On the evidence of the goals scored, the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup has been one of the most entertaining editions in the history of the competition. At the end of the group stages, there was an average of 3.5 goals per game. In fact, with 16 matches remaining, India 2017 is on track to break the goal scoring record for FIFA U-17 World Cups (an average of 3.66 after 52 matches in Egypt 1997 and Finland 2003).
And, the following players have contributed more than most to the spectacle.
AMINE GOUIRI, FRANCE
The No 9 scored five times and assisted one goal in the group stages, despite playing just 155 minutes out of the 270 (the manager is saving him for tougher games). Though he was not facing tough teams, Gouiri’s class was there for all to see. A speedster who prefers running on to through balls, Gouiri has also proven to be an expert at beating the defensive line. He is signed to seven-time French champions, Lyon.
JADON SANCHO, ENGLAND
Jadon Sancho | Salil Bera
When Barcelona bought Borussia Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembele for ¤100 million plus in the summer of 2017, the club replaced him with 17-year-old Jadon Sancho. And, at the U-17 World Cup, he looked truly unstoppable. His pace, dribbling and strength were hard to cope with and he finished with clinical precision. In a gifted England side, made up mostly of Premier League academy products, Sancho looked a class apart. Though he had to return to club duty after the group stages, if his performance in India is anything to go by, he truly is the next big thing.
MARCOS ANTONIO, BRAZIL
Marcos Antonio | Courtsey: CBF
While attackers like Lincoln and Paulinho have grabbed the headlines, the diminutive central midfielder has been crucial in helping Brazil control games. His delightful chipped pass for Paulinho’s winner against Spain showed his ability. And, against North Korea, after helping break down a dogged Korean defence, he was moved to right-back—a sign of his versatility.
ERIC AYIAH, GHANA
Eric Ayiah | Arvind Jain
The Ghanaian captain is the quintessential African attacker—fast, powerful and industrious. As an added bonus, he also has the guile to outfox defenders. His two goals against India were the result of constant movement. Despite his relatively smaller frame, Ayiah is not easy to push off the ball, thanks to his balance.
YOUNES DELFI, IRAN
Younes Delfi | E.V. Sreekumar
The Iranian attacker ran circles around the German defence, scoring twice and assisting once. The European heavyweights where beaten 4-0. His dipping free kick from 40 yards so nearly embarrassed the German goalkeeper. Delfi has shown a touch of class and an eye for a pass that has been rare in Asian football.
LEONARDO SANCHEZ, PARAGUAY
Leonardo Sanchez | Vishnu V. Nair
Paraguay exceeded expectations by beating Mali and then going on to top Group B with a perfect record. While many players impressed, No 11 Leonardo Sanchez was the main creator. The playmaker stood out in a functional team with his creativity and flair, and was key in unlocking opposition defences.
ANOTHER PLAYER WORTH mentioning is German captain Jann-Fiete Arp. His touches ooze with class and his passing has been exceptional. Though Arp’s finishing in the group stage was below par, he has the calibre to be one of the best players in the tournament, provided the Germans last long enough.
Though the attackers got most of the attention, as is the norm in youth tournaments, it would be a crime to forget some defensive performances. Brazil’s Gabriel Brazão has been the best goal-keeper in the tournament so far. In the group stages, he had a save rate of 92.9 per cent and was beaten only once, that, too, by an own goal. Costa Rica’s Ricardo Montenegro pulled off 22 saves, some of them truly spectacular, before his team was eliminated.
In defence, Spain’s left-back Juan Miranda, who hit the goal frame twice, has impressed, as has Brazil’s captain and calm ball-playing centre-back Vitão.
