Ten players to watch at the U20 World Cup

Ten players to watch at the U20 World Cup
by Ben Levin
May 20, 2017

The U.S. Under-20s begin their World Cup campaign in the early hours of Monday morning. But the tournament proper kicked off this weekend, as young talent from 24 nations compete in South Korea.

MORE: Five key players for the U.S. U20s | Five questions for the U20s ahead of the World Cup

Keep an eye on these 10 promising young players from squads around the world.

Paik Seung-ho, South Korea: A versatile midfielder deadly on set pieces and capable of playing on either side of midfield or in a deeper role, Seung-ho has impressed for Barcelona’s B team. Although his compatriot Lee Seung-Woo is a flashier player, Seung-ho may end up being the better player when all is said and done.

Santiago Asascibar, Argentina: Dubbed “the next Mascherano,” Asascibar is a gritty box-to-box midfielder who is also capable of holding his own when it comes to possession and will captain La Albiceleste.

Lewis Cook, England: Cook capitalized on his 2016 success at Leeds with a transfer to Bournemouth. Short on appearances for the Cherries, Cook’s talent will be on display for his country in South Korea. As a central midfielder, Cook can play as a deep-lying playmaker, box-to-box midfielder, or in a more advanced role. He is capable of winning the ball, threading a through ball to a teammate, retaining possession, and beating defenders 1v1.

Adalberto Penaranda, Venezuela: Watford’s prized prospect, Penaranda, is not yet the complete package but when he is, he will be frightening for opposing defenders. Able to play up top or out wide, the Venezuelan is not polished but has the tools, such as pace and 1v1 ability, to become a star.

Benedikt Gimber, Germany: Loaned to Karlsruher SC from Hoffenheim this past season, Gimber is another in a long line of promising German defenders. Strong in the air and in challenges, Gimber will hope to build off of an impressive tournament for Hoffenheim’s upcoming campaign.

Patson Daka, Zambia: Just about every youth tournament has a player who goes from obscurity to being well-known, and this year’s could very well be Patson Daka. Coming off of a UEFA Youth Cup win with Red Bull Salzburg, the athletic forward is aiming to show the world his superb off-the-ball movement and deadly finishing ability.

Diogo Dalot, Portugal: Dalot is an excellent right back currently playing for Porto’s B team. Inclined to push forward and beat defenders 1v1, he is also a quality crosser of the ball but does not neglect his defensive duties.

Luther Singh, South Africa: Linked with Real Madrid, Singh is able to play on either wing or as a striker. He is perfectly capable of finishing in front of goal, but he may be at his best using his pace to take on defenders 1v1 and create opportunities from the wing.

Federico Dimarco, Italy: Perhaps destined to follow in the footsteps of other great Inter left backs, such as Roberto Carlos, Dimarco seems on the fast track to stardom. He possesses excellent technical quality and a sweet shot. Although he is not the biggest, Dimarco makes up for it defensively with his pace and power.

Alban Lafont, France: Lafont has already completed two full seasons as Toulouse’s number one goalkeeper, and he only turned 18 in January. A sweeper keeper, Lafont excels playing out of the back, and has world-class reflexes.

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