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South American Under 20 Championship Special: The Stars Of The Show
Daniel Edwards highlights the five players who lit up Peru in the month-long tournament, and who look set to be stars of world football for years to come...
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Feb 14, 2011 6:30:00 PM
By Daniel Edwards
Brazil: Lucas (Sao Paulo)
Although Santos prodigy Neymar had a predictably excellent tournament, the real revelation of the Selecao was fellow Paulista and Sao Paulo wonderkid Lucas. The youngster was the creative heart of Brazil's side, and capped a great tournament with a hat-trick in the crucial 6-0 demolition of Uruguay which confirmed Ney Franco's side as champions.
The 18-year-old burst on to the scene in Brazil at the end of 2011 with a handful of explosive cameos for his club, but was still something of an unknown quantity when arriving in Peru. Franco however knew exactly how good Lucas could be, and was repaid with interest as Lucas proved to be the most consistently impressive player in the squad.
Playing as a second striker between the more withdrawn Neymar and centre forward Willian, the player drew all the plaudits for his strong running from deep and excellent eye for goal, finishing with a personal haul of four goals and playing a pivotal role in many more. The Celeste simply could not deal with his pace and direct running style as he carved them open time and again on the way to a hat-trick, including a fantastic individual effort for his second.
The future of the Tricolor forward is yet undecided, although Barcelona were known to be following him closely at the championships, and if he can carry his form over to the domestic season a big-money move is surely just a matter of time.
Honourable Mentions:
Neymar: Broke the record for scoring in a single tournament with nine strikes, and proved why he is the hottest prospect in world football at this moment; although at times his immaturity and petulance caught up with him.
Casemiro: A haul of three goals was an excellent return for the Sao Paulo midfielder, who was also a rock in midfield and the instigator of countless attacks across the tournament.
Uruguay: Diego Polenta (Genoa)
Uruguay's defensive reputation may have taken a battering during the disastrous final match against Brazil, but across the championship it had already proved itself as one of the tightest units. Genoa prospect and Charrua captain Diego Polenta was an integral part of that backline which helped ensure Uruguay's first Olympic Games appearance in 84 years next year in London.
While he will never be the biggest central defender in world football, the 6'1" Polenta proved that he is a cultured defender in the best South American tradition, adept at squeezing the spaces around forwards and stopping them from operating. He is also blessed with ample talent in bringing the ball out from the back, and almost always opts to keep it on the deck and facilitate the counter attack rather than to hoof the ball aimlessly.
The 19-year-old's finest moment in Peru was in the attacking sphere, when he proved the all-round quality of his game by scoring a magnificent effort against Chile. Showing great pace, strength and control Polenta took the ball from the halfway line and skipped past the Roja defence, before finishing calmly to announce himself on the world stage. Yet to make his debut for Italians Genoa, the defender will look to use this tournament and the upcoming World Cup as a springboard to get the attention of his employers.
Honourable Mention:
Pablo Cepellini: One of a handful of players who secured a European transfer on the back of the Under 20s. The ex-Penarol number 10 grabbed the attention of Cagliari with some great performances in Peru, and will continue his football education in Italy.
Argentina: Juan Iturbe (Quilmes)
The former Paraguay youth international endeared himself no end to his new nation with some sparkling moments in the Under 20s, proving to be one of the high points of an otherwise disappointing campaign for Walter Perazzo's charges.
After netting off the bench in the Group A opener against Uruguay to seal a last-minute win, Iturbe would go on to seal two further victories for the Albiceleste with excellent individual efforts. A 40 metre solo run which ripped through the heart of Chile and gave Argentina the lead was most memorable for its quality, while his effort against Brazil was less spectacular but worth everything for occurring against the Seleccion's most bitter of rivals.
The 17-year-old's quality led to the inevitable comparisons with Lionel Messi, and while there are unquestionably similarities in the pair's playing styles the hysteria in putting nicknames such as 'The Guarani Messi' and 'La Pulguita' on Iturbe's shoulders are somewhat premature. The player however will get the chance to shine in 2011 with both the World Cup and the long-awaited resolution of his contract dispute on the horizon. Expected to sign with Porto in June, there is no doubt that this little maestro has a bright future indeed.
Honourable Mention:
Facundo Ferreyra: While Rogelio Funes Mori was the Argentine striker expected to shine in Peru 'El Mellizo' never quite looked comfortable leading the line, and 'Chucky' Ferreyra was the forward who caught the eye as the Banfield youth notched four goals.
Venezuela: Yohandry Orozco (Wolfsburg)
The Under 20 campaign of this youngster was unhappily cut short when Venezuela were eliminated at the first hurdle. The Vinotinto however by no means disgraced themselves in drawing three games and losing just one, and with prospects like Orozco coming through the ranks this perennial underdog of South American football could be one to watch.
Just 5'4" tall but with a stocky build and low centre of gravity which makes him a classic South American number 10, Orozco proved that he also possesses a startling turn of pace which has the ability to leave defenders standing. Responsible for the goal which sealed a historic draw against Argentina, the ex-Zulia prodigy then scored a magnificent solo effort against hosts Peru which, as well as inviting the inevitable comparisons with Maradona, pricked the ears of European scouts.
The 19-year-old subsequently sealed a move to German outfit Wolfsburg, and although it will be a big step up in quality Orozco has been a first team player since the age of 16, and has shown no fear at any challenge.
Honourable Mentions:
Edwin Cardenas (Colombia): Given the daunting task of filling James Rodriguez's shoes after the Porto star was barred from appearing, Cardenas did the job admirably and finished joint second top scorer with four goals.
Edson Montano (Ecuador): The Gent youngster was a mainstay in midfield for Ecuador as they secured a historic World Youth Cup place in Peru, and finished the Tricolor top scorer with his surges from deep and cool finishing.
Although Santos prodigy Neymar had a predictably excellent tournament, the real revelation of the Selecao was fellow Paulista and Sao Paulo wonderkid Lucas. The youngster was the creative heart of Brazil's side, and capped a great tournament with a hat-trick in the crucial 6-0 demolition of Uruguay which confirmed Ney Franco's side as champions.
The 18-year-old burst on to the scene in Brazil at the end of 2011 with a handful of explosive cameos for his club, but was still something of an unknown quantity when arriving in Peru. Franco however knew exactly how good Lucas could be, and was repaid with interest as Lucas proved to be the most consistently impressive player in the squad.
Playing as a second striker between the more withdrawn Neymar and centre forward Willian, the player drew all the plaudits for his strong running from deep and excellent eye for goal, finishing with a personal haul of four goals and playing a pivotal role in many more. The Celeste simply could not deal with his pace and direct running style as he carved them open time and again on the way to a hat-trick, including a fantastic individual effort for his second.
The future of the Tricolor forward is yet undecided, although Barcelona were known to be following him closely at the championships, and if he can carry his form over to the domestic season a big-money move is surely just a matter of time.
Honourable Mentions:
Neymar: Broke the record for scoring in a single tournament with nine strikes, and proved why he is the hottest prospect in world football at this moment; although at times his immaturity and petulance caught up with him.
Casemiro: A haul of three goals was an excellent return for the Sao Paulo midfielder, who was also a rock in midfield and the instigator of countless attacks across the tournament.
Uruguay: Diego Polenta (Genoa)
Uruguay's defensive reputation may have taken a battering during the disastrous final match against Brazil, but across the championship it had already proved itself as one of the tightest units. Genoa prospect and Charrua captain Diego Polenta was an integral part of that backline which helped ensure Uruguay's first Olympic Games appearance in 84 years next year in London.
While he will never be the biggest central defender in world football, the 6'1" Polenta proved that he is a cultured defender in the best South American tradition, adept at squeezing the spaces around forwards and stopping them from operating. He is also blessed with ample talent in bringing the ball out from the back, and almost always opts to keep it on the deck and facilitate the counter attack rather than to hoof the ball aimlessly.
The 19-year-old's finest moment in Peru was in the attacking sphere, when he proved the all-round quality of his game by scoring a magnificent effort against Chile. Showing great pace, strength and control Polenta took the ball from the halfway line and skipped past the Roja defence, before finishing calmly to announce himself on the world stage. Yet to make his debut for Italians Genoa, the defender will look to use this tournament and the upcoming World Cup as a springboard to get the attention of his employers.
Honourable Mention:
Pablo Cepellini: One of a handful of players who secured a European transfer on the back of the Under 20s. The ex-Penarol number 10 grabbed the attention of Cagliari with some great performances in Peru, and will continue his football education in Italy.
Argentina: Juan Iturbe (Quilmes)
The former Paraguay youth international endeared himself no end to his new nation with some sparkling moments in the Under 20s, proving to be one of the high points of an otherwise disappointing campaign for Walter Perazzo's charges.
After netting off the bench in the Group A opener against Uruguay to seal a last-minute win, Iturbe would go on to seal two further victories for the Albiceleste with excellent individual efforts. A 40 metre solo run which ripped through the heart of Chile and gave Argentina the lead was most memorable for its quality, while his effort against Brazil was less spectacular but worth everything for occurring against the Seleccion's most bitter of rivals.
The 17-year-old's quality led to the inevitable comparisons with Lionel Messi, and while there are unquestionably similarities in the pair's playing styles the hysteria in putting nicknames such as 'The Guarani Messi' and 'La Pulguita' on Iturbe's shoulders are somewhat premature. The player however will get the chance to shine in 2011 with both the World Cup and the long-awaited resolution of his contract dispute on the horizon. Expected to sign with Porto in June, there is no doubt that this little maestro has a bright future indeed.
Honourable Mention:
Facundo Ferreyra: While Rogelio Funes Mori was the Argentine striker expected to shine in Peru 'El Mellizo' never quite looked comfortable leading the line, and 'Chucky' Ferreyra was the forward who caught the eye as the Banfield youth notched four goals.
Venezuela: Yohandry Orozco (Wolfsburg)
The Under 20 campaign of this youngster was unhappily cut short when Venezuela were eliminated at the first hurdle. The Vinotinto however by no means disgraced themselves in drawing three games and losing just one, and with prospects like Orozco coming through the ranks this perennial underdog of South American football could be one to watch.
Just 5'4" tall but with a stocky build and low centre of gravity which makes him a classic South American number 10, Orozco proved that he also possesses a startling turn of pace which has the ability to leave defenders standing. Responsible for the goal which sealed a historic draw against Argentina, the ex-Zulia prodigy then scored a magnificent solo effort against hosts Peru which, as well as inviting the inevitable comparisons with Maradona, pricked the ears of European scouts.
The 19-year-old subsequently sealed a move to German outfit Wolfsburg, and although it will be a big step up in quality Orozco has been a first team player since the age of 16, and has shown no fear at any challenge.
Honourable Mentions:
Edwin Cardenas (Colombia): Given the daunting task of filling James Rodriguez's shoes after the Porto star was barred from appearing, Cardenas did the job admirably and finished joint second top scorer with four goals.
Edson Montano (Ecuador): The Gent youngster was a mainstay in midfield for Ecuador as they secured a historic World Youth Cup place in Peru, and finished the Tricolor top scorer with his surges from deep and cool finishing.
Follow Daniel Edwards on twitter:http://twitter.com/DanEdwardsGoal
Follow Goal.com International on twitter: twitter.com/goal_intl
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