Rating the stars
The Globe and Mail consulted player agents and soccer experts in an attempt to identify the top stars of the FIFA U-20 World Cup and their potential value on the international transfer market. The value of some players listed below is the value of their last sale (all currency U.S. unless noted). Others have never been sold, but are the subject of transfer talks and their values are being established. With ranking, name, position, country, club team and potential dollar value if transferred today:
1. Sergio Aguero, striker, Argentina, Atletico Madrid, $30-million.
The weight of Argentina repeating as the under-20 world champions rests squarely on the shoulders of this young goal poacher. In July of 2003, at 15, he played his first game for Independiente of Argentina and became the youngest player to start a match, breaking a record once held by Diego Maradona. Aguero was sold last summer to Atletico Madrid of Spain.
2. Alexandre Pato, forward, Brazil, Internacional, $25-million.
This gifted finisher is being hailed as samba soccer's next big star after leading U-20 South American qualifying with five goals. He will be the main focus of European scouts in this tournament, and British tabloids last week speculated Chelsea is set to offer £17-million ($36.1-million Canadian) for him.
3. Renato Augusto, midfielder, Brazil, Flamengo, $20-million.
With excellent speed on the ball and unbelievable skills, he has already been dubbed the next Kaka by his Flamengo coach. Several European clubs are in hot pursuit, with Manchester United, Chelsea and most recently Olympique Lyon making offers, but he insists that he wants to remain with Flamengo.
4. Lucas, midfielder, Brazil, Liverpool, $14-million.
Lucas Pezzini Leiva was the inspiration behind the revival of the Gremio team in Brazil last year. His play helped him become the youngest recipient of the professional circuit's most valuable player award. Now 20, a recent signing of Liverpool, he is seen by many as a complete two-way player.
5. Marcelo, defender, Brazil, Real Madrid, $9-million.
Real Madrid snapped him up from his former club, Fluminense, for $8.7-million last November, aiming to find a replacement for legendary wing-back Roberto Carlos, who has moved to Fenerbahce in Turkey. Like his speedy predecessor, Marcelo has a nose for scoring.
6. Arturo Vidal, defender, Chile, Bayer Leverkusen, $8-million.
Rated the top talent in Chile, Vidal recently signed a four-year contract with the Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen after a $7.7-million transfer from Chile's Colo-Colo in April. This fullback has blistering pace, and with his knack for forward rushes, he scored six times for Chile during South American preliminary and final-round qualifying.
7. Ever Banega, midfielder, Argentina, Boca Juniors, $7-million.
Banega won acclaim for impressive passing abilities and became Fernando Gago's successor after the defensive midfielder's move to Real Madrid last November. Last week, Banega helped lead his team to a Copa Libertadores championship, even though he took a kick in the stomach from a frustrated Gremio opponent.
8. Giovani dos Santos, forward, Mexico, Barcelona, $5-million.
Nicknamed Gio, he was a key member of Mexico's FIFA U-17 championship side in 2005 and is the son of former Brazilian great Zizinho. Dos Santos was brilliant during the North and Central American and Caribbean U-20 qualifying and received assurances from Mexican senior coach Hugo Sanchez that he is on his radar for qualifying for the World Cup in 2010.
9. Carlos Vela, striker, Mexico, Arsenal, $5-million.
Blessed with blazing speed, his memorable diving header during a 3-0 upset of Brazil in the final of the U-17 World Cup in Peru in 2005 is an unforgettable reminder of his potential. Arsenal's $4-million signing from Chivas of Guadalajara has been on loan to the Spanish club Salamanca, but Vela will likely get his chance to shine at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium next season.
10. Bruno Pereirinha, midfielder, Portugal, Sporting Lisbon, $4-million.
This attacking midfielder has drawn comparisons to Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo for his flamboyant style and similar looks. He was a starter with second-place Sporting Lisbon this season. In 25 appearances with Portugal's national team, he has scored six times, but also is highly rated as a strong distributor of the ball.
11. Juan Manuel Mata, Spain, midfielder, Real Madrid Castilla, $4-million.
He was the hero in Spain's European U-19 success last July in Poland, where he struck for three goals in his opening game against Turkey and led his team to the championship. A strong left-side player who may soon jump to Real Madrid's senior team, Mata will be a key ingredient in Spain's attack.
12. Alexis Sanchez, forward, Chile, Udinese, $3-million.
The Italian club Udinese jumped at the chance to sign him from Chile's Cobreloa two seasons ago when he was just 15. Currently on loan to Colo-Colo, he has been dubbed Boy Wonder for his quick left and right slashing moves that leave defenders flat-footed and dumbfounded. He recently scored a hat trick in a Copa Libertadores game against Caracas.
13. Jozy Altidore, forward, United States, New York Red Bulls, $3-million.
Altidore has replaced U-20 teammate Freddy Adu as the youngest player in Major League Soccer. Altidore scored three goals in his first seven games with the Red Bulls last year, helping his team to a playoff appearance. Born in New Jersey to Haitian parents, Altidore is also known for his appearance in an adidas commercial.
14. Vitorino Antunes, defender, Portugal, Pacos de Ferreira, $3-million.
A mainstay of Portugal's U-20 squad because of his consistency, this 19-year-old, left-side fullback was recently named to Portugal's team for the European U-21 championship. His play has caught the attention of Tottenham coach Martin Jol, who recently invited him to White Hart Lane for a trial. More recently, Juventus of Turin has expressed interest.
15. Okardi Blessing, midfielder, Nigeria, Ocean Boys, $2-million.
He almost missed out on this year's tournament after a serious car accident last winter, but has since recovered from his injuries. The young talent is expected to follow in the footsteps of other Nigerian greats such as English Premiership stars Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth) and Obafemi Martins (Newcastle) and eventually sign with one of Europe's top clubs.
16. Freddy Adu, midfielder, United States, Real Salt Lake, $2-million.
Participating in his third U-20 World Cup, Adu became the youngest professional athlete in the modern era when he stepped onto the field for D.C. United in April of 2004. While some have criticized his recent form, his skill impressed Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson so much that he was invited to a trial at Old Trafford last November.
17. Fabrice Nguesso Ondama, forward, Congo, La Mancha, $2-million.
He was the top player in the last phase of African zone qualifying when he helped clip the wings of Nigeria's Flying Eagles during the championship game in Brazzaville last February. He also struck for both goals in Congo's opening game of the tournament against Ivory Coast, raising the hopes and spirits of a country reeling from a 1997 civil war.
18. Sergio Romero, goalkeeper, Argentina, AZ Alkmaar, $2-million.
After holding opponents goalless for 390 minutes and allowing just two goals in six matches, it's not hard to see why Romero was crucial to Argentina's second-place finish in South American qualifying in Chile last January. Few were surprised when the Dutch club AZ Alkmaar paid an undisclosed transfer fee to Racing Club for the rights to his contract in March.
19. Shim Young-Sung, forward, South Korea, Jeju United, $2-million.
The striker recently finished as the top goal scorer at a World Cup qualifying tournament in India in November. Shim is best noted for his passing and crossing skills as well as his ability to score. He scored last week in an impressive exhibition win over the Czech Republic.
20. Jaime Peters, midfielder, Canada, Ipswich Town, $1-million.
Though short in stature, Peters has proved to be a great leaper in the penalty area and dangerous in front of the goal. His contract with the English club Ipswich Town expired at the end of the 2006-07 season, and it is unknown whether he will accept an offer to stay at Portman Road.
Globe Sports
The Globe and Mail consulted player agents and soccer experts in an attempt to identify the top stars of the FIFA U-20 World Cup and their potential value on the international transfer market. The value of some players listed below is the value of their last sale (all currency U.S. unless noted). Others have never been sold, but are the subject of transfer talks and their values are being established. With ranking, name, position, country, club team and potential dollar value if transferred today:
1. Sergio Aguero, striker, Argentina, Atletico Madrid, $30-million.
The weight of Argentina repeating as the under-20 world champions rests squarely on the shoulders of this young goal poacher. In July of 2003, at 15, he played his first game for Independiente of Argentina and became the youngest player to start a match, breaking a record once held by Diego Maradona. Aguero was sold last summer to Atletico Madrid of Spain.
2. Alexandre Pato, forward, Brazil, Internacional, $25-million.
This gifted finisher is being hailed as samba soccer's next big star after leading U-20 South American qualifying with five goals. He will be the main focus of European scouts in this tournament, and British tabloids last week speculated Chelsea is set to offer £17-million ($36.1-million Canadian) for him.
3. Renato Augusto, midfielder, Brazil, Flamengo, $20-million.
With excellent speed on the ball and unbelievable skills, he has already been dubbed the next Kaka by his Flamengo coach. Several European clubs are in hot pursuit, with Manchester United, Chelsea and most recently Olympique Lyon making offers, but he insists that he wants to remain with Flamengo.
4. Lucas, midfielder, Brazil, Liverpool, $14-million.
Lucas Pezzini Leiva was the inspiration behind the revival of the Gremio team in Brazil last year. His play helped him become the youngest recipient of the professional circuit's most valuable player award. Now 20, a recent signing of Liverpool, he is seen by many as a complete two-way player.
5. Marcelo, defender, Brazil, Real Madrid, $9-million.
Real Madrid snapped him up from his former club, Fluminense, for $8.7-million last November, aiming to find a replacement for legendary wing-back Roberto Carlos, who has moved to Fenerbahce in Turkey. Like his speedy predecessor, Marcelo has a nose for scoring.
6. Arturo Vidal, defender, Chile, Bayer Leverkusen, $8-million.
Rated the top talent in Chile, Vidal recently signed a four-year contract with the Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen after a $7.7-million transfer from Chile's Colo-Colo in April. This fullback has blistering pace, and with his knack for forward rushes, he scored six times for Chile during South American preliminary and final-round qualifying.
7. Ever Banega, midfielder, Argentina, Boca Juniors, $7-million.
Banega won acclaim for impressive passing abilities and became Fernando Gago's successor after the defensive midfielder's move to Real Madrid last November. Last week, Banega helped lead his team to a Copa Libertadores championship, even though he took a kick in the stomach from a frustrated Gremio opponent.
8. Giovani dos Santos, forward, Mexico, Barcelona, $5-million.
Nicknamed Gio, he was a key member of Mexico's FIFA U-17 championship side in 2005 and is the son of former Brazilian great Zizinho. Dos Santos was brilliant during the North and Central American and Caribbean U-20 qualifying and received assurances from Mexican senior coach Hugo Sanchez that he is on his radar for qualifying for the World Cup in 2010.
9. Carlos Vela, striker, Mexico, Arsenal, $5-million.
Blessed with blazing speed, his memorable diving header during a 3-0 upset of Brazil in the final of the U-17 World Cup in Peru in 2005 is an unforgettable reminder of his potential. Arsenal's $4-million signing from Chivas of Guadalajara has been on loan to the Spanish club Salamanca, but Vela will likely get his chance to shine at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium next season.
10. Bruno Pereirinha, midfielder, Portugal, Sporting Lisbon, $4-million.
This attacking midfielder has drawn comparisons to Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo for his flamboyant style and similar looks. He was a starter with second-place Sporting Lisbon this season. In 25 appearances with Portugal's national team, he has scored six times, but also is highly rated as a strong distributor of the ball.
11. Juan Manuel Mata, Spain, midfielder, Real Madrid Castilla, $4-million.
He was the hero in Spain's European U-19 success last July in Poland, where he struck for three goals in his opening game against Turkey and led his team to the championship. A strong left-side player who may soon jump to Real Madrid's senior team, Mata will be a key ingredient in Spain's attack.
12. Alexis Sanchez, forward, Chile, Udinese, $3-million.
The Italian club Udinese jumped at the chance to sign him from Chile's Cobreloa two seasons ago when he was just 15. Currently on loan to Colo-Colo, he has been dubbed Boy Wonder for his quick left and right slashing moves that leave defenders flat-footed and dumbfounded. He recently scored a hat trick in a Copa Libertadores game against Caracas.
13. Jozy Altidore, forward, United States, New York Red Bulls, $3-million.
Altidore has replaced U-20 teammate Freddy Adu as the youngest player in Major League Soccer. Altidore scored three goals in his first seven games with the Red Bulls last year, helping his team to a playoff appearance. Born in New Jersey to Haitian parents, Altidore is also known for his appearance in an adidas commercial.
14. Vitorino Antunes, defender, Portugal, Pacos de Ferreira, $3-million.
A mainstay of Portugal's U-20 squad because of his consistency, this 19-year-old, left-side fullback was recently named to Portugal's team for the European U-21 championship. His play has caught the attention of Tottenham coach Martin Jol, who recently invited him to White Hart Lane for a trial. More recently, Juventus of Turin has expressed interest.
15. Okardi Blessing, midfielder, Nigeria, Ocean Boys, $2-million.
He almost missed out on this year's tournament after a serious car accident last winter, but has since recovered from his injuries. The young talent is expected to follow in the footsteps of other Nigerian greats such as English Premiership stars Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth) and Obafemi Martins (Newcastle) and eventually sign with one of Europe's top clubs.
16. Freddy Adu, midfielder, United States, Real Salt Lake, $2-million.
Participating in his third U-20 World Cup, Adu became the youngest professional athlete in the modern era when he stepped onto the field for D.C. United in April of 2004. While some have criticized his recent form, his skill impressed Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson so much that he was invited to a trial at Old Trafford last November.
17. Fabrice Nguesso Ondama, forward, Congo, La Mancha, $2-million.
He was the top player in the last phase of African zone qualifying when he helped clip the wings of Nigeria's Flying Eagles during the championship game in Brazzaville last February. He also struck for both goals in Congo's opening game of the tournament against Ivory Coast, raising the hopes and spirits of a country reeling from a 1997 civil war.
18. Sergio Romero, goalkeeper, Argentina, AZ Alkmaar, $2-million.
After holding opponents goalless for 390 minutes and allowing just two goals in six matches, it's not hard to see why Romero was crucial to Argentina's second-place finish in South American qualifying in Chile last January. Few were surprised when the Dutch club AZ Alkmaar paid an undisclosed transfer fee to Racing Club for the rights to his contract in March.
19. Shim Young-Sung, forward, South Korea, Jeju United, $2-million.
The striker recently finished as the top goal scorer at a World Cup qualifying tournament in India in November. Shim is best noted for his passing and crossing skills as well as his ability to score. He scored last week in an impressive exhibition win over the Czech Republic.
20. Jaime Peters, midfielder, Canada, Ipswich Town, $1-million.
Though short in stature, Peters has proved to be a great leaper in the penalty area and dangerous in front of the goal. His contract with the English club Ipswich Town expired at the end of the 2006-07 season, and it is unknown whether he will accept an offer to stay at Portman Road.
Globe Sports
Buy on AliExpress.com
