Top Five Talents At U17 World Cup
Emerging Stars Correira, Castagnois, Villalva, El Shaarawy, Leyva
Oct 23, 2009
Football on the lookout for the future should keep an eye on the up-coming U17 World Cup in Nigeria where Philippe Coutinho Correira and Luc Castagnois are two of the biggest star prospects. Also expected to wow spectators are Daniel Villalva, Stephan El Shaarawy and Bryan Leyva.
Past Stars
The U17 World Cup will be played for the 13th time in Nigeria with the first one taking place in China in 1985. And of course a number of star players saw their first taste of top international action at the U17 Worlds. Among the players who have left their mark on this tournament are Ronaldinho, Diego, Carlos Tevez, Michael Essien, Nwankwo Kanu, Harry Kewell, Luis Figo, Xavi, Landon Donovan, Juan Veron, Adriano, Fernando Toreres, David Silva, Freddy Adu, Cesc Fabregas, Nuri Sahin and Toni Kroos.
Brazil Midfielder Philippe Coutinho Correira
The goal scoring midfielder from Vasco da Gama has scored three goals in just four caps for the younger Selecao. Since his transfer to Inter Milan in summer 2008, Coutinho is a known commodity in Europe even though he is back at Vasco on loan. The then 16-year-old Coutinho signed a professional contract for 3.8 million euro with Inter. Real Madrid was also interested in the talented Brazilian, whose idol is Real superstar Kaka. But Coutinho decided for Inter, where he was handled well and absolutely wants to play for Jose Mourinho in one of the best leagues in the world.
In Nigeria, Coutinho will team with attacking midfielder Neymar, widely regarded as the new Robinho.
Holland Striker Luc Castagnois
Luc Castagnois has scored an impressive nine goals in 11 games as a real goal-getter even though his left foot is a bit weak. He is very difficult to account for in front of the goal and strikes fear into the hearts of defenses and goalkeepers. He joined Lennart Thy as top scorer at the European Championship in May.
Castagnois already has a professional contract with Feyenoord Rotterdam and reminds many of French star Thierry Henry from his playing style. Castagnois is assertive, strong in the air and amazingly quick.
That leaves it as no surprise that giants such as Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are all interested in the Dutch mega-talent.
Argentina Striker Daniel Alberto Villalva
Daniel Alberto Villalva is a short, compact and lethal forward who creates fear in any defense he faces. The Argentinean ace has already forced his way into the first team at Argentina giants River Plate.
Villalva was the leading scorer for Argentina at the South American championship where the Argentineans lost to Brazil on penalties in the final.
His experience against adult players in Argentina will undoubtedly come handy in Nigeria, where he expects to show off his skills to the world.
Italian Midfielder Stephan El Shaarawy
Stephan El Shaarawy's idol is none other than Kaka and that is exactly the reason the classical playmaker wears No. 10 on his chest. And by already playing in the Italian Serie A with Genua, he is the youngest player in the league's storied history.
El Shaarawy's father is Egyptian and his mother Italian and the young star has an impressive tactical understanding of the game as well as excellent techniques and a lightning-quick first step.
Scouts from Arsenal have already spotted El Shaarawy and the young playmaker is reportedly on his way to Real Madrid for 6 million euro. Genua however would rather send him out on loan for one year to gather experience. Soon enough, he will be very experienced.
Mexican Midfielder Bryan Leyva
Mexico's chances of repeating the glory of the Golden Generation from Peru 2005 rest squarely on the shoulders of one man - the World Cup debutant Bryan Leyva. Born in Chihuahua, Mexico, he and his family emigrated at a very young age to the United States, where he now plays with Dallas FC of Major League Soccer. It was never a question for Leyva which national team jersey he would eventually pull over his head - Mexico was always his passion.
The midfielder has already drawn interest from European clubs but none have been able to close a deal. And he already has had tryouts with French side OSC Lille and Racing Santander of Spain.
