The U20 FIFA World Cup represents the perfect stage for the next generation of budding stars.
Players who play in the depths of the Colombian, Uruguayan and South Korean leagues can use it to win a contract at a top European club, as they’re more than willing to take a £1-2 million gamble on a bright young prospect.
Jherson Vergara of Colombia and Diego Laxalt of Uruguay secured their big moves, to Milan and Internazionale respectively, before the tournament started, but what of those still looking to catch the eye?
Discount Football Kits previews five players who seem set to win big moves in their careers on the back of a stellar tournament.
Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Uruguay
De Arrascaeta has proven to an absolutely magnificent little player in the hole behind the striker for coach Juan Verzeri.
He uses all the players around him and links them together, allowing Uruguay to maintain a passing mantra and recycle the ball wisely.
Unlike many prodigious No. 10s, he is aware enough to use his holding midfield pivot to his advantage, switching the ball back and forth in an effort to find some space between the lines.
It’s the sign of an intelligent footballer, as many of the less skilful playmakers pass backward only as a last resort.
With quick feet and a great understanding of the game, he’s fantastic in tight spaces and close control situations. His technique is superb—as evidenced by the cracking free kick against New Zealand—and brings his wingers into play in dangerous areas.
Ramy Rabia, Egypt
Rabia has shown maturity and tactical awareness that belie his young age, marshalling an impressive Egypt side that didn’t acquire the results to match their performances.
His nation utilised an incredibly free-flowing formation in the finals, progressing from 4-2-3-1 to 3-5-2 in a matter of seconds, and Rabia oversaw every defensive transition superbly.
He knows when to drop in and out of the defensive line, move laterally to complete an interception and drop back to concede ground.
He’s forceful in the challenge and once he’s won the ball he lays it off—simple, understated football that many simply cannot do.
Physically and mentally, he is a fit in the English Premier League. Someone like Crystal Palace could do a lot worse than taking Rabia on.
Palomeque, Colombia
Palomeque has enjoyed a varied role with Colombia this summer, turning out on both flanks and linking with different players.
He started on the right, working with Helibelton Palacios, but was switched over to the left to ensure the formation retained its width.
He’s shown immense understanding in how to manoeuvre space and overloads, using his full-back to help him isolate defenders and take them on. His raw pace and power represents a viable backup option if he can’t work an angle.
His touch can be a little erratic at times and he can get carried away, but that’s common in very pacey, inexperienced wingers who are still learning their own physical limits.
At such a young age, his decision-making process isn’t quite there, but he’s far from the headless chicken many players in this ilk turn out to be. He won’t be expensive, and there’ll be plenty of managers confident they could coach him into a good, solid player.
Felipe Campos, Chile
Chile started the tournament in horrendous fashion, getting outplayed by Egypt and losing Cristian Cuevas to a red card. Somehow they managed to pull out a win, though, and have moved into the quarterfinals at the expense of Croatia on the back of that momentum.
Campos, Chile’s right-back, has turned a few heads thanks to his combination of all-action performances and measured buildup play.
His side value playing the ball out from the back and he’s very confident in possession, not scared to take a man on in his third or play a square ball to his centre-half.
Moving forward he’s a serious athlete, tearing forward at unbelievable speed; He’s good with the ball at his feet and is willing to take players on, while his crossing is absolutely sublime.
Traditional wide play is a dying art, but Campos represents a throw-back to the old-school wingers who can deliver a perfect ball at full speed.
That’s a valuable commodity, and combined with his possession skills and defensive intelligence, there’s every chance he’s impressed several suitors watching on.
Lucas Digne, France
We’re talking big moves, and while Digne already plays for Lille, it seems set in stone that he’ll be signed by one of the big two in France.
He has UEFA Champions League experience and was expected to be one of the strongest performers coming into the competition. Shouldering that responsibility, he’s impressed greatly surging down the left-hand side in a Dani Alves-esque manner.
He owns an entire touchline and loves to take the outside route, pitting himself one vs. one with a full-back in a battle of pace and power. He’s extremely positive and occupies defenders, which is perfectly suited to the modern game given the penchant wingers show for cutting inside.
Digne has proven himself as one of the best left-siders in his age group and will become a star for either Paris Saint-Germain or Monaco.
