After watching more hours of worldwide football than I want to admit, I decided to predict the future. These players will either make their breakthrough next season or get a well-earned move.
Criteria to make the list:
1 - Must play outside of European top five countries.
2 - Must be pretty unknown to even the hardcore football fans. (Gravenberch, Nuno Mendes, Tzolis, Daka etc. are therefore excluded)
Let’s get started with part 1: Defenders!
Victor Guzmán, 19, Central defender, Mexico, Tijuana
Strengths: Quick feet, pace, won’t get dribbled past
Guzmán is 174 centimeters tall (according to Transfermarkt) and he plays in the middle of a two-man defense. It’s obviously necessary to play him next to a taller defender, but it also shows how good of a defender he is since Tijuana are playing him there anyway. If he goes to Europe, he might have to play in another position.
Calegari, 19, Right back, Brazil, Fluminense
Strengths: Defensive IQ, pace, and technique
Calegari is basically a winger with great defensive skills. In other words, he’s a ‘Well-rounded footballer’. The only thing he needs to add to his game is chance creation and assists. With that being said, he’s a future Brazil international.
Vitaliy Mykolenko, 22, Left back, Ukraine, Dinamo Kiev
Strengths: Defensive IQ and physical skills
Mykolenko’s biggest weaknesses lie in his offensive game and it’s what keeps him from being a really great wing-back. His defensive skills and work rate will take him far anyway. With experience in the UEFA Champions League and for Ukraine, he’s ready for a move this summer.
Vanderson, 19, Right back, Brazil, Grêmio
Strengths: Dribbling, energy, and work rate
Vanderson is still very raw. He can be fascinating and frustrating to watch at the same time. I said energy is a strength because no matter what he’s always determined and trying to create problems for the opponents. He’s never going to give up. His recent goal against Ceará (seriously, look it up) shows why former Bayern München man, Rafinha, isn’t a certain pick for the RB spot at Grêmio. He’s definitely worth the gamble for any club due to his high potential.
Alejandro Gomez, 19, Central defender, Mexico, Atlas&Boavista
Strengths: Passing, football IQ, and coolness under pressure
Gomez is a left-footed central defender. That already gives him an advantage. He’s owned by Atlas but he was on loan at Boavista this past season and they have an option to buy him. It’ll surely benefit them in the long run, if they choose to keep the youngster.
Reo Hatate, 23, Left back, Japan, Kawasaki Frontale
Strengths: Vision and anticipation with and without the ball.
Hatate is a fun player. Some would argue that he’s actually a central midfielder. Mostly, he’s actually a central midfielder in the official lineups but he occupies the left back area. No one knows for sure though, since he also goes forward and scores goals. Kawasaki’s ball-dominant style suits him.
Khadim Diaw, 22, Left back, Senegal, Horoya
Strengths: Everything because he’s too good for this level of football
There’s little data, video, or information about Diaw on the internet, except for the CAF Champions League games he has played this season. In those games, he has been exceptional though. Diaw hasn’t been dribbled past and he makes 7.0 tackles+interceptions per game. This is the highest I’ve ever seen. Just under 2 key passes per game, 73% duel win rate, and 69% aerial duel win rate makes him the complete wing-back. Few weaknesses will inarguably begin to show when he moves to a higher level of football.
Kaiky, 17, Central defender, Brazil, Santos
Strengths: Maturity, passing, and pass anticipation
I saved the best for last this time. Kaiky is only 17 and starting for Santos. Remember, Santos is probably a mid-table team in this season’s Brasileirão but his experience in Copa Libertadores this season and his increased importance for Santos will only make him better. He’s ready for top-level senior football in South America and soon, he’ll be ready for Europe too.
Written by @WillxFootball on Twitter.
