickly with some overambitious pass.
The PL is better than the Bundesliga though.