The New Generation of Young'uns: Premiership Teams that Owe their Promotion to Youngsters

Giles Barnes
Club: Derby Birthdate: August 5th, 1988

Barnes lit up the Championship last season and he has already seen a long line of suitors contemplating bids for the 18 year old. That line consists of West Ham United, Arsenal, and Tottenham. Last term was his first full year in the first team and, consequently, his breakout year. Overall for Derby, though, he's appeared 58 times with a solid 9 goal clip as an attacking midfielder. The guy was probably THE reason that Derby has found themselves promoted this year and he's ready to take the club onto his shoulders yet again (with big help from forward Steve Howard). A broken foot during the Championship play-offs has sidelined Barnes and will keep him out of Derby's early Premiership match-ups against Portsmouth and possibly Manchester City.


Anthony Stokes
Club: Sunderland Birthdate: July 25th, 1988

The former Arsenal youth product was picked up by Sunderland boss Roy Keane after his impressive loan spell at Falkirk which consisted of Stokes scoring 14 goals in 16 games. He returned to Arsenal at the end of 2006 and sensing that his first team potential with the Gunners was dead, he succumbed to advances of Roy Keane and made a $4 million move to Sunderland. This move and continued first team play led to his first international cap with Ireland. The striker is known for his well-developed skill at such a young age, with the know-how to dictate the tempo of play - fittingly, he likens himself to Dennis Bergkamp. Look for him to play to his potential and attract some attention as he plays day in and day out at the Premiership level.


Fabrice Muamba
Club: Birmingham City Birthdate: April 6th, 1988

Yet another former Arsenal youth product, recently purchased by Birmingham for a solid $8 million and one who has high expectations of him at the Premiership level. Never given the chance to see significant first team time with the Gunners, Muamba - a defensive midfielder - spent last season on loan with Birmingham and was integral in their successes, appearing 41 times. Muamba and his family fled DR Congo (then Zaire) and sought asylum in England. His curiosity and desire to play football never ceased, despite the life-altering events, and now he regularly appears with the England U-19s. His strengths are his sheer athleticism, natural fitness, and raw talent. With continued play, Birmingham boss Steve Bruce aims to make him his idol, Patrick Vieira.

The New Generation of Young'uns: A Couple from South America and a Brief Foray into Costa Rica

Uruguay

Edison Cavani
Born: February 14, 1987
Club: Palermo (ITA)

Making noise due to his great performance at the 2007 South American Youth Championship with 7 goals, enough to grab the 'Golden Boot'. His composure and ability to finish attracted much interest from mainly Serie A clubs like AC Milan, Palermo, and Fiorentina. He ended up signing recently for Palermo and in seven appearances he has contributed two goals. His early career started at Danubio FC (a powerful squad in Uruguay) where he excelled and scored 13 goals in 30 games. Look for him to have a big impact for Uruguay as captain of the Uruguayan U-20s in this summer's U-20 World Cup. They will try and repeat the success Uruguay had in 1997 when they finished runner-ups to Argentina.


In his Serie A debut, the 20 year old sub tied the game 1-1 against Fiorentina.

Chile

Alexis Sanchez
Born: December 19, 1988
Club: Udinese(currently on loan to Colo Colo (CHI))

Sanchez along with Matias Fernandez and Arturo Vidal are considered some of the purest talent to be developed in Chile since Ivan Zamorano and the pinnacle of Marcelo Salas. He came up in the youth hot bed of Cobreloa and spent only one year there before he was purchased for around $3 million by Udinese of Serie A. Udinese showcases some other young talent in the form of Cristian Zapata of Columbia and Tomas Sivok of the Czech Republic. On the other hand, there are everyday seasoned Italian national team players like Vincenzo Iaquinta and GK Morgan De Sanctis (a little less seasoned). Sanchez's international career started early as he as already appeared 7 times at forward for the Chilean national team. Although he would be vital to Chile's U-20 team's chances at the World Cup in Canada, it is possible that he'll end up with the senior national team for Copa America in Venezuela.


Sanchez making his mark on Colo Colo against Alajuelense

Costa Rica

Celso Borges
Born: May 27, 1988
Club: Deportivo Saprissa (CRC)

Look for Borges to have a deep impact at the U-20 World Cup this summer as he is one of the highest rated midfielders. He has limited international experience and will look to this tournament to attract big club suitors. Known for his creativity, speed, and vision uncharacteristic of a 19 year old, Borges is expected to eventually propel the Costa Rican national team into the Top 40 of the FIFA Rankings (they are now 52nd). His father, Alexandre Guimeraes was the coach of Costa Rica at both the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. He now leads Panama into the 2007 Gold Cup. Often in the shadow of Juan Carlos Solorzano, his mix of strength and speed as well as technical ability makes him a leading candidate for breaking onto the world soccer scene.


Borges' diving header puts Saprissa up 2-0

The New Generation of Young'uns: So two Colombians and a Chilean walk into a bar...

Chile


Matías Fernández
Club: Villareal (ESP)
Birthdate: May 15, 1986


Fernandez, at the ripe old age of 20, made that jump across the pond to the bright prospects of La Liga. A goal in every two games (33 in 64 to be exact( for Colo Colo (the most well-known Chilean club due to 24 Chilean Apertura titles) was enough to secure him a move to Spanish contenders Villareal. Known simply as Mati, or even more cleverly Matigol (see the difference?), Fernandez was a Colo Colo man since the age of 12. Then again, that it is pretty much how it works in the South America (hell, in most places that’s the way it goes). His first international cap came at 18 and since then he has provided Chile with a spark in only 8 games of service, contributing 3 goals. His ability to effectively balance his international duties with club duties and not to mention his knack of putting the ball in the back of the net pushed his move to Villareal forward, while also providing a nice chunk of change for his hometown team. What is that amount you ask? A cool 8.75-9 million Euros.
Often compared to legend Chilean David Pizarro (although many think he is better) and Brazilian striker Romario.

FIFA Article on Mati

One of Matigol's Best

Colombia

Falcao
Club: River Plate
Birthdate: February 20, 1986
Fullname: Radamel Falcao Garcia Zarate


First things first: this Falcao is not the amazing futsal Falcao who is often seen appearing in YouTube clips with Brazilian young’un and Real Madrid striker Robinho. He is in the mold of many of the former great and still young River Plate strikers: Fernando Cavenaghi (now in Russia with Spartak Moscow) and Maxi Lopez, while also nurturing a rivalry with the recently departed Gonzalo Higuain (now at Real Madrid). Falcao has now stepped out of the shadows and into the craziness that is River Plate. In 2006, however, his ascent not only to the River Plate starting lineup but also the Colombian national team, was stopped by cruciate ligament damage. Somewhat injury prone, Falcao is a leader of the new generation and new mold of Colombian youth soccer which has produced such talents as fellow young’uns: Freddy Guarin, Wason Renteria, Libis Andres Arenas, Sherman Cardenas, and Hugo Rodallega. The kid can play – he’s got pace, tremendous skill, and endurance (surprising for an oft-injured forward). Due to his bouts with injury, Falcao has not seen time with the Colombian national team but once he regains his form and his starting spot at River Plate, that cap will come.

The Most Important Goal of Falcao's Life (against Boca) courtesy of YouTube

Wason Renteria
Club: Porto (POR)
Birthdate: July 4, 1985
Fullname: Wason Libardo Renteria Cuesta

A tall target man (Freddy Rincon anyone) who was nurtured on the youth-enriched fields of Brazilian club Internacional (where fellow young’un Alexandre Pato is playing currently). Wason recently was plucked away by Porto, the South American talent whore it is, and has been thrown quickly into the fray of the Portuguese Superliga. His stock soared with his performance with Colombia at the FIFA World Youth Championship in 2005 and his club play from there on out proved efficient. He is known for his prowess, power (which sometimes works against him), and an intimidating presence. Although his time with Porto has been limited, his time will certainly come soon. World-renowned for his goal reminiscent of Pele (below) and you'll know it when you see it. His play has earned him several caps for the Colombian national team.



A Collection of Wason Renteria Goals - courtesy of YouTube (please note the PegLeg Pirate Celebration)

Enjoy.

Young'uns - The New Generation: The Future of Mexico and It Looks Dangerous

Andres Guardado
Club: CF Atlas
Birthdate: September 28, 1986
Fullname: Jose Andres Guardado Hernandez


An attacking wing midfielder, we all got our first glimpse of Andres when he burned the U.S. wing and defensive line to no avail. No goal or assist to show for his efforts, yet he seared his image into our brains. He looks like the future of the Mexican midfield. In fact, he almost looked Ryan Giggs-esque. Incredible acceleration, skill, and great vision for the ripe-old age of 20. This, however, is not new news to the Mexican Soccer Federation. Guardado has 12 international caps and a goal to his name. He is being hounded by the likes of Real Madrid, A.C. Milan, newly branded powerhouses Udinese, and even youth-nurturing Eredivisie teams like PSV Eindhoven and Ajax Amsterdam. Where he will go, nobody really knows but there are heavy ties to PSV where he would join international teammate Carlos Salcido. We have not seen the last of him – and at 20, it is scary to think about what he can turn into.

Andres Guardado "El Chico Maravilla"

Omar Esparza
Club: Chivas de Guadalajara
Birthdate: May 21, 1988
Fullname: Omar Alejandro Esparza Morales


Esparza is a defensive midfielder looking to be the heart of the Mexican U-20 this summer in Canada at the U-20 World Cup. He has played his first full season with Chivas de Guadalajara and looks poised to get his first full for the Mexican senior national team early this summer. A composed and determined defensive keystone, he might not have the pizzazz of an Andres Guardado but he certainly gets whatever is needed of him done. Think Michael Bradley’s potential with less size, but better vision and more skill. I think you will find him plying his trade in Mexico for a little while longer until he is bit more mature, although he has already received interest from Sevilla, Racing Santander, and even an Italian Serie A team or two.

First Goal for Chivas

Giovanni Dos Santos
Club: Barcelona
Birthdate: May 11, 1989
Fullname: Giovanni dos Santos Ramirez


Son of a Brazilian father and Mexican mother, at 19 years old this attacking midfielder has already made the trip across the Atlantic. His family made the trip with him. His brother Jonathan also plays for the Barcelona youth system, but his chances to play for the first team remain almost certain this year. He was first discovered globally at the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship where he assisted over half the Mexican goals and briefly afterwards, he made the move to Barca. He has played with the Barcelona senior team in a friendly against the Swiss team Aarhus. Naturally, he scored but Giovanni is still looking to make his mark consistently on the first team. Look to see him prominently in the U-20 FIFA World Cup this summer and even before in the Gold Cup.

Giovanni Dos Santos vs. St. Kitts and Nevis w/ Mexican U-17s

Young'uns - The New Generation: Brazil Part II

Marcelo Grohe
Club: Gremio
Birthdate: January 13, 1987


This young Brazilian goalkeeper is making a push for taking over the reins of Dida and Julio Cesar sometime soon. Has been a Gremio player for life and is known for dominance in the air. Starting goalkeeper on the Brazilian U-20s and won a South American and World Championship with the U-17s in 2005. In January, Marcelo was hampered by an injury, which due to lack of depth, forced Gremio to pick up the capable and seasoned Argentinean Sebastian Saja. Regardless, he has forced his way back into the line-up. Still does not look like he will be leaving for Europe anytime soon. Then again keepers don’t become real transfer targets until their mid-20s.

Anderson
Club: FC Porto
Birthdate: April 13, 1988
Fullname: Anderson de Luís de Abreu Oliveira


Made the trek across the Atlantic early to in his career to FC Porto after progressing through the ranks of Gremio (as it seems most Brazilian stars do). Many accolades under his belt: voted “Golden Ball” (youth “Golden Boot”) winner of the U-17 World Championships in 2005 and a Portuguese Superliga Championship 2005-06. He is pacy, aggressive, determined, and Kaka-like creative. Anderson’s introduction to Portuguese football was marred by a nasty injury, a broken fibula to be exact, 2 months into his first full season with Porto. He has now recovered properly and has helped push FC Porto through to the knockout rounds of the UEFA Champions League. Just like most young Brazilian attacking midfelder phenoms, he also draws many comparisons to the one and only Ronaldinho. Known to be admired strongly by both Chelsea, Inter Milan and Barcelona. Look for him to be making a lucrative move at some point in the near future.

Seitardis' Challenge on Anderson

A Well-Done Montage of Anderson's Chops

Kerlon
Club: Cruzeiro
Birthdate: January 27, 1988
Fullname: Kerlon Moura Souza


Often called Foca (the Seal), as his trademark is a somewhat unconventional dribble which involves him flicking the ball up to his head and running with it. It clearly poses a problem for most defenses as the only way to effectively stop it is to take him out. At 5’6” and a master of the seal dribble, this guy gets fouled a lot. Kerlon, an attacking midfielder, has swiftly become a rising star within the world of Brazilian football and along with Lucas looks to copy and improve upon what Ronaldinho and Ronaldo has built. Below is a link to the seal dribble. It’s amazing, the defenders don’t know what to do so they completely unload on Kerlon. Has been linked to Manchester United as well as a host of Italian clubs. He would have been in Europe as early as 2005, but a serious injury kept him out for approximately 4 months.

The Kerlon Seal Dribble

Young'uns - The New Generation: Brazil Part I

This is the first of many installments. Over the course of the year, I will cover every geographic region you can possibly think of. For those that think these are the only future stars I will cover left in Brazil, I assure you that there will be more.

Starting within Brazil, instead of Brazilians abroad:

Alexandre Pato
Club: Internacional
Birthdate: September 2, 1989
Fullname: Alexandre Rodrigues da Silva


Has already warranted comparisons to Ronaldinho, this 17 year old already has a FIFA World Club Championship under his belt after helping dispatch of his idol’s squad Barcelona, 1-0. He will most likely be part of the Brazilian U-20 team that qualified for this summer’s U-20 World Cup in Canada. Look for him to make the jump to Europe sometime soon. His contract, however, runs until 2009 with a minimum fee release clause of around 18 million Euros. Clearly, he doesn’t come cheap.

Jô
Club: CSKA Moscow
Birthdate: March 20, 1987
Fullname: João Alves de Assis Silva


Brazilians are in such demand on the world football scene that you can find them as far away as Russia (Japan even…if you count newly-minted Japanese citizen Alex). Won the Russian Premier League title with CSKA Moscow in 2006. Started out in the productive Brazilian youth grounds of Corinthians. Has already scored 15 goals in his first 20 games with the club. Will most likely move from CSKA Moscow as attention to him has been steadily growing. Should also be a part of Brazil’s U20 team this summer in Canada at the U-20 World Cup.

Lucas
Club: Gremio
Birthdate: January 9, 1987
Fullname: Lucas Leiva


Just recently received a call-up to the Brazilian senior national team by coach Dunga and looks to add to his total of 1 cap (controversial because it was against a Kuwaiti club) which he earned in October 2006. At 19, Lucas took the award for Best Player in the Campeonato Brasileiro in 2006. He is known for his seasoned-for-his-age midfield approach. Blends a holding midfielder with a keen attacking awareness. Has recently been heavily linked to Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid. Look for him to be on tap for the Brazilian U-20 squad in Canada this summer.