Budding under-21 stars to keep a close eye on this season
Posted: Wednesday August 28, 2002 12:53 AM
Updated: Wednesday August 28, 2002 9:33 AM
This week, I have decided to take a break from my usual editorials and instead focus my attention on young football players who can become stars in the near future.
Who is the next Maradona, the next Ronaldo? It always is hard to preview these things, but here is a list of 10 promising under-21 players to watch this season, in no particular order.
If you have any other suggestions, which I am sure you will have, send them to me.
Kaka, Sao Paulo
This talented attacking midfielder burst onto the scene last season, and was so impressive that Luiz Felipe Scolari decided to take him to the World Cup. Not only does this 20-year-old Brazilian have the skill to create something out of nothing, but he is a born leader and can turn a game at any time. He is an expert in delivering the killer pass and can also score goals.
Rafael Van De Vaart, Ajax
Ajax fans are raving about their new poster boy, and who can blame them? Van de Vaart, a speedy and skillful midfielder, has an instinct for goal. He led the Dutch league in scoring before injuring a knee last season, but still finished with 14 goals in 20 games. He likes to play right behind the strikers and causes all kinds of problems for opposing defenses with his pace and powerful shot.
Andres D'Alessandro, River Plate
Diego Maradona said last season that this left-footed wonder could be the best young player in the world. He scored nine goals for River Plate as the Argentine giants won the Clausura, and is expected to lead their charge again in the new season. This 21-year-old attacking midfielder is definitely one to keep an eye on as he is an expert in one-on-one situations and is deadly on set pieces.
Landon Donovan, San Jose Earthquakes
Donovan made a name for himself at the World Cup with the surprising U.S. team, but already had caught the eye of Bayer Leverkusen a few of years ago. So much so that the German side signed him to a contract at age 16. Granted, Donovan didn't get a chance in the Bundesliga and was loaned out to MLS, but he could yet make a splash in Europe. Blessed with tremendous speed, Donovan also has great touch and creativity. He only needs to work on his finishing a bit to become the complete package.
Ricardo Quaresma, Sporting Lisbon
The next Luis Figo? Don't laugh, this 18-year-old winger is the talk of the town in Lisbon. He has some of the most original dribbling moves I have seen, and his exploits last season helped his club win the Portuguese league and cup double. Quaresma is extremely strong physically, has great speed and is nearly unstoppable on one-on-one situations. He has been criticized for being selfish, but if he corrects that problem he could become one of the best players on the continent over the next few seasons.
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Joe Cole, West Ham United
The most skillfull young English player around. Cole can change the course of a game with his dazzling skill. He is now learning to become more consistant. Cole didn't really get a chance to shine at the World Cup, but Sven Yoran Eriksson will not wait long to include him in the starting lineup in the future. He should score more goals, but judging by his early performances this season, he may have corrected that already.
Mido, Ajax
A goal-scoring machine at only 19. This Egyptian teenager hit the back of the net 12 times in 24 games last season, mostly as a substitute, and already has earned a spot on the starting lineup this year. This kid is a poacher, scoring most of his goals from inside the box, but that doesn't mean he can't play outside of it.
Julius Aghahowa, Shaktar Donetsk
Agahowa introduced himself to the world by scoring for Nigeria against Sweden at the World Cup. But he already was known in Eastern Europe for his lightning-quick pace and impressive finishing skills. Strong physically, this 20-year-old is a handful for any defender. He is completely unpredictable, and can score from anywhere around the box.
Antonio Cassano, AS Roma
It's not easy to compete for a place on the team with Francesco Totti, but Cassano has already impressed Roma fans with his play and is starting to earn the respect he deserves. Was stellar with Bari two seasons ago and earned his big move. This 20-year-old normally plays behind the strikers but can also be used as a winger. Has fantastic dribbling skills and an eye for goal. Cassano should come into his own this season.
Dmitry Sytchev, Spartak Moscow
Only 18 years old, Sytchev burst onto the scene at the World Cup, scoring one goal and assisting on two for Russia. He scored eight goals in 12 games for Spartak Moscow last season and started doing the business again for the Russian giants in the current campaign before a row over his contract erupted. Sytchev is now AWOL as he seeks a move abroad. I hope this incident does not harm this forward's future because he owns a lethal shot and can also run rings around defenders.
Pedro Pinto is an anchor for World Sport, the international sports show that airs on CNN International.
Joe Cole, West Ham United
Mido, Ajax
Julius Aghahowa, Shaktar Donetsk
Antonio Cassano, AS Roma
Dmitry Sytchev, Spartak Moscow
Pinto: Van Gaal, Figo have plenty to prove
Kaka, Sao Paulo
Andres D'Alessandro, River Plate
Landon Donovan, San Jose Earthquakes
Ricardo Quaresma, Sporting Lisbon