10 Talents — 1
I looked to start a thread of posting a U23 player I like everyday. 10 days in and I’ve decided against it. I think the idea is better served in a Medium series, so here is the first part. Hopefully I’ll be able to continue this every Wednesday.
1 Yari Verschaeren (18)
2001 Belgian attacking midfielder/winger
RSC Anderlecht
Creative playmaker with quick dribbling and good passing in the final third. Looks to put players in behind. Good agility and acceleration but lacks physicality.
0.31 xG+A and 2.2 successful dribbles
2 Noah Okafor (19)
2000 Swiss left winger
FC Basel
Fast, explosive and skilful dribbler with tight control. Good crossing and cut backs too. He stands 6'1" and loses possession a lot but is an exciting player.
0.32 xG+A, 4.8 progressive passes and 6.3 successful dribbles
3 Calvin Stengs (20)
1998 Dutch right winger
AZ Alkmaar
Great dribbler and creative passer, he’s always looking to play balls in behind and split defences. Left footed and liked to drive inside and gets shots off.
0.42 xG+A, 2.6 shots and 4.4 attempted passes into the box
4 Jonathan David (19)
2000 Canadian striker
KAA Gent
Good goalscorer, fast with good movement but not great in the air. Already an international player with 10 goals in 8 Canada caps
0.48 xG+A, 2.5 shots and 41% attacking duels wins
5 Jonathan Bamba (23)
1996 French left winger
Lille OSC
Strong dribbler and goalscorer from the wide position. 13 goals last season for Lille as they finished 2nd in Ligue 1.
0.33 xG+A, 2.1 dribbles with 50% accuracy, 2.1 touches in the box and 2.2 progressive runs
6 Mitchell Van Bergen (19)
1999 Dutch right winger
SC Heerenveen
Good movement down his wing. Gets into good positions and drive at the defence with good dribbling. Nice crossing and good goal return, overperforming his expected goals.
0.31 xG+A and attempts 5 crosses and 6.9 dribbles with 31% and 53% completion respectively
7 Dario Maresic (19)
1999 Austrian centre half
SK Sturm Graz
Lacks physicality but is very confident on the ball and calm under pressure. He’s a modern centre back, he’s two-footed with great passing range
48 passes, 64% defensive duels won, 51% aerial duels won and 6.2 interceptions
8 Sander Berge (21)
1998 Norwegian defensive midfielder
KRC Genk
6'4" powerful defensive midfielder who breaks up play really well and is good on the ball. Likes to drive into midfield and uses his physicality well. You can read more about him here
9 Samuel Oum Gouet (21)
1997 Cameroonian midfielder
SCR Altach
Good passer in central midfield with good progression. Likes pass and move combinations and quick play. Low defensive work rate and some defensive issues.
45 passes, 58% aerial win rate, 8.6 attempted passes into the final third and 1.9 attempted passes into the box
10 Ezequiel Barco (20)
1999 Argentinian attacking midfielder
Atlanta United
Really impressed me at the U20 World Cup with great runs through midfield. Very tidy player who likes to carry. He’s agile and dangerous with tight control and a low centre of gravity.
0.55 xG+A, 3.5 progressive runs and 3.1 shots in MLS
