Several under-23 players will appear at the World Cup with growing reputations. Fulltime Herald explores five who could explode during the tournament
The World Cup has always been a shop window. Established stars can enhance their reputations, but younger players often have the most to gain. A strong tournament can change how clubs view a player and accelerate transfer plans that might otherwise have taken another year or two.
Several under-23 players arrive in the Americas with growing reputations and interest from major clubs. Here are those who could explode during the tournament.
Yan Diomande
Ivory Coast have not lacked attacking talent in recent years, but Yan Diomande arrives at the World Cup as one of the most exciting young wingers in the tournament. The 19-year-old enjoyed a remarkable first season at RB Leipzig, scoring 12 Bundesliga goals and providing eight assists. Across all competitions he finished with 13 goals and 10 assists despite missing part of the season because of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Diomande’s combination of pace, dribbling and direct running has already attracted attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with him. Leipzig insist they do not want to sell, but that position could become harder to maintain if he shines on the biggest stage and the suitors come sniffing. Playing on the left for Ivory Coast, with Amad Diallo on the opposite flank, should give him plenty of opportunities to showcase the qualities that made him one of the Bundesliga’s breakout stars.
Rayan
Brazil’s attack contains plenty of familiar names, but Rayan may be the player most scouts are watching closely. The winger only joined Bournemouth in January yet quickly established himself in the Premier League. His pace, power and willingness to attack defenders made an immediate impact and helped justify the sizeable fee Bournemouth paid to bring him to England.
His inclusion in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad was notable. Competition for attacking places was fierce and more experienced players missed out, Rayan himself helping nudge out Chelsea’s Joao Pedro. A strong World Cup would not necessarily make him available. Bournemouth have invested heavily and would be reluctant sellers. But a strong showing for Brazil could change the transfer conversation very quickly, particularly when the player is still only 19.
Victor Munoz
Few players have improved their reputation more over the past year than Victor Munoz. The winger left Real Madrid for Osasuna and quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous young attackers in La Liga. Quick over short distances and confident in one-on-one situations, he combines direct running with a willingness to shoot from range. His rise has earned him a place in Spain’s World Cup squad. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are still first-choice options, but Munoz could well seize his opportunity during a tournament where he will surely get enough minutes to impress. Several clubs are already keeping an eye on him, among them Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Spain are favourites to win the tournament. If Munoz makes an impact for a team that goes deep into the competition, his list of suitors could become even longer.
Antonio Nusa
Antonio Nusa has been regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young talents for several years. The World Cup offers him the chance to prove he belongs in conversations about the continent’s elite young attackers. Still only 21, the Norway international has continued his development at RB Leipzig after earlier spells with Stabaek and Club Brugge.
Norway’s return to the World Cup has generated considerable excitement and much of the attention will focus on Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, but that may work in Nusa’s favour. Opponents cannot devote all their resources to stopping him, and he could benefit from the space created by Norway’s two biggest names. If Norway progress beyond the group stage, Nusa will have a chance to introduce himself to a much wider audience than the Bundesliga can provide.
Valentin Barco
Valentin Barco’s career has taken an unusual route, but it has left him perfectly placed to seize this opportunity. The 21-year-old first emerged as a left-back at Boca Juniors before moving to Brighton. After difficult spells in England and Spain, he found his footing at Strasbourg, where he developed into a versatile midfielder capable of influencing games from several positions.
Barco can still play at left-back but now plays in central midfield or in a more advanced role. “Having him in the squad there is the option to play him at left-back, though right now he’s doing very well as a midfielder,” Argentina’s manager Lionel Scaloni said earlier this year. “He can play across the midfield and is a very good asset. Now he can carry a team on his shoulders. The team practically plays however he wants.”
Argentina may just challenge for the trophy again. Any young player who performs well in a successful Argentina team tends to attract attention, as seen in Enzo Fernandez four years ago. Barco may yet be the next youngster to attract similar interest.
