The 2023 Under-20 World Cup begins next Saturday in Argentina. The best teams in the world, with the best youngsters on the planet, will fight for the title. Big European clubs are keeping a close eye on the tournament, looking for the next Diego Maradona, Juan Roman Riquelme, Davar Sukar, Luis Figo, Xavi Hernandez or Leo Messi, to name a few who have played in this World Cup.
The 23rd edition of the tournament will be held in four venues spread across Argentina: Santiago del Estero, San Juan, Mendoza and La Plata. All tickets for the final were sold out in less than 48 hours. More than 50 thousand spectators will be involved
Before we start enjoying football, it is necessary to highlight some of the ‘gems’ that play in the tournament. You shouldn’t lose track of them:
1) Valentin Barco (Argentina – Boca Juniors)
He is one of the great stars of Javier Mascherano’s team. He made his debut at the age of 16 in Boca Juniors. He made his debut in the Copa Libertadores and in less than 5 games as a starter he became a fixture of the ‘xeneize’ team.
Left-footed, he can play as left-back and centre-back. There are a lot of expectations from him in Argentina.
2) Kendry Paez (Ecuador – Valley Independent)
He is one of the youngest footballers in the tournament. At the age of 16, the Independiente del Valle midfielder leads the Ecuadorian team at the World Cup. He is very fond of Barca, but everything indicates that he will sign with Chelsea.
The talented midfielder, with assertiveness and an innate dribbling ability, made his debut at the age of 15 in the Copa Libertadores against Corinthians.
3) Valentin Carboni (Argentina – Inter Milan)
’10’ of Albiceleste. Carboni, an 18-year-old midfielder, has already proven himself in the elite and even made his Champions League debut against Bayern Munich.
With a height of 185 cm and a powerful physique, he has great arrival and ease to sight the target. He is one of the youngest players in his team’s squad.
4) Marquinhos (Brazil – Arsenal)
He entered due to the loss of 17-year-old talent Pedrinho to Corinthians. The 20-year-old winger joined Arsenal from Sao Paulo, and has been on loan at Norwich City this season.
He is one of the ‘experienced’ footballers on Brazil’s list, destined to lead his team to the World Cup title.
5) Alex Scott (Inglaterra – Bristol City)
The pearl of Bristol City is one of the leaders of the ‘Three Lions’. The 19-year-old midfielder has been one of the most outstanding youngsters in the Championship this season and possesses a quality that has attracted the attention of England’s greats.
It seems to have been great teams in the Premier recently: Newcastle, Tottenham, West Ham or Crystal Palace follow the track.
6) Fabricio Diaz (Uruguay – Liverpool Montevideo)
One of the stars of this U-20 World Cup. His name sounds like one of the possible reinforcements for FC Barcelona, who are in talks over his signature. The 20-year-old midfielder is hugely popular at the Camp Nou and will attract a lot of attention this tournament.
He is a technical footballer with a great positional game and lots of personality. He plays regularly for Liverpool Montevideo and is a prolific U-20 South American signing.
7) Maximo Perron (Argentina – Manchester City)
From falling in love with Chilavert to Guardiola surprising him upon his arrival in Manchester. The 20-year-old midfielder is the ‘5’ of Mascherano’s team and one of Argentina’s biggest talents. He has compared him to Fernando Redondo or Sergio Busquets.
Left-footed, skilful and with great ball control, he wants to follow the example of compatriot Julián Álvarez and move up the ranks in the ‘Citizens’ first team.
8) Nico Takahashi (Japan – FC Barcelona)
With an Argentine father and a Japanese mother, the Barca young defender will be called up by the Japanese team. At 17, he has an excellent left foot which makes him one of the great pearls of La Masia.
The left-back could still play for Spain or Argentina, as he has not made his senior debut for Japan.
9) Callum Doyle (Inglaterra – Manchester City)
One of the star products of the ‘Manchester City Factory’. A ‘Citizen’ youth player, the left-footed central defender has made two consecutive appearances in the Championship (Sunderland and Coventry City), covering a total of 88 games.
At 19, he is one of the best young centre-backs in England. His great height (191 cm) and the fact that he is left-handed add to his value.
10) Yasser Asprilla (Colombia – Watford FC)
It is one of the hopes of Colombian football. The 19-year-old midfielder signed for Watford in January 2022 and has made a total of 39 Championship games this season.
Faceless, brawny and not caring what shirt he wears, he shows an unusual debauchery for his age. In England they are happy with him.
