The Confederations Cup, one year prior the World Cup, will be held in South Africa between the 14th June to the 28th June 2009, usually a crop of young, talented players pop up in this international cup, young players who have had enough reputation to be called up by the national manager – this article looks at the top 5.
1. Davide Santon
A young, Italian full back at 18 years old (the youngest player in the Italian team called up for the Confederations Cup) (natural position is right-back) who started to play at left-back for Inter in the 2008/09 season when Mourinho lacked options at the full back spot after Maxwell (the first team left-back) had been on a very poor run of form, Mourinho does not favour playing young players with flair – but in Santon there was an exception, he saw the potential an disciplined talent in the youngster, he made his Serie A debut at 17 years of age. The following video compares Davide Santon, to Paolo Maldini, an Italian legend, the defender is held in such regard.
2. Jozy Altidore
An exceptionally quick, strong forward, Altidore holds the record for being the youngest American forward to score a hat-trick at an international game when he put 3 past Trinidad and Tobago on the 1st of April 2009. Altidore – unlike so many other talented foreign players, has already moved to Europe and currently plays for Villareal – at the ripe age of just 19 years old.
3. Sergio Busquets
A youthful Catalonian (Spanish) midfielder, Busquets has been coached by Josep Guardiola straight from the manager’s control of the Barcelona B team in 2006/07, to this season, where Busquets has featured 24 times in the league, not bad when you consider, that he has to fight with Xavi, Iniesta and Yaya Toure for the midfield spot. So talented and trustworthy – Guardiola played Sergio Busquets in his first Champions League final, as his first season in the Primera Liga.
4. Juan Mata
Attacking with passive aggressiveness, pace with control of the ball, finishing with composure, dribbling with discipline, the young Valencia forward (a failed Real Madrid reserve player) has been playing for Valencia for 2 years now and his potential is clear to see for everyone. Mata is 21 years old, he has a long future ahead of him and don’t be surprised if he impresses in the Confederations Cup – he is very disciplined and professional, at a young, tender age.
5. Nilmar
The odd one out, as Nilmar is 24 years old compared to Santon, who was as young as 17 when he played for Inter, Nilmar is a typical Brazilian forward – flashes of flair, terrific pieces of tricker and a mean eye for goal, Nilmar has often been injury prone – delaying potential time after time, however the Brazilian striker has been called up to the Confederations Cup and has a chance to prove himself to the world and who knows – a few scouts who are looking for skilful striker. To see the true deadliness of the striker – watch the following video, where he takes on many defenders with amazing agility and pace, and then beats the goalkeeper by scoring with his weaker foot.