Scouted Football 2017

WELCOME BACK! The Scouted Football Handbook has returned for its second edition and firstly, we would like to thank… you! The last 12 months has been crazy for me and my team and we have grown a lot because of the incredible support we have received on Twitter in the form of follows, RTs, replies and DMs. You guys keep everything ticking like Julian Weigl pinging passes on a cool Wednesday evening in November. I also need to pay a huge thank you to my incredible team. Last year, the SFHB was a last minute light-bulb moment, and we were able to scrap the book together in just two months—it was an amazing effort. This year, they have helped me keep the book somewhat organised, somewhat on time and most importantly, on point. They are amazing. We hope you enjoy reading the book as much as me and my team have enjoyed writing it. Included are over 120 profiles on over 120 of the best players aged 23 and under in the world. If we have not included your favourite player—sorry. There is always SFHB 3! Before letting you continue onto the book, I would also like to send a massive shout-out to Global Soccer Network (@info_gsn), who have provided us with all the player overview graphics and the player radars, which are absolutely superb. Thanks everyone! Your editor-in-chief, Stephen Ganavas (@Marottanomics)

CONTRIBUTORS Stephen Ganavas - Editor - @Marottanomics Tom Curren - @tomocurr Will Savage Jack Grimse - @JackGrimse Joe Donnohue - Joe_Donnohue27 Justin Sousa - @Sousa7474 Miran Sarić - @therealbozz Llew Davies - @FfwtboLlew Simon Weiss - @SimonWe1ss Kamil Rogolski - @K_Rogolski David Sansun - @RFN_David James Rushton - @JamoRushton

Matt Santangelo - @Matt_Santangelo Jake Entwistle - @JakeEntwistle Phil Costa - @_PhilCosta David Kraakman - @UruguayanHeroes Conor Garratt - @ConorGarratt Nathan Carr - @carribeanftbl Lewis Ambrose - @LGAmbrose Alex Saidy-Smith - @AlexSaidySmith James Bufton - @jbuf1 Tomasz Mortimer - @TMortimerFtbl Tiago Estevao - @TiagoEstv

GK

GOLLINI FULL NAME: PIERLUIGI GOLLINI CLUB: ATALANTA NATIONALITY: ITALIAN POSTION: GOALKEEPER DATE OF BIRTH: MARCH 18, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT

WRITTEN BY: JAMES RUSHTON (@JAMORUSHTON)

2016 IN REVIEW In 2016, Aston Villa FC were released from Premier League purgatory when they finally succumbed to relegation. Meanwhile, in Italy, Hellas Verona endured the same fate as they succumbed to relegation after winning a paltry five matches all season. In 2016, the Villans were peppered with paper planes from the stands, bearing the words ‘Proud History; What Future?’. The Gialloblu enjoyed being pummelled by eggs from their long-suffering fans. It is almost as if Pierluigi Gollini was hand-crafted to fill the goalkeeping cavity left in Birmingham following the departure of Brad Friedel. He arrived at the club with the experience of relegation, losing, and misery that is becoming all too familiar for Aston Villa fans. After doing his best to ensure Hellas Verona were not totally embarrassed by the big guns in Serie A, Gollini earned a move to England as an emerging talent. Unfortunately, he got off to the worst start imaginable. Following a solid first-half against Villa’s opening day opposition - Sheffield Wednesday, Gollini found himself caught up in the high-tempo of Aston Villa manager at the time, Roberto Di Matteo’s passing game. He rushed forward and sliced a pass into the air, where it fell to the waiting Fernando Forestieri who was then able to capitalise and ruin Villa’s start to the season. This blunder was followed up a week later, with a communication mishap between Gollini and Villa captain Tommy Elphick. Gollini charged forward and blasted the ball against an oncoming attacker with the ball then reverberating into the open net Gollini had left behind. A mixed year for Gollini was capped off by his departure to Atalanta on a long-term loan. His requirements for a stay at Aston Villa were not met after his Italian manager and coach were sacked and it looks like his stay at Villa may be over. It is a shame because Aston Villa are a club who could develop the Italian well and he is still yet to make an appearance for Atalanta. At the age of 21, Gollini has a lot to learn. There is plenty of time to iron out the mistakes made in 2016. Importantly, he looks like he is learning. For Villa fans, seeing Gollini make mistakes as he improves as a player is less worrying than seeing his predecessor Brad Guzan repeatedly make the same mistakes and current first-choice ‘keeper Sam Johnstone doing the same.

STYLE OF PLAY Gollini is gangly, spindly and long-limbed. He has the prototypical makeup of a goalkeeper and is likely the build one would choose to describe their perfect ‘keeper. That is just about where the synecdoche ends. Gollini is rather comfortable with a ball at his feet and he is relatively fast of off his line given his big frame. He is an outlier, the deviation in that sense. He will not stay still and wait to be beaten and will look to challenge oncoming strikers. As a former Manchester United trainee, Gollini has confessed that he enjoys pressure and loves to have his goal pelted with shots so he can make the diving saves he enjoys so much. Stopping shots is one thing, but reducing danger around the goal-face is another. Whilst Gollini enjoys flinging his body left and right to make saves, he is increasingly demonstrating a bad habit of parrying the ball back towards the penalty spot. This is a worrying habit to develop in the Football League Championship where goal-poaching is the order of the day. If he continues to do this, it will be picked up and punished, especially by formations that afford two strikers – with one at all times situated in and around the six-yard box in the attacking phase. However, Gollini is capable of blocking shots that would beat lesser shot-stopper and clearly his consistent ability to parry difficult shots is better than letting them in, even if a striker does reach the deflected ball. At least it gives his defenders a chance to clear their lines. However, the 21-year-old’s stock will rise significantly if he works on catching shots - or at worst starts to turn them around the post. Ideally, he will build these skills if he is to return to Aston Villa, if not - his career may be restricted to the foot of the Serie A table. In a sense, mistakes will be a part of a young goalkeepers game as a huge part of the position comes down to situational experience and playing against the best players in the world. Gollini’s reliance on his mobility can lead to these mistakes as he is too easily found totally enthralled by high-tempo games which can lead to him getting caught out or wildly misplacing a pass. Communication is also an issue, but this can be easily flagged up to Gollini’s age. Ideally, he will iron out these issues and become a goalkeeper who is truly a ‘jack of all trades’. FORECAST FOR 2017 The current crop of Italian goalkeepers is widespread and encouraging, but unfortunately (for Gollini) it is led by 17-year-old wonder-kid Gianluigi Donnarumma. The way in which the AC Milan youngster has solidified himself as the Italian number two goalkeeper will be worrying for Gollini, who still finds himself some way down the pecking order. His potential path to the national team will be long and difficult Donnarumma and Gollini have an equal confidence with the ball in their hands, but the latter is perhaps the more mobile of the pair and the one with better distribution skills. However, the former is wise beyond his years and already looks like he is Serie A veteran with the goalkeeping theatrics and reliability to boot. Also, while Donnarumma plays against the best strikers in the world, Gollini will finish 2017 by likely returning to the second tier of the English Football pyramid, the delightfully scrappy English Football League Championship. There is plenty of room for growth in the lower leagues and the aim for 2017 for Gollini will be to round off his game, improve his weaknesses and learn from his mistakes. A better bond with his defenders will serve him well as promotion back to the Premier League remains a priority for Aston Villa under Steve Bruce. Gollini’s status as first-choice goalkeeper is shaky, but he has age and ability on his side as he will look to cement his place as Aston Vila’s first-choice goalkeeper on his return to Birmingham. But the bar has been set by Donnarumma. Gollini must improve his technical goalkeeping skills to reach the mark his compatriot has set in the last twelve months and help Villa move up the table point by point to return to the holy grail of the Premier League.

GK

MVOGO FULL NAME: YVON LANDRY MVOGO NGANOMA CLUB: BSC YOUNG BOYS NATIONALITY: SWISS POSTION: GOALKEEPER DATE OF BIRTH: JUNE 6, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: ALEX SAIDY-SMITH (@ALEXSAIDYSMITH)

2016 IN REVIEW Certainly not a year of stepping backwards, but also not a year of taking huge steps forward, 2016 can only be described as a year of steady growth for Yvon Mvogo. Maintaining his place as Young Boys’ number one goalkeeper, Mvogo continued to prove why he is one of the best goalkeepers in the Swiss Super League as Young Boys finished the 15/16 season in second place behind the perennial champions FC Basel. Regarding his international career in 2016, Mvogo was called up to Switzerland preliminary squad for EURO 2016. Unfortunately for the young shot-stopper, manager Vladimir Petković decided not to include him in the final squad. As for the U-21 team, Mvogo captained the team to a disappointing third place in their European U-21 qualification group after poor results against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Norway meaning they will miss out the finals in the summer of 2017. Overall, concerning team success, 2016 was not the best year for Mvogo. However, as a player, the goalkeeper continued to fulfil his potential slowly and gained valuable experience in an extremely competitive and challenging position that is heavily criticised and scrutinised by both pundits and fans alike.

STYLE OF PLAY Already establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Swiss Super League, Mvogo is known for his cat-like reflexes and great shot-stopping ability. He is an incredibly acrobatic and athletic goalie that can fling his body from post to post making incredible saves from long-range shots that seem destined to end up in the top corner. Mvogo also uses his long limbs and agility to get down low to save any close-range shots that come to either side of his feet or when he is in a one-on-one situation with the opposition attacker. Over the past, Mvogo has vastly improved his positioning and in particularly when it comes to claiming crosses in the air. When he first started to break into the first team, he was inclined to stay on his line rather than being confident and bold when it came to claiming crosses. Although the young goalkeeper has worked on this aspect of his game and is starting to make his aerial presence more prominent, when Mvogo does come off the line, he preferably opts to punch the ball clear rather than being strong and catching the ball down towards his chest. This has led to him putting his teammates under pressure in scenarios that should have been dealt with more confidently. It is hardly surprising when you look at the last paragraph, but Mvogo’s ability to command his area has also been very questionable at times. There have been occasions when poor communication between himself and his fellow defenders have left them both to panic and lose composure in situations where a more affirmative and experienced goalkeeper would have dealt with efficiently. Just like a lot of the new generation of goalkeepers, Mvogo is equally good with his feet as he is with his hands. The Swiss goalkeeper hardly panics when the ball is played back to his feet and he is more than capable of providing accurate passes towards his teammates. The Swiss goalkeeper also shows sharp footwork when the ball is not at his feet, the Young Boys’ goalkeeper uses his quick footwork to position himself to close the angle for opposition players to score, while maintaining an upright stance for as long as possible. Mvogo is also relatively quick when it comes down to roaming about inside his area and picking up any loose or stranded passes, even when they are outside his area.

FORECAST FOR 2017 There are not many goalkeepers around that can say they have held down a first team spot by the age of 22. Making his first appearance in 2013, Mvogo has now established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Swiss Super League. Despite him being consistently linked with a move to Germany, is there any actual reason for Mvogo to leave Young Boys so soon? Some will question his ambition, but the man himself has commented on how he feels at home at Young Boys and how he can see himself staying there for the longterm. At such a young age for a goalkeeper, the best thing Mvogo can do for himself is gain experience and iron out some of his weaknesses. In terms of the national team, the natural thing for Mvogo is to work on progressing from the U-21 squad to the first team. Unfortunately for Mvogo, the Swiss national team is packed with top goalkeepers such as Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Yann Sommer and Borussia Dortmund’s Roman Bürki. Mvogo has a lot to work on to reach the same level as his fellow countrymen that play in the same position, but at just 22-years-old, Mvogo has all the tools and the right personality to become a very good, if not great goalkeeper. Just like many other top Swiss players, a move to the Bundesliga does seem inevitable for Mvogo even if it does not materialise this year. In the meantime, this should be the year that he starts to challenge for a spot in the Swiss national first team squad and gain more attention from some of Europe’s top leagues.

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CARDINALE FULL NAME: YOAN CARDINALE CLUB: OGC NICE NATIONALITY: FRENCH POSTION: GOALKEEPER DATE OF BIRTH: MARCH 27, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT

WRITTEN BY: JOE DONNOHUE (@JOE_DONNOHUE27)

2016 IN REVIEW Yoan Cardinale’s rise from backup goalkeeper to stalwart between the sticks has been an impressive one. The 22-year-old only made his debut for OGC Nice in October 2015 and since his first-team bow, he has made the goalkeeping spot in the starting XI his own. Now, after nine weeks of the 2016-17 Ligue 1 season, Cardinale’s Nice are top of Ligue 1 and have conceded just five goals; the best in the division. The Frenchman ousted Mouez Hassen from the starting goalkeeper spot midway through the 2015/16 season and has not looked back, notching 14 clean sheets in just 37 Ligue 1 appearances, five of which he has earned since the beginning of this campaign. It is not just the smaller French clubs with less attacking potency that Cardinale is impressing against, as his performances against the likes of AS Monaco in September and Olympique Lyonnais in October gained plaudits from fans and pundits alike. He helped Nice to respective 4-0 and 2-0 victories, arguably his best two performances in a Les Aiglons shirt. Cardinale’s excellent form and rise to prominence over the course of 2016 has undoubtedly contributed to the state Nice find themselves in. They are at the top end of the Ligue 1 table staring down the likes of PSG and AS Monaco and are threatening to topple French football’s hierarchy. STYLE OF PLAY Cardinale has been lauded as a goalkeeper known for his eccentricity and athleticism in goal, pulling off several top saves rather acrobatically from talented strikers such as Zlatan Ibrahimović and Michy Batshuayi. While his over-enthusiasm can often be his downfall, the 22-year-old’s performances to date in the 2016/17 season have been largely impressive and are paying dividends in the form of clean sheets.  The Frenchman’s stock has risen exponentially over the past year, and has cemented himself as one of Ligue 1’s most reliable stoppers, despite being one of the shortest goalkeepers in the league at 1.81 metres tall. With a penchant for the improbable or a spectacular stop, Cardinale has gained attention for his brave style of play, with his reflexes being one of his top assets.

Similarly, Cardinale is a menace for forwards in one-on-one situations. He spreads his frame to cover the goal by dashing off his line when required to do so. Obviously, not every encounter with an attacker ends in a remarkable save, but his 83.6% save percentage is impressive. That statistic is also a testament to the quality of the defence in front of him who have allowed few high-quality chances on the Frenchman’s goal this season. Like any young professional however, Cardinale is prone to the occasional error or the occasional poor performance. This was highlighted this season in Nice’s 5-2 drubbing by FC Krasnodar in the Europa League. On that night, he was the orchestrator of his own downfall, as his on-rushing antics proved costly as he attempted to slide tackle the Krasnodar forward, but instead missed entirely, sliding waywardly out of his box leaving an open goal for the attacker to slot into. Lapses in concentration can be costly in any position on the pitch, but in the goalkeeping profession they are amplified ten-fold. While Cardinale does suffer from this from time to time, it is important to remember that the 22-year old, has only just reached 50 first-team appearances for Nice and should be judged accordingly. Based on that, the 22-year-old’s largely consistent displays have been particularly impressive. Despite making so few appearances at senior level, Cardinale is extremely mature – as demonstrated by his willingness to play the ball short. He is not consumed by the traditional safety approach that some goalkeepers still willingly adopt. In an era when goalkeepers are asked to be not only shot-stoppers but an eleventh outfield player, the importance of possessing this skill should not be undermined. An attribute of the young Frenchman’s that cannot be ignored is his bravery. Sometimes that may be construed as naivety but Cardinale has, up until now, used it to his advantage very well. In the modern age of goalkeepers being criticised for failing to dominate the 18-yard box, Cardinale is certainly not guilty of that. He is vocal on the pitch; aware of the dangers posed by the opposition not just to himself, but to his defenders. Despite preferring to play short, when a clearance is the sole option the Frenchman likes to punch the ball or kick long and is also willing to dive low into a melee of legs and boots in order to clear his lines. While that can be admired, it comes with the dangerous possibility of failing to connect with the punch properly and simply palming the ball into an oncoming attacker’s path. Something which Cardinale needs to work on is his ability to claim crosses, which could be difficult given his lack of height. This possibly explains his reluctance to claim the ball; instead often opting to punch the ball to safety. FORECAST FOR 2017 While 2016 was truly his breakthrough year, 2017 could be even more exciting for the Frenchman. With no French youth caps to his name and the politics behind Deschamps’ national team selections being notoriously stubborn, one possible avenue for Cardinale to feature at for the national team is in the France U-21 setup. Depending on the fortunes of OGC Nice in Ligue 1 and the Europa League, Cardinale’s own progress could either continue or be halted. A strong league finish would propel him into the Champions League next season, with all the scrutiny and publicity that comes with it. Cardinale’s talents are rare commodity. He is a young goalkeeper with a unique style and determination to succeed. Nowadays, with the advancement of modern physiotherapy and sports science, it is not uncommon to see goalkeepers hitting their peak between the ages of 29-31, an age at which Cardinale could potentially be a starter for a top European side. With his already excellent experience at a top team in a top league, the future looks bright if he can remain consistent, injury-free and in Nice manager Lucien Favre’s favour. 

GK

RICO FULL NAME: SERGIO RICO GONZÁLEZ CLUB: SEVILLA NATIONALITY: SPANISH POSTION: GOALKEEPER DATE OF BIRTH: SEPTEMBER 1, 1993 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: JUSTIN SOUSA (@SOUSA7474)

2016 IN REVIEW After a decade of servitude and loyalty to his hometown club, 2016 was the year Sergio Rico finally established himself as Sevilla FC’s first choice goalkeeper. Following the departures of Beto and Unai Emery, questions were asked regarding Rico’s future at Sevilla under Jorge Sampaoli’s management and with the acquisition of fellow goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu. The 23-year old was linked to Liverpool and Manchester United over the summer transfer window but resolved to stay in Seville for at least another season. His faith in the club boded well as Rico missed just one of Sevilla’s 37 league fixtures in 2016 and currently leads the Champions League in clean sheets with five from six games. However, 2016 was a year of missed opportunities and inconsistencies for both Rico and Sevilla. Of the four finals Sevilla contested in 2016, Rico played in three of them, losing the UEFA Super Cup to Real Madrid and the Copa Del Rey and Supercopa to Barcelona. Rico missed out on Sevilla’s Europa League triumph due to the club’s decision to rest him for domestic league matches. Rico also experienced extreme spurts of inconsistency, conceding 15 goals in Unai Emery’s last eight league games with Sevilla. In Sampaoli’s first 10 Liga matches in charge, Rico started eight of them and relinquished nine goals to the opposition. Nevertheless, Rico’s rough patches throughout 2016 did not stop him from making his debut for the Spanish national team. The Sevilla goalkeeper came on as a substitute for Iker Casillas to see out the last 16 minutes of Spain’s 6-1 win over South Korea prior to the European Championship. Rico was selected in Julen Lopetegui’s roster for the European Championship finals, but fell behind Iker Casillas and David De Gea in the pecking order as the national team were eventually knocked out in the Round of 16. Since the tournament, Rico was called to the October national camp but is yet to make another appearance for Spain since his debut. STYLE OF PLAY Rico is blessed with a 6”5’ frame that fills the goal when he stretches his long arms and legs to make a save. Against Juventus, Sergio Rico made a brilliant diving save to prevent Alex Sandro’s header from giving the Bianconeri a late winner in the Champions League group stage.

Dani Alves would try to break the deadlock of that game with an overhead kick from outside the box, Rico was quick to catch the ball with his arms completely stretched once again. Moreover, the goalkeeper’s height has made him a force on set pieces, conceding just three goals from corner kicks and free kicks this season. Capable of punching out an in-swinging ball, Rico often forces the opposition to play short passes from set-pieces because of his dominance in the air. The Spaniard is well renowned for his incredible reflex saves and agility to get down to a low driven shot. Sergio Rico produced a superb save against Celta Vigo as he denied an Iago Aspas header from the six-yard box. Rico made five more saves during that match and, if not for Vicente Iborra’s hat-trick, would have won the man of the match award for his heroics. His cat-like reflexes have made him one of the best one-on-one ‘keepers in the world, as exhibited against Valencia when Rico saved Dani Parejo’s effort on goal with a quick extension of his right leg. On the other hand, Rico suffers from a lack of reliable performances and an unusually timid nature for a goalkeeper. Aside from his iconic scream after a good save, Rico is not the most vocal figure on the field for Sevilla. The past year has seen him develop his communication skills, but he is still reluctant to command his teammates to keep their shape in their defensive duties. Rico is also known to endure a period of subpar performances preceding one of game winning proportions. Following two man of the match awards against Juventus and Villarreal, Rico conceded three unanswered goals between two underwhelming performances against Deportivo Alaves and Leganes. More recently, Rico made five saves in Sevilla’s 4-0 win over Real Sociedad but conceded seven goals in the following three games.   On top of the poor consistency, Rico’s distribution is another fault in his game. Averaging a 65% distribution success, the young goalkeeper has struggled to adapt to his more involved role in Sevilla’s build up play under Sampaoli. Perhaps a consequence to his lack of self-belief, Rico prefers to boot a long ball to Sevilla’s forward players rather than adhere to a patient build up play. Yet, even his sprayed out passes are often inaccurate and lead to cheap losses of possession that the opposition turn into counter attacks. According to WhoScored, Sergio Rico averages 11.5 inaccurate long passes and only six accurate long balls per 90 minutes. FORECAST FOR 2017 2017 will be an important year for Sergio Rico’s overall career as he continues to mature and develop his abilities as a player. By the end of this season, Rico will no longer be considered an inexperienced player and will be looked to by Sampaoli as someone he can rely on to perform at a top level week in and week out. Sevilla are currently outside contenders for the La Liga title and contesting with Leicester City for a spot in UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. In terms of the domestic league, Rico is always a presence in big game situations and will need to be as Sevilla are still to face Atlético Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid away from home. As far as development, Rico’s aspirations for the remainder of the season should be to enhance his technical abilities and fill himself with confidence. Rico is an especially humble player, but his mind is its worst critic seeing how minor mistakes in game or an overall unconvincing performance can offset his confidence in games to follow. Sampaoli, being one of the world’s best player managers, has probably already identified this as a problem in Rico’s game and will undoubtedly mend it before the end of the season. The goalkeeper should also make it a priority to strengthen his accuracy from goal kicks and the influence of his passes. If Rico can sharpen his awareness and vision for a pass, Sevilla will become a more efficient team when it comes to holding possession and creating chances. At the international level, Rico must fight Casillas and De Gea for play time throughout the year. The latter of the two seems to have solidified his place as Spain’s first choice ‘keeper but should De Gea get injured or lose form over the course of this season, Rico needs to be ready to put in standout shifts for the national side. With the 2018 World Cup just around the corner, Rico needs to make his intentions clear to Lopetegui that he wants to fight for a spot in the national team set-up.

GK

EDERSON FULL NAME: EDERSON SANTANA DE MORAES CLUB: SL BENFICA NATIONALITY: BRAZILIAN POSTION: GOALKEEPER DATE OF BIRTH: AUGUST 17, 1993 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: WILL SAVAGE

2016 IN REVIEW Having impressed in the second division of Portuguese football for a few years; Ederson Santana returned to Benfica in the summer of 2015, a club he had first joined aged sixteen. His return to Lisbon required patience at first as Júlio César was still the first-choice stopper at Benfica, but his chance came when he was thrust into the starting line-up for the derby match away to Sporting in March. One clean sheet later and he was in, getting a run in the team that would last the rest of the season culminating in impressive performances in the Champions League quarter finals against Bayern Munich. League and cup winner’s medals were a just reward for the rapid progress he made on his return to Benfica. But he was not finished there. His progress saw him named in Brazil’s provisional squad for the 2016 Copa América Centenario but an injury meant he failed to make the final cut and curtailed his start to the 2016/17 domestic season too, having to content himself with a place on the bench after returning to the squad for the second matchday. It was not too long however before he found himself back in the first-team, usurping Julio Cesar once again to regain his spot. In the seven league matches he has played since his return he has conceded only twice, so it seems like Ederson means to carry on as he has started.

STYLE OF PLAY For a goalkeeper in his early twenties, Ederson is surprisingly well-rounded. If one were forced to pick out a strong point of his game, it would probably be his reflexes and his agility. As one would probably expect from a highly rated young goalkeeper, Ederson’s quick reactions are impressive and he has been able to dig his side out of trouble more than once by reacting to situations quicker than anyone else. His positioning too, is impressive for such a young goalkeeper. That is not to say it is flawless - at times his positioning can be a little ambitious, or even cavalier, often leaving his near post slightly vulnerable or taking a proactive starting position to situations rather than staying on his line, but his impressive physical attributes mean he is rarely caught out. Certainly, positioning is not a weak point in his game like it is for many other young goalkeepers, no doubt the benefit of having played regularly at a lower level rather than sat on the bench at Benfica. His shot stopping is solid if not remarkable, although he has been beaten on occasions by shots that should not have troubled him. Like many goalkeepers, he could do better on dipping shots which bounce in right in front of him, at times struggling to hold them first time. Certainly, he could also work on pushing rebounds into less dangerous areas too, or getting more distance on them. This would probably be the biggest flaw in his game. At 1.88m he is quite tall and therefore he is unlikely to be bullied in attempting to contest crosses either. When he is in possession, his range of passing can be impressive. He is not likely to go on a mazy dribble like Manuel Neuer, but his long passing can be a real asset to his team when they look to beat a press or start a counter-attack. One of the highlights of watching Ederson is the way his proactive positioning combines well with his speed off his line and his agility to see him taking the ball off the feet of attackers who have managed to get in behind the Benfica backline. One of the prime examples of this was in the home match against Bayern Munich where Douglas Costa was played into the right side of Benfica’s penalty area and Ederson managed to dive at his feet and push the ball away, preventing the Bayern man with what would have been a tantalising opportunity to threaten the goal. Not content with pushing away the immediate danger Ederson sprung to his feet again and dove at the loose ball on the edge of his area before it reached the feet of an onrushing Bayern attacker. This front foot approach to goalkeeping, combined with his calming approach to commanding his defence has been one of the main reasons Ederson has managed to slot into the Benfica backline so well. FORECAST FOR 2017 Ederson’s future remains a confusing one. The number one spot at Benfica looks sure to be his barring any unfortunate brushes with injury or calamitous dips in form. His contract runs till 2020 giving Benfica some security and with a release clause rumoured to be around €45m, the ball is in the club’s court for now. Rumours in the summer suggested that Manchester City and Inter Milan had come calling but they might have found such a price tag a little too steep even for their wallets. If the performances continue as they have done so far though, that price may quickly look a bargain for a man who could potentially be a top-level goalkeeper for a decade or more. He seems a wonderful fit for a Pep Guardiola side, with his excellent technique on the ball combined with shot-stopping City fans will be eager to see after a calamitous year between the sticks for new signing Claudio Bravo. A contract till 2020 gives Ederson some security too. He knows that if he keeps performing, he will get regular football and Benfica seems the perfect place for him to keep learning his trade and smoothing out the rougher parts of his game for now. If there is still any doubt that a big move is somewhere in his future, one final Ederson fact to keep in mind: his agent is Jorge Mendes.

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KARIUS FULL NAME: LORIS KARIUS CLUB: LIVERPOOL NATIONALITY: GERMAN POSTION: GOALKEEPER DATE OF BIRTH: JUNE 22, 1993 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT

WRITTEN BY: CONOR GARRATT (@CONORGARRATT)

2016 IN REVIEW Promising young German shot-stopper Loris Karius both endured and enjoyed parts of 2016. It was a year in which he consolidated his name as one of the best young goalkeepers in Germany, played a leading role in Mainz 05’s ascent to the Europa League and secured a big money move to the Premier League. However, he also suffered from a lengthy injury lay-off with a broken finger just as the 2016/17 began and was confined to the bench for an equally lengthy period as Liverpool’s second string goalkeeper behind the man he was signed to replace, Simon Mignolet. This was in no small part due to media pressure from, among others, Liverpool club legend Jamie Carragher and the Neville brothers, Phil and Gary. Carragher questioned Karius’ credentials for the club after a pair of dreadful defensive performances which saw the Reds throw away a commanding lead against Bournemouth and labour to a draw against West Ham in the space of two games. Karius responded furiously to the criticism which did border on being unconstructive, arguably going beyond it entirely, and was quickly told to ‘shut up and do your job’ by Carragher. Incidentally, the idea that Karius himself has cost Liverpool points ignores the fact that, in his ten Premier League games during 2016, the club won six, drew three (in which two draws involved clean sheets), and lost just one. It is not a criticism based on reality and is entirely an agenda both created and furthered by pundits such as Carragher and Neville. Despite publicly defending Karius, his manager Jürgen Klopp dropped the German in favour of Mignolet, who at the time of writing remains the first choice. However, with many statistical evaluations of Premier League goalkeepers actually showing that Karius has performed better than his Belgian competitor in the Premier League this season, it is certainly possible that Karius’ supposed ‘bad end to 2016’ is nothing more than a case of perception. At the very least, the former Manchester City trainee has faced more shots from what are categorised as more difficult positions than Mignolet, suggesting that the highly-touted goalkeeper who arrived from Mainz in the summer will return strongly when given the chance.

STYLE OF PLAY German goalkeeping is en vogue, with Manuel Neuer rated as one of the best goalkeepers in the world and European top clubs such as Barcelona and PSG employing the services of Marc-André ter Stegen and Kevin Trapp. Most goalkeepers in this school tend to be so-called sweeper ‘keepers and while Karius is indeed comfortable coming off his line, as has been evident in several games for both Liverpool and Mainz during his first team career so far, this is not perhaps such a key attribute in his game as it is to his compatriots. Indeed, if there were one huge criticism to make of Karius, it is that his distribution could be significantly improved; long balls often go nowhere, while short passes can give even the calmest fan palpitations. Interestingly, this was not flagged up as an issue during his time at Mainz than at Liverpool – in a league where he had less time on the ball due to the aggressive systematic pressing employed by the majority of German teams – and yet his rates of distribution have improved significantly, from 60% at Mainz in 2015/16 to 68% in 2016/17 at Liverpool. The perception that Karius ‘doesn’t like the ball there’ is, then, not founded in anything approaching reality, and there has been a clear improvement in that area of his game in the past year. As such, this does not take anything away from the fact that, at his best, Karius is one of the brightest young German goalkeepers in a field of talent which encompasses the aforementioned ter Stegen, as well as Bernd Leno and Timo Horn. His athleticism is his key attribute and it is this which has allowed him to make several stunning acrobatic saves in instances where attacking players looked set to score. As well as being able to reach some of the most difficult shots, Karius’ anticipation is also excellent, making him difficult to beat from even some of the most gilt-edged opportunities attacking teams can create. Standing at 6”3’, Karius is not exactly huge for a goalkeeper, but this is counterbalanced by excellent positioning, which saw him claim an incredible 96% of crosses in the Bundesliga last season. Additionally, the fact the 23-year-old has reached over a hundred starts in professional football, while having made all those appearances in the top flights of both German and English football, means he has a huge wealth of experience to draw upon. This seems to be helping him during tough moments, especially during his time at Mainz. There, he produced brilliant performances in wins against three of the Bundesliga’s four Champions League contenders of that season between January and March of 2016 which helped Mainz to a Europa League berth. It should become evident again as the German makes his way back into the Liverpool team. FORECAST FOR 2017 Given that Karius has, by most statistical analyses of his performances, outperformed Mignolet by many metrics, it seems quite likely that at some point in 2017 there will be some questions raised about the Belgian’s ability. Karius’ has already shown himself to be mentally strong at Liverpool throughout the Neville affair that he should take advantage of any chance handed to him. Indeed, during his brief cup outings in 2017 so far Karius has made a strong account of himself. Liverpool’s double of cup exits towards the end of January both came despite the young German’s positive performances. However, despite negative results for Liverpool at the beginning of the year it appears that, for the time being, the 23-year-old must continue to be patient and bide his time; a move in the summer may appear a little premature, especially given the clear high regard that Klopp holds Karius in after a vociferous defence of the goalkeeper against his critics. Heroics at a top club and a cap for the German national team may have to wait for the time being, but the beginning of his time on Merseyside will have provided Karius with a harsh learning curve, one which he should indeed learn a lot more from than his wildly successful seasons in Rheinhessen.

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HORN FULL NAME: TIMO HORN CLUB: FC KÖLN NATIONALITY: GERMAN POSTION: GOALKEEPER DATE OF BIRTH: MAY 12, 1993 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: SIMON WEISS (@SIMONWE1SS)

2016 IN REVIEW Timo Horn used 2016 to further establish himself as Germany’s leading goalkeeping prospect in the under-23 age bracket. Consistent performances for Köln and a stellar Olympic football tournament for Germany showed that besides his talent and potential, he is prepared to offer top level performances on a regular basis for both club and country. Unlike other Scouted graduates, Horn is not a rookie anymore. After helping Köln to promotion in 2014, he swiftly adapted to top flight football, keeping 13 clean sheets in the 2014/15 season. Year after year, Horn has continued to grow in stature and has further learned on the job to make the transition from mere talent to standout professional. Sadly, after a bright start to the campaign with Köln, he suffered a meniscus injury, keeping him out for the remainder of the calendar year. Nevertheless, 2016 will be a year Horn can look back at with fond memories. Partially due to his performances and the security and calm he provides at the back, Köln have established themselves in the top half of the table. For Germany, he returned home with the silver medal from the Olympic games. A fantastic achievement regardless, but even more so considering the squad Germany brought to Brazil. As one of the most experienced players in the squad, he assumed responsibility and led the team from the back.

STYLE OF PLAY Regarding his style, Horn can be considered a modern goalkeeper - as it must be expected nowadays. He is strong and agile, a very good shot stopper and good with both of his feet. He once said that he feels his task is not only to stop shots, but rather to organise and help the back four and to anticipate dangerous situations in advance. Despite his age, he has already taken to this commanding role. As mentioned, Horn is confident to use both his left and his right foot for passing. This helps him when it comes to clearing the ball, but also when passing from one centre-back to another. He also shows great accuracy when throwing the ball, allowing him to speed up play when he wishes to. Concerning his shot stopping, he can keep out difficult shots without parrying them into dangerous areas. Moreover, Horn is not a keeper that has to be kept busy. He shows high levels of concentration in all cases - be it shot after shot or after going longer periods without having to act. Furthermore, his desire to constantly improve must be considered a strength as well. He is known for working with different types of coaches outside of the normal training, from goalkeeping to mental coaches. With the former, he analyses every single game of his to improve features such as positioning at corners. For a young player, he shows great awareness of his own weaknesses and is not afraid to highlight them publically. He recently stated that he needed to become even bigger and that he wanted to further improve his right foot. Horn also feels he needs to give clearer and louder instructions to help his team mates. Curiously, his self-assessment links nicely to the parts of the game he can still improve upon. Namely how he marshals the box at corners and set-pieces. Quite deliberately, the word weakness has not been used as it would be a harsh description of his actions in these situations since they rarely lead to goals. However, it is often visible that he struggles with timing and strength or that he finds himself stranded, because he ran into traffic or was blocked off. It must be noted though that this is not always entirely down to the goalkeeper. Communication with his defenders and set-up (seeing how it mainly concerns set-pieces) can contribute to his indecision, too. Especially at the Olympic tournament, Horn showed many signs of this. Hence this strengthens the argument that he is only as good as the unit in front of him. Which brings us full circle and back to his assessment of not being vocal enough. Maybe a stronger vocal presence would help his decision making, whether to come from crosses or whether to leave it for his defences. However, as already mentioned, this is not a weakness as such. Primarily, as Horn has already gotten noticeably better and is still keen on ironing out the last details.

FORECAST FOR 2017 2017 hopefully starts off with a healthy Timo Horn. The injury sustained in late 2016 must have been disappointing for the German, who had essentially played every game since his breakthrough in 2012. Seeing how he is already an established player, the new year probably will not hold too many surprises regarding his performances. You can however expect him to continue to grow as a player and a leader, as he has done since his debut. In the summer, Horn might have to decide whether Köln is still the right fit for him, or whether he wants to take it to the next level. Interest from Dortmund and Leipzig has already been reported and a host of foreign clubs would certainly be keen to sign him too. Regardless of whether he leaves Köln in the summer or sticks around for another year, you can count on him to eventually leave for a bigger club. With the national team in mind, Horn has to have the ambition of earning a place for Jogi Löw’s side. In terms of talent and performances, he does not have to hide behind Bernd Leno or Marc-Andre ter Stegen, with the lack of international football his only weakness in his CV.

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SARR FULL NAME: MALANG SARR CLUB: OGC NICE NATIONALITY: FRENCH POSTION: CENTRE-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: JANUARY 23, 1999 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT

WRITTEN BY: WILL SAVAGE

2016 IN REVIEW With Lucien Favre’s Nice defying expectations in Ligue 1 as they look to try and keep pace with AS Monaco and PSG, much of the attention from casual observers will be on familiar names such as Mario Balotelli or Younes Belhanda. As one would expect from a Favre team though, their success is based on a focus on keeping clean sheets. Key to this has been the nascent emergence of Malang Sarr into the first-team. Coming off a summer where Sarr featured in France’s dismal showing in the U-17, it was a surprise to most observers to see him immediately become a fixture in Favre’s starting eleven. Any worries soon paid off though, as the youngster headed home from a set-piece in his debut at home to Stade Rennais, scoring the only goal of the game. While goal-scoring is rarely the most important aspect of a defender’s arsenal, it was a promising sign of things to come. Sarr has been a virtual ever-present for Nice since his debut, as the underdogs from the French Riviera have sustained a title challenge against much larger opponents.

STYLE OF PLAY We have seen teenage defenders feature regularly for teams before. Usually accompanied by errors put down to a lack of experience, there has been none of that with Sarr as his physicality, confidence and concentration have been a regular feature at centre-back for Nice this season. Indeed, at the time of writing, Sarr has only picked up (?) yellow cards in the league thus far this season. That would be impressive for a centre-back of any age, never mind a young man who has only just celebrated his eighteenth (18th?) birthday. While any team managed by Lucien Favre will look to protect the defence first and foremost, Sarr’s maturity and understanding of the game has helped him massively. His versatility is a major weapon in his arsenal too, capable of playing at full-back and just as comfortable in a back three as he is in a back four. Alongside Dante, Sarr has excelled. His anticipation and positioning are impressive, and seem to improve massively week on week. He has excelled in intercepting the ball to stop opposition moves which allows him to counter any potential threats before they develop. Sarr is no slouch on the ball either, often looking to offer an immediate riposte for his team with searching long balls. As he demonstrated on his debut, he is a threat from set pieces too having already notched a couple of assists from knockdowns. Physically imposing, Sarr is as obdurate an opponent in the air as he is when the ball is on the ground and Nice fans have been impressed with how promising the Frenchman looks already. Having said that, Sarr’s professional career is just months old. Seasoned football watchers have seen flash in the pan talents before and, while this is less common with defenders, caution should still be advised when evaluating the young defender’s progress. Furthermore, a defender at Favre’s Nice will always get a lot of protection from the players ahead of him, only two teams have conceded less than Nice’s 20 goals (PSG 18, ASSE 19) at the time of writing. How Sarr would adapt in a less protected system would be intriguing to watch, while it is unlikely he would struggle given his obvious ability, he would likely find himself in more difficult situations faced with more overload situations. While Sarr’s intelligence is impressive given his age, his tactical understanding could still do with improvement. While there has been clear progress on this front, it is understandably the weakest aspect of his game as he continues to adapt to Favre’s rigid system. FORECAST FOR 2017 Having already been the subject of a couple of approaches from London, it is unlikely the links will die down if Nice continue their impressive form. A boyhood Nice fan, Sarr has said repeatedly that playing for Nice is all he wants for now. Indeed, his partnership with Dante looks a match made in heaven and there is no reason nor need for him to leave any time soon. Regular football is fuelling his impressive development and there is no need to risk that. Although Sarr certainly has the potential to play at the top of the game, he should not be looking that far ahead just yet. Right now, all Sarr needs to do is ensure he continues to play regularly and ensure he can perform consistently to this standard over a longer period, with the kinks in his game likely to be ironed out with more game time.

DF ALEXANDERARNOLD FULL NAME: TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD CLUB: LIVERPOOL FC NATIONALITY: ENGLAND POSTION: RIGHT-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: OCTOBER 7, 1998 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: TOM CURREN (@TOMOCURR)

2016 IN REVIEW 2016 was Trent Alexander-Arnold’s breakout year. Liverpool fans have been mildly aware of him for a while but, like Alex Iwobi at Arsenal, his performances for the youth setup did not generate the kind of clamour that the likes of Raheem Sterling or Jordan Ibe enjoyed, or that young forward Ben Woodburn is beginning to experience. Alexander-Arnold’s progression from academy hopeful to capable first-team option has been a quiet one, but it has happened very quickly; he is still just 18. Before the summer of 2016, he had never made a competitive appearance for Liverpool’s first-team, his only experience being in pre-season friendlies under Brendan Rodgers. Fast-forward six months and he is now in direct competition to be Liverpool’s second-choice right-back. As with many of the Liverpool players, his emergence can in part be attributed to the philosophy of boss Jürgen Klopp. To say previous manager Brendan Rodgers did not cultivate youth might be unfair – Raheem Sterling exploded under his tutelage – but his handling of other young players was at times odd. Klopp, in contrast, seems to delight in blooding young talent. His history suggests as much, of course, with his old Dortmund side built around the likes of a young Mario Götze and Robert Lewandowski, who joined the club at 21. So, it was always likely that the best would be plucked from Liverpool’s academy and thrust into the limelight, but Alexander-Arnold was lucky on another level; his style perfectly complements the way Klopp likes his teams to play. His 2016 comprised of several EFL Cup starts, as Klopp tentatively provided him with a gentle smattering of first-team experience. The first came against Tottenham, in which he excelled. He was rewarded with a second start, this time earning a man-of-the-match award as Liverpool comfortably knocked out Leeds United with a 2-0 victory. He set up Divock Origi’s goal in that game with a glorious whipped cross from deep; Klopp, it was safe to say, was impressed. Two weeks later Alexander-Arnold came off the bench against Middlesbrough for his Premier League debut. Things accelerated from there and, as 2017 entered its third week, the news broke that Nathaniel Clyne would be unavailable for Liverpool’s game against Manchester United. Instead of trusting the entirely untrustworthy Alberto Moreno and shifting James Milner across to cover Clyne, Klopp put faith in his young, home grown prodigy; Alexander-Arnold delivered, keeping £36 million winger Anthony Martial quiet.

STYLE OF PLAY As mentioned earlier, Alexander-Arnold is a player seemingly moulded in the Klopp style as a full-back. Tall, well-built and very fast, physically Alexander-Arnold’s build is exemplary for one so young, displaying a physical maturity that has allowed him to repeatedly play above his age group. However, as with all players at this level, physicality is utterly useless unless the footballing brain is programmed simultaneously. Luckily for the young defender, he possesses a footballing mind that is sharp and tactically astute, allowing him to both defend and attack with an impressive maturity. First amongst his skills is his anticipation. Alexander-Arnold spent a stint during his academy days playing as a defensive midfielder and many were unsure which position he would best suit when it came time for him to emerge into the first-team. He settled on becoming a right-back, but it is easy to see the good that playing as a midfielder has done him. When defending, he seems to see passes before they are made, using his speed and tenacity to cut through-balls out, stretching his long legs to make last-minute interceptions on the edge of the box. Clearly, his time spent screening the centre-halves has led to a development in his anticipation, and he is deploying this skill equally usefully when playing as a full-back. Though his defensive traits add balance to his game, Klopp loves him for his ability to attack. This is becoming such a cliché in the modern game that it almost goes without saying, but Alexander-Arnold is unquestionably the kind of defender who loves to get forward; the kind of defender that Klopp has utilised in all his previous teams. Part of this ability is down to his speed and physicality, that should not be questioned. But Alexander-Arnold is also a supremely confident dribbler, both in his own half and when attacking the opposition’s box. Against Tottenham in 2016 the young defender caused his opposite number Ben Davies all sorts of problems when they met at the halfway line, with the Welsh international often being outclassed by Alexander-Arnold’s close control and awareness of space. The Enlgishman loves to drive into the heart of midfield with the ball at his feet, or scream down the line with the opposing full-back on his heels. This opens space ahead of him for attacking players to run into, or for more creative players to receive the ball with their eyes to goal. Of course, this aggressive dribbling style serves Alexander-Arnold well when closing in on the opposition’s box too. He is very confident when faced with a defender one-on-one, being entirely capable of dribbling into the box to get a shot away or cross for a teammate. In fact, getting shots away is a surprising skill of Alexander-Arnold’s; he scored an excellent brace for England U-19’s in 2016, including an absurd volley that twisted away from Croatia’s keeper delightfully. Full-backs that carry a goal threat are becoming ever more popular, and Alexander-Arnold is certainly capable of scoring. It would be amiss not to mention his passing ability. Most interested in Alexander-Arnold will have witnessed his assist for Origi in the EFL Cup: a glorious, deep-field cross that landed precisely where the Belgian forward placed his boot. This was not an anomalous pass from the teenager. He often enjoys passing long, switching the play to the full-back on the opposite side of the pitch, or pinging a ball from deep for a striker to latch onto. In this, he fulfils one of the obligations of a modern full-back; to also serve as a deep-lying winger, supporting the creative players in midfield. FORECAST FOR 2016 The future seems very, very bright for Alexander-Arnold. With a Premier League debut in one of Liverpool’s biggest games under his belt, Klopp evidently trusts the youngster profoundly. With Joe Gomez continuing to struggle with niggling injuries, Alexander-Arnold can now solidify his position as Klopp’s second-choice right-back. At 18-years-old, this is a huge achievement and speaks volumes about the youngster’s future. If he stays patient and continues to take his chances when they are presented to him, he could secure himself as Klopp’s long-term defensive solution. In a back four that has too often this season contained Dejan Lovren, James Milner and Ragnar Klavan – hardly the spriteliest of triumvirates – his youth and speed provide a welcome dynamism. The most important trait that Alexander-Arnold must develop, though, is patience. With Liverpool competing exclusively in the Premier League for the remainder of this season, he is unlikely to appear ahead of England international Nathaniel Clyne unless injury strikes again. However, with the dawn of the new season will come new opportunities and, at barely 18 years of age, Alexander-Arnold has plenty of time to seize them.

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PASSLACK FULL NAME: FELIX PASSLACK CLUB: BORUSSIA DORTMUND NATIONALITY: GERMAN POSTION: RIGHT-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: MAY 29, 1998 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT

WRITTEN BY: LEWIS AMBROSE (@LGAMBROSE)

2016 IN REVIEW 2016 was good, great, then ultimately a little disappointing for Felix Passlack. To be fair, that is only because he has set the bar so high with a string of exciting performances for Borussia Dortmund at just 18 years of age. Furthermore, Passlack captained a dominant Dortmund side at U-19 level, adding the national title to U-17 glory a year earlier. At youth level in 2016, Passlack completed the season with 19 goals in 25 domestic appearances, earning himself a chance in the Bundesliga. He has also been a regular fixture in Dortmund’s UEFA Youth League team enjoying a successful run in the tournament this season despite losing to Barcelona in the round of 16. He added to three Bundesliga appearances from 2015/16 with a starting place in Dortmund’s team for the new campaign. Since, though, the return of more senior squad members has seen Passlack disappointingly fall down the pecking order, though he remains very much a prospect for the present as much as for future. ghts how comfortable he already is in the confines of senior football and also underlines his leadership credentials in a team relatively bereft of them after the summer departure of Mats Hummels.

STYLE OF PLAY One looks at Passlack and they do not instantly see a professional footballer. One certainly does not picture an adventurous full-back. Built more like an American Football player but packed into just 5’7” of teenager, his sheer robustness is immediately striking. Short in stature but strong as an ox, the versatile German knows how to make the most of his outstanding physical attributes. Indeed, his incredible strength and ability to accelerate with ease are what helped him comfortably set himself apart at youth level. The step up to senior football immediately becomes a worry with players who rely on such physical advantages over their contemporaries at youth level, but Passlack has already shown he has enough ability for it not to matter. With Passlack’s technical ability, it is hardly surprising that he is much safer in possession than experienced team-mates at senior level like Lukasz Pisczcek or Marcel Schmelzer, contributing to Dortmund’s possession with more passes per game and a higher pass completion than either of the title winners. It makes his progression into the team incredibly exciting, as it is evident that his style suits that of manager Thomas Tuchel and the general ethos of the club. Able to accelerate quickly and run past (or through!) opponents powerfully, he is a perfect candidate for one of the full-back positions at Dortmund. His record at youth level shows a keen eye for goal and it should be no surprise that the German is calm when opportunities present themselves in the final third, becoming a dangerous player from wide areas. Unfortunately, though, an eagerness to influence attacking play can leave Dortmund’s other defenders exposed on the break. Furthermore, when playing on the right and sharing the flank with Ousmane Dembélé, Passlack must exercise even more caution with the reluctance of his 19-yearold team-mate to track back with too much regularity. The German must continue to work with Tuchel to understand where he must be positioned in both phases of play in order to maximise his attacking output without compromising defensive shape. The full-back is also asked to cover on the left side of the defence at times but is incredibly reluctant to use his weaker foot which can inhibit his ability to hug the touch-line as he does to such great effect on the opposing flank. The other notable weakness is in the air. What he might have over his rivals on the ground, he loses when he tries to leap with his small and stocky frame, making crosses to his side of the defence a chink in Dortmund’s armour. A strong personality, Passlack has already assumed the role of encouraging or consoling his team-mates, as he did with Emre Mor after the midfielder had seen a red card against Hertha BSC in October. It highlights how comfortable he already is in the confines of senior football and also underlines his leadership credentials in a team relatively bereft of them after the summer departure of Mats Hummels. FORECAST FOR 2017 With Piszczek still ahead of him when fit, Erik Durm back from injury and Matthias Ginter capable of playing at right-back, Passlack faces a lot of competition for regular playing time. Fortunately, he has shown himself willing to fight for his place in the first-team. Piszczek is some way into a decline after years of being a standout player for BVB, possibly leaving the rightback position up for grabs within the next year or so. Passlack is likely to be given the chance to make the place his own with his style aligning with Tuchel’s view of what a right-back should do more seamlessly than Ginter’s. With Germany currently using central midfielder in Joshua Kimmich at right-back, Passlack has to force his way into the Dortmund side for the sake of club and country. Joachim Löw will take an experimental squad to the 2017 Confederations Cup but the tournament is likely to come too soon for a potential breakthrough for the 18-year-old. However, should he continue to consistently apply himself at club level, Löw would likely be tempted to welcome Passlack into the national team set-up to free Kimmich into midfield. With fewer than 18 months remaining before kick-off in Russia for the 2018 World Cup though, Passlack faces a race against the clock to prove himself a stable enough option for Löw to consider blooding him on the biggest stage in world football.

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LIROLA FULL NAME: POL MIKEL LIROLA KOSOK CLUB: US SASSUOLO NATIONALITY: SPANISH POSTION: RIGHT-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: AUGUST 13, 1997 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: STEPHEN GANAVAS (@MAROTTANOMICS)

2016 IN REVIEW One of the most under-the-radar breakout seasons in Europe so far has been that of Sassuolo’s on-loan full-back Pol Lirola. Signed from Juventus on loan for two seasons to cover for the loss of Šime Vrsaljko to Atlético Madrid, Sassuolo opted to slowly blend Lirola into the team. However, the Spaniard has since become an integral part of the Neroverdi’s starting side, adding much needed pace and a vital overlapping attacking outlet to team up with Domencio Berardi on the right flank. Sending Lirola to Sassuolo was a clever move by Juventus. Drilled in playing some entertaining football under the wonderful Eusebio Di Francesco, Sassuolo also have a strong relationship with the Juventus management. This means they will likely see no problem in playing and developing Lirola despite the fact they will receive no reward for it at the end of the deal, due to arrangements with other transfers between the two clubs – it is complicated. Entrusted with the starting right-back role, Lirola most notably took the Europa League by storm. This included a scintillating performance against Athletic Bilbao in the group stages that was capped off with a magnificent goal after a fine solo run from the right wing in a 3-1 Sassuolo win. After a string of successive excellent games, Lirola was voted into UEFA’s Europa League Team of the Group Stage. Along with 19-year-old Leon Bailey, the Spaniard was the only under-23 player voted into the team.

STYLE OF PLAY Lirola is a forward-thinking full-back. While he developed throughout his time in Juventus’ Primavera side looking up to and occasionally training with Stephan Lichsteiner, there is little doubt that the Spaniard shares more qualities with new Juve right-back Dani Alves. He loves to bomb forward and looks like he could be a fit for the Bianconeri playing on the right both in a four-man defence or in a 3-5-2 formation because of this attacking inclination . But Sassuolo coach Eusebio Di Francesco has been the first to minimise the hype over the 19-year-old. He has been quick to emphasise that Lirola’s defensive qualities are not yet up to scratch. Blessed with pace that allows him to make interceptions and to limit the damage of balls played in-behind the defence, it is Lirola’s oneon-one defensive game that needs the most improvement. With his light build he struggles against some of Serie A’s stockier wingers that are happy to play physical football like Papu Gómez. He is though, a clean tackler of the ball and a solid enough defender if he can keep the attacker at arm’s length. It is with the ball on the ground that Lirola is at his best. The Spaniard possesses jaw-dropping dribbling skills for a right-back. They allow him to hit the by-line, but in Sassuolo’s 4-3-3 he has enjoyed taking players on and moving into a central position, making himself a triple-threat. From these positions, he can play wide to a winger to cross, centrally to play a man through, or he can go for goal himself as he did with his wonder-goal against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League. Lirola’s crossing ability is equally stunning. Able to apply a proper whip to his crosses, the Spaniard reduces the margin for error for strikers attempting to latch onto his delivery. He hits the ball extremely flat too, which limits the amount of time for defenders to get into position to contest the ball drop. In addition, the 19-year-old enjoys getting into spaces on the by-line inside the box where he can square for onrushing attackers – it was the source of many of his assists in the Italian Primavera competition last season. The Spaniard needs to improve on his passing game though. Sometimes opting to play the difficult pass when a simpler more effective option is open means that Lirola can put himself and the rest of his defence under pressure – especially playing against teams that like to press high up the pitch. At Juventus, as teams sit back and allow the defence to play out comfortably, the 19-year-old may find more success with this aspect of his game. FORECAST FOR 2017 The Spaniard certainly has a lot of ability to work with. He could do worse though than to seek out some advice from Juventus team-mate Stephan Lichtsteiner – one of the best one-on-one full-backs in world football over the past five years. While Lirola is viewed by many as a natural successor to Dani Alves, many of his weakest attributes are Lichtsteiner’s strongest and one must assume that trying to emulate the Swiss full-back will result in the 19-year-old becoming a far more well-rounded player defensively. Spending some time in the gym working on his upper body strength would also help him be more competitive in one-on-one defensive situations. Simultaneously, if he wants to play in a similar role to Dani Alves – famed for moving in off the flank into a central midfield role in the attacking phase – when he returns to Juventus, he must improve his short passing technique. Moreover, Lirola needs to continue playing regularly in 2017. With the quality of his displays in 2016, it is easy to forget that he only has half a season of senior football under his belt. This is because with less than 20 league matches played, the right-back oozes confidence that has underpinned his strong performances. Due to return from injury in March, Lirola must ensure he works his way back into the starting XI as first choice. From there, he needs regular matches to continue to accustom himself to senior football and the rigours of Serie A both tactically and physically. It remains to be seen what Lirola could achieve into 2018 as Lichsteiner’s contract expires and he and Dani Alves turn 34 and 35 respectively. Despite flying under the radar, Lirola is highly rated by management at Juventus and may see himself play a pivotal role at the Turin giants after the duration of his two-year loan spell at Sassuolo.

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TIERNEY FULL NAME: KIERAN TIERNEY CLUB: CELTIC NATIONALITY: SCOTTISH POSTION: LEFT-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: JUNE 5, 1997 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: JAKE ENTWISTLE (@JAKEENTWISTLE)

2016 IN REVIEW At Celtic since the age of 7, there is no transfer story to speak of when it comes to Kieran Tierney. The leftback has spent his in entire career at his boyhood club and it was during 2015/16 season that he finally made his breakthrough. 23 appearances in the league last season – all of them starts – and the now 19-year-old Kieran Tierney had established himself as Celtic’s first choice left-back. His infectious approach to the game and passion for Celtic made him an instant fan favourite and he has only improved his reputation since then. Celtic, unsurprisingly, won the league at a canter and their new full-back revelation played a major part in it. Tierney was named PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year and SFWA Young Player of the Year after an excellent season and it is this double, rather than the league title, that is the greatest testament to his ability. Winning two caps for the senior national side, Tierney proved last year that he is one of the most exciting prospects to come out of Scottish football in a long while. An ankle ligament injury at the end of the October threatened to undo the full-back’s impressive work, but despite spending the rest of the year on the sidelines, he has slotted straight back into the team in 2017, and in 10 fewer games has already equalled his assists tally from last season (six). His position in Brendan Rodger’s side is almost untouchable.

STYLE OF PLAY Black boots, low socks: Kieran Tierney is one of the most unassuming footballers one will ever lay their eyes on. Tough in the tackle, the young Scotsman at times appears to be a throwback to simpler times. But no matter how quickly he may have mastered the menial basics of left-full back, Tierney is a relentless attacking outlet whose first thought is always forward. It seems a full-back will not make it far in the modern game without possessing extreme physical attributes. The holy trinity of pace, power and stamina is arguably one of the most important qualities for most sides, with technique and defensive capabilities often overlooked - at least initially - in favour of athletes. Whilst Tierney may not have the power synonymous with most full-backs, he certainly has the stamina and the speed to compete with the best. Lightening quick off the mark, Tierney’s acceleration is key to his game. Receiving the ball as close to the touchline as possible, in a Celtic side that has become increasingly technical under Brendan Rodgers, the fullbacks operate high up the pitch and act as the main attacking outlet out wide. Tierney proved even before Rodgers’ tenure as Celtic boss that he is more than capable of performing such a role. Able to breeze past most defenders in a one-on-one situation, Tierney is an exceptional straight-line runner. From touchline to by-line, Tierney enjoys driving towards the final extreme of the pitch before sending in a cross. Accurate and intelligent with his delivery, with consistency to deliver the ball in key areas or even better at the feet of his onrushing teammates, the 19-year-old is especially adept at driving past his opposite number before providing incisive cut backs for strikers clever enough to hold their run. The only potential weakness in Tierney’s approach is the fairy predictable nature of it. It is one thing to know what someone is doing and another challenge entirely to stop them from doing it though; Arjen Robben is living proof of that. But with regards to Tierney, his effectiveness can be instantly nullified should he face an equally athletic foe. He has shown glimpses of a willingness to develop more offensive threats, but defenders can be almost certain that Tierney will attack the outside of the full-back and drive towards the by-line. When facing more experienced and more talented defenders, Tierney is a far less threatening force. He has the technique and more importantly the time to ensure he does not become entirely one-dimensional. But focusing on his key defensive strength, again a product of his insane acceleration, Tierney’s intercepting of the ball is already becoming a trademark. Able to punish any lax pass, the left-back is quickest to most loose balls thanks to his ability to reach top speed in an instant. Opposition players must firmly hit their passes or run the risk of Celtic’s flying Scotsman picking it off and claiming possession for himself. He will often steam towards his opponents and if he cannot get the ball before it reaches the desired target, his timing of the tackle - and ferocity of it - is his next best defensive weapon. Excellent in the slide tackle, Tierney’s appetite for the game is evident in his fearless approach to defending. Not the most imposing footballer at first glance, his relentless running and feral defending paint a completely different picture - an opponent most wingers will not relish the prospect of facing. FORECAST FOR 2017 As mentioned at the beginning of the profile, Tierney is undeniably Brendan Rodger’s first-choice left-back. A permanent fixture in Celtic’s side, he has impressed at every opportunity and to be so important to a team at such a young age is testament to his ability and work ethic. Not many sides in European football will be able to provide Tierney with the sheer quantity of minutes as well as the prospect of Champions League football. He is talented, yes, but at 19-years-old, there are obviously still some issues to iron out and the Premier League — his logical next step — may not be the most accommodating environment for his development just yet. Tierney will likely become Scotland’s first choice left-back in 2017, and although a summer move away from his boyhood club may be too soon, there is no doubt he will garner more interest in his talent and improve his already impressive reputation even further. Domestic trophies are guaranteed this season, even another clean sweep of Scotland’s Young Player of the Year awards looks a certainty. Should Tierney continue his rapid development, however, he may even be awarded more prestigious recognition of his talent. And it would be thoroughly deserved. He is lightyears ahead of any other full-back in the Scottish Premiership and shining so brightly in every single match he plays is fantastic for his confidence. The only concern is that his affiliation with Celtic may prevent him from seeking new challenges beyond this year, especially as he is already too good for the division.

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MERÉ FULL NAME: JORGE MERÉ PÉREZ CLUB: SPORTING DE GIJÓN NATIONALITY: SPANISH POSTION: CENTRE-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: APRIL 17, 1997 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT

WRITTEN BY: JOE DONNOHUE (@JOE_DONNOHUE27)

2016 IN REVIEW A year in which Meré established his position in Sporting Gijón’s first team was a particularly turbulent one as the club survived relegation to the Segunda División on the final day of the 2015/16 season. Following his success as a pivotal cog in the Spanish machine that were crowned European U-19 Champions in 2015, 2016 must have been a stark contrast as Meré made the considerable step up to becoming a Gijón regular in an unforgiving top division. His resolve was impressive as he held his own in La Liga and retained his place in the side despite fierce competition from teammates in the centre-back position.  Along with his domestic achievements, Meré was selected for the Spanish U-21 side on a number of occasions and moved closer to being in contention for a senior call-up, although that was not forthcoming in the last 12 months.  For a player who prior to 2016, had only made a handful of appearances in the Segunda División, to adapt so seamlessly to La Liga and not appear out of his depth was nothing short of brilliant. Many players find adapting to different divisions and different teams a difficult task, never mind a bright-eyed 18-year-old with little professional experience. Yet that was the case, as an 18-year-old Meré broke into the Gijón team during 2016 and retained his place into and throughout the 2016/17 campaign to date.  The teenager, now 19, has featured in over 1,500 minutes of Gijón’s current season including starts in blockbuster fixtures such as the hard fought 1-1 draw against Sevilla, and a narrow 2-1 defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid. STYLE OF PLAY Meré was hyped as an instrumental player for Gijón in the build-up to the 2016-17 season following his end of season form in the previous campaign. His former head coach Abelardo remained faithful in his young centre-back mainly due to his physicality and no-nonsense approach to defending. At times this is not the most aesthetic style of play, especially in La Liga. However, this has been effective for Meré and Gijón in the sense that it removes danger, which is something they are familiar with.

Footballing purists would argue that Meré’s contributions which consist of numerous clearances and forceful interceptions, are detrimental to Gijón’s overall play. On one hand this is valid because Meré’s clearances and long passes do not tend to be accurate and pressure on the defending Gijón side is reignited in no time at all. Alternatively, though, Meré’s approach is effective and often prevents opposition players from taking up positions in dangerous areas. Meré’s tackling is undoubtedly the main attribute that attracted Abelardo’s attention and now that of new boss Rubi which has seen him retain his place in the team. The young Spaniard is extremely tenacious and does not fear committing to a challenge if he feels he can win possession from it. To date it has paid dividends as Meré has only picked up three cautions so far this season, a fairly decent record for an imposing, abrasive defender. His timing of challenges is generally superb as he reads the game well, however at times he can be reckless. This was painfully manifested in the 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo in which a straight red card late on in the match, cost Gijón a valuable three points. Hacking down Theo Bongonda as he had a clear run on goal was a sign of poor readiness and poor judgement, as only a minute later, Iago Aspas equalised for Celta. Many younger centre-backs at strong clubs in top European divisions are notoriously comfortable in possession and could quite easily fit into a defensive midfield role. Meré would not fit this description and would struggle in a role where he was not a custodian. He thrives on being the last line of defence before the goalkeeper; interceptions and excellent anticipation being the hallmarks of his game, beside his tackling aptitude. In possession, Meré is less comfortable than his teammates. This was unfortunately highlighted recently in a fixture against Atlético Madrid. Meré passed the ball across the face of his defence, leading to it being intercepted, allowing Kevin Gameiro to pounce and fire in. Gijón lost that game in particular 4-1, an unfair scoreline which did not reflect the general flow of the game. A late Gameiro hatrick punished Gijón’s defence as they switched off and succumbed to defeat. Due to his youth, a great deal of his talent comes directly from his lower league footballing education, which explains his traditional approach to defending. This could often be mistaken for naivety and at times he is rather brash, but largely Meré’s decision-making is measured and composed, even if his ball-playing skills are not. For any defender, aerial dominance is something they will aim to master. Standing at 1.82m tall, Meré is of average height for a defender and competes well in the air. Despite still being a teenager, the Spaniard tends to dominate more senior forwards in aerial duels, using his stature and physical strength to best his opponent. While his concentration and anticipation are relatively decent, they are not always perfect and at times he can be found in ‘no man’s land’ after a marauding and aimless run up-field with the ball. These are not common occurrences but as Meré ventures further into the middle third with the ball, it becomes abundantly clear he is no longer comfortable in possession and seeks a swift resolution to get rid of the ball. As his distribution is not his best skill, misplaced passes can leave him out of possession and out of position. This allows the opposition to bypass him with one ball through the defensive line and into the space that should have been marshalled by the Spaniard. Meré is a blunt and practical defender. Very rarely will any sort of trickery be observed from the 19-year-old and this is a testament to his footballing education. Unlike many professionals in La Liga nowadays, Meré’s youth football experience was gained at Real Oviedo and Sporting Gijón; hardly the illustrious La Masia academy or the Castilla setup. This underpins his style of play but it has not hindered him to date, proven by his numerous starts in Spain’s top league and U-21 caps. FORECAST FOR 2017 Meré will see out the remainder of the current season as Gijón’s most reliable and youthful centre-back. At just 19, and with vast experience of La Liga at the wrong end of the table, there is strong likelihood that many Spanish clubs higher up in the rankings will have noted his performances and potential. Nonetheless, a €25 million release clause may deter any clubs with considerable interest. Meré’s future hinges mostly on the status of Gijón next season. If they manage to avoid relegation, it is most likely that he will play for them into next season. Relegation could spell the end of Meré’s Gijón career but it is not guaranteed he would play as frequently at another La Liga club. Interest from abroad will likely remain minimal for now. Playing in a team that regularly concedes upwards of two or three goals means his name is not frequently mentioned amongst the current top centre-back talents in world football.

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RICARDO FULL NAME: RICARDO DOMINGOS BARBOSA PEREIRA CLUB: OGC NICE NATIONALITY: PORTUGUESE POSTION: RIGHT-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: OCTOBER 6, 1993 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: TIAGO ESTÊVÃO (@TIAGOESTV)

2016 IN REVIEW After starting for Portugal in the U-21 Euro final in the summer of 2015, Porto decided that it was time for youngster Ricardo Pereira to get some experience away from home. A two-year loan deal was arranged and the youngster moved to Nice in the French Riviera. The 23-year-old had a fantastic season under then-manager Claude Puel and, playing predominantly as a left-back, was regarded in many circles as the best performing left-back in Ligue 1. A very offensive player, the Portuguese international did not score but he provided four assists – the second most for any full-back in Ligue 1 that season. The team finished in fourth and, as impressive as that is, one must also consider the fact that they were only two points away from second by the end of the season. Nice will obviously be delighted that they have him him on loan for a second season. With Nice almost assured of Champions League football next season while maintaining the second best defensive record in Ligue 1, they have a lot to thank their dynamic loanee for.

STYLE OF PLAY This second season was make or break for the youngster: Puel left and he add to adapt to a new coach (Lucien Favre) plus deal with the expectations after a fantastic debut year in France. But he seems to have adapted pretty well since he is perhaps doing even better in this campaign. Before diving into the characteristics of his play, one should probably go over what is probably Ricardo’s most obvious trait: versatility. Starting his career as a winger (as, oddly, most Portuguese players seem to do), he did very well on the right side of Vitoria’s attack – even scoring in the final of the Portuguese Cup against Benfica to win what is still the only trophy of his senior career. In FC Porto colours the options in more advanced positions were very diverse but since there was the need for a back-up right back, Ricardo adapted to and played from the right side of the back-line whenever Danilo was unavailable. As mentioned previously, he was moved to the other side for his first season in France – often acting as an inverted full-back, something increasingly popular nowadays. His capacity to finish inside the box and to create danger on his shots from outside of the box also helped him here as he often pushed forward. Interestingly, he has also been used as a striker at national youth level as recently as the U-21 European Championship final under manager Rui Jorge. A very dedicated player, he has been absorbing knowledge from some of the most interesting coaches in today’s game: Puel, Rui Jorge and Favre. Because of this, Pereira seems to have an astute tactical understanding of the game which underpins his ability to play multiple positions on the field at a similarly high standard. Taking into account his recent performances though, the right side of the backline seems like his best position. Quick and always supporting the attack, Pereira has a quality cross and can drift inside with ease to combine with the forwards and midfielders or have an attempt on goal himself. The numbers show this as well: the 23-year-old has provided his team with three assists already this season and has opened his scoring account for Nice as well. Favre’s 3-5-2 was another benefitial addition for this season, with the Swiss manager’s system very much dependent on offensive minded wing-backs, a role which Ricardo suits perfectly. Defensively he has improved tremendously over the last few seasons. Comparing last season to this one, his rate of clearences per match and interceptions per match went up while his tackles per match were reduced, this demonstrates how he now often avoids one-on-one situations in defence as he plays in a more advanced role that provides him with more defensive cover – he is often provided defensive help down the right-hand side meaning he is forced into tackles less frequently. No matter how good a player is at tackling – Pereira had the third most per match in Ligue 1 last year – avoiding them altogether as a full-back suggests Nice’s newfound ability to solve defensive problems tactically rather than relying on individual quality in defence. FORECAST FOR 2017 In 2017, Ricardo will to play a vital role in Nice’s impressive title charge. Still just three points behind league leaders Monaco and level on points with PSG, Ricardo must ensure his levels of defensive concentration remain sharp heading into the last month of the season in which Nice will play PSG, Marseille and Lyon in three of their final four fixtures. Disappointingly though, Ricardo will likely play no part in Nice’s European campaign next season, which is likely to be in the Champions League. Instead, he will face the uncertainty of a return to Porto where he faces competition at full-back, or a move abroad to another club. It will be an important decision for the Ricardo’s future not just at club level, but also at international level as he continues to battle with Southampton’s Cédric, Benfica’s Nélson Semedo and Valencia’s João Cancelo. The 23-year-old will need to continue impressing at club level should he destablise the positions of those players enough to win his first international cap.

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VALLEJO FULL NAME: JESÚS VALLEJO LÁZARO CLUB: EINTRACHT FRANKFURT NATIONALITY: SPANISH POSTION: CENTRE-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: JANUARY 5, 1997 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: MIRAN ŠARIĆ (@THEREALBOZZ)

2016 IN REVIEW After starting for Portugal in the U-21 Euro final in the summer of 2015, Porto decided that it was time for youngster Ricardo Pereira to get some experience away from home. A two-year loan deal was arranged and the youngster moved to Nice in the French Riviera. The 23-year-old had a fantastic season under then-manager Claude Puel and, playing predominantly as a left-back, was regarded in many circles as the best performing left-back in Ligue 1. A very offensive player, the Portuguese international did not score but he provided four assists – the second most for any full-back in Ligue 1 that season. The team finished in fourth and, as impressive as that is, one must also consider the fact that they were only two points away from second by the end of the season. Nice will obviously be delighted that they have him him on loan for a second season. With Nice almost assured of Champions League football next season while maintaining the second best defensive record in Ligue 1, they have a lot to thank their dynamic loanee for.

STYLE OF PLAY This second season was make or break for the youngster: Puel left and he add to adapt to a new coach (Lucien Favre) plus deal with the expectations after a fantastic debut year in France. But he seems to have adapted pretty well since he is perhaps doing even better in this campaign. Before diving into the characteristics of his play, one should probably go over what is probably Ricardo’s most obvious trait: versatility. Starting his career as a winger (as, oddly, most Portuguese players seem to do), he did very well on the right side of Vitoria’s attack – even scoring in the final of the Portuguese Cup against Benfica to win what is still the only trophy of his senior career. In FC Porto colours the options in more advanced positions were very diverse but since there was the need for a back-up right back, Ricardo adapted to and played from the right side of the back-line whenever Danilo was unavailable. As mentioned previously, he was moved to the other side for his first season in France – often acting as an inverted full-back, something increasingly popular nowadays. His capacity to finish inside the box and to create danger on his shots from outside of the box also helped him here as he often pushed forward. Interestingly, he has also been used as a striker at national youth level as recently as the U-21 European Championship final under manager Rui Jorge. A very dedicated player, he has been absorbing knowledge from some of the most interesting coaches in today’s game: Puel, Rui Jorge and Favre. Because of this, Pereira seems to have an astute tactical understanding of the game which underpins his ability to play multiple positions on the field at a similarly high standard. Taking into account his recent performances though, the right side of the backline seems like his best position. Quick and always supporting the attack, Pereira has a quality cross and can drift inside with ease to combine with the forwards and midfielders or have an attempt on goal himself. The numbers show this as well: the 23-year-old has provided his team with three assists already this season and has opened his scoring account for Nice as well. Favre’s 3-5-2 was another benefitial addition for this season, with the Swiss manager’s system very much dependent on offensive minded wing-backs, a role which Ricardo suits perfectly. Defensively he has improved tremendously over the last few seasons. Comparing last season to this one, his rate of clearences per match and interceptions per match went up while his tackles per match were reduced, this demonstrates how he now often avoids one-on-one situations in defence as he plays in a more advanced role that provides him with more defensive cover – he is often provided defensive help down the right-hand side meaning he is forced into tackles less frequently. No matter how good a player is at tackling – Pereira had the third most per match in Ligue 1 last year – avoiding them altogether as a full-back suggests Nice’s newfound ability to solve defensive problems tactically rather than relying on individual quality in defence. FORECAST FOR 2017 In 2017, Ricardo will to play a vital role in Nice’s impressive title charge. Still just three points behind league leaders Monaco and level on points with PSG, Ricardo must ensure his levels of defensive concentration remain sharp heading into the last month of the season in which Nice will play PSG, Marseille and Lyon in three of their final four fixtures. Disappointingly though, Ricardo will likely play no part in Nice’s European campaign next season, which is likely to be in the Champions League. Instead, he will face the uncertainty of a return to Porto where he faces competition at full-back, or a move abroad to another club. It will be an important decision for the Ricardo’s future not just at club level, but also at international level as he continues to battle with Southampton’s Cédric, Benfica’s Nélson Semedo and Valencia’s João Cancelo. The 23-year-old will need to continue impressing at club level should he destablise the positions of those players enough to win his first international cap.

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ELVEDI FULL NAME: NICO ELVEDI CLUB: BORUSSIA MÖNCHENGLADBACH NATIONALITY: SWISS POSTION: CENTRE-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: CONOR GARRATT (@CONORGARRATT)

2016 IN REVIEW Swiss centre-back Nico Elvedi clearly had a lot going for him when, after 26 pro appearances for hometown club Zürich, he signed for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the summer of 2015. Marked as one for the future by then-coach and compatriot Lucien Favre, injuries to Martin Stranzl, Álvaro Dominguez and Tony Jantschke fast-tracked the youngster into the first-team squad towards the December 2015, and his role in the team has never been called into question since. A previous skipper of Swiss youth teams at U-17 and U-19, Elvedi missed just four first-team games for Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2016. Part of the reason for this was the youngster’s startling versatility. Nominally a centre back, Elvedi has performed particularly well at both left and right back, as well as even as a wide midfielder on occasion. Generally, the cliché goes that this has prevented the player from finding his true position and has hindered aspects of his game. In Elvedi’s case, this is not necessarily true. Former coach André Schubert did indeed move the Swiss youngster around the team frequently during his spell at Borussia, but Elvedi’s confidence at centre-back always appears higher than in his other positions. In those positions, he does perform well, yes, but it is no surprise that Schubert kept placing his young prodigy back in central defence when possible. Despite a hugely successful 2016, Elvedi has yet to really feature as a goal-scorer or assist-maker for Borussia – the latter at least somewhat surprising considering his relatively frequent role as a full-back. Indeed, his only assist of the year came in a draw at Augsburg. However, it remains only a minor concern. More importantly, having already made a few senior appearances for Switzerland in 2016, Elvedi is clearly well on his way to becoming a top-class utility player.

STYLE OF PLAY Elvedi’s playing style relies a lot on his excellent physicality; of Borussia’s defenders, he has the best percentage of successful duels so far this season, with 59%. These include strengths at beating a man – probably one of the main reasons why he has seen so much action on the wings for the Foals since joining the club – and in the air, with 65% and 66% success in each respectively. Standing at 6’2”, he is rarely at a height disadvantage in the air and pairs this with excellent athleticism to generally stave off defensive danger in aerial challenges. Additionally, though, Elvedi does possess excellent technical ability which has played a key part in allowing him to play in many different positions across the Borussia defence. His colleagues can feel safe when giving him the ball, even when under pressure; with an eye for a pass, but also the pace to work himself out of trouble himself, Elvedi makes very few mistakes at all. Given he is still at the tender age of 20, his spatial awareness and savviness on the ball should only improve from their already excellent levels with experience. Marked out as a potential future captain for Switzerland, a nation with a growing stature in the international game, Elvedi’s leadership is also a vital strength. For a 20-year-old, the youngster is very vocal and this strength in communication can only be seen as a positive for coaches, fans, and potential suitors alike. As a full back, however, Elvedi does fall short when it comes to playing in the final third and this must be an area that the Swiss youngster works on if he is to continue playing on the flanks for club or country. Challenged for playing time in the Borussia squad by the slightly more attacking Oscar Wendt on the left and Julian Korb on the right - and of course competing for playing time with his Scouted Football Handbook colleague Andreas Christensen and Jannik Vestergaard at centre back, there is a danger that Elvedi could find himself slightly further down the pecking order under a coach who maybe sees less in him than former Borussia coach, Schubert. FORECAST FOR 2017 It seems unlikely that Elvedi will actually go backwards in 2017 though, given that new Foals manager Dieter Hecking has historically placed a premium on defensive security during spells with Hannover 96, 1. FC Nürnberg and VfL Wolfsburg. Borussia’s defensive structure under Schubert had found itself in a state of disarray by the end of 2016, with players constantly rotating between positions and both back threes and back fours. Hecking’s career has shown a tendency to approach games with a more consistent approach thus far and this should work well for the whole defence, let alone younger, less experienced players such as Elvedi. It seems likely, then, that the 20-year-old’s stock should rise while playing in a slightly meaner defence and this would only be beneficial for the Swiss international’s career. This year could potentially be the year Elvedi properly emerges as a must-start for the Swiss international side, which would not be bad timing as the side builds towards a probable place in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. A move elsewhere, however, would likely be a misstep for Elvedi. Obviously not shy of a calculated risk, having left Zürich, where he received first-team minutes, for what seemed to be a youth team berth to begin with at Borussia aged 18, Elvedi and his agent could gear towards a move. Though, a club of Mönchengladbach’s stature seems the perfect place for the youngster to make the next step in his career, towards established positions in both club and international teams, as well as perhaps becoming a household name in years to come. This, indeed, should not be seen so much as a potential long-term goal, but an aim - achievable within the next few years. Most people who have worked with the youngster seem to have emerged from their time with him with an incredibly positive view of the player and his future in the game. With all this potential, all this good will, and a year of excellent top-level experience in trying circumstances, Elvedi is certainly on the right path.

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RIEDEWALD FULL NAME: JAÏRO RIEDEWALD CLUB: AFC AJAX NATIONALITY: DUTCH POSTION: CENTRE-BACK/ DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: SEPTEMBER 9, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: JOE DONNOHUE (@JOE_DONNOHUE27)

2016 IN REVIEW ‘He reminds me of Frank Rijkaard’, was one remarked made by Frank de Boer; Jaïro Riedewald’s former Ajax boss. The young Dutchman has a bright future after his dream league debut for Ajax in which he scored two late goals to secure a win in 2013. A mere 17-year-old at the time, Riedewald was tipped for big things. 2016 was a year in which the 20-year-old’s development somewhat stalled. Riedewald was often first choice centre-back during the close of the 2015/16 season, and began the 2016/17 campaign in a similar starting berth. However, by October Riedewald had been ousted in favour of a Nick Viergever and Davinson Sánchez alliance in the heart of the defence. Riedewald’s performances in 2016 were not disparaging by any stretch, yet his progression in the eyes of Ajax manager Peter Bosz, obviously has not been sufficient. Considering Ajax have trailed Feyenoord in the Eredivisie for much of the current season, Bosz has looked for areas in which he can change Ajax’s game, and Riedewald has been a casualty of that. Although, a number of excellent performances for the Jong Ajax side have seen him return to contention in the latter months of the year and he has retained a regular place among Ajax’s substitutes. Riedewald has also featured in most Ajax’s Europa League fixtures this season, which has seen them progress to the knockout rounds of the competition. This includes a stellar display in the dispatching of Panathinaikos in the group stages.

STYLE OF PLAY Riedewald is one of the Eredivisie’s more mobile defenders. Blessed with a wonderful passing range, the Dutchman can also be deployed at left-back, or even in defensive midfield depending on the formation. Primarily though, Riedewald is a ball-playing central defender. Agile and strong without being too stocky and having an overenthusiastic willingness slide tackle, the Dutchman does not sacrifice too much on the defensive side of his game in exchange for his ability to drift forward of centre-back. He is not brilliant in the air however, which can put his side at a disadvantage at times. Riedewald’s composure on the ball is probably his finest attribute, distributing play from the centre of defence into midfield akin to the likes of former Ajax stalwart Daley Blind. Riedewald’s ability to complete penetrating passes is vastly impressive for a central defender. While all attempts are not always successful, he often helps kick-start attacking moves for Ajax and gives freedom to the Dutch side’s midfield; no longer burdened with the responsibility of dropping deep to propel attacks themselves. His style mirrors the ideological chic of the modern defender, but his discipline and decision-making do remain questionable at times, hence his temporary demotion to the Jong Ajax side during the 2016/17 season. Riedewald escaped suffering the ignominy of being part of a defence that conceded four goals in thirty minutes recently, as he was substituted with Jong Ajax leading before they let a 2-1 lead slip to the Eerste Divisie’s strugglers Fortuna Sittard. This perhaps highlights the calmness and maturity that he brought to that Jong Ajax side. For Riedewald to have been sent back to the Jong Ajax setup in order to gain valuable minutes is something which will provide him with an impetus to perform better. His recent form has not been terrific but his class will surely shine through once again. It must not be forgotten that as a teenager, Riedewald was selected as Ajax’s regista against Barcelona in the Champions League. His comfortability on the ball and quickness allows him to be a vital cog in Ajax’s transition from defence to attack. Rarely does he dwell in possession and stall flowing attacking moves. While that may not be the style that Bosz desires at present, Riedewald will not lose that ability as it is an innate feature of his game. As mentioned earlier it is most probably his decision-making that has seen him demoted to the Ajax substitutes bench. In particular, he is rather indecisive when it comes to challenging an oncoming attacker. His positional discipline is negligent at times, allowing opposition midfielders to thread through balls into positions that should be covered by Riedewald in the left centre-back position. Once again it must not be forgotten that Riedewald turns 21 in September. Despite being in the dawn of his career, he is already vastly experienced at a top level and will most likely continue his development in this fashion. The probability of Riedewald working on and improving upon his current flaws is very high considering he will want to challenge the current defensive axis for their starting berths. FORECAST FOR 2017 Remaining in the fold at Ajax will be a high priority. Leaving Ajax at such a young age and not making the step up to one of the more competitive European leagues would represent a possible regression in his career. Riedewald will have some serious work to do if he is to regain and retain his preferred position in the defence, but it is not unfathomable. He is at present, third-choice centre-back at Ajax, a situation most footballers would not wish to find themselves in especially after being first choice at one point earlier this season. As a young player, Riedewald has plenty of time to continue to learn, and to develop physically and mentally as a player. Watching the progression of Davinson Sánchez at centre-back will only spur on the young Dutchman to compete even harder. What may not be out of the question is a move in the summer, because at just 20 years of age, Riedewald has already made 60 league appearances for Ajax, and has been publicly admired by a number of prestigious clubs. Should he stay as Bosz’s third choice, Riedewald could look to move on from the Amsterdam Arena for the sake of his international future. No doubt there will be no shortage of potential suitors for a player of his calibre.

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SÁNCHEZ FULL NAME:

DAVINSON SÁNCHEZ MINA CLUB: AFC AJAX NATIONALITY: COLOMBIAN POSTION: CENTRE-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: JUNE 12, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: JOE DONNOHUE (@JOE_DONNOHUE27)

2016 IN REVIEW The past twelve months have undoubtedly benefitted Davinson Sánchez’s development as a footballer remarkably. It was only in March of 2016 that the youngster netted his first senior goal for Atlético Nacional, but it was during this campaign that he truly established himself as an emerging talent. Sánchez starred on thirty occasions for El Verde, including 14appearances in the lucrative Copa Libertadores. South America’s version of the Champions League will be one of Sánchez’s most prized winners’ medals as the Colombian side triumphed in the 2016 final, but it likely will not be Sánchez’s only major honour in his career. For a 19-year-old to play such a key role in such an illustrious continental competition was nothing short of impressive. Subsequently, scouts from across Europe came to watch the Colombian’s defensive displays for Atlético Nacional. A formal offer for his services was made by Catalan giants, FC Barcelona, however Sánchez rejected their offer in favour of joining AFC Ajax. Sánchez cited his desire to play in the first team at his new club as the reason why he rejected Barça’s advances. In the Netherlands, Sánchez has hit the ground running and cemented his position at the heart of manager Peter Bosz’s defence. He is not in that position through experimentation either, as he is selected every week based on merit due to his excellent and mature performances. Sánchez also earned himself a call-up to the Colombian national team and earned his first senior cap during 2016; no doubt the first of many. STYLE OF PLAY Standing at 6”2’, Sánchez has been described as a modern-day centre-back thanks to his imposing stature but his innate ability to surprise opposition attacks with his pace, agility and technical ability. These attributes, alongside his undisputed strength, make him an excellent youth prospect. It is no wonder Barcelona remain interested in the player following his assured displays for Ajax. Sánchez does not seem intimidated or overawed playing regularly in one of Europe’s top divisions and with every first team appearance he looks to be developing and learning his trade. Ajax’s renowned youth setup is often coined as the home of Total Football, but Sánchez’s undeniable talent has allowed him to be fast-tracked into the starting XI.

There are a variety of reasons why he has remained there, yet the key factor is certainly his consistency. The Colombian has established himself as one of the league’s in-form defenders, as well as being described as one of Europe’s hottest properties. His strength is something that has been noted by Bosz, opposition managers and scouts, as his one of his best attributes. However, it is this coupled with his other prominent technical strengths that make him a complete defender in the making. Football is faster than ever, with the ball able to be recycled at one end of the pitch and converted into a goal-scoring opportunity at the other end in rapidly. The modern defender requires pace, agility and mental focus in abundance in order to play a role in this. Essentially, centre-halves must be comfortable all-round players – almost midfielders in their ability to hold the ball up, recycle possession and instigate attacks from deep. Fortunately, Sánchez is already proving himself capable playing in this manner at Ajax, playing a pivotal role in a team that have utterly dominated many of their league matches this season. The traits mentioned above are all within the realm of Sánchez’s game, with the youngster either displaying them at present, or is showing signs of developing them in future. His pace and agility as aforementioned, allow him to compete with the ball on the ground and make him difficult to take on in one-on-one situations. Whether it be outright out-muscling of the opponent off the ball, or catching the attacker utilising his pace, Sánchez is extremely difficult to beat. Sánchez’s tendency to lunge in and make a tackle is admirable; a player unafraid of a coming together, ready to put the needs of the team before his own. Yet at times it can be largely unnecessary and leave him at a disadvantage if his tackle is not entirely successful. overall though, Sánchez is consistent with his tackling, much like the rest of his play. His penchant for the occasional sliding challenge comes about because he reads the game so well. He is quick off the mark to get to a loose ball and remains alert to any danger. At times, he is found to be stretching to make a challenge and has come under criticism for that fact, leaving space in behind while he remains on the ground. Nevertheless, Sánchez only has two bookings in the league so far this term, and does not look like adding too many more to that tally. Due to his alertness, he typically times his tackles well and clears the danger. On the other hand though, Sánchez has picked up three cautions in the Europa League. This potentially highlights his defensive capabilities are less impressive when coming up against better opposition than Ajax face most weeks in the Eredivisie. On the ball, based on his size and speed, most would assume that Sánchez is not the best dribbler. This is not the case, as the Colombian is calm and collected in possession, able to spread the play, but he generally likes to play simple. Recently in a match against Heracles, Sánchez ventured into the opposition half quite clearly looking for a forward pass, highlighting his comfort in possession. Due to the lack of pressure on him in this instance, Sánchez opted to progress further and further before unleashing a direct, David Luiz-esque low drive into the bottom corner of the net giving Ajax a two-goal cushion. Not only does this show that the Colombian is exceedingly confident of his abilities, but that his talents are not limited to the defensive side of his game. Some players are excellent at distributing the ball forty yards with a single cross-field pass. Sánchez is not one of those. While this allows his passing accuracy to remain at a high 88%, it can thwart potential counter attacks as he opts to play it short rather than setting an attacker free up-field after regaining possession. Against the packed Eredivisie defences that Ajax play against however, a more incisive edge may allow them to be more dangerous offensively and commit more players to their attacks. FORECAST FOR 2017 Sánchez has the potential progress greatly in 2017. Having burst onto the scene in 2016, he has been relentless in maintaining his high standard performances. Now playing at an even higher level at Ajax and excelling there too, there is no doubt he has attracted the interest of a whole host of top clubs. Barcelona’s interest will not go away in a hurry. They seem set on acquiring a player of Sánchez’s quality as, at just 20-years-old, he looks a viable long-term partner to Samuel Umtiti at the heart of defence. As evidenced by his rejection of Barcelona in the summer though, Sánchez’s main priority is playing regular football at the highest level he can. At Ajax, he will be afforded that luxury for some time to come, therefore it is highly likely that he will remain at the club for at least another season, especially given the fact that his current deal runs until 2021. Should he remain consistent in his displays throughout 2017, it is scary to think how strong the Colombian can become. At just 20 years of age he already displays qualities of seasoned centre-backs. At Ajax, he has an excellent environment to develop, and injuries permitting, will continue in a starring role there for as long as his own ambitions allow him. In terms of international appearances, it would not be a surprise to see Sánchez oust some of Colombia’s defensive stalwarts through 2017. José Pékerman can quite clearly see the talent at his disposal and exposing him to the likes of Argentina and Brazil in the remaining World Cup qualifiers will be an experience that will only assist Sánchez in his remarkable development in the hope of contributing to a Colombian success at the 2018 World Cup or at tournaments into the future.

DF CHRISTENSEN FULL NAME: ANDREAS BØDTKER CHRISTENSEN CLUB: BORUSSIA MÖNCHENGLADBACH NATIONALITY: DANISH POSTION: CENTRE-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: APRIL 10, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: CONOR GARRATT (@CONORGARRATT)

2016 IN REVIEW Andreas Christensen’s two-year spell at Borussia Mönchengladbach has been a startling success so far. Eighteen months in, the young Dane has become a fulcrum of the side’s defensive ranks and is virtually the first name on the team sheet each week. After the club lost Martin Stranzl, Roel Brouwers and Álvaro Dominguez from their defensive ranks for various reasons in 2016, this has been absolutely crucial. Christensen has played virtually every game of 2016 for the Foals – bar a spell on the side-lines with a thigh injury in autumn – with highlights coming in match-winning performances against Bremen in February and Mainz in December, in which the loanee proved a difference-maker at both ends of the pitch. This must be tempered with the fact that Christensen has played in testing circumstances for much of his time with Borussia. Recently departed head coach André Schubert’s bombastic football did secure a fourth-placed berth at the end of 2015/16, but his spell at the club was marred by structural issues in the defence that led to inconsistency throughout the year. Christensen had to battle against this as much as the rest of his teammates, but arguably to greater effect; at the halfway point this season, he had won 53% of his duels and completed an average of seven defensive actions per game. This clearly paints a picture of a hugely talented player performing well in a flawed and underperforming team. But the fact is this: with Christensen, none of this is a surprise. His brilliant form at the end of 2015 hinted at the development we saw throughout 2016 and the thought of Christensen under a defensively astute coach, such as Antonio Conte at his parent club Chelsea, is absolutely tantalising. Potentially a leading figure for the Danish national side too for years to come, it appears that Christensen’s career is headed in a distinctly positive direction.

STYLE OF PLAY Christensen is comfortable at both centre-back and defensive midfield and as one might expect, is therefore very confident both on the ball and when working off it. While given somewhat of a baptism of fire during his Borussia debut back in 2015 against Dortmund’s pressing machine, the loanee has quickly blossomed into a player adept at playing with composure against aggressive pressing teams, which is crucial for a modern defender at the top level. No slouch either, Christensen is armed with enough pace to comfortably make up ground on attackers bearing down on goal and this has both prevented opposition teams benefitting from mistakes made by his teammates and indeed on occasion by himself. At 6’2” and with broad shoulders, there is nothing at all to question about Christensen’s physical game, which should stand him in good stead upon his probable return to the Premier League in the summer. With an astonishingly good 90% pass accuracy this season, Christensen is adept at moving play forward and finding his teammates in good positions, as well as playing his way out of pressured situations at the back. Interestingly, of Borussia’s stalwarts only full back Tony Jantschke, centre-back partner Jannik Vestergaard and defensive midfielder Tobias Strobl play longer passes in general, which hints at an urgency and verticality to Christensen’s game. Christensen has not been shy at the other end of the pitch either, with important goals in games against Bremen in February and Mainz in December managing to stem the tide of some negative results for parts of the campaign. Crucially as well, Christensen has seen just one yellow in 50 league games in Germany so far. In pressure situations, he has the mental strength not to lose his temper and to stay in control of his behaviour, but above all measure the severity of his challenges carefully. Despite this, if he were to return to parent club Chelsea, Conte may not approve of this statistic. It suggests a lack of aggressiveness from the Dane. Conte is a manager who wants his players to pick up yellow cards if it means breaking up a dangerous attack. It would not be the first time an Italian manager has made an adjustment like that, after Max Allegri publicly criticised young centre-back Daniele Rugani for his lack of aggressive intent when he arrived at Juventus. This was after Rugani had played every minute of the 14/15 Serie A season with Empoli without receiving a single yellow card. FORECAST FOR 2017 New head coach Dieter Hecking took over at Borussia this winter and it seems that the rest of this season should see Christensen benefit from a coach whose understanding of defensive structures is a step-up from his previous manager. Playing in a defence with a better structure and shape would obviously do Christensen’s record no harm, even though the Dane’s underlying performances were nevertheless excellent throughout 2016. But most interestingly, Christensen’s career sits at an exciting crossroads in the summer. His two-year loan at Mönchengladbach ends at the completion of the current season and while overtures will certainly be made by the club to keep him on for at least a further year, it appears to be fairly wishful thinking with the club unlikely to gate-crash the European places again. With some aging legs among Chelsea’s defensive ranks, it seems sensible for Christensen’s parent club to plan their defence’s immediate future at least with him, if not around him. But having made the bold move to another European league for regular football before, it does not appear out of the question that this bright young defender may push for a loan move, or even a permanent one, if regular football at Stamford Bridge is not on the cards. As John Terry’s career draws to a close however and with the regular questions asked about Gary Cahill despite his decent form this season, positions may however open up for Christensen at Stamford Bridge. Where the Dane eventually ends up will undoubtedly shape his fate in the final months of 2017 indelibly, but when he takes to a football pitch, Christensen invariably delivers and should do so no matter where is playing.

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MAMMANA FULL NAME: EMANUEL HERNÁN MAMMANA CLUB: OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS NATIONALITY: ARGENTINIAN POSTION: CENTRE-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: FEBRUARY 10, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: WILL SAVAGE

2016 IN REVIEW Trivia time; in 2014 Emanuel Mammana became the second player to make his senior Argentina debut before his first-team debut at club level when he came on for Javier Mascherano in a friendly. The first player to do this? Javier Mascherano, the man he replaced. At the time, it seemed like Mammana’s career was advancing at a mile a minute and his name spread quickly in social media’s football circles. A highly-regarded defender having come through the River Plate academy, Mammana first impressed as one of the standout performers in the 2013 U-17 World Cup, marshalling the backline well during Argentina’s run to the semi-final. At club level things were also going well as River won the U-17 Club World Cup, a campaign in which he featured regularly. Alejandro Sabella took notice, calling Mammana up to train with the national team and giving him his first (and thus far only) cap against Slovenia when injuries struck Argentina’s backline. By late 2014 Mammana was featuring for River’s first team in the league and in cup competitions. Despite his age and inexperience, he was trusted with starting at right-back in the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana final which River went on to win. With Argentina’s U-20 side winning the 2015 Sudamericano Mammana’s stock continued to rise and although still not a regular for River he was seeing more and more action, often filling in at full-back when required. It was not long before European clubs came calling and in 2016 Mammana moved to Olympique Lyonnais. Since the move Mammana has not featured as often as he would have liked, with only six games so far in the league for the French side.

STYLE OF PLAY During his time at River’s academy, Mammana was fielded as a midfielder before his move back into the centre of defence - it shows. As more and more young defenders are these days, the Argentine is composed on the ball, happy to take his time and move the ball around calmly. His happiness to bring the ball out from the back to instigate play is one of the standout features of his game. This calmness and composure regularly transfers to his defending too, as he is rarely seen lunging into tackles. Rather, Mammana is more comfortable relying on his intelligence to defend, looking to snuff out attacks with his positioning and anticipation. Saying that, when the 21-year-old is required to make a tackle, his technique is usually clean and crisp. Despite the position he plays, he rarely finds himself in the referee’s notebook. As mentioned above, Mammana has often found minutes at full-back. Looking at the general features of his game, this is not surprising. Technically good, intelligent, capable of bringing the ball forward and supporting attacks, the versatility these attributes have imbued in his game have certainly increased the number of opportunities he has received. At just 21, Mammana’s maturity and resolute nature are commendable and no doubt have played a big part in getting him this far in his career, with it regularly being commented on by teammates and coaches. Whether on the ball or trying to win it back calmness and leadership seem to run through everything the young centre-back does. Mammana is not yet flawless though. As is perhaps to be expected from a young ball-playing defender, he can get caught out overcomplicating things at times when advancing play from the back. At times, his decision making on whether to advance with the ball or take a more industrial approach could be improved. Mammana’s reliance on his intelligence has perhaps seen him neglect the physical side of the game. Standing at six feet one would be loathe call him small, his frame is more on the side of wiry than it is well-built. This can cause a problem, when he is required to get tight to an opponent to compete aerially he can be caught out. In saying that, neither of these are fatal flaws in his game and both can be improved with application, experience and some long hours in the gym. FORECAST FOR 2017 With chances at Lyon being scarce so far, Mammana may wonder whether he was better off staying in South America and playing regularly for a while longer. Although over 40 first-team appearances is not bad for a young defender, there is an inescapable feeling that his career could be stalling at the moment. Having said that, Lyon is historically a club that knows how and when to blood its youngsters, so perhaps faith should be kept in the OL coaches. After all, the ability and attitude are both there in Mammana’s game for chances to come his way. If the 21-year-old is able to remain patient for his chance, there is little doubt he will still be able to prove to Bruno Génésio that he is worthy of a regular place in the starting XI at Lyon. Unsurprisingly, on the international scene, Mammana’s first cap, granted as it was by injuries, is also his only cap. His lack of first-team football probably will not help in the short term but there is little doubt that his future involves regularly pulling on the shirt of La Albiceleste.

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HOLDING FULL NAME: ROBERT SAMUEL HOLDING CLUB: ARSENAL FC NATIONALITY: ENGLISH POSTION: CENTRE-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: SEPTEMBER 20, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: PHIL COSTA (@_PHILCOSTA)

2016 IN REVIEW 2016 really was a tale of two extremes for Rob Holding. Bolton Wanderers were in disarray both on and off the pitch with a want away owner and transfer embargo, before falling into England’s third tier and loitering on the edge of liquidation – they were within inches of no longer existing. But in amongst the turmoil, there was a shining light in the form of a 20-year-old centre-back. Not just any 20-year-old centre back; one that Cruyff turns away from opposition attackers in his own six-yard box – surely then, he could only land himself at one team. The Premier League came calling for Bolton’s Player of the Year, and it was, of course, Arsenal who emerged with his signature amidst competition from Bournemouth and Everton. Despite arriving in north London as an unknown quantity, the Gunners faithful have welcomed their new signing with open arms after some confident early season displays. After his effortless transition into the club’s pre-season tour of America, Holding’s encouraging performances were rewarded with early first team football in the absence of Per Mertesacker and Gabriel, before Shkodran Mustafi was signed in late August. Looking like he had partnered the rock-solid Laurent Koscielny for years, the young defender seems to fit the mould of an archetypal Arsenal player and has already found himself on the end of deserved praise from Arsene Wenger.

STYLE OF PLAY In what has been a welcome shift of late, Holding is another emerging talent deviating away from the outdated expectations of what an English centre-back should be. Comfortable when receiving the ball from his goalkeeper or defensive partners, he will always attempt to play the ball forward and, even better, through the lines of a high press or solid defensive structure. Equally as adept at bringing the ball forward as he is passing, he often dribbles into the opposition half to push his team further up the field before looking for a midfielder or full back who can continue to progress play. More importantly, alongside his impressive technical ability, Holding is still very much a defender at heart. For such a young player with less than 40 first team appearances to his name, the way he operates is very natural. The now 21-year-old is a fine reader of in-game situations, anticipating passes and high balls very well, making sure that he is positioned correctly and timing his tackles well to avoid giving away unnecessary free kicks or being booked. He is what one would describe as a ‘clean defender’, using his grace and intelligence to win the ball, instead of relying on sheer force and aggression which can have consequences should you get your timings wrong. Despite his largely elegant approach to defending, Holding is not afraid to get stuck in when needed. The Championship is notorious for its physicality and competitiveness and coming into a struggling side that is leaking goals brings a new meaning to being thrown in at the deep end. But he took to the challenge like a duck to water, steaming into (well-timed) tackles and ushering players into touch with his sizable frame – excelling in a three at the back formation. Standing at 6’2”, he possesses a natural physique which lends itself well to the demands of English football. It is also complemented by an excellent turn of pace, thus adding to his credentials as a truly modern-day defender. One weakness that is apparent in Holding’s game is his tendency to lose runners coming in from the lefthand side. Usually so aware of his surroundings and making sure he is in line with the rest of his back four, small lapses of concentration have sometimes proven costly. For example, whilst playing for the England U21s against France in November, Celtic striker Moussa Dembélé outfoxed Holding with a clever diagonal run before going on smash home the equaliser. The piece of movement itself was excellent, but the Arsenal man was guilty of making it too easy for Dembélé and once he had noticed his error - it was too late. Shane Long also gave him trouble when repeating a similar kind of run during Arsenal’s EFL Cup quarter-final defeat to Southampton. FORECAST FOR 2017 In terms of what the next twelve months may bring for Holding, it is difficult to say. For all his talent and promise, the harsh reality is that he currently stands as the fourth or fifth-choice centre-back at the club. What is certain however, is that with Arsenal still challenging for the FA Cup, there will still be opportunities for him to stake a claim. Wenger has already shown that he is willing to rotate his squad to keep players both fit and happy, which has seen the 21-year-old start (and impress) on nine occasions this season. But in truth, an in and out campaign could be the best thing for him right now. This is a young guy who had never been out of Bolton before his summer move, who is slightly reserved in character and slowly making the step up to a higher standard in his career. Learning from the likes of Koscielny, Mertesacker and Mustafi every day will leave him in good stead for the future as his reputation grows both domestically and internationally. Holding has the attributes and temperament to be a success in the modern game and it is easy to see why the Gunners boss was willing to spend £2 million for him in the summer. He will understandably be aiming for more first team minutes, but should he continue improving, his time to shine at Arsenal may come sooner than expected.

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GRIMALDO FULL NAME: ALEJANDRO GRIMALDO GARCÍA CLUB: SL BENFICA NATIONALITY: SPANISH POSTION: LEFT-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: SEPTEMBER 20, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: WILL SAVAGE

2016 IN REVIEW It can be easy to think Álex Grimaldo is older than 21 given that he has spent years being touted as one of the biggest future talents bubbling away at Barcelona ‘B’. Despite suffering from injuries in the past, Grimaldo had amassed over 90 appearances for Barcelona’s second side by the end of 2015 but was yet to receive a chance for the senior side. In an interview with RAC 1 shortly before leaving Grimaldo spoke of his unhappiness with his situation and the lack of communication from Barcelona’s management team. With that in mind, it was no surprise when he moved on in January. Saying that, a move to Benfica rather than one of Europe’s larger clubs was perhaps surprising, while a bargain fee of €1.5m was also unexpected. Grimaldo had to be patient for his chance, with Eliseu having the left back position locked down for the second half of the 15/16 season. With Portugal’s lengthy run in the summer’s European Championships, Grimaldo had his chance at the start of the season to make his mark and took his chance with aplomb. His impressive performances quickly cemented his place as a regular despite Eliseu’s return and have turned heads throughout the continent. This is despite the Spaniard being locked down to a contract until 2021 with a rumoured release clause upwards of €60m.

STYLE OF PLAY As a left-back who spent his formative years with Barcelona, Grimaldo is pretty much exactly what you would expect. His sweet left foot and excellent attacking instincts make him a wonderful asset going forward. Additionally, when given time to deliver from wide areas Grimaldo’s pin-point crosses can cause problems for any defence. Unlike many modern full-backs, the Spaniard is more than just a good crosser who traverses the touchline well. Indeed, physically speaking, he is not the most impressive. That is not to say he is a poor athlete, because that simply would not be true, but his game is not defined simply by pace or stamina like many of his contemporaries. His intelligence and tactical understanding of the game more than make up for any weaknesses. Although knowledge of the game is what you would expect from a graduate of La Masia, it is still impressive for one so young. The timing of quality of his runs are one of the key aspects of his game and he frequently roams infield rather than hugging the touchline to offer his team a different option in possession, a throwback to his days as a midfielder earlier in his career. Although his passing helps facilitate build-up play for his team better than most defenders, his decision-making when picking a pass can sometimes seem impulsive. The passes he chooses can be riskier than the situation warrants, although that is not a trait without an upside when it can at times lead to dangerous attacks for his team. With his roots at Barcelona, it seems surprising that the Spanish full-back never received an opportunity to battle Jordi Alba for a starting berth at Camp Nou. He suits the Barcelona style down to the smallest nuances, such as his tendency to drift in-field and create overloads in the centre of the pitch that help Benfica to control the ball and dominate possession. It is no surprise then that Grimaldo has been linked to Manchester City, a team desperate for a youthful full-back to replace the ageing Gaël Clichy and Aleksandar Kolorov and a team being moulded into the Barcelona style by Pep Guardiola. Defensively, he can sometimes leave gaps due to his attacking instincts, but these are rarely exploited for a variety of reasons. Although he leaves space in-behind, Grimaldo is both smart and tenacious. He knows how to track back and how to defend and is a strong tackler in one-on-one duels. Furthermore, Benfica are one of the few dominant clubs in Portugal. It is rare that Benfica are seriously compromised defensively and that solidity goes much of the way towards allowing Grimaldo the freedom to play in a more adventurous manner. Having said that, Grimaldo has the tools and the intelligence to adapt his game to a different system or league, if a move were to happen. One of the few problems with his game would probably be his physical profile. He is only 5’7” and he does not have the biggest frame, which means he can struggle in the air and in physical battles. FORECAST FOR 2017 Whether in January or in the summer, a move to a bigger club seems a certainty, with the usual big name European clubs linked regularly. A move to Manchester City would see Grimaldo link up with former Barcelona chief Guardiola, a potential transfer which has been mentioned repeatedly in the press. If he does stay at Benfica for the foreseeable future, then first-team football is pretty much guaranteed with the place in the side already his. Perhaps that would more beneficial to him. After all, he moved to Benfica due to his lack of chances at Barcelona, the last thing he would want is to be in that position again. In saying that, the defensive paucity at Manchester City and age of the squad means top-level football would be his if he took his chance there. Wherever he ends 2017, he certainly has the tools at his disposal to make the most of any opportunity. If his career continues in the manner it seems to be progressing, then his international future should be just as promising. Aside from intermittent call-ups for Spain’s youth teams, Grimaldo’s international experience is non-existent. His international future, however, is anything but.

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SÜLE FULL NAME: NIKLAS SÜLE CLUB: TSG 1899 HOFFENHEIM NATIONALITY: GERMAN POSTION: CENTRE-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: SEPTEMBER 3, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: CONOR GARRATT (@CONORGARRATT)

2016 IN REVIEW For a man of relative youth, Niklas Süle sure seems to have been around for a while. The 21-year-old has been a Hoffenheim regular for three years now, having made his way up from the youth system at the tender age of 17. Since then October 2013, he has virtually played every game as a starter – availability depending. He has long been known as a bright talent by those who watch the club week in, week out. However, the club’s well-documented defensive fragility in recent seasons, which has generally seen them competing at the wrong end of the table, has perhaps kept the hype surrounding the youngster reasonably low. That was until 2016, at least. Since Julian Nagelsmann, the 29-year old coaching phenomenon, was appointed, the side have been significantly more successful than usual – staying unbeaten during the entire Hinrunde of 2016/17 and avoiding relegation the season before thanks to a brand of stylish and exciting football since his appointment in February 2016. Süle, as a virtual ever-present under Nagelsmann – he has missed just two games of the coach’s tenure – has therefore seen his stock rise quite significantly over the course of the past year. Of course, while much of the hype is circumstantial, it is not without reason. Süle’s 2016 was perhaps the most impressive of Germany’s current crop of youngsters, certainly the most impressive of their young defenders. The towering German has been showing week-in, week-out since 2013 that he is the country’s most consistent up-and-coming central defender and this development was to be expected. So, while 2016 might not have been a breakout year in the sense that the young German has proved his quality for a while now, it was certainly a year in which his performances – perhaps more consistent than before – saw him reach greater acclaim. As well as that, he was rewarded with his first Germany cap by Joachim Löw; that is no mean feat whatsoever, given the strength of his competitors at centre back. And, to cap off a virtually impeccable year, purported interest from a plethora of elite European clubs ended in a transfer to FC Bayern München being slated for the summer of 2017. That, it must be said, is an impressive year by any standards.

STYLE OF PLAY Standing at 6”4’, or 1.94m, Süle has the look of a classic centre-half, but to think of him as such would be misguided. True; he is excellent at both tackling (65% success rate so far in 16/17) and heading (69% in the same time frame), is rarely caught out of position, and uses his physicality to his advantage in many of his duels with opposing attackers. But to emphasise these areas of the youngster’s game is to completely underplay many of the strengths of a player who, in many ways, has become a cosmopolitan defender. Playing under a coach as innovative as Nagelsmann has certainly helped the youngster showcase his strengths; the side generally are set out with a back three, from which Süle is encouraged to step into midfield during possession and assist the team in dictating the play. Defensive midfield is, incidentally, a position that Süle can play – due to his undeniable strengths in defence he has not actually played in the role particularly often for Hoffenheim. However, this hints at the excellent mobility he possesses. Useful when stepping out of defence into midfield, or just playing in midfield from the off, are Süle’s skills on the ball; with a passing success rate of an incredible 88% so far this season, the young German’s teammates can be fairly certain of receiving the ball from him, even when put under pressure by his opponents. In many ways, this makes Süle an excellent all-rounder for coaches. for someone like Nagelsmann, who likes to switch fluidly between several different systems both between different fixtures and within single games too, he has a zeal for understanding the differing tactics which facilitates the many changes on the pitch. for other coaches, like Löw or his future Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti, this also means he can realistically operate in many different roles as a centre-half. This season, it has been Benjamin Hübner who has perhaps been the most effective at dealing with attacks, while Süle has functioned as a creative force at the back. But, with a change of role, there is certainly scope for him to develop the defensive side of the game even further. FORECAST FOR 2017 Süle’s upcoming (and, at this point, already agreed) transfer to Bayern in the summer both clears up many questions about his future and poses new ones. Of course, all questions about the direction of his career have been removed by the early announcement of the move, but it remains to be seen what sort of a role the youngster will play at a club of Bayern’s stature. Which is, obviously, a massive step up from Hoffenheim irrespective of the club’s wonderful season so far. It would perhaps be optimistic to say that Süle will immediately compete with the consolidated trio of Jerôme Boateng, Mats Hummels and Javi Martinez for a starting berth at Bayern, though. Despite his relative experience for a 21-year old; all three are quite simply a class above the youngster at this stage of his career, with consistent top-level games in Europe and for their countries over the years. But first he has a full Rückrunde at Hoffenheim to play and securing the club a historic first finish in Europe would be the perfect ending to an association with the club he joined in his teens back in 2010. That is not just a distinct possibility, but also something that Süle must be instrumental in if it is to be achieved, having been one of the club’s key players throughout the Hinrunde. That would certainly give him a better chance at immediately establishing himself at Bayern and could also provide him with more chances to impress Joachim Löw at international level as Germany gear up for the World Cup in Russia next year.

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KIMPEMBE FULL NAME: PRESNEL KIMPEMBE CLUB: PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN NATIONALITY: FRENCH POSTION: CENTRE-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: AUGUST 13, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: JAKE ENTWISTLE (@JAKEENTWISTLE)

2016 IN REVIEW For Presnel Kimpembe, 2016 was a rapid ascent to prominence. The only defender nominated for the prestigious Trophée Téléfoot for Best Young French Player last year, marked a meteoric rise in which the 21-yearold centre-back completed his journey from PSG’s French fourth-tier B team to first team ever-present. As you would expect of any young player at a club of PSG’s magnitude and financial backing, regular first team starts were few and far between in general. However, in the absence of David Luiz and Marquinhos, Kimpembe took his place alongside club captain Thiago Silva and stood out in PSG’s 2016/17 pre-season tour; which itself was far from a series of fixtures organised for purely promotional purposes. The 21-year-old lined up against some of the best players in European football. Fit or not, the same applied to PSG’s young centre half. He went toe-to-toe with the talented attackers of Real Madrid and Inter Milan and barely put a foot wrong. Kimpembe looked extremely comfortable, assured and impressive at the back, making a bold statement for the season ahead. Fast forward to the competitive matches and minutes have been relatively scarce. David Luiz’s permanent departure meant that there was one less player ahead of him in the pecking order; but breaking up PSG’s current Brazilian pair has proven difficult. Despite this, when given the playing time Kimpembe has built on his impressive pre-season form Given the gulf in quality between PSG and most other sides you could argue Kimpembe has not been tested often enough at club level. He had started league 12 games at the time of writing; winning nine of them, drawing two and losing the other 3-1 to Monaco, PSG’s biggest title rival this season - conceding just six goals in total during that time. No matter how poor the opposition may or may not be, the young centre-half has slotted seamlessly into one of Europe’s most competitive and massively expensive squads. A call up to the French senior squad in October may have only come about because of an injury to Elaquim Mangala, and although Kimpembe never made his debut, Deschamps’ readiness to call upon him is a testament to his remarkable development in the last year, but, most importantly, his exciting future.

STYLE OF PLAY As horrible and clichéd as it may sound, Kimpembe is a ‘quintessential modern-day centre back.’ With almost a greater emphasis placed on a centre-back’s ability on the ball than their actual defensive capabilities, especially for sides who are expected to dominate possession, Kimpembe fits these new-age specifications seamlessly. An athletic player, his pace and power off the ball is matched by his composure and confidence on it. The France U-21 captain enjoys coming out with the ball, always looking for an opportunity to breeze past onrushing forwards, shrugging them off before playing an incisive pass with his trusty left-foot, or simply dragging his side up the pitch. However, no matter how graceful and comfortable Kimpembe on the ball, his physicality means he still hits like a truck in the tackle. PSG’s young defender thrives in one-on-one situations and his first thought is always winning possession back as quickly as possible: by far his greatest strength is intercepting the ball. Rarely beaten in one-on-one situations, just as a pacey winger may lick his lips when isolating an opposition defender, Kimpembe thrives in his personal duels with attackers. Almost always first to the ball, his reading of the game paired with his physicality allows him to win back possession almost before an intended pass has even arrived at a striker’s feet. His preference to intercept and challenge immediately can sometimes cause trouble, especially if the attacker is clever enough to flick the ball around him. However, it is often Kimpembe who triumphs. Another player-defining trait is his ability to carry the ball after winning it. He oozes confidence and it cannot be stressed enough how comfortable he is with ball at his feet. The fact he enjoys being on the ball so much is probably the reason why he is always so hungry to win it back. When he does retrieve possession, he is rarely wasteful in the use of it.  Despite being immensely composed, Kimpembe is at times far too over eager to attempt interceptions. As alluded to earlier, his tendency to try and win possession back as quickly as possible can lead him to making rash decisions to the detriment of his team, either drawing him out of position when trying to read the game, or making tackles that have a very low chance of success, with one occasion standing out as a prime example. Whilst playing for France U-21s against a competitive and pacey England side, Kimpembe was at fault for one goal after misjudging the flight and speed of the ball, resulting in a mistimed interception drawing him completely out of position. The English attackers raced away and exploited the space vacated by Kimpembe to score. It was just one mistake, yes, but the warning signs are there. A symptom of enjoying his defensive work, although his instincts are very good for such a young defender, he must reign back his eagerness to regain possession if he wants to avoid being labelled as a rash and volatile centre-back. In short, Presnel Kimpembe is a muscular, ball-playing monster of a centre-back and any weaknesses he may have will occur less frequently with more regular game time and experience. He is custom-built for ‘modern football’ and has all the traits necessary to become a huge success. FORECAST FOR 2017 On the cusp of a place in PSG’s starting XI, 2017 may be too soon for this academy graduate to become a regular fixture in the side. However, if his Champions League debut in February against Barcelona is anything to go by, Kimpembe will have no trouble slotting into the PSG side when called upon. The French side’s team performance itself was astonishing but it speaks volume about Kimpembe’s attitude and ambition that he was completely unfazed by the occasion. Strong in the tackle and elegant on the ball even at 21-years-old he looked at home… just ask Lionel Messi. In his current situation, he can only ever be as good as the chances he is given and the teams put in front of him. And so far, bar a few expected hiccups relating to the occasional rashness addressed earlier, Kimpembe has done everything that has been asked of him without looking fazed. Any recklessness stems from a genuine eagerness to impress rather than a lack of intelligence or any other more damning flaw in his game. His performance against Barcelona proved it. Unfortunately, the Brazilian duo ahead of him will more than likely keep their places for the foreseeable future, and the French-Congolese centre-half must bide his time for consistent starts. But he should stay at PSG. Kimpembe is far too good to be loaned out to another team, and the Paris-based club will have no intention of selling him. His existing situation is the perfect platform for future success: playing sufficiently frequently and at a high enough level to have already caught the eye of Didier Deschamps, whilst captaining the France U-21 side, his international future looks bright. Whilst at club level, in Thiago Silva, he has an excellent defensive mentor, and in Marquinhos, he has a potential centre-back partner for 10-plus years. The former, at 32, will not be around forever and in Kimpembe, Emery’s side have a ready-made replacement to eventually fill their current captain’s enormous boots. And they will not have to spend a thing.

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STARK FULL NAME: NIKLAS STARK CLUB: HERTHA BSC NATIONALITY: GERMAN POSTION: CENTRE-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: APRIL 14, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: JACK GRIMSE (@JACKGRIMSE)

2016 IN REVIEW While Hertha Berlin sputtered last spring after a fantastic start to the 2015/16 Bundesliga campaign, Niklas Stark was one of the bright spots. Last season was his first at the club in the capital after transferring from 1. FC Nürnberg in the summer of 2015 and Stark showed plenty of promise that he has been building on so far in this campaign. Like last year, Hertha BSC started wonderfully in the Bundesliga, having found themselves in the Champions League qualification places at the time of the winter break. They managed the same last year, but this season there has been more substance and style in the capital despite some slightly less consistent form since the Bundesliga resumed. Once again, Stark has been at the heart of a well-organised defensive unit. He has chipped in with the odd goal at the other end as well, heading home the winner against 1. FC Köln in October. After starting the previous campaign playing mostly at centre-back, 2016 has seen Stark move into defensive midfield on a more regular basis. This is due to his club team-mate Fabian Lustenberger being more consistently utilised as a centre-back. An injury to John Anthony Brooks meant Stark played in defence at times too though, not that it is a problem for the 21-year-old German. From a health standpoint, the 2016 calendar year was far more positive than the year before it for Stark. He missed nine Bundesliga games towards the end of 2015 and was unable to crack the starting XI for a further five games after returning. However, after returning to the first team in February, he started all of Hertha’s final 12 league matches.

STYLE OF PLAY Stark’s versatility is something any manager would be lucky to have from a defensive player. Alternating between defensive midfield and central defence, Stark is equally suited to both. While he is certainly a better tackler than passer, Stark is confident with the ball at his feet and does not give possession away cheaply. With a pass accuracy of 84.7% so far this Bundesliga season, it is easy to see why Hertha boss Pál Dárdai trusts the German either in the backline or just ahead of it. Certainly, much of the impressive passing completion percentage is derived from the fact that Stark likes to play short passes along the turf. There is work to be done with regards to his long passing game though, and he is probably never going to hit 50-yard passes in the style of Jérôme Boateng – it simply is not his style. Stark is effective in midfield because he does not turn the ball over regularly. His composure and strength when in possession makes it difficult to dispossess him and he has good recovery pace which allows him make difficult tackles when his team does give the ball away. Something else Stark brings to the table is an aerial threat from attacking set pieces. The three Hertha goals that Stark has scored in his career have all have been headers and all were scored in the 2016 calendar year. His 6”2’ frame means he usually does not have to jump very high to win aerial duals. However, if he could leap higher he would probably win more air balls, as he has only won 33 (55.9%) aerial duals he has been involved in this season. Only 21, Stark’s stamina is still developing. He may not be able to go in central midfield every game or play every minute of every match in that position. However, more exposure to that position as he continues to mature – as well as a few more pre-seasons – should see the German become more accustomed to running out matches strongly. FORECAST FOR 2017 Even though he is only 21, this is Stark’s fourth year in the Bundesliga. Continuing to be an important defensive asset for Hertha is something that can, and should be expected of him in 2017. If the Berliners are to continue building upon their early-season success, Stark will be crucial to it as a central figure in a very organised defence. The German has proved his maturity regularly at Hertha, helping the team to keep their shape and prevent shooting opportunities - something that is reflected in quantitative data, such as goal difference on the league table. Seeing the progression made by Stark in the Bundesliga has been impressive and continuing to perform well in big opportunities will only lead to more exposure. His national team career progression is right where it should be. Stark has played with the German national team from U-17 level all the way up to the U-21 side, who he is currently routinely playing with. Soon to be ineligible to play for the U-21 team, he may seek a move to a bigger club should the opportunity arise to make a stronger case for selection at senior level. A move of that magnitude is not in the works currently though. Instead, Stark should concentrate on trying to help qualify Hertha for European football for next season – with a Champions League berth still a remote possibility. If Hertha can do the impossible and qualify for the Champions League, it would be a good opportunity for Stark to show Germany manager Joachim Löw that he can cut it at the top level.

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NABIULLIN FULL NAME: ELMIR RAMILYEVICH NABIULLIN CLUB: RUBIN KAZAN NATIONALITY: RUSSIAN POSTION: LEFT-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: MARCH 8, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: DAVID SANSUN (@RFN_DAVID)

2016 IN REVIEW Elmir Nabiullin has had a year marred by niggling injuries which have seen him only make 18 league appearances in 2016. Despite his regular absences, Nabiullin remains one of the top talents in Russian football at the tender age of 21. He has continually impressed when he has played in his traditional left-back position, rather than further forward. This contradicts one of his former managers, who said he could perhaps follow the same career path as Gareth Bale, who started his career as a left back and now is one of the world’s best attacking players. Nabiullin was unfortunate to miss out on the Russian squad for Euro 2016, as coach Leonid Slutskiy favoured the experienced defender Georgiy Schennikov as first choice. The Russian manager then baffled most fans with the inclusion of veteran Dmitriy Torbinskiy, who had played seven times at left back for his club side at the tail end of the 15/16 season but is a natural attacking midfielder. However, he has not let this hold him back and under the tutelage former Malaga coach Javi Garcia, he has kicked on well this season as he looks to secure a spot in the national team ahead of his country and city hosting the World Cup in 2018.

STYLE OF PLAY Nabiullin is not a stereotypical footballer. At 5’9” he is a diminutive figure, and coupled with his shy and reserved personality, he has often been accused of not being imposing or vocal enough on the pitch. In fact, just days after the new Rubin Kazan coach Garcia took over, he was overheard in training telling Nabiullin to talk more to his team-mates: “Elmir, come on! Get forward, I can’t even hear the sound of your voice!”. The 21-year-old has also spent numerous one-on-one sessions with the coach learning how to improve his game. Naturally, the young Russian is a left-back. That is where he has played most his league appearances and where he claims to be most comfortable on the pitch. He has, however, played a handful of games in a more advanced position over the past couple of seasons. Thanks to his speed and skill, he has done quite well, scoring twice in his seven appearances as a winger, including a goal away at Zenit the last time Rubin managed to get a point from the imposing St Petersburg side. As mentioned previously, Nabiullin has speed. He is without doubt one of the fastest players in the Russian Premier League, and almost certainly the fastest full-back. Last season, he was clocked at a top speed of 33.5 km/h by statistical provider InStat, which is the fifth quickest speed recorded in the whole RPL 15/16 season, just behind renowned speedsters such as Ahmed Musa and Quincy Promes. With this small frame, he can often be caught out in aerial clashes and back post crosses are a repeated threat. In defensive situations, though, he is a calm presence. In one-on-one situations Nabiullin is more than capable of dispossessing his man. However, it is on the counter and in the attacking phase of play where he is most valuable. He loves to get forward, loves to attack, and is very comfortable with the ball at his feet as evidenced by his average of 2.9 dribbles per 90 minutes in the league last season. Due to his speed and work rate, he can get forward freely without having to worry too much about being caught up the pitch. And thanks to his immense attacking presence and Rubin’s penchant for using a target-man striker, he has chipped in with several assists from his largely excellent crossing and ability to beat a man. In Rubin’s first win at the Kazan Arena in 2014, Nabiullin bamboozled Mario Fernandes with fleet feet and a few step-overs, before digging out a perfect cross for Rubin’s forward to head home. This season, some have questioned his current level of fitness. After returning from a spate of injuries there have been some moments where his positioning has been sub-par and in two games he has cramped up with over 15 minutes remaining. Despite this, he has kept up a good level of form. It is also clear that he is willing to adapt and learn. After being criticised by his manager for not being vocal enough in preseason, he has been heard a lot being very outspoken in some of this season’s games with phrases such as “Denis! Give me the ball!” quoted in the local media. If Nabiullin can keep up this level of semi-arrogance and self-confidence - traits which are key in a footballer – he will likely establish himself as Russia’s first-choice left-back. FORECAST FOR 2017 Nabiullin needs to maintain his fitness and start playing consecutive games for Rubin. Thanks to their 2016 summer spending, he will have the chance to play with well-established players from around Europe, such as Alex Song, Carlos Zambrano and Yann M’Vila. Surrounding himself with such talented players and under the tutelage of one of Europe’s top young coaches in Javi Garcia will be important for the Russian international. If he can indeed maintain fitness, his first goal will be to make the Russian squad for the 2017 Confederations Cup, which Russia will be hosting as a precursor to the World Cup in 2018. With Kazan playing host to one of Russia’s matches, being part of his national team and able to put himself on the world stage in his home city is a goal that should motivate Nabiullin to produce his best football this season. After that, Nabiullin should try to break the mould of many Russians who stay in the RPL and make the move into western Europe. His agent has confirmed that Bundesliga and Premier League sides have been scouting him over the past two years, with Southampton named as one of them. After a year or two more, he should be looking to play regular football at a higher level and a move out of Russia is the only way.

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LUKAKU FULL NAME: JORDAN ZACHARIE LUKAKU MENAMA MOKELENGE CLUB: SS LAZIO NATIONALITY: BELGIAN POSTION: LEFT-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: JULY 25, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: TOM CURREN (@TOMOCURR)

2016 IN REVIEW Every successful player, when glancing back at their career, can say that was the year - that was the year I took the leap. Though it might be premature to judge the trajectory of his career at 22, it is unlikely that Jordan Lukaku will make as much significant progress in a calendar year again as he did in 2016. His year began at K.V Oostende, the Belgian club he had been slowly developing at for the previous three seasons. Oostende in many ways represents the intelligence with which both Jordan and his brother Romelu have handled their burgeoning careers. Both Lukaku’s have shown a willingness to join ‘smaller’ clubs to improve their levels of playing time, and Romelu, who broke through in the English Midlands with West Bromwich Albion and now plies his trade at Everton, has proven this point two-fold. Unable to find the playing time he felt he deserved at Belgium heavyweights Anderlecht, Jordan joined his father’s old club Oostende, which proved to be the perfect place for him to blood himself. Despite the club’s modest status on a wider European level, Jordan never rushed to leave, instead using his regular starting berth to carve himself an opportunity to feature for the ludicrously talented Belgium national side. That culminated in an appearance at the European Championships in the summer, with Jordan filling in for the injured Jan Vertonghen as Belgium lost to a buoyant Wales. Though unable to prevent a somewhat premature exit from the competition, Jordan finally found his star rising to join his elder brother’s; an ascension that inevitably lead to him leaving Oostende. Despite rumoured interest from several London clubs, the destination was Lazio. In choosing the Italian side, Jordan demonstrated again how profoundly he has learnt from both his own struggles at Anderlecht and his brother’s tribulations at Chelsea. Though Tottenham Hotspur were strongly linked, Jordan chose not to languish behind Danny Rose and Ben Davies, but to join a club where he could both play regularly and serve an apprenticeship under the seasoned vice-captain Ștefan Radu. He landed in Rome and has had little reason to regret another impressively mature career move since. Lazio have largely enjoyed their season since his arrival, with boss Simone Inzaghi intent on a European finish come the summer. For Lukaku and the other youngsters at the club - Sergej Milinković-Savić, Felipe Anderson, Keita Baldé et al - Europe would be yet another affirmation of Lazio’s growing reputation as a desirable place to develop as a young player.

STYLE OF PLAY For those familiar with the elder Lukaku brother - that is to say, everyone - watching Jordan play at full-back might seem a bit odd. He possesses the same awkward grace as his brother, the same loping stride, the same unshakeable strength. Athleticism is a Lukaku family trait, something the boys inherited from their father Roger, who was himself a powerful striker. Though Romelu has decided to apply his own talents to attacking also, Jordan has dedicated himself to becoming a typically modern full-back. Of course, the phrase ‘modern full-back’ carries certain connotations, all of which apply to Jordan’s playing style. The most sought after full-backs in today’s game share more physical similarities with strikers than they do with classic defenders and Lukaku is no exception. Here his attacker’s genes lend him attributes the next generation of full-backs simply cannot survive without. Héctor Bellerín, Nélson Semedo, João Cancelo; all are very quick, very skillful and very incisive, and none would look out of place in an attacking trident, playing as a traditional winger. This is the group Lukaku should aspire to join and it could be argued that he is not far off. At 6ft he is a little taller than most wide defenders are, but that does not detract from his ludicrous speed. If anything, it grants him the same physical advantage his brother enjoys in the Premier League, allowing him to swallow up the ground deceptively quickly. In an attacking sense, this makes him deadly. His speed grants him the ability to cross his winger on the overlap, opening regular opportunities for him to flex his decent crossing muscle; a move that was used to great effect when he teed up his brother for a headed goal for Belgium early last year. In terms of covering ground, there are few defenders on the planet who can match Lukaku’s sheer athleticism. Unfortunately, this athleticism is necessary to mask his greatest weakness which is, unsurprisingly, his defensive positioning. This weakness is difficult to judge, however. With full-backs in the modern era asked to do so much attacking and such relatively little defending, it is difficult to decide whether Lukaku’s flimsiness in this area is his own fault or an unavoidable product of the times. In any case, he is often caught too far up the pitch or with attackers in behind him. Luckily, he is most certainly equipped with the tools to recover from these situations, though removing these mistakes entirely will undoubtedly be on Simone Inzaghi’s to-do-list. And who better to learn from than Radu? Lazio’s vice-captain has built a career upon his defensive ability and is very much stylistically a member of the previous generation of full-backs. In the experienced Romanian, Lukaku has an ideal figure from which to receive tutoring and, though Radu’s presence is limiting Lukaku’s current playtime, his expertise will surely improve the youngster’s game in the long term. FORECAST FOR THE FUTURE In choosing Lazio, Lukaku made a career choice both mature and grounded. Though his minutes thus far in Italy’s capital have been somewhat limited, in Inzaghi Jordan has a mentor who knows how to blood a young player. For Lukaku to expect to displace vice-captain Radu immediately would have been foolish, and he clearly joined the club with knowledge that he would be second-choice for a while. It is important he uses this time to absorb as much information from the Romanian as possible, before ruthlessly displacing him as Lazio’s primary full-back ready for next season. His dynamism adds much to the side and his explosive speed would perfectly compliment an attack already stacked with the talents of Anderson, Ciro Immobile, Keita Baldé and others. Lukaku must continue to take his chances when they come, to ensure his continued presence in the Belgian national camp. Not only is the chance to develop his attacking traits under Thierry Henry far too good to miss, a few defending lessons from Vertonghen or Toby Alderweireld would not go amiss either.

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LINDELÖF FULL NAME: VICTOR JÖRGEN NILSSON LINDELÖF CLUB: SL BENFICA NATIONALITY: SWEDISH POSTION: CENTRE-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: JULY 17, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT

WRITTEN BY: WILL SAVAGE

2016 IN REVIEW Towards the end of 2015, Victor Lindelöf was not a name known to many non-Benfica fans. Signed as a teenager after a couple of impressive seasons in Sweden’s lower tiers, Lindelöf arrived at Benfica B in 2012 with over 40 appearances to his name already. Highly-rated but not considered ready for first-team action, the occasional cup match aside, Lindelöf has thus far spent most of his time in Portugal playing regularly for Benfica’s second side, picking up caps for Sweden’s youth sides throughout this time. 2015 saw him impress in UEFA’s U-21 European Championships, becoming an integral part of the side. Indeed, Lindelöf converted the winning penalty in the shoot-out to clinch the championship and was named in the team of the tournament - all this despite only being brought into the squad as an injury replacement. As 2016 approached, injuries to Benfica’s more experienced defenders saw Lindelöf’s importance grow; linked with a move to Middlesbrough in January, Benfica were in no position to lose another defender. He found himself on the bench in a backup role and, when Lisandro Lopez had to come off in a league match against Moreirense, Lindelöf got his chance. With a chance to feature regularly in the team, Lindelöf made the most of the run of starts he was handed and played well enough to become a first-team regular, being an ever-present in the league since that day. It was not long before he got his first call up for the senior Swedish side and plaudits have continued to rain down upon him. The end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017 have seen incessant speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United, with figures of up to £50m being mentioned.

STYLE OF PLAY Known to his teammates as ‘The Iceman’, Lindelöf’s calm style of play belie his tender years. The Swedish defender is an intelligent and assured; this is obvious when watching him play. Preferring to stay on his feet rather than diving into tackles, Lindelöf relies on his positioning and anticipation to stop his opponent, regularly intercepting passes or blocking shots. As such, the 22-year-old is a clean defender; the rarity with which he gives away fouls is surpassed only by the rarity with which attackers get past him. Physically imposing at 6’2”, Lindelöf has a well-rounded physique given his build. He does not lack pace and this gives him a versatility which allows him to fill in at full-back or midfield when required. Although by no means poor in the air, Lindelöf could do with greater success in aerial duels, particularly if a move to England is indeed on the cards – he could be undone by a Tony Pulis and Salomon Rondon masterclass. Lindelöf’s composed nature translates to his on the ball ability too. At Benfica, he usually has time on the ball to seek out a teammate rather than being forced into long balls and this is likely to be the case if a move to Manchester arises. With pass success rates regularly exceeding 90%, Lindelöf is comfortable getting on the ball and helping to build play, although given his ability he could arguably do more with it. Given his physique and the well-rounded nature of his game, he can bring the ball forward from defence and affect play in more advanced areas than he currently does. Aside from his actual ability as a footballer, Lindelöf’s personality brings a lot to a team. Joining Benfica, a club known for developing youngsters, was a wise decision at such a young age. Despite spending three years in Benfica’s B team, Lindelöf never complained, but focused on developing and waited patiently for his chance; and finally, when his chance came he was unfazed by the pressure. Not once has Lindelöf looked panicked or overawed by his ascent into the first team and his calming presence in a young Benfica backline has surely been helpful. FORECAST FOR 2017 Most people who have read this far are probably wondering, how would he fit in at Manchester United? Will the move happen? It’s been talked up in many corners, with United front-man Zlatan Ibrahimović at one point talking about how his compatriot would suit the Red Devils. Assuming there is no smoke without fire, Lindelöf would undoubtedly be a welcome addition to Manchester. His quality as a defender leaves little to be questioned while his personality means he would be unlikely to face too many problems in acclimatising to life in Manchester, or indeed to any club he were to move to. However, whether his future holds a move to Manchester or elsewhere, there is one uncertainty. An ongoing dispute (at least at the time of writing) between Benfica and his former club, Västerås. Västerås insist that Benfica owe them a payment of €250,000 after Lindelöf made ten senior appearances for the side, something Benfica deny. Given the nominal nature of the sum, it is unclear why Benfica believe they do not have to pay, but the problem is not limited to this clause. Västerås are reportedly entitled to 20% of any transfer fee Benfica receive from selling Lindelöf, again denied by the Portuguese club. A club as small as Västerås, it is clear to see why they will not relent on these claims for money which they believe is rightfully theirs. However, rumours suggest that negotiations of a move to Manchester have been blighted by Benfica requiring United pay Västerås out of their own pocket, rather than giving them a cut of the transfer fee. More recently, there have been suggestions that a deal has been agreed between the Portuguese and Swedish clubs and any transfer will be able to go ahead in the summer. For the sake of all concerned parties, one hopes so.

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CALDARA FULL NAME: MATTIA CALDARA CLUB: ATALANTA NATIONALITY: ITALIAN POSTION: CENTRE-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: MAY 5, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: STEPHEN GANAVAS (@MAROTTANOMICS)

2016 IN REVIEW Emerging at the heart of an Italian defence at the age of 22 is never easy. Famed for their guile, the Italian centre-back generally matures and peaks after the age of 30. However, the best ones peak earlier. In saying that, Atalanta’s Mattia Caldara seems to be destined to reach his peak very soon. Blessed with being guided by the wise Gian Piero Gasperini, the Italian is developing at an astonishing rate. So quickly in fact, that Juventus could not risk allowing him to continue growing without signing him before their competitors. Now a Juve player, but remaining at Atalanta on loan until 2018, Caldara will be looking to impress the Bianconeri hierarchy every week. He did so in a recent performance against Juventus’ rival Napoli. Defending a 1-0 lead that Caldara had earned Atalanta admirably with 10 men on the pitch, the Italian was not only impenetrable defensively with a number of important stops, but combined with Juve loanee Leonardo Spinazzola to slalom downfield before slotting home an audacious volley to double his side’s lead. It was all very Leonardo Bonucci. Now growing more and more comfortable every week alongside Atalanta’s other Italian and international starlets with 18 appearances and 10 clean cheets in the league this season, Caldara seems destined to emerge internationally as a defensive partner to Daniele Rugani and Alessio Romagnoli for years to come at the heart of Italy’s defence. The 22-year-old must bide his time though.

STYLE OF PLAY Caldara has claimed that he wants to mould his game from the best aspects of Juve’s famed centre-back trio of Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini. The youngster stated that he wants to be able to create play like Bonucci, mark attackers like Barzagli and possess the grinta of Chiellini. His admiration of the trio is astonishing, even admitting he has a poster of Chiellini on his wall. His willingness to study them will also be crucial in helping him adapt to life in Turin when he eventually makes the switch. He presents as a relaxed character, but his insatiable desire to succeed at Juve has already made itself apparent in interviews since it was announced that the Old Lady had signed him. His focus currently remains on Atalanta though, where with his six-foot frame that is perfectly moulded for a central defender, Caldara commands his back-line. Strong in the air with a great leap at the ball, the 22-yearold is incredibly athletic. Despite this being impeded by various muscle injuries throughout the course of his career so far, he plays with a confidence in his body that he can beat any player for any ball; whether it be aerial, on the ground, or in a foot race. More combative than Barzagli, but not quite as gung-ho as Chiellini, Caldara looks as though he would be an excellent foil to future Juve team-mate Daniele Rugani; a more composed and relaxed figure. Juxtaposed with Rugani, Caldara commits a number of fouls despite his disciplinary record improving this season and is more willing to make a calculated challenge rather than waiting for the best moment to intercept gracefully. Solid enough on the ball too, Caldara’s 82% passing accuracy rate would surely improve playing in the comfortable surrounds of Juventus, as teams sit back and allow defenders to recycle the ball routinely. His distribution is not quite at Bonucci levels of quality, but with Rugani more adept at playing those types of penetrative passes, in the future Caldara may not be required to be too adventurous on the ball. As alluded to before, not only is the 22-year-old effective at stopping goals being scored, but he has a penchant for scoring them himself. With five goals in Serie A this season – three from set-pieces and two from open play – the Italian is a clear goal threat that can contribute with some incredibly important strikes. Juventus fans will note some of the important goals Bonucci has scored during his time at the club in understanding how vital set-piece goal threats are at the elite level. FORECAST FOR 2017 Determined to continue Atalanta’s push for an unlikely Champions League berth, Caldara must ensure that the consistency he has displayed this season does not wane in the closing months of the campaign. Sitting just three points behind the coveted third-place spot occupied by Napoli, La Dea may be aiming highly, but a run of incredible results should give them reason to be optimistic. A run of five wins in their last six Serie A games, including that 2-0 win over Napoli, highlights that they are peaking at the right time of the season. And with just two goals conceded in that timeframe, Caldara has been crucial to Atalanta’s run of good fortune. With at least Europa League football a possibility though for next season, Caldara will hopefully be able to test himself on the continental stage for Atalanta before he is thrust under the Champions League spotlight at Juventus. The Italy U-21 international just needs to continue doing the same basic things that have inflated his reputation in the last 12 months. Subsequently, as the matches get bigger and the stakes rise, Caldara should be equipped to handle them like he has throughout his stay with Atalanta.

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BAILLY FULL NAME: ERIC BERTRAND BAILLY CLUB: MANCHESTER UNITED NATIONALITY: IVORIAN POSTION: CENTRE-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: APRIL 12, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: TOM CURREN (@TOMOCURR)

2016 IN REVIEW 2016 saw Eric Bailly make an enormous leap in his young career. It would not be surprising, come his retirement, if we were to look back at this year and consider it his most important. On the surface, the reason might be obvious: he made his customary big-money move this year past, joining English juggernauts Manchester United in June. However, there is more to his year than just a hefty transfer fee. 2016 saw Bailly mature considerably on the pitch, a development which would, in the summer, catch the eye of Jose Mourinho. Manchester United’s hefty transfer fee was paid to Villarreal in La Liga, a side who are quickly becoming renowned for selling centre-halves to English giants. During his year-and-a-half stint at the Yellow Submarine, Bailly established himself as one of the most talented young centre-halves on the continent, building on a reputation he had nurtured in Spain whilst at Espanyol. 2017 was the year in which his fame grew beyond the country’s borders, however. Though the fee United paid to Villareal raised a few eyebrows - £30million, considering Bailly’s modest reputation, seemed moderately extortionate – the truth was that behind the scenes the red side of Manchester was fighting a battle to win his signature. It was a transfer saga that went under the radar, but once Bailly had signed on the dotted line the scope of it emerged; Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain had all hoped to secure the 22-year-old’s services, with interest going back as far as spring. In the end, though, the lure of Old Trafford proved too great. On paper, it was a decision that made sense. Bailly’s style – as will be discussed later – seems to fit with José Mourinho’s footballing ideals and his time at Marcelino’s Villarreal will have served as excellent preparation for playing in a watertight, counter-attacking side. His time at United began fittingly well and it seemed as if Mourinho considered him a first-choice option; until a knee injury ruled him out for the entirety of November. Now, upon returning from a disappointing African Cup of Nations campaign with Ivory Coast, the defender must re-cement his starting berth.

STYLE OF PLAY Bailly is an all-action centre-half. Fans who still consider the Premier League to be the most physical in Europe will have enjoyed Bailly’s decision to move to England; it seems a satisfyingly natural fit. The Ivorian is a young man possessing astonishing natural strength, agility and speed. Athletically, he lacks very few traits desirable in the modern defender. To focus on his physicality alone would be a travesty akin to rating Juan Sebastián Verón on the quality of his earring-facial hair combo. Instead we should focus on the programming that allows Bailly to use his body so effectively. Some physical footballers are purely that and though effective at a certain level, these kinds of players tend to falter in the best leagues. Thankfully, Bailly transcends this group by possessing a wonderful footballing brain. To demonstrate this, it is helpful to look back at his time playing in Marcelino’s Villarreal side. Marcelino famously favoured a 4-4-2 formation during his tenure in Castellón, which led to, perhaps unfairly, his side being labelled ‘Atletico-lite’ in reference to Diego Simeone’s all-conquering Madrid side, who employed a similar shape. The significance of this is two-fold: on one hand, Bailly was required to step into midfield often whilst playing for Villarreal, to prevent Bruno and Trigueros from being overrun by potential trios of opposing midfielders. He did this also to cut out through balls, win headers and add his brute power to a battle that otherwise might be one-sided. In the long-term, this has undoubtedly improved Bailly’s anticipation. It has also meant he has developed his tactical understanding of the game to a level impressive for someone who is only 22. Perhaps most importantly, however, he is now used to playing an intelligent and dynamic role behind two central midfielders. With Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera beginning to cement themselves as Mourinho’s favoured pairing – neither of whom are necessarily defensive players – Bailly’s experience in stepping into that area to win challenges without compromising his side’s defensive shape could be crucial as United continue to chase down a Champions League finish. He is not a perfect centre-half, of course and it would be amiss to brush over his weaknesses. Oddly enough, having just waxed lyrical about his intelligence, he is prone to lapses in his concentration that result in moments of lunacy, idiocy and good old-fashioned folly. It is almost as if his brain is working to encompass such a wide, tactical scope that it has the tendency to skip out the details – perhaps like a goalkeeper, watching the ebb and flow of a game but failing in the crucial moment. These moments are, in fairness, on the wane. As he grows and matures, his disciplinary record – rubbish in Spain but slightly more respectable in England – is also likely to improve. Though he did play in the same league as Sergio Ramos, so perhaps not. FORECAST FOR 2017 Bailly’s future as a first-choice centre-half at Manchester United seems relatively secure. Very few of the players featured in this Handbook will be able to claim a starting role at such a huge club, especially not one that appears to be under such little threat. Bailly must unsure that this does not make him complacent, because United have coped well in his recent absences and a series of errors might convince Mourinho that the youngster remains too hot-headed for such a crucial role. Another aspect of his future which must be considered is his role with Ivory Coast. BBC Sport named him as his side’s ‘most important player’ going into this year’s AFCON, a competition he very promptly crashed out of. With Yaya Touré gone and the team seemingly on the wane, Les Éléphants might look to Bailly – who already has amassed 21 caps – as their next stalwart.

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HYSAJ FULL NAME: ELSEID GËZIM HYSAJ CLUB: SSC NAPOLI NATIONALITY: ALBANIAN POSTION: RIGHT-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: FEBRUARY 2, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT

WRITTEN BY: STEPHEN GANAVAS (@MAROTTANOMICS)

2016 IN REVIEW Elseid Hysaj emerged as one of the best right-backs in Serie A during 2016. After joining up once again with Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri after working under the Italian at Empoli, the Albanian international reinforced and then improved on his form in Tuscany that saw him earn his move to Napoli. Hysaj missed just one league match in 2016 (through suspension) as Napoli pushed Juventus to the limit in the closest Serie A title race since the 2011/12 season. He earned the trust of Sarri through his repeatedly consistent displays and will be assured of his place as Napoli’s right-back for many years to come should he wish to remain at the club. At international level, the 23-year-old enjoyed his first taste of a major tournament at international level at Euro 2016. Captaining the team at times in 2016 and becoming its youngest ever skipper in the process, Hysaj led from the front as the team’s chief playmaker from deep as well as its most talented defender. He was the best performer in an organised team many would argue was unfortunate to be knocked out of the tournament at the first hurdle. Now, Hysaj seems the standout candidate to lead the team as captain into the future. At 23, but with 28 senior international caps already to his name, his leadership qualities are not displayed in his ability to be overly vocal, but in his extremely professional attitude and his willingness to lead by example through his actions and performances.

STYLE OF PLAY The Albanian’s style mixes the best of the traditional role of the right-back, with the best of the new. Firstly, he usually prefers to play deeper than the truly ‘modern’ full-backs of today’s game like Dani Alves, Alex Sandro, Héctor Bellerín and Dani Carvajal. While not one to truly bomb forward regularly, Hysaj still manages to make an impact offensively through his underestimated playmaking ability. This talent, underpinned by his wonderful long-range passing technique allows him to make an impact on games without undermining his defensive positioning. This is especially important at international level. Albania play in a very organised and structured system and are often forced to drop deep against stronger teams. Here, Hysaj can make use of the space vacated by the opposition defenders pushing up to press to make incisive passes over the top; he did this to great effect at Euro 2016. With Napoli, Hysaj does get forward more but his qualities are not as compatible with the final third as they are with a deeper role. His crossing is no better than any average right-back, while he is tidy on the ball without being expressive in any way. He prefers to play a game based on precision and efficiency rather than power and flair. With these attributes in mind, one wonders why the 23-year-old is not asked to play centre-back more often. Defensively, he is magnificent. Rarely caught out of position, Hysaj is often quick enough to recover – he is not overly quick, but on the odd occasion he is caught out it is usually not by much. Furthermore, the Albanian is a thinker. He will do everything to prevent being forced into committing to a challenge and he rarely fouls opponents. With over 80 Serie A appearances to his name, Hysaj has picked up just eleven yellow cards. He can be likened in his defensive style to Juventus youngster Daniele Rugani. Though maybe sometimes slightly too stand-offish, it appears Hysaj has all the attributes to be a top-class ball-playing centre-back in the mould of a Leonardo Bonucci – without the lion-hearted and spirited bravado of the Juventus defender. He has played there at times. Forced into a central role after the first-half sending-off of Lorik Cana in Albania’s Euro 2016 group stage defeat against Switzerland, Albania did not concede with Hysaj at centre-back. In fact, they looked more dangerous offensively and were unlucky not to snatch a point from the match after some late missed chances. Though unlikely, seeing him play under Antonio Conte in a utility role in a 3-5-2 formation, similar to the position César Azpilicueta is currently playing, would certainly be interesting and potentially the way to get the most out of the Albanian’s unique skillset. FORECAST FOR 2017 Being central to Sarri’s plans at Napoli, it seems unlikely that much will change for Hysaj in 2017. Instead, he will likely look to consolidate on an outstanding 18 months since his arrival in Naples, which has seen him become a stand-out performer for both club and country. With Champions League knock-out football to look forward to, Hysaj will also have an opportunity to showcase the best of his defensive qualities in Napoli’s showcase round of sixteen tie with Real Madrid. It remains to be seen whether the 23-year-old will be able to continue to improve and turn himself into one of football’s elite level full-backs. With his current skillset, one would argue it is not possible. Without the bombarding runs and attacking influence of many of the game’s best full-backs – these are things that simply do not come natural to him – Hysaj needs to find the right environment for him to shine. He has found that at Napoli under Sarri; a trusting coach whose tactical plans fit the style of Hysaj excellently. But the Italian club are not Real Madrid for example, whose full-backs need to be able to almost play as left and right-wingers at times. Hysaj oozes class though. He is an incredible professional and whether his future lies at Napoli or elsewhere, his attitude, consistency and accountability will see him perform at a high level – at least defensively. However, maybe a left-field move to the centre of defence could be career-defining. It has not been talked about, but he has the perfect attributes to potentially take over from Raul Albiol and form a partnership with Kalidou Koulibaly in defence.

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GUERREIRO FULL NAME: RAPHAËL ADELINO JOSÉ GUERREIRO CLUB: BORUSSIA DORTMUND NATIONALITY: PORTUGUESE POSTION: LEFT-BACK/ CENTRE MIDFIELDER DATE OF BIRTH: DECEMBER 22, 1993 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: LEWIS AMBROSE (@LGAMBROSE)

2016 IN REVIEW From a steady left-back for a mid-table Ligue 1 club to a standout performer for the winners of the European Championships, then a star summer signing as a central midfielder at Borussia Dortmund - it has been a wild year for Raphaël Guerreiro. Lorient were almost relegated by the end of the season but Guerreiro’s performances earned interest from Liverpool and Arsenal as well as Dortmund, where he signed before Euro 2016 began for just €12 million. It was a transfer that went under the radar in a busy summer period, but as Portugal lifted the Henri Delaunay cup after beating France in the Euro 2016 final Dortmund’s clever business looked vindicated before Guerreiro had even arrived at the club. His performances at Euro 2016 earned him a place in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament to go with his winner’s medal. At Dortmund, he has been used as a midfielder for the first time in his career, with the team’s performances and results so far dipping significantly when the Portuguese international has been injured.

STYLE OF PLAY Guerreiro at left-back has shown all the features of Guerreiro in midfield but, naturally, they still feel like very different players. One must separate aspects of his game to see how they make him so good in either role. In both roles, Guerreiro’s technical ability is crucial. Portugal were relatively defensive in the summer, heavily relying on their left-back’s ability to dribble away from pressure and pass accurately and intelligently to start their rare attacks. At Dortmund, his passing has not been utilised as much but his dribbling has been superb, injecting pace into attacking moves and helping the side against teams who press or sit back in a compact block of midfielders and defenders. Guerreiro has superb balance in addition to accelerating quickly off the mark, making him ideal against high pressure sides willing to counter Dortmund with a similar style. That acceleration is also put to good use when Guerreiro is not in possession, with the Portuguese making brilliant runs into space whenever gaps appear. From left-back he interestingly underlaps as often as he overlaps, making him a nightmare to defend as he probes any gaps which open. It is also a habit that foreshadowed his move into midfield at Dortmund as it highlighted how comfortable he was in confined spaces in the middle of the park as well as showcasing his range of passing. Another key feature of those runs is the timing of them, which either leaves the player on the ball with little option but to play Guerreiro in or helps the Portuguese create bigger spaces for team-mates to use the ball in. Those runs are even more dangerous from midfield, where Guerreiro has proven a huge goal threat. When those runs pay off, Guerreiro is very composed in front of goal, scoring four times so far in his Dortmund career. It is hardly surprising that a set-piece specialist can beat the goalkeeper with such regularity and the Portuguese international is no exception. His finishes are generally precise efforts into the corners as he opts to shoot from late runs into the box instead of with speculative attempts from long range. Defensively, Guerreiro the left-back is dependable without sacrificing himself as an attacking threat while understanding when to press and when to hold his position. He stands off excellently too, and coupled with his speed and his decision making it means that he is very difficult to dribble past. From midfield, he has a lot to work on. Currently he plays on the front foot a bit too much, occasionally leaving Julian Weigl isolated and vulnerable in midfield with and without the ball. As far as Guerreiro’s passing is concerned, it is technically excellent but could be more strategic. Choosing to pass quicker and more vertically rather than dribble or play a simpler ball backwards would serve Dortmund excellently, fitting in with their tactical plan under Thomas Tuchel which focusses on rapid, vertical attacks that unlock defences without too many passes which slow play down. FORECAST FOR 2017 If Guerreiro continues to develop in midfield, Portugal will be rueing their lack of depth at left-back, with only Eliseu a worthy deputy to the Dortmund star. Their concentration of depth in midfield will instead likely keep Guerreiro in defence. This could act as a positive for Dortmund however, who will be able to count on the 23-year-old to slot into the defence should injuries strike and expect a high level of performance. But he remains an exciting prospect for the centre of midfield, and in Tuchel he has the perfect guide to learn how to play with more thought and a little less instinct, which is needed to get the best from his talent in a deeper midfield role. Assuming he stays fit after a couple of early season niggles, Guerreiro will start almost every week for Dortmund and can develop his understanding with Weigl to create a formidable midfield. Maybe the club will consider using him as more of a number 10 than a number 8, a replacement for goal threats Shinji Kagawa or Gonzalo Castro rather than Ilkay Gündogan, who has a much more considered approach. Signed as a leftback, it is unlikely he will play there regularly until Marcel Schmelzer ages and Dortmund sign at least one other player to control the midfield alongside Weigl.

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CAIO FULL NAME: RODRIGO CAIO COQUETTE RUSSO CLUB: SÃO PAULO NATIONALITY: BRAZILIAN POSTION: CENTRE-BACK/ DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: AUGUST 17, 1993 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: PHIL COSTA (@_PHILCOSTA)

2016 IN REVIEW 2016 was an interesting year for Rodrigo Caio. It all began with his boyhood club São Paulo, who he helped finish fourth and qualify for the Copa Libertadores first stage in a truly chaotic Serie A season. He was then called up by Rogério Micale to represent Brazil at the Rio Olympics, which they won in style after beating Germany on penalties in the final. The 23-year-old was then subject to interest from Inter, who opted not to sign him after he failed a medical with Valencia twelve months prior. During the Olympics, Caio started every single match for the Seleção and became a crucial figure in their triumph. He started alongside PSG defender Marquinhos, who as a pair, conceded just one goal throughout the whole tournament. Providing a solid foundation at the back, he then allowed Brazil’s more exciting frontline of Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Barbosa and Luan to run the show in Rio. His combative style was often a source of inspiration for the crowd, who began to turn on the team after a slow start. However, later Micale called Caio as ‘the player to rely on’ as they took the gold. Domestically, Caio was lauded Estádio do Morumbi for his defensive contribution and leadership qualities above anything else. His personal tally of 93 tackles won was the sixth-most by a defender and he also racked up an impressive 88 interceptions. Making a total of 34 league appearances, the Brazilian continued to establish himself as one of the best centre back’s in the country, and fans all over were urging Tite, their national team manager, to give the impressive Paulista an opportunity.

STYLE OF PLAY Continuing the trend, Caio is another emerging talent from the Brasileirão who prefers the ball being played into feet. Comfortable receiving possession from his goalkeeper or defensive partners, he will always aim to pass the ball vertically, or even better, through the lines of an intense pressing system. Equally as adept at bringing the ball forward as he is passing, the 23-year-old often dribbles into opposition territory to push his team further up the field, before looking for a midfielder or full back who can then progress play. São Paulo have lacked a calm, composed leader like him for years. More importantly, alongside his assured technical attributes, Caio is very much a defender at heart. Having spent most of his formative years in midfield, the way he operates at the back is very natural. The Brazilian is a fine reader of in-game situations, anticipating passes well and making sure that he is positioned correctly to time his tackles to perfection. Back in 2012, he was asked to play at right back with the responsibility of marking Neymar during his days at Santos. After the game, Caio was praised by the press for his defensive discipline and commitment which helped keep the winger at bay. The 23-year-old has always preferred to jockey and use his intelligence to win the ball, instead of relying on sheer force and aggression which can have consequences should you make a mistake. Despite his largely elegant approach to defending, Caio is never afraid to get stuck in when needed. The Brasileirão is filled with talent, but it is also notorious for its physicality and competitiveness, so as youngster coming into a senior side you need to match that standard or risk losing out altogether. But like every other difficult situation he has faced, the Brazilian took to the challenge like a duck to water and showed that you do not need to be a muscular powerhouse to battle. Standing at 5’11” (1.82m), the Brazilian falls into the ‘smaller’ category of centre halves, but his spring is unrivalled – winning a phenomenal 74% of his aerial duels this season. Compared to some of Europe’s best in the same position, Jerome Boateng stands at 66%, Sergio Ramos at 72% and Toby Alderweireld at 54%. One weakness that stands out in the Brazilian’s game however is his tendency to be beaten by pace. Caio is no slouch himself, but against forwards who are lightning quick he has struggled to keep up, especially out on the wings when covering for his full back. His desire to prevent any danger at the source sees him overcommit uncharacteristically, when staying central to clear the incoming cross would be far more advisable. It is often said in football that raw speed is the hardest thing to defend against, so this is not an issue unique to him, but taking an extra second to judge the situation would go a long way. Also, he looks to have put his injury issues past him, but there will always be concern over his knees after suffering an ACL injury in 2014 that has subsequently seen him fail two medicals. FORECAST FOR 2017 The future is always exciting for Caio, if a little uncertain. With the Brasileirão not starting up again until May, São Paulo will be eager to make an impression in the Campeonato Paulista under their new boss Rogerio Ceni. Already one of the Brazilian top flight’s best defenders, the 23-year-old will be angling for another European move after his dream switch to La Liga was snatched away cruelly two summers ago. In terms of his international career, Caio has the chance to become a consistent figure for the Seleção, alongside those mentioned earlier on in Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Barbosa. Partnering him with Marquinhos, who complemented each other so well at the Olympics, would be an ideal place to start.

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LLORENTE FULL NAME: DIEGO JAVIER LLORENTE RÍOS CLUB: MALAGA CF NATIONALITY: SPANISH POSTION: CENTRE-BACK DATE OF BIRTH: 16 AUGUST, 1993 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: MIRAN ŠARIĆ (@THEREALBOZZ)

2016 IN REVIEW 2016 was an interesting year for Diego Llorente. While he served as a defensive fore on loan at Rayo Vallecano, he was part of the unit that was relegated and saw manager Paco Jemez sacked. However, Jémez’s system provided no relief for his defenders as his gung-ho style often left his team exposed at the back, with Llorente often having two-way duties in having to corral his less-talented defensive teammates, while also having to provide offensive transition for a team always looking to push the pace and attack aggressively. It was undoubtedly trial by fire and Llorente did well enough, both as a centre-back and as a defensive midfielder, to earn himself a loan to a better club in Málaga with the expectations from his parent club rising to the point where a good year at Malaga could see him return as a squad player at the capital. Though his stint at Malaga started decently enough with Llorente establishing himself as a starter, the turn of the year and early months of 2017 saw him relegated to the bench and struggling to even make the squad on a few occasions. Silly rash fouls, defensive lapses and lack of consistency are the marks of young defenders but how they learn and grow from that provide an indication of their future. Unfortunately for Llorente the signs are beginning to become a concern, both in the short-term as well as for his long-term future. He is only 23 years old and his talent is evident, but a string of consistent appearances for a club in need of them will go a long way in shaping what level he will be playing at in the coming season.

STYLE OF PLAY Strong and physical, Llorente is unafraid to be physical up with aggressive attackers looking to use their bodies against him. An above average aerial defender for his age, he often wins the lion’s share of duels due to his physical profile. Unlike some of his more refined peers, Llorente is more dependent on his physical attributes to win the ball as he is not hesitant in making a tackle, preferring it rather than allowing play to develop in waiting for a moment to intercept. This is not necessarily a negative but it does force the manager to pair him with someone who reads the game slightly better and relies on his positioning rather than physical abilities. Llorente is a slightly above-average passer for centre-backs his age. Having been given the responsibility while at Rayo Vallecano to take on a more ball-playing role, he has developed a solid ability to find the long ball to break opposition lines. This has not been as evident while at Malaga, partly due to having superior teammates than at Rayo thus reducing his importance in the offensive game-plan, but he is more than adept at playing in a higher possession system. His time at Rayo saw him face relentless pressure and tested him on a consistent basis. While this can be an encouraging sign given how well he performed in such a frenetic system, it has not taught him how to play in a more patient style of defence and when called upon to rely on his composure Llorente has shown enough holes in his play this season to seriously question whether or not he is ready to compete for a team at the pinnacle of the game such as Real Madrid. Furthermore, much like Sergio Ramos at his parent club, discipline has been an obstacle for Llorente to overcome as he picked up 11 yellow cards while on loan at Rayo Vallecano. While not all of these cards are perhaps an indictment on him given how Jemez’s system often left his defenders exposed, Llorente’s temper does tend to rear its head at times and he must keep it in check when paired with his physically aggressive style of play. FORECAST FOR 2017 It really is difficult to say what the rest of 2017 will shape up for Llorente. On talent alone, he could certainly make a case for being the fifth centre-back at Real Madrid and an emergency fullback or defensive midfielder starter. Real Madrid play so many matches per season due to competing in, and performing well in so any competitions and going so far that it is conceivable that, if he returns to his parent club, Llorente will see a decent share of minutes once his more esteemed teammates tire and pick up injuries. However, his recent run of form, as well as the ascent of Jesús Vallejo at Eintracht Frankfurt paints a grim picture for Llorente at his parent club. Ideally, Real Madrid should pencil him in as a depth player, as someone they can count on as an emergency starter but should perhaps first allow him to remain on loan for one more season. Nacho, a fan-favourite utility man, is valued at Real Madrid but given his talent ceiling and clubs across Europe allegedly showing their interest in him, he is not necessarily a guarantee to remain at the club for much longer. This is where Llorente could find his minutes, perhaps not as a regular starter but a niche player able to adeptly fill in at multiple roles should the club call on him. He has certainly got the talent, drive and physical ability to play for a title contender, but his mental lapses and inconsistency may see him forever remain at a good level, but never quite able to take the next step into the elite bracket. There is no shame in that as not everyone can play for one of the world’s biggest clubs, and perhaps one more loan to straighten him out might be for the best.

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LOCATELLI FULL NAME: MANUEL LOCATELLI CLUB: AC MILAN NATIONALITY: ITALIAN POSTION: CENTRE-MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: JANUARY 8, 1998 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: STEPHEN GANAVAS (@MAROTTANOMICS)

2016 IN REVIEW While AC Milan continue struggle to live up to the massive expectations of a seven-time Champions League winning club, their promotion of youth in the last two years has been commendable. Starting with the purchase of Alessio Romagnoli from Roma and then the promotion of goalkeeping sensation Gianluigi Donnarumma, 19-year-old Manuel Locatelli is the latest Italian sensation making a profound impact in Milan’s starting XI. A breath of fresh air in a midfield that has been the Achilles’ heel of Milan in recent years, Locatelli’s emergence as a big-game player and intelligent distributor and controller of possession has seen him earn a regular place in the starting line-up. While a match-winning performance against Juventus in the league underlined his importance to the team and endeared him to fans, it has been his consistency across 18 matches this season that has been most impressive. He has been surprisingly unrelenting. Highlighting Locatelli’s importance to the team, is the fact that they have lost four of the seven games he has not played in Serie A this season. Not burdened by the expectation of now almost carrying Milan’s midfield at times, the Italian looks fit to act as a pillar of Milan’s strong, young Italian core for years to come alongside Romagnoli and Donnarumma.

STYLE OF PLAY Sitting at the base of Milan’s midfield is not easy. Locatelli is under a lot of pressure to shield a back four which at best can be called untrustworthy, while also not sacrificing himself offensively as the team rely on his ability to instigate attacks with his incisive and penetrative passing. Allowing him to excel in both areas are his excellent positioning skills. The 19-year-old is confident in addressing whether to drop into zones where he can intercept passes or simply occupy dangerous attacking space, his understanding of when to step up and apply pressure on the ball carrier is excellent. Furthermore, he is aided by his long legs that help him cover ground at a deceptively fast rate in comparison to the way he sometimes lumbers around the pitch. In the challenge, the Italian can be reckless at times. He is extremely physical and his style is extremely niggling. Highlighting a clumsy aspect of his game was an incredibly reckless red card against Juventus in a 2-1 loss in the Coppa Italia earlier this season. Already on a yellow card, Locatelli went do ground in the 53rd minute making a challenge on Paulo Dybala in a non-threatening position on the field, collecting the Argentine attacker from behind. This naïve challenge halted the momentum of his team who had just moments earlier reduced the deficit from 2-0 to 2-1. Many midfielders can defend though. However, Locatelli’s ability to combine this defensive positional awareness with a polished passing game is what makes him so impressive. And he cannot solely play short. While capable of recycling possession backwards and laterally as effectively and efficiently as any player in world football, the most striking aspect of his game is his ability to play penetrative and defence splitting long passes. As highlighted by Lee from @FMAnalysis in a piece on sfhandbook.com, when picking the ball up on the left-hand side of the pitch, Locatelli has increasingly shown a tendency to look across the field to Suso on the right wing and enjoys playing the ball behind the defence there for Spaniard to latch onto. Contrarily, he finds the opposing cross-field pass more difficult to complete as the natural curve of his passes as a right-footed player take the ball out play, rather than swinging along a position parallel with the sideline. In the attacking phase, while rarely venturing too far forward as the 19-year-old tries to solidify Milan’s midfield and prevent counter-attacks, Locatelli can nonetheless strike a football. Hard. He has already scored two of Serie A’s best goals this season. One, a left-footed half-volley from outside the box that helped Milan claw back a deficit to win 4-3 against Sassuolo reduced Locatelli to tears in a post-match interview. The other, a venomous shot across the Gianluigi Buffon’s goal into the top corner hit with such astonishing ferocity that the legendary Italian goalkeeper was not even close to saving it. Expect to see Locatelli score more incredible goals as Milan improve and he becomes more of an attacking influence. FORECAST FOR 2017 As a player who lives for AC Milan, it will be intriguing to see Locatelli continue to develop with the Rossoneri. A club blessed with having been represented by some of the most iconic players in the history of the sport such as Paolo Maldini, the Italian midfielder has the potential himself become an icon of the club and assume bandiera status in Italy as a one-club player – representing the values of Milan as an embodiment of everything the fans love about the team. Without getting carried away though, Locatelli seems an incredibly loyal, hard-working and focussed character, driven to succeed with both club and country. Yet to feature for Italy at senior international level though, the 19-year-old is quietly being afforded the chance to continue developing at club level as Marco Verratti, Claudio Marchisio and Marco Parolo continue to anchor the Azzurri midfield. As Marchisio ages though, it is likely Locatelli be tasked with being the Juventus midfielder’s long-term successor for the Azzurri. He still has so much time to develop though. With an engine that will need continual improvement as Milan continue to challenge for European competition next season, Locatelli will himself be challenged with potentially having to play over fifty games next season. With his importance to the team, it will be important that he rises to the challenge and continues to display the consistency he has played with up to this point in his bright but fledgling career.

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SANCHES FULL NAME: RENATO JÚNIOR LUZ SANCHES CLUB: BAYERN MUNICH NATIONALITY: PORTUGUESE POSTION: CENTRE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: AUGUST 18, 1997 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: JACK GRIMSE (@JACKGRIMSE)

2016 IN REVIEW Capped off by defeating hosts France in the Euro 2016 Final this summer with Portugal, 2016 was a banner year for Renato Sanches. While it was confirmed that he would be leaving Benfica, the club he had been with since the age of nine, for Bayern Munich at the beginning of May, his star did not really begin to soar (in terms of international recognition) until after the summer tournament. Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted the club could not have afforded the fee for Sanches had they waited until after the Euros wrapped up. Lucky for the Bavarians they always get their business done early, or they may have been left longing for Sanches like a certain José Mourinho. It really was a meteoric rise for Sanches, as he did not even start the previous season with Benfica’s first team. He was brought up to the senior squad at the end of October, and started his first match on 30 November 2015. By the time Benfica wrapped up a domestic double in May, Sanches had played 35 times, scoring three goals and assisting another. Since swapping Lisbon for Munich, Sanches has started just five Bundesliga games (none since October 1st), making 18 appearances overall for the German giants. Recently, the experience of Xabi Alonso has been preferred to the energy of Sanches, but that will change with time. As the season wears on, he should see more minutes. Furthermore, Alonso is due to retire at the end of the current season.

STYLE OF PLAY The dynamic midfielder combines silky skills with raw power to both glide past and bulldoze through wouldbe defenders. Sanches pairs strength with intelligence to win back the ball. Part of the reason for his massive €30 million price tag is the versatility that Sanches offers. Carlo Ancelotti flip-flopping between his trusted 4-3-3 and a 4-4-2/4-2-3-1 that better suits his current personnel at Bayern, this could be problematic for some players. Not Sanches. He can serve as a deep-lying playmaker and/or protector of the back four as a number six, or going box-to-box as an eight. He could even function as a number 10 playing behind the lone striker and creating from the top of midfield. A complete midfielder at the age of 19, Sanches is such a fun player to watch. Despite playing in a Portugal team that had limited creative freedom at the European Championships this summer, Sanches was electrifying. He came off the bench for Portugal in the three Group F games, all of which ended in draws, but started all four matches during the knockout stages. Portugal won all of these en route to being crowned European champions, with Sanches playing in a variety of positions across the midfield. He really shined when playing centrally behind a striker pairing, as Sanches can show off every aspect of his game when deployed in such a role. While it was a specific role, Sanches was still able to cover a lot of ground and contribute in both the attacking and defensive phase of the game. Sanches earned man of the match honours after Portugal progressed past Poland on penalties in the quarter-finals, announcing himself to those who were unfamiliar with him. His 32nd minute equaliser cancelled out an early Robert Lewandowski strike and he was able to perform stoutly defensively to see the game out until his side could keep their composure in the shootout. The match ended up typifying Portugal’s performances in the Euros, showing their willingness to get to extra time and grind games out. Culminating in the ultimate success, the European Championships were an incredible experience for Sanches, who will take it with him to Champions League knockout stages in the future with Bayern Munich. FORECAST FOR 2017 It is going to be pretty difficult to top winning the Euros. Maybe so, but Sanches can still rise above his brilliant 2016 in the coming year. For this to happen, Renato is going to have to play football more regularly with Bayern. That is easier said than done, of course, as the Bavarians are currently topping the Bundesliga table midway through the campaign. Still, just like Sanches, his club has room to improve despite their success. The Bundesliga’s Winterpause (winter break) offers a mini warm-weather training camp, allowing managers to re-tool both their tactics and have focused sessions with individual players. For the youngsters like Sanches, this offering is far better than what he would get somewhere like the English Premier League. Had he gone to Manchester United, Sanches would have been thrust into the team during the busy Christmas period, no doubt, but would it really have been best for his development? That is not to say Sanches would not be unable to cut it in the Premier League – he would be fine. But at a top club, under the tutelage of someone like Ancelotti, learning things to help the tactical side of his game will pay off more in the long run than a few extra games. During almost every season in recent memory, Bayern have had midfield players go down with knee injuries at crucial times near the end of the campaign. That factors into why Pep Guardiola was unable to reach the Champions League Final despite making three consecutive semifinal appearances. When the injury bug inevitably bites one of his teammates this season, expect Sanches to step in and contribute in a major way.

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DIAWARA FULL NAME: AMADOU DIAWARA CLUB: SSC NAPOLI NATIONALITY: GUINEAN POSTION: CENTRE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: JULY 17, 1997 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: STEPHEN GANAVAS (@MAROTTANOMICS)

2016 IN REVIEW Playing at night to a Juventus team dominating Serie A with 15 consecutive wins, it was a dogged Bologna team who would deny the Bianconeri a step towards Inter’s Serie A record of 17 consecutive wins. More influential than any on the night was the unassuming Amadou Diawara. Anchoring a midfield under constant fire, the Guinean-born midfielder, alongside team-mate Godfred Donsah, fought superbly against their Juventus counterparts – the esteemed Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba. While Juventus would go on to win their next 10 matches and claim the Serie A title, it was Bologna who would have their day in the sun by snaring a point from the clutches of the Old Lady. It was a defining game in Diawara’s career. The murmurs of a move to a big club turned into screams after it and eventually the 19-year-old landed himself at Napoli, a fitting move after his display against Juventus. He has hit the ground running in Naples too, continuing to assert himself as a semi-regular starter as manager Maurizio Sarri continues to place more and more trust in him. Appearing in half of Napoli’s Serie A matches thus far, contributing with nine starts. However, he missed the first eight games, making this figure a more impressive 13 appearances from 18 matches since. Wearing the number 42 at Napoli in honour of his idol Yaya Touré, Diawara will be hoping to make a similar impact on European football as the Ivorian in the same humble but effective manner. Like Touré, he continues to dispel the reductive ideology that exists in some quarters, that African midfielders cannot be technically accomplished players.

STYLE OF PLAY One of the most tactically astute midfielders in Serie A, Diawara is a defensive midfield anchor that serves as the conductor of Napoli’s attack, while also being crucial to the defensive shape of the team. Sometimes drawn up into the congestion of the midfield, it is in these moments that the 19-year-old can leave his team exposed and vulnerable through balls played in-behind the defence by a player afforded too much space in midfield. The Champions League game against Real Madrid was an anomaly in which this occurred more often than usual. Beaten on the night by the mercurial Luka Modrić, he is not the first and will likely not be the last player to fall victim to a masterclass from the Croatian. The match reinforced that Diawara needs to become more effective in the tackle, as he fouls too often and is beaten in duels too regularly because of his small frame. Normally though, Diawara is reluctant to be drawn out of position unless he is almost certain of regaining possession. It is a key to launching many of Napoli’s attacks. If he is able to win the ball high up the field, Napoli will generally have at least five players further forward to instantly punish the opposition in attack. The higher up Diawara can win the ball, the more dangerous Napoli can be. This is underpinned by his wonderful passing range. Encouraged by Sarri to take risks, Diawara’s attacking game has a verticality to it that does not weigh on his pass completion statistic of 89.2%, eclipsing the 84.2% he operated at last season in Serie A. Most importantly, two thirds of his passes have been played forwards. Reluctant to join the attack in any other aspect though, it is perhaps an area of his game that Diawara will seek to improve in Sarri’s ultra-offensive team. Developing a long-shot of the calibre of his idol Yaya Touré could help stretch defences, as he would need to be marked, allowing attacking team-mates more space to operate in in dangerous areas. Diawara is yet to score and has provided just one assist in 70 professional appearances. However, expect this to change as he becomes more assured of his defensive responsibilities and his confidence and willingness to take up more offensive primary positions grows. However, his efficiency continues to be showcased in his reliability, calmness and composure in an otherwise often unreliable and crazy Napoli team. His ability to operate as a quarter-back, intercepting offensive plays and transforming them into attacks. FORECAST FOR 2017 Arguably Sarri’s first-choice holding midfielder now, Diawara will look to slowly build on his bright start to life in Naples. His first forays into the Champions League have been challenging, but as he continues to acclimatise to Napoli’s hectic style of play, he will become more equipped to deal with teams like Real Madrid who are willing to counter this offensive system with their own offence. Currently in third position in Serie A, Diawara should get another shot at Champions League football next season as Napoli look as though they will succumb to Real Madrid in their round of 16 tie, bringing a 3-1 deficit home to the San Paolo. Diawara also faces an interesting choice in regards to his international career. Currently in the process of receiving an Italian citizenship, there have been murmurs that Italy boss Giampiero Ventura wants to hand the Guinean-born midfielder a call-up as soon as he becomes eligible to represent the Azzurri. It seems as though Diawara’s intentions too are to play for his adopted nation, in what would be a coup for the Italian national team. With that, he could set his sights on Russia 2018 if he receives his citizenship quick enough, or at least the 2020 European Championship. Now immersed in the Italian way of playing football, Diawara seems a natural fit for the Azzurri to compete or play alongside the youthful midfield ranks developing in Italy; most notably Manuel Locatelli and Marco Verratti.

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NOURI FULL NAME: ABDELHAK NOURI CLUB: AFC AJAX NATIONALITY: DUTCH POSTION: CENTRE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: APRIL 2, 1997 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: JOE DONNOHUE (@ JOE_DONNOHUE27)

2016 IN REVIEW 19-year-old Nouri enjoyed a productive 2016 whereby he journeyed from being a bit-part player for the Jong Ajax side to being on the verge of the first team, where he made a handful of appearances in the latter months of the year. Nouri had been billed as an enticingly hot prospect, compared to a whole host of Ajax and Dutch legends following his appearances for the club’s youth sides. At that level, he regularly lit up the pitch with his trickery and audacity. 2016 posed the question as to whether he had the mettle to break through into Ajax’s B Team; Jong Ajax who play in the Eerste Divisie. The close of the 2015-16 season saw Nouri net his first Jong Ajax goal, but it was during pre-season where he spent the occasional training session with Peter Bosz’s senior Ajax side, that he first came to the fore. Nouri asserted himself as a player in serious contention, and deserving of, a full Ajax debut. In the Jong Ajax side, however, Nouri regularly began to be deployed in a left-wing role, as well as occasionally being used as an attacking midfielder. Due to his diminutive figure, Nouri prefers to play on the wing where he can utilise his pace and excellent footwork rather than competing in the physical battle in the centre of the park. For Jong Ajax, Nouri has been in prolific form during the 2016-17 campaign, scoring seven times and assisting on three occasions. He has started sixteen of the Eerste Divisie side’s league games which undoubtedly earned him the praise of Bosz whose decision it was to temporarily promote the youngster to the first team. A handful of Eredivisie substitute appearances and Europa League starts later, and Nouri is slowly on his way to forcing his way into the Ajax first team, on either wing of their attacking trident. STYLE OF PLAY Abdelhak Nouri only stands at 5”7’. Combined with the fact that Nouri weighs considerably less than most modern-day players, he is most certainly not going to triumph in the clear majority of on-field battles. But his strengths lie elsewhere.

Nouri is an electric winger, skipping past defenders in a style not too dissimilar to that of Eden Hazard or Arjen Robben in their prime. As a youth team player, Nouri tended to be used in central midfield role rather sporadically but as he has become more advanced as a player, he is beginning to be shifted out the wing in order to exploit his technical ability. This move has also been facilitated to make way for more imposing and commanding, natural central midfielders to slot into that position in place of Nouri, whilst retaining his qualities in the starting XI. Nevertheless, size is not the be all and end all, as proven by Barcelona’s midfield metronomes of the 21st century, namely Xavi and Andrés Iniesta. Nouri can still operate in that central role, however, Bosz feels Nouri is best in a wide position. This was reflected in one of his last appearances for Ajax, coming on as a substitute against Roda JC. In this match, Nouri exploited the fatiguing Roda defenders before playing a neat one-two and striking the post with the resulting shot. On this occasion, he was inches away from opening his Ajax account, and with displays like that a first does not seem too far away. Many young players nowadays face the age-old problem of combining blistering pace with the ability to maintain close control while dribbling. What sets Nouri apart is that he seems to have mastered this art at such a young age. Part of the reason he has excelled in the second division is that he has the natural ability to glide across the turf with the ball at his feet, past industrious, traditional defenders. Nouri has described the ball as his greatest friend, and that is no coincidence when he cites Barcelona legend Iniesta as one of his idols and heroes. His play oozes class, just like the World Cup and Champions League winner, albeit at a much lower level at this stage of his career. His ability to make the ball do the work is encouraging, especially in competitions such as the Jupiler League where his level of technical refinement on the ball is a relative novelty. Nouri looks for the space to play teammates into, ranking as one of the highest in the Eerste Divisie for through-balls. Nouri knows his strengths and tries to execute his play in a way that magnifies them, such as quick give-and-go manoeuvres, leaving defenders flat-footed as he spins off into space ready to receive the ball back from his teammate. His route to the first team is a testament to his character and work-rate. We have seen the likes of Anwar El-Ghazi rise through the ranks of Dutch football and fast-tracked into the Ajax first team setup, only for his effort and motivation to be questioned. Both players have undeniable skill but Nouri’s steadfast ethic and footballing passion shines through compared to many players of similar age and talent. Ex-boss Frank De Boer was a fan of Nouri’s and supported his steady progression through the Jong Ajax team and into the first team eventually. Bosz has afforded him this opportunity and looks set to test him with even more appearances, just like he is doing with Justin Kluivert. Of course, coming up against the biggest and best in Dutch football will be difficult for Nouri to adapt to and his stature will be put under considerable strain when facing some of the Eredivisie’s toughest defences. Nevertheless, his footballing brain should assist him in those situations. Nouri is excellent in tight spaces at retaining possessions or using trickery to find a way out of danger. This will be a little more challenging in the senior team but if the youngster maintains his steady progress, he will benefit greatly from the experience which will certainly hone his ability as a footballer. FORECAST FOR 2017 The Dutch youth international has been watched on several occasions by scouts from across Europe, including the likes of Arsenal chief scout Steve Rowley. While a move at this point in his career would likely be the wrong option to take, it is not out of the question in the future. What one could see happening is Nouri being farmed out on loan to another Eredivisie club as the ranks in Ajax’s first team are brimming with young talent, particularly in Nouri’s newfound wing position. He will do well to break into the first team more often between now and the end of the season and the summer of 2017 will be make or break time for the Dutchman, with a possible opening for him on the wing when Bertrand Traoré returns to Chelsea. Nouri will likely experience more opportunities with the first-team soon though, and, dependent on his performances in those matches, it will determine whether he is dubbed capable of stepping up to that level consistently in the near future. However, his future is very bright based on his career so far. Ajax’s progress into the latter stages of the Europa League will no doubt see Nouri gain more valuable minutes in a red-and-white shirt. Furthermore, if he hits double figures in the goalscoring charts of the Eerste Divisie, it will be very difficult for Bosz and other managers to turn a blind eye to his achievements.

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MAIA FULL NAME: THIAGO MAIA ALENCAR CLUB: SANTOS NATIONALITY: BRAZILIAN POSTION: CENTRE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: MARCH 23, 1997 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: JAKE ENTWISTLE (@JAKEENTWISTLE)

2016 IN REVIEW Last year was a breakthrough for the 19-year-old. The first person from the state of Roraima to represent Brazil at any sport in the Olympics, Thiago Maia sat at the base of his national side’s midfield as they won their first ever Olympic football gold medal. He also picked up the São Paulo state championship – Campeonato Paulista – with Santos whilst his performances in the competition earned him a place in the Team of the Tournament. During Brazil’s Olympic triumph, Maia started Brazil’s first two games of the competition, both goalless draws against South Africa and Iraq. He sat as the deepest of a midfield three, a screen for the defence first and foremost leaving the attacking responsibility to Brazil’s more famous forward quartet: Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Barbosa and Luan. Maia provides excellent protection for the back four and is quick in the transition, and it was this combative influence which ensured Brazil were difficult to break down, not conceding a single goal when Maia was on the pitch. But, despite his occasional tendency to burst into open space after winning the ball, he was replaced later in the tournament as a pressure to qualify called for a greater emphasis on scoring goals, rather than not conceding any. Domestically Maia was lauded for his defensive contribution more than anything else: his personal tally of 97 tackles won was the fifth-most by a midfielder and he also racked up an impressive 61 interceptions. Making 31 league appearances Maia cemented his name in the starting XI and despite Santos finishing the season in second place, nine points behind champions Palmeiras. He was rewarded mid-way through the season with an U23 call-up, the youngest player in Brazil’s Olympic gold medal-winning side.

STYLE OF PLAY Growing up Maia was often called ‘gato’ or ‘velho’, meaning ‘old man’ in this sense. He did not care for the typical Brazilian teenage life and this is evident in his style of play. He is a mature player and has already tamed the erratic nature often associated with more defensive-minded Brazilian midfielders, instead remaining calm and composed with an impressive range of passing that this temperament suggests. This is not to say the characteristic Brazilian fire does not burn bright underneath such a cool exterior, Maia’s almost incomprehensible stamina and tenacity makes him a frightening talent and is just as combative off the ball as he is composed with it at his feet. The comparisons Maia’s and his footballing idol Javier Mascherano may sound premature, but definitely hold weight. Whilst not the most physically striking, the 19-year-old’s limitless engine allows him to compete with the opposition for the entire game, whilst his intelligence, positional sense and marking ability make him an extremely tough player to compete against. He enjoys pressing the opposition and aims to win the ball back as quickly as possible. Despite being a combative ball-winning midfielder at heart, Maia is slowly evolving into a more dynamic presence in the middle of the park. His excellent reading of the game and incredible engine usually sees Maia operating at the base of the midfield – as he did during the Olympics – intercepting and recycling possession for his team. When he does win the ball though, he is very capable of surging forward and contributing to the attacking phase of play – a trait more evident for club side Santos. Playing alongside another deep-lying midfielder at club level, 37-year-old Renato, his box-to-box runs are key to opening up sides adopting a heavily defensive approach and he is given much more freedom to burst forward. Although not a fantastic dribbler in tighter areas, he excels at surging forward into open space after winning the ball. His straight-line running is effective and penetrative. After winning the ball or making a timely interception, Maia is technically gifted enough to launch Santos’ attacks without relying on other players to exploit the space his retrieving of possession has exposed. It is this ability to drive forward that separates him from his idol Mascherano: whilst the two share many similarities in their approach and success in defending, Maia is slowly developing into a more effective box-to-box midfielder in comparison to his idol’s more physical rugged approach to defending. The 19-year-old is already developing other parts of his game rather than pigeon-holing himself as a defensive midfielder. His ability to turn defensive into attack almost singlehandedly is the biggest testament to it. Being able to win the ball, through either tackles or interceptions, is a desirable trait; however, what limits most holding midfielders is their ability to gain an advantage from doing so and punishing their opposition. The fact Maia is not only able to win the ball but is then able to effectively bring it forward and exploit the space exposed by a team still in an attacking transition is an invaluable asset for any midfielder, let alone a player whose main responsibilities lie in the retrieving of possession, not necessarily the effective use of it. FORECAST FOR 2017 Maia’s ambitions clearly match his talent and his friendship with PSG’s Marquinhos is well documented, as well as his preference to play for his compatriot’s current side PSG. However, with the European transfer window shut until the summer – barely mid-way through the 2017 Brazilian Serie A season – if Maia is to make his move to Europe it may have to wait until January 2018. Besides PSG, Chelsea have also been heavily linked with Maia in the past and with Conte’s successful and impressive implementation of 3-4-3, as alluded to earlier the Santos midfielder could prove to be a perfect fit. He has all the defensive capabilities to succeed in such a demanding box-to-box role yet will find it difficult to challenge Nemanja Matić and N’Golo Kanté for a starting birth. Santos’ latest star has the potential to become an excellent player in such a role in the future and Chelsea under Conte could prove a perfect platform for him to do so. 2017 may not be the year that Santos’ number 29 makes the move across the Atlantic. But all the signs are pointing to a move in the future, his friendship with Marquinhos is just one of them. However, the maturity and level headedness mentioned earlier in the piece means that Maia will not rush. He is self-aware enough to know that his ability and current rate of development will almost certainly secure him a big move the future, which saw him reject a massive offer from Russian side Zenit. But Maia has made it clear that he wishes to win everything he can at Santos - most notably the prestigious Copa Libertadores.

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LOPEZ FULL NAME: MAXIME LOPEZ CLUB: OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE NATIONALITY: FRENCH POSTION: ATTACKING MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: DECEMBER 4, 1997 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: WILL SAVAGE

2016 IN REVIEW In the 2015/16 season, Maxime Lopez was included in the matchday squad for only one league match. In the 2016/17 season, Lopez has been an ever-present starter since the end of October. He won his first France U-20 cap in mid-November. He was named Ligue 1 player of the month for December, with barely two months of top flight football under his belt. So, what changed? The arrival of Rudi Garcia. Garcia arrived on October 20th. Lopez was on the bench for his first match, understandable given it was a trip to PSG. Since then, Lopez has been a constant in the side. Marseille’s academy has not always been as fruitful as their rivals in Lyon, with Samir Nasri one of the last graduates who could really be considered a success. Fitting then, that Lopez and Nasri have been likened. Lopez is an intelligent, technical midfielder who thrives when given a creative burden to shoulder, so it is not wonder he has flourished since the arrival of Rudi Garcia. The new boss oversaw a move to a new possession-based style which requires footballers who are comfortable retaining the ball and feeding players ahead of them. With five assists already to his name, Maxime Lopez is quickly finding himself integral to the vision Rudi Garcia has for Marseille.

STYLE OF PLAY Maxime Lopez wants to be the centre of everything. His game almost demands it, he was born to be a creative fulcrum in the midfield. When he is not on the ball, he is preparing to receive it. It really cannot be overstated how central he is to every progression of possession from Marseille. His distribution is assured and his passes rarely err from their intended recipient. His movement off the ball helps him in this role, happy to move across the pitch to find small pockets of space in which he can pick up the ball and build play. One common comparison often made by those observing Maxime Lopez is how similar he is stylistically to Andrés Iniesta. High praise indeed and, while Lopez has a great deal to do before he can realistically be compared to one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, the point made is still apt. When describing Lopez’s build, the word ‘slight’ comes to mind. He is certainly not going to power his way through a packed midfield but, much like the Spanish World Cup winner, he has his intelligence and his technical ability for that. Happy to pick the ball up wherever he can, his slight build allows him to evade challenges others might not and his mobility lets him get in unexpected positions to start attacks. Defensively, Lopez shows good anticipation to seize on any opportunities that come his way. Misplaced passes or errors in control will rarely go unpunished with the young Frenchman around to counter them. He has shown a good chemistry with his teammates quickly, despite only recently get a run of games alongside them. Almost immediately it became clear he was on the same wavelength as Marseille’s attackers, as their link up play often seems almost intuitive. Finding flaws in Lopez’s game is not an easy thing to do. Not because he is flawless, but because he has so recently entered the team that he is still in that honeymoon period where observers are taking in what he offers. His slight build may hold him back at some point, particularly if talk of a move to England comes to fruition. Lopez will either need to bulk up or ensure his speed of thinking remains quicker than that of his opponents. Lopez already has one goal to his name, but two months is not enough time to truly judge how much of a goal threat he poses either. A player of his technical ability will be expected to chip in semi-regularly though. Consistency is the biggest question facing Lopez now; all he must focus on for now is keeping up this form for months rather than weeks. FORECAST FOR 2017 Maxime Lopez has spoken before of his love for Les Olympiens, and it would seem like a move away is off the cards for now. The young Marseille man is in dreamland, understandably. If his potential is as high as it seems though, at some point a move away looks likely. Liverpool and Arsenal have both been linked with moves for the midfield metronome in the past and more recently links with Barcelona have surfaced while he was reportedly the subject of heavy scouting from Chelsea. The types of club linked with him are testament to the belief many have in his potential. Despite this, though, Lopez recently signed a new contract with Marseille that will likely see him remain at the club at least in the foreseeable future. With his maiden France call-up for the U-20s some have wondered how long it will be before Lopez pulls on the shirt for France’s senior side, but there is no need for things to get so ahead of themselves just yet. A possible U-20 World Cup appearance in South Korea in May with France’s dominant U-19 Euro winning side would be a fantastic experience to expose himself to the national team setup. For now, the most important thing for Lopez is ensuring his place in the side is cemented and that he can carry this form through the new year. If the Argentine is as talented as our first glimpses suggest, then 2017 should be an exciting year for the young Marseille man.

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KESSIÉ FULL NAME: FRANCK YANNICK KESSIÉ CLUB: ATALANTA NATIONALITY: IVORIAN POSTION: CENTRE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: DECEMBER 19, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: MATT SANTANGELO (@MATT_SANTANGELO)

2016 IN REVIEW 2016 was a special year in Bergamo as Atalanta’s youth movement took shape. While boasting several fledgling young stars, perhaps the most intriguing name from the Bergamasca talent pool is none other than 20year old Franck Yannick Kessié. A central defender by trade, the gifted Ivorian was transformed into a box-to-box, complete midfielder during the 2015-16 season on loan at Cesena. Manager Massimo Drago recognized Kessie’s tactical and technical abilities were far more suited to play in front of the defense rather than lead it. Over 37 appearances for the Seahorses, his vast array of qualities came to the forefront in Italy’s second division, scoring four goals and two assists. Pleased with his exploits on loan, Italian boss Gian Piero Gasperini identified Kessié during last summer’s pre-season as the club’s anchor in the midfield for the current campaign. 2015 was a transitional year more than anything else for the Ivorian. Last year however, he enjoyed the luxury and freedom in displaying his entire arsenal; physicality, raw strength, confidence and a distinct attacking prowess, all in the form of a dynamic midfielder. Prior to the change in calendar year, Kessié already had established quite the reputation in Italy, tallying six goals and delivering two assists over 16 Serie A matches. While he has yet to reach the climax of his game, European giants were quickly convinced of his talents early on, making him one of the hottest commodities on the peninsula during last month’s January transfer window. Heavy advances and astronomical sums from Europe were met with firm denial, but little doubt exists in 2017 being the year Kessié becomes a household name on the continent and beyond.

STYLE OF PLAY For those unfamiliar with the latest Ivory Coast prodigy, Kessié and fellow countryman Yaya Touré, share very identical traits, so it is only natural the former aspires to emulate the current Manchester City star. Kessié bears all the makings of a modern midfielder. When speaking purely on tactical and technical standpoints, he is well-equipped to thrive in an advanced role up the pitch, but it is important begin in the department where he first burst onto the scene. Defensively, his 6’3” athletic build makes him as a nuisance when possessing the ball. Gasperini’s 3-5-2 calls on two defensive midfielders to mitigate any sort of danger entering the final third. In the double-pivot early this season alongside current Inter and Azzurri midfielder Roberto Gagliardini, Kessié savored the luxury of coverage. Quite easily he would drift into more attacking areas, knowing that Gagliardini’s occupancy in front of the defense favored the overall scheme. Even though the Italian moved on to new pastures at Inter Milan, Kessié has maintained the same levels of tenacity. As the armour of the defensive bank, the Ivorian seldom surrenders possession and because of this, can initiate attacks swiftly from the back. His defensive background is so clearly demonstrated when he dispossesses opponents and competes in aerial duels, where his strength and brutish build allow him to outmuscle competitors. Kessié’s profile aligns with that of a prototypical central defender. But in that role, his greatest assets seem confined; it is in the attacking phase where he truly shines. Seldom do you find a 20-year old fearless enough to push forward from the back when playing in a relatively defence role, but he has the tactical awareness to understand when the right moments to push forward are. Late, marauding runs into the penalty area enable Kessié to immerse himself into the attack, either splitting the defensive bank with a lovely threaded ball or simply testing the goalkeeper with a shot at goal. A unique blend of pace and ball control also grants him the utmost freedom to be expressive and illustrate his explosiveness in the final third. Evident in his six goals and two assists to date, Gasperini has not even the slightest concern in handing Kessié penalty taking duties. Confidently, he embraces the pressures of a spotkick, which is a true testament to his maturing personality. FORECAST FOR 2017 In 2017, Kessié possesses all the characteristics necessary to become one of world football’s brightest young stars, although improvements can still be made to his craft. All Touré and Michael Essien comparisons aside, Kessié harbors the God-given talent to author his own future success story. Since making his senior debut for Les Éléphants on 6 September 2014 as a 17-year-old, Kessié has already amassed 15 caps to his name. By featuring in last month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, the Ivorian took another step forward in his development as a professional. As for his club future, Kessié will be difficult to retain for president Antonio Percassi, perhaps even impossible. Last year, the 20-year-old explained to Sky Italia that while he remains focused on learning Italian style and tactics, it is his dream to suit up for Manchester United one day in the Premier League as they have always been his favorite club. However, given the market in modern day football for a teenage sensation with an array of mouth-watering characteristics, Kessié will surely have his pick of the litter, with Chelsea, Juventus and Liverpool all reportedly keen on his signature. A summer move is merely a formality at this point, however, for the time being, supporters of Italian football — Atalanta specifically — should savor Kessié’s final months and patiently await his next football endeavor.

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ZINCHENKO FULL NAME: OLEKSANDR VOLODYMYROVYCH ZINCHENKO CLUB: PSV EINDHOVEN NATIONALITY: UKRAINIAN POSTION: ATTACKING MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: DECEMBER 15, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: DAVID SANSUN (@RFN_DAVID)

2016 IN REVIEW The year 2016 probably did not quite start the way Oleksandr Zinchenko would have expected – playing in an unfamiliar left wing back position for his club FC Ufa in the Russian Premier League due to an injury crisis. It did not really work for him, they lost both the games he played there without scoring a goal. However, it was not to last and he was soon back in his familiar attacking midfield role. This has been a great period for the young Ukrainian, having only made his senior breakthrough twelve months previously and, in that time, he had become fully established and a key player in the Ufa team. He became their prime creator and solitary bright spark as they strived to fight off relegation. An international call up was always on the cards and in May he made his first appearance for Ukraine. In the same game, he became Ukraine’s youngest ever goal-scorer – breaking the record set by legendary striker Andriy Shevchenko. His club form continued to excite and suitors soon lined up, with Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City heavily linked. First though, he was to participate in Ukraine’s Euro 2016 campaign; appearing in all three of his country’s games as they were the first team eliminated. In the first two matches, he was a substitute for Shakhtar’s Viktor Kovalenko as Ukraine failed to gain a point or score a goal, before he started the final game and shone as they again struggled to defeat against Poland. Almost as soon as Euro 2016 was over, transfer talks arose once again and it did not take long for him to seal a transfer to Manchester City for a rumoured €4m. After training in Manchester for a while, it soon became apparent that he would not be used in the first team and he was loaned to PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch champions have not given him a proper starting berth just yet, but he has still featured in the Eredivisie and also made his Champions League debut against Bayern Munich.

STYLE OF PLAY Zinchenko’s best role is up for debate; some say on the right wing, some say behind the striker, some even mooted that Manchester City and Dortmund were eyeing him as a long-term wing-back option. However, the common opinion among his coaches and fans is that he is at his best on the right of an attacking trio, cutting in on his wonderful left foot. He is more than capable of playing anywhere in the midfield trio while also able to play on the left side of defence – though not as convincingly as his other positions. His best attribute is his delivery of the ball. From set plays and wide areas alike, Zinchenko’s left foot often produces highly accurate crosses for his teammates which can make set-piece situations a repeated threat. In open play, Zinchenko is most comparable to David Silva: his one-footedness, ball control and dribbling style are all like that of the Spaniard. His tendency to only use his left foot - often preferring to use the outside of his left foot to control the ball instead of his right - can be a weakness. Despite this, as seen with players such as Mesut Özil and Silva, these kinds of players can still succeed at the highest level. To consider it a hindrance at this stage in his career may be naive. A match at the end of 2015 saw Ufa play away at Zenit St Petersburg. Zinchenko put in one of the best performances of his career as Ufa pulled off a shock 1-1 draw. The 19-year-old scored the opening goal before helping his side defend and counter. One run during in the second half caught the world’s attention as he snatched the ball back inside his own half before taking on four Zenit players on a 60-yard run down the right wing which ended with him holding off Axel Witsel with some skills and step-overs. A downside to his game is his lack of stamina. He tires quickly and last season for Ufa, he completed 90 minutes in less than 50% of his appearances, often being subbed off or used as an impact sub. If used in a free role on the wing with the freedom to not over-exert himself defensively he is able complete 90 minutes more often though. However, as an impact sub his tenacity and willingness to get involved at both ends can be a boost. Therefore, this is how he has predominantly been used since joining PSV. Zinchenko is a small, nimble player, and while not specifically known for being fast, he can have an explosive burst of pace when needed. Physically, he is very weak, but his low centre of gravity and balance allow him to retain possession in tight attacking areas if he can avoid too much physical contact. It speaks volumes of his underlying his talent that despite only two goals and four assists in the 15/16 season, he was still able to break into the national side and earn a transfer to one of the worlds’ largest clubs. FORECAST FOR 2017 Zinchenko’s main aim in 2017 will be to make himself a regular in the PSV Eindhoven team. He has started just six competitive fixtures since his loan move and his career has been very complicated since his move, briefly settling in England after his move from Ufa and then being shipped off to Holland almost instantly cannot be something he envisaged. After all, he had been learning English from former team-mate Emmanuel Frimpong back in Russia He has cemented his place in the Ukraine squad though, starting four of their five fixtures after Euro 2016 in a midfield along stars such as Yehven Konoplyanka, Andriy Yarmolenko and Viktor Kovalenko. All he can do now is train as strongly as possible for PSV and hope that he can make a breakthrough for them in the second half of the season, although a couple of starts in late November - including a Champions League tie with Atletico Madrid - are good indications that he is showing the PSV coaching hierarchy what he is capable of. Following that, if he can gain a work permit, he will no doubt be aiming to find a place in the Manchester City first team squad – if Pep Guardiola deems him worthy. Otherwise, another loan spell beckons – perhaps even a move back to Russia or Ukraine.

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OUNAS FULL NAME: ADAM OUNAS CLUB: FC GIRONDINS BORDEUAX NATIONALITY: ALGERIAN POSTION: ATTACKING MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: NOVEMBER 11, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: JOE DONNOHUE (@JOE_DONNOHUE27)

2016 IN REVIEW Adam Ounas is a quick, fleet-footed attacking midfielder and winger whose main attribute is his flair. The 20-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2016, after breaking into the FC Girondins Bordeaux first team at the beginning of the season. Ounas cemented his place in the starting line-up as predominantly a winger, but also often being deployed in a number 10 role behind the main striker. Ounas’ best period of 2016 came between February and April as he scored three times in seven matches, including in victories over Guingamp and high-flying AS Monaco. The start of the 2016-17 season posed a challenge to Ounas as several sides had begun to figure out his style and how to prevent him from causing defences problems. His first fifteen appearances of the season yielded no goals in Ligue 1, but his performances remained at a decent standard as he retained his position in the starting XI and assisted Bordeaux in climbing the table to within reach of the Europa League qualification places. On the international front, Ounas declared for the Algerian national team during 2016, qualifying through his Algerian parents despite having appeared for the France U-20s.

STYLE OF PLAY Adam Ounas’ flair is most definitely the Algerian’s primary asset. He creates excitement and an atmosphere at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux with his dribbling and individual skill. Whether it be cutting inside from either flank or playing a neat one-two with a teammate, Ounas refuses to adhere to conformity and would rather attempt the spectacular than play the simple pass. Often this can be at a detriment to the team as Ounas’ pass completion is perilously low, however this is a result of his spontaneity. He is often dispossessed but on the occasion that Ounas is successful with a take-on, it is an exhilarating sight and a sign of his huge potential. The Algerian likes to dribble and as a winger that is a key attribute. He is not afraid of attempting the extraordinary and while he is not always successful, it is a refreshing reminder that football in Europe’s elite leagues is still brimming with individual class and raw talent. In an organised Bordeaux side that averages less than a goal conceded per game, Ounas’ flair can sometimes be stifled but needs to be encouraged. This is something which he will be afforded in the Algerian national team when he makes his bow on the international stage. His style of play has been compared to that of a young Hatem Ben Arfa by a select few and it is not difficult to see why. Ounas tends to take on opposition defenders with a youthful optimism, which is often construed as naivety upon losing possession. Ounas’ skill and technique is fantastic, maintaining a low centre of gravity and excellent balance when fending off challenges. His close control and ability to lift the ball over an onrushing goalkeeper or slide-tackling defender is likewise very impressive. However, on the other hand, his finishing could be improved, especially for a player who likes to try speculative efforts from outside the box. At only 20-years-old, Ounas has plenty of time to perfect his shooting accuracy and make better decisions in the final third, as poor decision-making is something he is suspect of on occasion. An example of this was Ounas’ first senior red card for FCGB in a Ligue 1 fixture with AS Monaco. His poor judgement failed him in this instance, as a reckless challenge from behind, followed by a senseless kick-out saw him deservedly given his marching orders. Ounas must show more on-field maturity, as his obvious skill is of very little use when he is sent for an early bath. Ounas’ endeavour to use his skill to get out of tight spaces can result in dispossession, but at so early in his career, his often questionable decision-making is something he will certainly look to work on and improve as he matures. Ounas’ turn of pace and tendency for a trick or two is what sets him apart from the majority of Ligue 1’s wingers. While consistency may be an issue, Ounas is only 20 and will undoubtedly combine his courageous skill with better stamina and a stronger physical stature in future and with that should come the desired consistency. As a creative influence, Bordeaux rely on Ounas’ quick-thinking and especially the aforementioned turn of pace. He has not accumulated a great deal of assists to date in his career, however that may well be because he has not been playing alongside a prolific striker that he has been able to build a rapport and common understanding with. He will certainly have these opportunities later on in his career and whether it pays dividends remains to be seen, but the early signs are encouraging. One thing that is vitally important is that Ounas continues to attempt and execute skill in high pressure matches, as that is certainly what will allow him to stand out. In the modern age where tactics often dictate and micromanage the game, an outrageous piece of trickery goes a long way in retaining the entertainment factor. Ounas must combine this with a better comprehension of when to pass and when to opt for his preferred method of playing his way out of trouble. FORECAST FOR 2017 Ounas will also be aiming to remain injury free and impress in the second half of the Ligue 1 season, propelling club side Bordeaux to the heady heights of Europa League qualification. If Ounas can prove himself to be a key member of the squad and start 2017 strongly, there is no reason why he cannot become a mainstay in the Algeria national team and possibly make a move to either a larger French club, or another side in an elite European league. What is most likely though, is that Ounas will consolidate his place in Bordeaux’s team and make his much-awaited Algeria debut after the African Cup of Nations, a tournament for which he was overlooked for selection. A summer move is a long way off at the moment because Ounas has a contract until 2021, meaning a hefty sum would be required to prize him away from the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux.

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HORTA FULL NAME: ANDRÉ FILIPE LUZ HORTA CLUB: SL BENFICA NATIONALITY: PORTUGUESE POSTION: CENTRE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: NOVEMBER 7, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: WILL SAVAGE

FORECAST FOR 2016 There is only one place to start with André Horta. The boy is diehard Benfica, the blood of the eagle flows through his veins. It is no surprise then to know that Horta developed at Benfica’s academy for the best part of a decade as a youngster. However, Horta’s dream faced a hurdle as he was let go as a teenager. Reportedly heartbroken, it is said that Horta debated giving up football altogether at the time. Thankfully, he decided otherwise and soon found himself at local club Vitória de Setúbal where he looked to get his career back on track. He did so gladly, making eight appearances in the 2014/15 season before bursting fully onto the scene in the 2015/16 season where he made 34 appearances, 24 of which were starts, in an eye-catching season. It was not long before the Portuguese big boys came calling, and when they did there was only one destination for Horta. He signed a five-year deal with Benfica who were looking to build a squad of experienced professionals supplemented with talented youngsters. The stage was set for Horta to shine and he did not disappoint, filling with gusto the Renato Sanches-shaped hole in the Benfica engine room. Surprisingly, Horta enough impressed in pre-season to nail start in the 2016 Supertaça alongside Ljubomir Fejsa in central midfield. Having played the full 90 minutes, this set the duo up to become the first-choice pairing for the season. However, the end of Horta’s 2016 was stop-start due to muscular injuries.

STYLE OF PLAY Simply put, André Horta is an energetic box-to-box midfielder. Having been played in multiple positions around the midfield before, the technical side of Horta’s game is well-rounded. However, the young man himself says he feels most at home in a box-to-box role, as he grew accustomed to that in Vitória’s 4-4-2. It is somewhat inevitable that Horta has been compared to Renato Sanches, given that Horta has partly managed to fill Sanches’ role in the squad. However, these comparisons only go so far. For one thing, Horta does not possess Sanches’ sheer power. This is not a criticism of the 20-year-old, who is extremely energetic and regularly shows great determination in all phases of play. Rather, it is simply that he is slight, standing at only 5’6”. This does not stop the young midfielder from imposing himself on games, but if he wants to carry on to the very top level of the game he must ensure he has the physical tools to match his technical ability. Of course, it is easier to do this when you see challenges coming, and this is something Horta does superbly. Like all the best midfielders, Horta’s head is always up to scan the field of play and analyse his surroundings. This simple but effective action means that he is secure in possession, even under pressure, because he sees the challenge coming. When he does beat the line of pressure, his technically ability starts to show. His excellent ball-carrying skills allow to him to exploit space ahead of him but it is his decision-making which impresses for a player who has only just left his teens. His ability to pick out options when on the ball is exceptional and marries well the extraordinary levels of creativity in his game. His passing is superb both in terms of the accuracy of them and the range he can find; his long passing offers him another weapon in his arsenal. This variety in his technical weaponry gives him a varied game. No doubt thanks to having played many minutes across different midfield positions already, Horta can co-ordinate the attack from deep, slice his way through opponents with his passing or break through the lines of defence on the ball to create space for others. For all his technical ability, though, more product will be expected of Horta over time. While nobody will be expecting 20 goal seasons from him, the modern number eight is required to carry a goal threat from deep midfield and this is arguably the weakest part of Horta’s game. His movement is good but he seems to lack composure in front of goal. Defensively speaking, Horta is a typical modern number eight, perhaps too much so. He covers ground well and the intensity of his game means he is always ready to hassle and harry opponents when given the chance, but this eagerness can be his undoing. His positioning can be sloppy because of it, weakening the team when he is caught out of position and chasing the ball relentlessly can leave him looking bereft of energy in the closing stages of games. Like most things, these seem like flaws Horta can overcome, especially with his determined nature and intelligent understanding of the game. FORECAST FOR 2017 So, what does the future hold for Horta? The Benfica midfielder has all the necessary skills required to become one of the leading midfielders of world football. Having said that, this could be said about most promising youngsters at some point in their careers. The question is whether they can go on to fulfil that potential. At Benfica, Horta is on as good a stage as any to impress. It is no secret that Europe’s biggest clubs regularly have scouts at matches of the big three clubs in Portugal (Benfica, Sporting and FC Porto), given their history of growing and finding the latest and most talented starlets. If he can overcome the injuries that have plagued him in the last couple of months and nail down his place in the starting XI, there is no reason why he cannot strengthen the weaknesses in his game and turn himself into a top player. No longer a teenager, it should not be long before Horta is given a full cap for Portugal. Having featured at multiple youth levels and having impressed in the Toulon tournament, Horta’s impressive performances for Benfica would merit such a reward. If he can continue to go from strength to strength as he has done since he arrived at the club, then there is no doubt that Horta will attract the attention of the world’s biggest clubs, many of whom no doubt have their eyes on him already. The real question should be, how hard will it be to prise away the lifelong Águias fan from the Estádio da Luz?

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AMIRI FULL NAME: NADIEM AMIRI CLUB: TSG 1899 HOFFENHEIM NATIONALITY: GERMAN POSTION: ATTACKING MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: OCTOBER 27, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: SIMON WEISS (@SIMONWE1SS)

2016 IN REVIEW Even though Nadiem Amiri made his Bundesliga debut back in 2015, he only really established himself as a senior player in 2016. A development that is closely linked to his talent and potential, yet the appointment of Julian Nagelsmann as Hoffenheim’s head coach in February of 2016 would not have hurt his case either. Both had worked together at youth level and it ensured that Amiri had a coach that not only knew him, but that was also prepared to throw him into the deep end on a regular basis. Under Nagelsmann, Amiri’s minutes on the pitch grew, as did the influence he was having on games. Showing promise in his early Bundesliga games, he then managed to maintain his performances for longer periods during the game as well as, doing so in consecutive appearances regularly. He also found the back of the net more often. When merely analysing stats, Amiri revealed himself to be a hidden gem, producing exceptional numbers regarding key passes (per 90) as well as two goals and four assists so far this season.

STYLE OF PLAY One can see glimpses of Mesut Özil in Nadiem Amiri. The young Özil or the older one? A good share of both. While this should not be seen as an attempt to put Amiri on Özil’s level nor to predict a similar future for him, it is reasonable to make these comparisons. Amiri, like the young Özil, came into the league with one aim: to freely play his football. With great skill, ball control and pace, he brought Straßenfußball onto the football pitch. His youthful inexperience allowed him to inject Hoffenheim with a much-needed freshness during difficult times last season. More experienced veterans probably would have let concerns about relegation affect their performances, yet the young German just played his game. Of course, not everything came off, but a great skill, a precise through ball or a well taken goal was often enough to raise the spirit of the team. The older Özil is apparent in Amiri’s decision making and the care he shows for possession. While his general passing accuracy stats already high for a young midfielder, Amiri becomes even more valuable with his final third passing. Both in terms of simply retaining possession, but also with regard to providing incisive passing - either to accelerate play or to seek the final ball himself. Hoffenheim’s offensive strategy regularly looks more cohesive and purposeful with him on the pitch. While there is still an inconsistency in his positioning, you can see the intelligence and thought behind his regular movement. Mixing it up between showing for the ball and positioning himself between the lines. Having received the ball, the end product is often still inconsistent. Even though possession may not be lost, he could often choose the better or quicker pass. Yet given his experience, his vision and execution of his passes as well as his shot and eye for goal make him a real asset to Hoffenheim’s attack. Amiri has also fully embraced Nagelsmann’s system. Without the ball, he is fully integrated. Capable of fulfilling his role both physically and tactically - he shows intelligence in adapting his position depending on the movement of the opposition as well as his team mates. Aided by the system, Amiri find himself in good positions to cut out passes, to force turnovers and to recover loose balls. With the ball, the current system also suits him. When building play slowly, Amiri can use his passing and movement to advance Hoffenheim up the pitch. Yet his pace and directness provides a useful outlet in quick transition periods. As mentioned earlier, the fact that coach and player know so much about each other, certainly gives Amiri a greater platform and greater confidence to carry out Nagelsmann’s instructions. The biggest weakness of Amiri is his consistency - which is good news for him as consistency comes with games and experience. Over time, he will learn to take even greater care of the ball and will attempt to be a stronger presence throughout the 90 minutes. At times, you can see him drift in and out of games. If one wants to be critical, they could point to some sloppy first touches. As with his passing, these touches rarely lead to dangerous turnovers, but they rather cost him and the team the chance to advance the attack more effectively. FORECAST FOR 2017 What should Nadiem Amiri be aiming for in 2017? Possibly, consistency. Both in terms of performance as well as game time. With Nagelsmann at the helm, he will always have a supporter who is keen on involving him regularly in important matches. However, since the start of the 2016/17 season and with Hoffenheim changing to a 3-5-2 formation, Amiri has found himself in a variety of positions. The new positions require a new style from the player, too. When looking at key stats, it shows that he plays more passes, boasts a higher pass completion rate, yet has fewer key passes and shots. Suggesting that he does not get into the danger zone as often as in the season before. 2017 will hence be a time for adjustment, still. It will also be interesting to see how long Hoffenheim can fend off rival suitors. In the summer of 2016, RB Leipzig, reportedly, offered €13 million for the young German; an offer that Hoffenheim will certainly receive again in the future, be it from Leipzig or other clubs. One would also think that, with his contract expiring in June 2018, there will be a clamour for his signature in the summer before he becomes available for a free transfer next January.

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CEBALLOS FULL NAME: DANIEL CEBALLOS FERNÁNDEZ CLUB: REAL BETIS NATIONALITY: SPANISH POSTION: ATTACKING MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: AUGUST 7, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: JOE DONNOHUE (@JOE_DONNOHUE27)

2016 IN REVIEW Ceballos endured a tough and testing 2016 with club side Real Betis as the Seville-based club finished mid-table. The club aimed for stability following their promotion from the Segunda División and that was reflected in the play of Ceballos and his teammates. The club were one of only two teams in La Liga to average less than a goal a game in the 2015/16 campaign, as they lacked creativity. This is something which Ceballos in particular has worked on considerably, increasing his chance creation stats in order to provide ample service to the likes of Rubén Castro. After an impressive showing at the UEFA U-19 European Championships in 2015, Ceballos continued his promising form for the Spain U-21 side, making a number of appearances during 2016 which saw him briefly in contention for a call-up to the senior squad. Ceballos impressively cemented down a place in the Betis first team, making the central midfield role his own at just 19 years of age. This lead to him attracting initial interest from a whole host of prestigious clubs but no move ever materialised as the player was very content making regular appearances for Betis. The club quite clearly recognised his talent and potential as he began to thrive following the signing of a new contract which saw his current deal extended to 2020; a sign of intent by the Andalusian side. STYLE OF PLAY First and foremost, Ceballos is a tenacious central midfielder, capable of adapting into a defensive midfield role as well as an attacking playmaker. In Betis’ current setup, Ceballos tends to be utilised most frequently as a deep-lying playmaker so that he is able to distribute play from within the Betis half. Betis head coach Victor Sánchez quite clearly sees the ability Ceballos has at playing through balls and threading passes in behind opposition defences, which is why he is deployed in such a way. Ceballos has a tendency to drop deep into a position sitting in front of the centre-back pairing and pick out a teammate in a wide area. His ability to see a pass as soon as he picks up the ball is impressive and very beneficial for Betis as it allows transition from defence to attack to be achieved in a swift manner.

Arguably his best attribute is his footballing brain. Ceballos always seems to be one step ahead of his opponent, and occasionally also ahead of his teammates. His flicks and touches indicate a vast knowledge of the game and an innate ability to predict the path of the ball. When receiving possession, Ceballos already has his next pass selected before he has even received the ball himself, something perfected by the likes of Andrés Iniesta and Andrea Pirlo. His flair allows him to be a menace in an attacking role as well, and with his youthful engine and natural stamina, he is able to assist attacks by galloping up field. His influence in the final third has not been as fruitful as Betis fans would have liked, but his ideas and the passes he attempts are indicative of a player who can feature for a club at a much higher level. Along with his flair, the technical ability he possesses is wonderful and typical of a Spanish footballing upbringing. Close control and great balance characterise his game in the attacking third. Of course, a player with such good control will often be dispossessed because of their over-zealous approach to dribbling and retaining the ball at their feet, and this is a flaw of Ceballos’. Nevertheless, it does make him exciting to watch and in a team like Betis, he certainly is a novelty. Similarly, this style of play tends to draw a lot of fouls which can be extremely useful if his side are holding a lead and trying to kill the game. Unlike Neymar, Ceballos holds his own relatively well in physical battles against opponents. For a player under six-foot tall, his strength in holding off challenges is quite striking. This was first demonstrated to the world at the U-19 European Championships where he was the star man for Spain. His balance and stability allowed him to ride numerous challenges and be a considerable attacking threat. At a lower level, such as youth international fixtures Ceballos stars as an attacking influence but in a more pressing and competitive atmosphere such as a La Liga, Ceballos tends to be more effective as a playmaker from deep. This allows him to play one-twos with teammates and recycle possession much quicker than mundane sideways passing which generates no build up and is predictable to defend against. Ceballos’ tenacity can only be admired and while he is naïve at times with his tackling, he is a nuisance in the centre of the park. This perhaps explains why visiting teams tend to have more joy at the Benito Villamarín when they opt to cross into the box, bypassing the terrier-like Ceballos. Due to his style, Ceballos tends to pick up a number of yellow cards, with ten accumulated last campaign. Having already reached the halfway mark in last year’s cautions, he is on course to beat that this season if he continues to start for Betis. He is a peculiar player who perhaps has not found his niche as of yet. Extremely versatile in the middle of the pitch, many players struggle to balance their flair with strong defensive work. Nowadays central midfielders tend to be either one or the other, rather than a little bit of both. Based on last season’s stats and his numbers from this campaign, Ceballos seems to be trying to move towards developing his attacking side, bettering his chance creation and shooting accuracy in a bid to aid his team. Having said that, Ceballos also seems to be winning more duels than in previous years, indicating that not only is he developing as a player intellectually, but that he is also becoming more of a physical presence on the pitch. At only 20 years of age, and yet to make a senior appearance for the Spanish national team, Ceballos has plenty of time to find his preferred role and excel in it because at present, his versatility is possibly what is holding him back. His usefulness in a defensive central midfield role has led to him being played in this position when potentially he could be of more use to another team in an attacking role, where he is equally adept. FORECAST FOR 2017 Ceballos is likely to add to his 11 U-21 caps for Spain and will most probably continue in his current role at Real Betis. Betis are on course for another mid-table finish whereby Ceballos’ talents will not be able to shine like they did temporarily in their 1-1 draw with Barcelona. His youth is on his side, as is his vast top flight experience for a player who will only turn 21 in August. Potentially, Ceballos could emerge as a transfer target for a number of clubs, especially considering the financial position that many Spanish clubs such as Real Betis find themselves in. Furthermore, the system that Betis currently play does not showcase the best of Ceballos, whereas a system similar to the one used by Spain at the U-19 European Championships may highlight his undeniable quality a little more than at present. For his career to progress, Ceballos must either become the undisputed main man at Benito Villamarín, or move on. With a contract running until 2020 however, the former may be the most sensible option but he will have to work mighty hard to achieve it. Yet, with time on his side, there is nothing Ceballos cannot achieve in 2017 and the years that follow if he maintains consistent performances for his club side, improves his game and remains injury-free.

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GOLOVIN FULL NAME: ALEKSANDR SERGEYEVICH GOLOVIN CLUB: CSKA MOSCOW NATIONALITY: RUSSIAN POSTION: CENTRE-MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: MAY 30, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: DAVID SANSUN (@RFN_DAVID)

2016 IN REVIEW At the start of 2016, Aleksandr Golovin had just two senior starts for CSKA Moscow to his name – both in the Russian Cup. Strange then, it may seem, is the fact that Golovin had made his debut for the Russian national side in July 2015, scoring as a substitute in a 4-2 victory against Belarus. It was clear, partly down to his well-executed volleyed finish, that there was some talent to work with. It was enough to catch the eye of ex-Russia coach Fabio Capello at least. His club boss Leonid Slutskiy just needed to decide how best to utilise the talent at his disposal. As the winter break ended and the Russian Premier League restarted in March 2016, it seemed as if Slutskiy indeed had decided. Golovin broke into the first team with a couple more appearances off the bench, before breaking into the starting XI; typically taking up a role on the left or right wing. Though, as is with most teams, he would tend to drift around and swap with his attacking midfield team-mates Zoran Tošić and Roman Eremenko. However, it was a cup semi-final against FC Krasnodar in April which really grabbed the attention of scouts and pundits alike, as Golovin scored a stunning brace to put them into the final. His first, a perfectly hit half-volley from 20 yards to the top corner and his second, a placed shot from the edge of the box. This performance boosted his reputation immeasurably and, with club boss Slutskiy now also the temporary manager of Russia, it seemed increasingly likely that he would be on the plane to France for Euro 2016. As the season ended, CSKA fought off a valiant Rostov to claim the league title. Golovin scored three goals in 23 first team appearances in his debut season and as many predicted, Slutskiy selected him for Euro 2016. In an injury crisis, Russia lost their two starting central midfielders to injury just before the tournament. To combat this crisis, Slutskiy opted to test Golovin in a holding midfield position. He started there in Russia’s pre-tournament friendlies and maintained that position throughout the tournament. In this unfamiliar position, Golovin had a poor tournament, but there was little fault of his own. Ultimately it was the manager’s choice to play him deep. Evidently, it did not allow him to showcase his true ability. This season, despite Roman Emerenko’s drug ban forcing Golovin to occasionally take up a holding midfield role, Slutskiy has generally played the 20-year-old further up the pitch. He also had his first taste of Champions League football thanks to CSKA’s league title and he has played 90 minutes in all the group games to date. To cap off his excellent year, Golovin was named Russian Young Player of the Year.

STYLE OF PLAY Golovin has been often compared to one of his team-mates, fellow CSKA academy graduate Alan Dzagoev. In many ways these comparisons are looking increasingly accurate. When Dzgaoev broke onto the scene as a teenager, he was a bright attacking midfielder and drew the world’s attention at Euro 2012, but he has since drifted back and now plays a pivotal role as a deep central midfielder. With the way that current boss Slutskiy is coaching him, it looks as though Golovin will head the same way. As an attacking midfielder, Golovin is not a flashy player, but he is a smart, classic attacking midfielder, who finds space well and waits for the chance to play the perfect pass. If forced into wider positions, he is not afraid to take on his man. However, as a player who is not the quickest, he must use pure skill to beat his man by turning and changing direction often; helped in part by his two-footedness. At youth level for club and country, Golovin often took responsibility for penalties and free-kicks - even scoring in the 2013 U-17 World Cup from a direct free-kick, while notching numerous penalties for CSKA’s reserve side. Furthermore, many of his assists at this level were from set-pieces, a testament to how accurate his delivery from these positions can be. As a free-kick taker, it would not surprise fans to learn that Golovin possesses a wicked shot. His first and only two goals for the Russian national team were both excellent half-volleys from around the edge of the box, and his most famous goal to date for CSKA in the cup semi-final was, as previously eluded to, brilliant. However, these are few and far between. He has only scored six times in his senior career to date. That can be partly explained by Golovin’s reputation as an unselfish player. Perhaps on occasion, he is sometimes too unselfish; not shooting when he may have the better angle than his team-mate. The 20-year-old loves to move with the ball on counter-attacks, he thrives when bursting past a challenge and then playing the ball on, but it is rare you will see him then try a shot on goal himself. His future as a more defensive midfielder that Slutskiy seems to want him to become is interesting though. Although he is adapting to the role with every passing week, it is perhaps simply not a role which suits his skillset. He does not seem to be strong in a challenge and he does often lack the defensive work-rate to operate in a position where players are strictly accountable defensively. His fondness for playing the perfect pass and a possession based game can also cause trouble and he has been caught out in the past, losing the ball inside his own half which has led to chances for the opposing side. Golovin possesses the ability to operate there, but he needs the experience that will only come with time. His age counts for him in this respect also, defensive midfielders tend to peak later in their career. FORECAST FOR 2016 With Golovin already playing at one of Russia’s top clubs, there is no chance that he will transfer inside of Russia. Also, as a first-team regular, there is no need for him to seek a loan away from the club. As previously mentioned, comparisons to former wonder-kid Alan Dzagoev have been regular and almost every window since Euro 2012, Dzagoev has been linked with a transfer to western Europe – a move which has never materialised. While it would probably be best for Golovin’s development for him to move to one of the top leagues, the foreigner limit in the Russian Premier League means that he can go on to be one of the best paid players in the country. With wages at CSKA far higher than what European clubs would be willing to offer it seems likely that unless the foreigner rule is abolished, he will stay at CSKA for many years to come - just like Dzagoev has done. Golovin will also be hoping to help CSKA retain the league title, a task made more difficult after the club’s sale of Ahmed Musa over the summer. Heading into the winter break, CSKA trail city rivals Spartak Moscow by eight points. Furthermore, the 20-year-old will likely feature in the 2017 Confederations Cup – hosted in Russia. Barring injury, it will be highly unlikely for him to not make the squad, which will be a great springboard for him to potentially become the poster-boy of the Russian squad for the 2018 World Cup - another chance for him to showcase his talent to a wider footballing audience.

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IWOBI FULL NAME: ALEX IWOBI CLUB: ARSENAL FC NATIONALITY: NIGERIAN POSTION: ATTACKING MIDFIELD/ LEFT WING DATE OF BIRTH: MAY 3, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: PHIL COSTA (@_PHILCOSTA)

2016 IN REVIEW Alex Iwobi was not always destined to shine in an Arsenal shirt. In fact, the Gunners thought very seriously about releasing him twice as a teenager with his development not progressing as planned. But as offers from Celtic, Crystal Palace and Southampton came in, the Lagos-born midfielder was determined to stay and prove he was good enough. Over four years and 50 first team appearances later, there is not a happier man than Arsène Wenger when looking back on that brave decision. After initially impressing against Sunderland and Burnley in the FA Cup, it was not until March where the 20-year-old really made a name for himself. Thrown into the Nou Camp for what might have been a hiding to nothing, many young players would have frozen on such an unforgiving stage. But in typical Iwobi fashion, he embraced the pressure and enjoyed it for what it was – a game of football. Looking completely comfortable alongside Europe’s elite, he was rewarded with his first Premier League start just three days later, scoring his first goal for the club in a 2-0 victory away at Everton. Having signed a new contract just six months prior, Iwobi was offered another deal in April that reportedly trebled his wages. Make no mistake, this was not a case of modern football rearing its short term, money-driven head. This was a football club realising what a talented, determined player they had on their hands and tying him down for the future. That determination also saw him follow his heart to represent Nigeria, despite England officials trying to persuade him for months to switch allegiance. Named as African Youth Player of the Year for 2016, his choice was undoubtedly justified.

STYLE OF PLAY Something that instantly stands out whilst watching Iwobi play is his high level of technical quality. To be anywhere near the Arsenal first team you need to be a gifted footballer, but for somebody so young, the assuredness he oozes when in possession or receiving the ball is exemplary. Whether it is gathering a pass that has been fizzed into him in an instant, or bringing a clearance back down to earth from the heavens, the 20-year-old has an impressive ability to always seem in control. Even when pressed aggressively or trapped in a congested penalty area, he will somehow find a way to wriggle out into space and recycle play, which is crucial for a side who usually look to play on the front foot. What is so striking about his rise, is how he seems to have arrived into the senior squad almost fully-formed. Arsenal are a better team this season than they were last season and Iwobi is crucial to that. He offers a great balance alongside the more unpredictable pair of Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott, whilst managing to combine on a telepathic basis with Mesut Özil. Crucially, the likes of Sanchez and Özil are never afraid to pass to Iwobi or give him the ball in tight areas because they trust him. The ease in which he seems to complement and combine with others in attack cannot be understated. Another attribute that often goes unnoticed is his strength. The usual story is that players gifted with such talent tend to be more lightweight, making it easy to bully them out of a game. But with Iwobi, this could not be further from the truth. Favouring those pockets of space between back four and midfield, he is able to turn and drive at goal whilst fending off tackles with ease. An example that comes to mind is from New Year’s Day, where the Nigerian sent Wilfried Zaha crashing to ground as they battled shoulder to shoulder for a loose ball. This highlights an ability to impact games on a physical level as well as a technical one However, there are aspects to Iwobi’s game that need improving. While there is an undoubted swagger about his first touch and link-up play, the timidity he shows in front of goal provides a polar opposite. The Hale End academy graduate enjoyed a prolific spell whilst playing as a central striker for the club’s U-18 and U-21 sides, but when clear goal scoring opportunities have fallen his way for the senior team, his end product has lacked conviction. Missed chances away to PSG and in the North London derby spring to mind, but Wenger is certain that ‘goals will come’. Another bad habit he must curb is switching off defensively. As a wide man, Iwobi’s role in the side is to attack and make telling contributions in the final third. However, with the modern game becoming quicker and more expansive, it is crucial that you are mindful of tracking runners to avoid leaving your full-back exposed. The Nigerian has shown a willingness to press from the front, but is sometimes guilty of getting caught too far upfield which allows the opposition to create overloads in dangerous areas. His awareness will improve over time, but there is little room for error at this level. FORECAST FOR 2017 First and foremost, Iwobi should no longer be considered a ‘prospect’. The 20-year-old is now a fully-fledged member of the Arsenal first-team and handled a difficult transition with maturity. Rarely fazed by the big occasion, physically robust and capable of playing well in a number of different positions, there will always be room for him in the manager’s plans. For now, it is likely he must continue his apprenticeship on the flank, but after a string of assured performances in the absence of Özil, his future could lie in the centre. The Gunners’ current playmaker cost them a fortune - their next one may have just developed right underneath their noses. Also, for somebody with such a short career, Iwobi has overcome challenging moments that simply would have broken the spirit of others. But his humble, hardworking nature has now given him a platform to showcase his talents and it is hardly a surprise that he is thriving. In December, he spoke at length about how he was not as ‘big, fast or strong as anyone else’ during his time in the academy, but his progression has been steady, rather than explosive. Wenger explained last month that you need to ‘look a bit deeper’ to understand Iwobi’s talents, and even though he may not have been dazzled by the Nigerian at first glance, he is vital to him now.

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FERNANDES FULL NAME: EDIMILSON FERNANDES RIBEIRO CLUB: WEST HAM UNITED NATIONALITY: SWISS POSTION: ATTACKING MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: APRIL 15, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: ALEX SAIDY-SMITH (@ALEXSAIDYSMITH)

2016 IN REVIEW From Stade Tourbillon to the London Stadium, 2016 was a very exciting year for Edimilson Fernandes. Starting the year in the Swiss Super League with FC Sion, Fernandes found himself to be a regular starter for the Swiss outfit as they finished the season in fifth place and narrowly missed out on playing in the Europa League. On the 25th of August 2016, West Ham United confirmed the signing of Fernandes from FC Sion for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £5 million. During a summer of many signings for the Hammers, the deal for the Swiss midfielder went to some extent under the radar. Fernandes made his debut for West Ham on the 25th of September as he came on as a late substitute in a 3-0 defeat to Southampton. A month later, Fernandes scored his first goal for the Hammers as they beat London rivals Chelsea 2-1 in the League Cup. 2016 was also a big year for Fernandes’ international career. First, he made his debut for the Switzerland U-21 team on the 26th of March and then eight months later in November 2016, Fernandes made his senior debut in a World Cup qualification match against the Faroe Islands to end a year of much excitement and progress for the young Swiss.

STYLE OF PLAY Fernandes is a versatile player that has already played in numerous positions so far in his short career. Most notably playing as an attacking midfielder for FC Sion, Fernandes has found himself predominately playing in an unfamiliar right wing-back position or a somewhat more familiar central midfield role for West Ham. Under this position change for the Hammers, Fernandes has vastly improved his defensive side of the game and seems to be working a lot harder on the field compared to when he was at FC Sion. One of the biggest impacts that have occurred since playing at wing-back for West Ham is that Fernandes seems more eager and committed when it comes to tackling. His timing and judgment of tackles have also improved significantly, but his defending is still far away from being the finished product. The Swiss midfielder is a direct dribbler of the ball, and he is always looking to go forward once he has received the ball. During his time in Switzerland, Fernandes was found often picking up the ball on the left-wing so that he can cut in on his preferred right foot. While being interviewed by Swiss newspaper 20 minutes, Fernandes admitted that playing in the middle of the pitch is more natural for him, however, he is enjoying playing on the wing for West Ham, although he would prefer to play on the left-wing. Not one to be afraid of having a shot from distance, Fernandes can always be found lurking on the edge of the opposition’s box in a similar way to one of his idols, Paul Pogba. Despite his inclination to shoot from a distance, Fernandes does not have the best goal ratio for a midfielder and his efforts can sometimes seem naive and wasteful. Since making his move to the London Stadium and taking up a more defensive position, Fernandes passing has been a lot safer and less risky as he is now more likely to favour the short pass, and so far this season he has an impressive passing accuracy of 90.5% in the Premier League. When Fernandes is given a chance to play in a more advanced position, he is often looking to get the ball forward to the striker by providing them with defence-splitting through balls or spreading the ball out wide for one of the wingers to run onto. Just like a lot of other young players, Fernandes tends to go missing when the game is not going in favour of his team. Also, his decision-making across the pitch has also been questionable at times with the young Swiss opting to attempt a Hollywood pass or an audacious effort at goal when a much a simpler pass is open. FORECAST FOR 2017 Fernandes is a great prospect, and although it came as a bit of a surprise that he moved to the Premier League at such a young age, he has so far been very impressive for West Ham and was arguably their best signing last summer. To reach the next level, Fernandes must work on his decision-making skills and if he is going to continue to play in his new wing-back or deeper central midfield role for the Hammers, then he will also need to work on his defensive side of the game. If Fernandes is serious about playing in a more attacking position in the future, he will need to improve his output in the final third. The fact that Fernandes is capable and trusted to play in a wide variety of positions shows just how highly rated he is by his colleagues. After all West Ham manager, Slaven Bilić did state that Fernandes has ‘everything’ and that he is ‘very comfortable on the ball in different positions’. However, as we have seen with many other footballers in the past that have failed to cement their spot in the first team due to them being a ‘jack of all trades, but a master of none’. Being versatile can make you an excellent squad player rather than a first team starter.

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LO CELSO FULL NAME: GIOVANI LO CELSO CLUB: PSG NATIONALITY: ARGENTINIAN POSTION: ATTACKING MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: APRIL 9, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT

WRITTEN BY: WILL SAVAGE

2016 IN REVIEW When in demand attacking midfielder Giovani Lo Celso had to choose a destination for his move from South America, PSG’s South American connection must have played a part in his decision-making process. Regularly compared to Angel Di Maria, the families of each player know each other well which must have been a big draw towards the French capital. PSG were able to offer more chances than other clubs too, according to Lo Celso’s father, so when the offers came in last summer Lo Celso chose Paris as his destination, arriving in January. There was no surprise that the offers came in either, due to Lo Celso’s sparkling performances for Rosario Central in both domestic and continental competitions. The youngster had scored two goals and made 10 assists in his time in Argentina and drew many admirers for his exciting attacking play. Since his introduction into the Central set-up, Lo Celso seemed almost integral to the side, quickly establishing himself as a mainstay of the attack due to his chemistry and understanding with Central’s other attacking players. He drew admirers in the Argentine international set-up too and was an important part of Argentina’s squad at the Olympics.

STYLE OF PLAY Lo Celso has been likened to a left-footed Juan Román Riquelme, high praise indeed for a young Argentine midfielder, but also not inaccurate. Lo Celso is an old-school number ten, playing behind the centre-forward and looking to act as a fulcrum for the attack. His excellent technical skills and reading of the game undoubtedly help him here. Very much a creative influence, his ability to glide past defenders with the ball to slip in a teammate or create space for others is frequently on show, and his range of passing gives him the options he needs on the ball to spread the play where it is required. Although he has been compared to new teammate Angel Di Maria, it is easier to understand the comparisons to Riquelme due to the elegance with which Lo Celso carries the ball forward. He takes languid, effortless strides as if he has all the time in the world, before finding the chance to unlock the defence with that magic left foot, which seems just as capable of making passes through the tightest of gaps as taking the ball away from a challenging defender with a deft flick. That strength of Lo Celso’s is also a weakness though, his reliance on his left foot belies the weakness of his right foot. Like many players, Lo Celso makes up for the weakness of his inferior foot with outside of the foot passes, but when forced onto his right side Lo Celso is far more likely to end up giving away possession by trying something with his right foot. Given how well he holds onto the ball usually, this can be a major problem and is undoubtedly the part of his game that most needs work. The other component of his game he will most want to work on will be his goal tally. Two goals so far in his career is not abysmal, but for an attacking player of his ability it is something he will be expected to improve on. If he can marry an effective goal threat to the creative side of his game, he could become a wonderfully multi-faceted attacker. A traditional number 10, Lo Celso may have also chosen a move to PSG due to Unai Emery’s preference for the 4-2-3-1 formation. With many coaches nowadays using a flatter midfield 4-3-3 Lo Celso will no doubt be wary of the danger of being in a position where a manager forced him into a wider role. Although Lo Celso would still be a danger to any defence cutting in from the right, his skillset undoubtedly suits an integral role in the attack rather than a peripheral one. FORECAST FOR 2017 With that in mind, it will be interesting to see how Emery decides to use Lo Celso. Firstly, the Argentine is unlikely to be thrust into the first-team upon his arrival. Although talented he is still raw and an acclimatisation period is almost certain to be required before he starts regularly for the Parisian club. Tactically, his future is uncertain too. Although Emery prefers the 4-2-3-1, this season has seen him more readily use a possession-based 4-3-3 which would almost certainly see Lo Celso playing on the right when he gets chances. It is likely that Javier Pastore’s recurring injury problems have played a big part in Emery’s thinking, with Hatem Ben Arfa the only other player who could really challenge for the role behind the striker in a 4-2-3-1. Although it seems unlikely that PSG’s tactical setup will change straight away to accommodate Lo Celso’s preference, in time he could give Emery the licence to change back to his preferred formation. There is no doubting though that it could be some time before Lo Celso is able to have such an effect on the club. For now, he will most likely have to hope for chances to affect games as a substitute, but there’s no doubting given the right conditions PSG have a true star on their hands.

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KOVALENKO FULL NAME: VIKTOR VIKTOROVYCH KOVALENKO CLUB: SHAKHTAR DONETSK NATIONALITY: UKRAINIAN POSTION: ATTACKING MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: FEBRUARY 14, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: ALEX SAIDY-SMITH (@ALEXSAIDYSMITH)

2016 IN REVIEW Despite not having much luck with the national team at the European Championship, 2016 was an unforgettable year for Viktor Kovalenko as the young midfielder started to make his mark at both club and international level. Only making his debut for the Ukrainian national team in March 2016 in an international friendly against Cyprus, Kovalenko was deservedly called up as part of the final squad to compete at Euro 2016. The tournament turned out to be a nightmare to forget for Ukraine as the crashed out at the group stage with zero points and managing not even to score a single goal. Kovalenko appeared in all three games for Ukraine, starting in their first two games and coming on as a late substitute in their last game against Poland. Concerning his club career, 2016 was a rather good year for Kovalenko as his club Shakhtar Donetsk won the Ukrainian Cup. Arguably the most important aspect of his year was the fact that he became a regular starter in the first team. Even though Kovalenko made his debut in early 2015, Shakhtar had been slowly integrating him into the first team squad since the summer of 2015.

STYLE OF PLAY Kovalenko is a right-footed midfielder that naturally excels in the attacking midfield spot, but is equally adaptable to play in a deeper central midfield role. The Shakhtar midfielder has been compared to a young Cesc Fabregas when he was at Arsenal due to his tendency to score goals from midfield at youth level as well as his silky touch and vision. Kovalenko was awarded the Golden Boot award during the U-20 World Cup in New Zealand in 2015 as he finished the competition with five goals and two assists in just four games with Ukraine. Just like many other young players, the dynamic midfielder has since found it somewhat difficult to keep up his impressive goal-scoring record since he has been promoted to the Shakhtar first team, although he did grab an impressive three-minute brace against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk back in November 2016. The Shakhtar midfielder is not just a young attacking midfielder you expect to score a goal every so often, he is also a creative outlet that has excellent vision and distribution, hence why people are quick to draw comparisons with Fabregas. Kovalenko excels in his role behind the striker as he is always ready to make space for himself in the final third and allowing himself to become available to receive a pass. Once he has been given the ball, Kovalenko always has his head up looking for the forward pass, through ball or the one-two. Kovalenko possesses some excellent close control and dribbling ability. The midfielder also tends to come out wide to receive the ball in order to run down either channel, but most preferably the left-hand side as he is then able to cut back onto his favoured right foot so he can pick out a pass or test the opposition’s goalkeeper. Standing around 1.82m, Kovalenko’s physical presence and upper body strength is quite impressive for somebody who is so young and usually plays in the number 10 role. Currently, Kovalenko’s primary weakness is his defending and his understanding of defending. To become a complete midfielder, the Ukrainian must improve on his timing of tackles and his ability to read the game from not only when his team are in an attacking position but also when they are in a defensive position. Considering Kovalenko turned 21 this year, there is plenty of time for him to learn the defensive side of football. After all, one of the main reasons as to why Kovalenko is rated so highly in his native country is because of the work rate and determination he shows on and off the field. FORECAST FOR 2017 A move to Western Europe to ply his trade in one of Europe’s top five leagues almost seems inevitable for Kovalenko. The likes of Italian giants Juventus and Internazionale have been reportedly interested in bringing him to Italy, but the Ukranian midfielder may want to consider remaining exactly where he is for the short term. Kovalenko is nowhere near to being the finished article, and a move away to a bigger club where he is more likely going to spend his time on the bench or in the reserves will only slow down his development. Lastly, Kovalenko is a technically assured playmaker that has the skillset to take him to the top, but what he needs to focus on in the meantime is to keep himself level-headed. There will be a lot of pressure on him to be at the forefront of the new generation of Ukrainian players that will be looking to reach the World Cup in 2018 and with quotes from current Shakhtar manager Paul Fonseca stating that ‘Viktor Kovalenko will one day become the best Ukrainian player’. Kovalenko needs to remain humble and make sure that he gets enough protection before the pressure becomes overbearing as the Ukrainian public will certainly want results soon rather than later.

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LEMAR FULL NAME: THOMAS LEMAR CLUB: AS MONACO NATIONALITY: FRENCH POSTION: ATTACKING MIDFIELD/ LEFT-WING DATE OF BIRTH: NOVERMBER 12, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: LLEW DAVIES (@FFWTBOLLEW)

2016 IN REVIEW A richly talented group of young players currently embody AS Monaco, much in the same way the wealthy inhabitants embody the principality. They are synonymous with the respective entities – Monaco, a paradise where billionaires enjoy their spoils; AS Monaco, a club which nurtures and parades young prospects. Thomas Lemar’s year is AS Monaco’s year. A year of patient progression, a year of continuous betterment has seen both develop from peripheral hunters to Ligue 1 big dogs. 2016 was a year in which Lemar has overcome injury and positional inconsistency to establish himself as an integral component of Leonardo Jardim’s free-scoring, table-topping side. With around a third of this season remaining, the 21-year-old has surpassed his minutes played tally of last. Lemar has also contributed to 17 goals in 2016, a number which rapidly increased as Christmas neared and the more ruthless the Monégasques became. It is a gradual progression which has caught the eye domestically and internationally. AS Monaco are a team revered for their delightfully destructive – yet seemingly unsustainable – goal tallies across four competitions. Lemar is now a full French international too, making a twelve-minute cameo in November’s amicable encounter with Côte d’Ivoire. In doing so, he became a member of an exclusive group – becoming one of Guadeloupe’s few French internationals and their very first international who plies his trade as an attacking player. Lemar is making impressions in two autonomous regions of France, even if they are separated by five hours and 7,000 kilometres of ocean.

STYLE OF PLAY Now is probably a good time to establish Lemar’s basic attributes. At 5’7” and noticeably slight of frame, Lemar is by no means an exceptional athlete. He is small, that is unarguable. What is also unarguable is what that physique offers him – good balance, an acceleration which unsettles opposition and a sharpness that can have a profound impact on situations and subsequently games. He has an excellent left-foot, as exhibited by his nine league and European goals this season to date – four more than he managed to score in the 2015/16 season. He utilises the aforementioned attributes primarily from the left-hand side of midfield, often a basic four in Jardim’s preferred system. Early in the season, Andrea Raggi played behind him and Moutinho inside, but as the campaign has progressed, the excellent Djibril Sidibé and powerful Benjamin Mendy have impressed at leftback, with Tiemoué Bakoyoko working tirelessly to his right in central midfield. Lemar is complemented on the opposite side by the playmaking exploits of the gloriously gifted, Bernardo Silva. Predominantly left-footed players playing from the left-hand side is increasingly rare in modern football, with coaches preferring inverted wide players, with the main reasoning being the space it creates for advancing wing-backs. Yet Lemar, under Jardim, still facilitates the advancement of Monaco’s left-back, whether it be Raggi, Sidibé or Mendy – and it is all because of the positions the Frenchman consciously picks up throughout matches. The 21-year-old’s positioning in the left half-space is a prominent feature of his game and it bears very tangible benefits. Firstly, when the team transitions from defence to attack, Lemar’s role is important and a crucial reason as to why Monaco are so good at it. He acts very much as an outlet in this phase, particularly from defensive set-pieces. He often takes up positions in the half space; situating himself between the ball and the opposition’s wide(r) options, he covers angles and defends space, rather than the man – the perfect position to press or break. When Monaco regain possession, it enables Lemar to counter-attack – either receiving the ball in a good position to carry the ball upfield, relieving pressure or to dart forward, piercing through lines with swift acceleration to support ensuing attacks from deep. His positioning in the half-space does create space for the likes of Sidibé or Mendy to exploit, another integral facet to Jardim’s system. Moreover, it gives central midfielders and defenders – whether it be Moutinho, Bakayoko or Jemerson – greater options, as he takes up crafty positions behind the opposition’s midfield in Monaco’s uncluttered and defined passing channels. It is in these situations where we observe the outstanding qualities of his game: intelligence, close control, poise, and a sizeable punch of powerful acceleration. He can turn quickly when he receives the ball, even with his back to goal, which unsettles the opposition. He can run directly at defenders too, keeping the ball close to him, advancing it up to the opposition penalty area and committing defenders into making decisions; and crucially, the wrong one. It is a pattern you can observe in most Monaco games which feature Lemar, but the most impressive quality is what invariably follows: he regularly picks the correct, or at least good, pass, even if the execution is wayward at times. He punches the ball into a forward – captain Falcao, Valère Germain or Kylian Mbappé – who peel off defenders into wider channels. If the pass does not present itself, then he is more than capable of biding time, protecting the ball with delicate touches before relaying possession to a well-situated teammate out wide or supporting from behind. It is this pattern of play which sets Lemar apart within French football circles and further afield. He is a player that plays to better the collective – and he does it very well. His goals – pretty much all nine of them – accentuate Lemar’s presence in the left-half space and his intelligence. Take his goal in December’s dismantling of SC Bastia for example. He occupies the left-half space; disciplined, covering a passing option. Once the ball is regained in the final third, he initiates his movements. Assessing the situation, he holds his run, peeling away from Bastia’s far-post. Falcao’s ball is looped in and Lemar, after a series of crucial, delicate stutter steps, times his side-foot volley to nigh perfection. It is the details that are often so decisive. Lemar’s outstanding trait is his intelligence, which is a testament to not only himself, but also to Leonardo Jardim who has drilled the 21-year-old wonderfully during his time at Monaco. He is a good player, assisted by a good coach, utilised in a good system. It works. FORECAST FOR FUTURE The next step is to help a vibrant and youthful AS Monaco win their first Ligue 1 title in 17 years. They have the mentality, coach and quality to achieve considerable things this season. The rest will undoubtedly follow for the 21-year-old. Last summer, Atlético Madrid’s sizeable offer was rebuffed by the principality club, a decision which has reaped rewards aplenty to date. There is no doubt that Lemar, in the current market, is worth at least double Atléti’s reported €20 million bid. A French title in his honours list may well expedite a mega-money transfer to one of Europe’s grandest clubs.

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KOZIELLO FULL NAME: VINCENT KOZIELLO CLUB: OGC NICE NATIONALITY: FRENCH POSTION: CENTRE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: OCTOBER 28, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: JAMES BUFTON (@JBUF1)

2016 IN REVIEW Nice demonstrated the fortitude of their greater infrastructure in 2016, finishing in fourth and suffering from the attention that such an ascent inevitably demanded in the summer. Many of the key figures within their seven-place improvement departed for pastures new, including now Southampton manager Claude Puel who was replaced by Lucien Favre. Despite the rather drastic turnover in personnel, Favre arrived at a club with a vision sustainable through turmoil and inherited a squad with an abundance of exciting young talent. Vincent Koziello can be considered a testament to both pillars of the club’s title challenge this campaign; a mainstay kept by Les Aiglons to ensure a brighter future and one of the more promising individuals currently playing in the French Riviera. While his role has diminished slightly under a new coach - he started 32 of 38 Ligue 1 fixtures last term whereas he now features predominantly from the bench domestically, in some part owed to the breakthrough of Wylan Cyprien and the needs of Favre’s system - Koziello remains a tantalising prospect and an asset to his team. The experience of fighting for minutes can represent a valuable aspect of any young player’s learning curve, particularly in this instance because of the humility that losing his place under a new manager will have inspired within the France U-21 international. The values of hard work and, more so, patience instilled through his current predicament should serve Koziello well throughout his career.

STYLE OF PLAY While Koziello forms a diminutive figure standing at 5’6”, he compensates for his height, or lack thereof, with a great deal of intensity in midfield. His role at Nice has been nuanced, and this could explain much about his change in fortune once Puel left his post at the Allianz Riviera for the Premier League, as he is effectively a ball-winner charged with circulating possession and influencing the game’s tempo. Koziello possesses traits characteristic of a prototypical defensive, controlling and box-to-box midfielder, and yet his overall game cannot accurately be labelled under one title. He is a unique hybrid, making the task of forecasting what Koziello will be in five year’s time a genuine challenge. The main benefit of this is that it has created so many potential paths for his long-term development, the drawback being that it contributes to Koziello’s current struggle to crack the starting line-up of a side contending for the title where results are the priority and his personal growth is secondary. Puel managed to engineer a specific utility for the AS Cannes product, and his commitment to accommodating Koziello ultimately paid dividends last season as he flourished alongside Hatem Ben Arfa and Nampalys Mendy. It is not necessarily Favre’s fault that he has not achieved the same feat as his circumstances at the top of the table are very much unique to what Puel’s situation was climbing from mid-table to European football. It requires a significant amount of talent to justify the need to be facilitated so meticulously, and Koziello is worthy of the effort. His intelligence on the ball and understanding of the complex of each game he participates in are outlines for a role embedded with greater responsibilities in build-up play. Cyprien’s skillset makes a lot of Koziello’s potential in this area, redundant, but this has organically improved his combination play further up the field. One advantage t playing under Favre is the amount of possession Nice tend to enjoy through his style of play, in theory affording Koziello more reps to expand the range of his involvement than would otherwise be the case. Koziello has proven his value most consistently through his press resistance and decision-making in transition from defence to attack. Both qualities speak to the level at which he reads the game, often the most telling attribute in whether a young player is suitable for the highest standard of football. Much of his success breaking lines is owed to his dribbling ability as he is comfortable taking on players when the opportunity presents itself, and this coupled with his efficient distribution of the ball makes him a dynamic threat. Koziello is tenacious defensively and equally as competent in the next phase of play, making the right choice when he regains possession for Nice. This makes him especially effective in late game situations because his sensible approach minimises risk; more valuable context to his newfound function as a substitute. FORECAST FOR 2017 As tempting as the reported interest from around Europe will undoubtedly be, earning something that resembles a regular position in the starting XI has to be the priority for Koziello. It is not going to be, and has not been, easy to disrupt the winning formula in midfield at present, however adversity is as frequently a catalyst for improvement as it is for destruction within the most gifted; it so often unlocks a competitive streak that lies dormant when a young player’s equilibrium is disrupted. At the same time, the onus is more with Favre than the 21-year-old himself as he will have more of an influence on the kind of midfielder Koziello will develop into as a finished product. If that remains as vague as it appears right now going into the summer, providing Nice do not suffer a repeat of the purge for their figureheads once again, the club would be wise to revise their stance on moving him on at risk of further stunting his growth and harming their potential profit. Nevertheless, there is a very good player in Koziello that only needs the right environment to manifest itself.

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HØJBJERG FULL NAME: PIERRE-EMILE KORDT HØJBJERG CLUB: SOUTHAMPTON NATIONALITY: DANISH POSTION: CENTRE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: AUGUST 5, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: CONOR GARRATT (@CONORGARRATT)

2016 IN REVIEW 2016 was very much a year of transition for Danish international midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. Beginning the year as a fairly bit part player at Schalke, the club he was loaned to for his final season at Bayern, it appeared by the summer that his career had reached a crossroad. Having only really become part of the Schalke starting line-up towards the end of his stay in Gelsenkirchen - largely prompted by injury to his competitors in midfield rather than having made a sizeable impact from the bench - it seemed unlikely that the Dane would achieve the breakthrough he had been working towards at parent club Bayern. Thankfully for the youngster, English club Southampton had seen enough from the loan spell at Schalke and a leading role at Augsburg in the season before, to swoop in the summer window and sign the midfielder for £12 million. Seen as a generous offer compared to what most German clubs could have offered Bayern, but still a reasonably good deal by the standards of the English transfer market, all sides seemed happy with the transfer. And, since gracing English shores, Højbjerg has gone on to be one of the best players in a Southampton shirt this season. A standout performance on his debut against Manchester United, despite ending on the losing team, set the tone for the beginning of the season, and vintage displays against the likes of Sparta Prague and Inter Milan in the Europa League secured the Dane a place in the heart of the club’s fans, if not necessarily a place in the Round of 32. To speak of a player’s career being revitalised at 21 seems slightly odd, but considering how long Højbjerg has been around, having made his Bayern debut in 2013, his transfer to the south coast of England has allowed the midfielder to begin living up to the hype for the first time since that Augsburg loan spellB. Because of this, 2016 should be remembered fondly by the Dane and his fans.

STYLE OF PLAY Højbjerg is primarily an energetic midfielder; covering a lot of the pitch, he is routinely a nuisance to opposing players and, in this sense, is almost reminiscent of a younger Bastian Schweinsteiger. However, the comparison to the man he once played alongside at Bayern is not exactly perfect. There is a lot about Højbjerg’s game which make him stand out as the unique player that he is. Firstly, the Dane’s passing is exceptional; despite not playing in a deep role in the midfield, and therefore generally being one of the players tasked with the more probing, risky passing, his accuracy rate has remained stable at 88% in each of his last two seasons at separate clubs. Of regular starters in the Premier League, few can boast better figures. Højbjerg’s pace, positioning, poise and skill have helped him in his duels, one of the most important areas of the game for such an energetic midfielder. With 60% of take-ons completed successfully, he is a player who attempts to play the game on the front foot and frequently succeeds. This has translated into a handful of chances created; while he is without a goal or assist in the league this season, it seems more a matter of when, rather than if, his fellow players will take advantage of his creativity. Tackling is perhaps a weakness – Højbjerg came out on top in just 36% of his attempted tackles so far this season – but part of this is potentially deceptive. This is in the sense that his movement, and attempts to tackle frequently restrict space and allow the rest of the Saints’ midfield to work as a unit and clear up any danger. It is, however, an area for improvement over the course of the next few years if he is to fulfil the potential he had during his early days at Bayern. Additionally, the youngster may want to work on his composure in the final third; with a shot accuracy of just 22% and no goals thus far this season, the Dane clearly lacks the attacking firepower that is vitally important to the world’s best box-to-box midfielders, such as Arturo Vidal. FORECAST FOR 2017 Having signed a five-year deal with Southampton in the summer of 2016, it seems unlikely that Højbjerg will be on the move any time soon. As transfers in the past few years have proven, an extended period of time on the south coast with the Saints can do wonders for a player’s career and proving his clear innate talent consistently at the top level will only push forward a potential move back to a bigger club. Currently most of Southampton’s midfield is locked down to long-term deals, with fellow players Oriol Romeu and James Ward-Prowse looking set to spend their foreseeable future at St Mary’s too. Given that Højbjerg seemingly has already developed a fairly good on-pitch understanding with both, this should be seen as a positive. It must be added as well that the player is still quite clearly adapting to the Premier League – where the style is somewhat different to the Bundesliga’s, the league in which he had spent his entire professional career before his move to England. This should hint at exciting times to come for Saints fans in 2017, as the young Dane looks set to hit his stride for the club. Essentially, 2017 will be the first time in Højbjerg’s still fledgling career in which he should achieve some continuity; staying somewhere permanently and finding himself as an important player in the starting eleven. At Southampton, he is also alongside teammates who are determined to improve their own skills at a consistent Premier League mainstay with a great culture and talented manager. It must be stressed though that 2017 will likely be an even more important year than the last for Højbjerg. Once described as a prodigy, he still has a lot to prove, not just at club level, but internationally for Denmark as well.

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NAGY FULL NAME: ÁDÁM NAGY CLUB: BOLOGNA FC NATIONALITY: HUNGARIAN POSITION: CENTRE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: JUNE 17, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT

WRITTEN BY: TOMASZ MORTIMER (@TMORTIMERFTBL)

FORECAST FOR 2016 It would be fascinating to know if, back in August 2015 when Adam Nagy made his first start for Ferencvaros in the Hungarian top flight, whether anybody on this planet would have predicted such a rise to prominence in the next 18 months from the short, skinny, unassuming 20-year-old from Budapest. Nagy’s growth has been quite simply phenomenal. Starting initially on the right of a midfield diamond vs Vasas on the 1st of August 2015, Nagy immediately caught the eye with his impressively calm demeanour, his incredibly fast feet and his striking reluctance to give the ball away – three attributes that would go on to define his 18 months as a senior footballer. A week after making his debut on the right, and providing an assist, Nagy was moved to the base of the midfield following teammate Somalia’s move to Toulouse and from there he never looked back. Extraordinary display upon extraordinary display followed in an unbeatable Ferencvaros side and it was not long before new national team coach Bernd Storck – for whom Nagy performed superbly under in the U-20 World Cup two months previous – called him up to the senior side after just seven games of senior football. Nagy’s first start for Hungary came on the 7th of September 2015 in a 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland where he immediately looked at home with his confident passing and his tireless hustling of the opposition. 90 minutes in the next qualifier against Faroe Islands in a 2-1 win followed before cameo appearances against Greece and Norway. But it was the return leg against Norway, in the Euro 2016 playoff where Nagy’s true ability came to the fore. Replacing the suspended Zoltan Gera, Nagy put in a man of the match performance in Hungary’s biggest game in 30 years, dictating the tempo of the game and screening the inexperienced Hungarian defence with such assurance it looked like he’ had been doing it for years. Nagy’s display that day was so good that a Bursaspor scout claimed, ‘I have spent 50 years in world football, but I have never seen such a great talent.’ At club level Nagy continued to shine throughout the 2015/16 season for a Ferencvaros side who romped to the title, and a side who now look a shadow of themselves without him in the team. At international level and the Euros, Nagy performed just as many expected on the field; his possession of the ball immaculate, his use of it impeccable, his defensive work flawless. And all this from a player with just one season of senior football under his belt.

Despite interest from Leicester, Marseille, Benfica, among others, Nagy opted to join Bologna to work under the astute stewardship of former Italy manager Roberto Donadonni where he would be guaranteed to play football. His start in Italy has been solid, if not remarkable. Bologna average 1.11 goals scored and 1.21 conceded per game with him in the side. Without him, they have averaged 0.43 goals per game and conceded 2.29 goals per game. In the seven games he has not started in Serie A, Bologna have earned just a solitary point. His mark is already being felt in Italy’s top tier. STYLE OF PLAY As alluded to above, Adam Nagy is best at the base of midfield. For Hungary, he plays as part of a two in a 4-23-1 alongside a more progressive midfielder and will rarely venture further forward than the centre circle. His discipline is one of his many strengths and it is almost unprecedented that he would get caught out of position. For Bologna, he plays usually at the bottom of a three-man midfield in a 4-3-3 but does alternate in game to the right or left depending on the way the match is going. The one criticism that you can throw at him – and many Hungarians do – is that he is sometimes very conservative with his passing. When playing slightly higher in midfield, it can be frustrating especially when he is in a position to play a forward pass and he turns around to play it backwards, but that is something that will come with confidence and experience as he adapts to a new environment and a higher level of football. His passing accuracy this season is averaging at 89.3% in Serie A and 39.9 passes a game for a Bologna side who average 49% possession. In the Euros, for a Hungary side who were underdogs in all three games Nagy featured in (he was suspended for the match vs Portugal) he averaged 91% passing accuracy with an average of 53 passes a game. Quite simply, Nagy is the tempo setter.  His first touch to give himself a yard or two of space is perfect, his passing ability with both feet is outstanding and his movement to get free is so clever and beautiful to watch. It is so obvious to see he comes from a futsal background. Defensively Nagy shuts down passing lanes so well, partly due to his pace across the ground and also to his tactical nous which is quite phenomenal for a player so young. Though he lacks the physicality currently – coming from a more clement environment in Hungary – he is very combative and does not shirk the challenge.    FORECAST FOR 2017 2017 is a big year for Nagy’s progression. There is no better league for a player of his type than Italy, where he will be able to learn so much tactically and test himself against stellar opposition.  Donadoni has been a blessing too. One almost gets the feeling that the security of his job may be vital towards the Hungarian’s trajectory, and the confidence and patience he’s shown in him has been exceptional. Nagy has all the talent to play for a top European side, but with any Hungarian, one must err on the side of caution slightly. So many Hungarians have come through the system in recent times and looked like potential world beaters at a young age, from Vladimir Koman to Krisztian Nemeth from Balazs Dzsudzsak to Adam Vass, but after that first year or two of playing consistent first team football have failed to kick on to the next level. With Nagy, one gets the feeling he is grounded enough to not get complacent and not follow his compatriots down this route. However, there are parts of his game which he needs to improve on such as his range of passing, his physicality and his verticality with the ball. If you were to look at a world class player of his type like Marco Verratti, then you would see that Nagy is a long way off the top ball users in modern football. If Nagy can improve on these areas of his game, and there is zero reason to believe he cannot, then there are certain to be some big clubs sniffing around come 2018. This is the year in the 21-year-old’s life where he can become a star or where he settles for mediocrity. It is going to be fascinating to see which path he takes.

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PEREIRO FULL NAME: GASTÓN RODRIGO PEREIRO LÓPEZ CLUB: PSV EINDHOVEN NATIONALITY: URUGUAYAN POSTION: ATTACKING MIDFIELD/ RIGHT WING DATE OF BIRTH: JUNE 11, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: DAVID MONACO (@URUGUAYANHEROES)

2016 IN REVIEW After arriving in Holland in the summer of 2015, Gastón Pereiro was slowly integrated into the Dutch culture but already showed what he is capable of by grabbing a match-winning brace away vs. Ajax Amsterdam. In 2016, Pereiro became more of a regular for his club PSV Eindhoven and showed his potential and his raw talent. The fans were excited by what they had seen from the Uruguayan and good performances in important games quickly made him a popular player within the fan base. Pereiro ended the season with 14 goals, helping PSV win their 23rd league title. Elsewhere, clubs were taking notice of PSV’s rising star with two of those clubs being giants from England and Portugal; Arsenal and FC Porto. The youngster opted against a move away and made it clear why: ‘In order for me to develop the best I can, it is more sensible to stay in Eindhoven for at least another year’. A commendable decision made for the better of his career and not for the better of his finances. At the start of his second full season in the Netherlands, Pereiro demonstrated his quality by scoring a beautiful free-kick to win PSV an important early-season game against Utrecht. It looked like this could be Pereiro’s big breakthrough year. However, the 21-year-old failed to continue his good form and found it difficult to step up in a stumbling PSV side. The Uruguayan picked up goals here and there but failed to make the impact many expected him to make.

STYLE OF PLAY The media love making lazy comparisons. When talented forwards bursts onto the scene from France he is the ‘Next Henry’, or from Sweden the ‘Next Ibrahimović’. When you look at Pereiro and his style of play only one compatriot springs to mind, Álvaro Recoba; the left-footed Uruguay and Inter Milan legend. Recoba is Pereiro’s idol and it was a big honour for the youngster when the pair played together for Nacional in the 2014/15 season. That year, they won the title and one of the highlights of the season came in the Uruguayan Clásico. In the 5th minute of stoppage time, Recoba won Nacional the game with a 30-yard freekick goal. His teammate Pereiro, overcome with emotion, subsequently promised to get a tattoo of Recoba. The veteran at first laughed it away, but Pereiro eventually delivered on his promise and tattooed the face of Recoba on his arm. Recoba foresees a great future for Pereiro and has been praising him ever since his professional debut. Recoba even compared Pereiro with Dutch forward Robin van Persie. And, indeed, there are certain similarities between the two players. Both possess a lovely left foot as well as a bit of a lanky appearance. Both like to wander from left to right, from top to bottom to utilize their creativity. On the other hand, van Persie is more of a finisher, while Pereiro is more of a creator. The South American normally operates as a number 10, yet, PSV manager Philip Cocu uses him as a winger. Although this may suit Cocu better, it is also the case that being forced out wide has put limitations on Pereiro’s game. Pereiro’s style of play is wonderful to see in full flow but is lacking any kind of drive which his fellow countryman Luis Suárez possesses in abundance. Pereiro almost solely plays with what God gave him; his technique and vision. It is not something negative but that, plus his lack of drive, facilitates another weak point to his game. Because next to the pieces of brilliance that you will see Pereiro perform, the forward has the tendency to become completely oblivious in games. It is a flaw to his game which he would do well to work on. Indeed this is something which could be applied to his game in general. His strengths are definite strengths, the goal threat he presents is a constant danger to opposition sides, but he often shows little drive to help his team when not in possession. FORECAST FOR 2017 After impressing for Uruguay in the U-20 team and for Nacional as a teenager, Pereiro is seen as one of the country’s biggest prospects in recent years. Therefore, the big goal for the attacking midfielder in 2017 is winning his first cap for the Uruguayan national team and securing a place in the squad that will compete at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Many Uruguayans think Pereiro has been overlooked and already deserved an opportunity in the sky blue of Uruguay. However, at 21 years of age, time is on Pereiro’s side. The dream is still ready to be realized. On a club level, Pereiro must strive to be less passive and try to dictate the game so he can be more influential for his team. He has a decent goal scoring record in the Dutch league but he can progress on his overall game; as one of the more gifted players in the Eredivisie, he has the quality to do it. In 2017, Pereiro should take more responsibility and aim to be more decisive. If he can up his game a notch or two, Pereiro will implement himself as a leading figure in the PSV dressing room and interest from bigger clubs will then, undoubtedly, come back to the surface. Is a move away likely? Like Pereiro has stated himself, another year at PSV will be good for his development. But if we look what would be a good next step for the number seven, a club that has already been mentioned seems perfect; Porto. It is a club that plays in an extremely physical league and consistently plays Champions League football. Pereiro could become a star in Portugal and a regular for Uruguay.

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KEÏTA FULL NAME: NABY LEYE KEÏTA CLUB: RB LEIPZIG NATIONALITY: GUINEAN POSTION: CENTRE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: FEBRUARY 10, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: SIMON WEISS (@SIMONWE1SS)

2016 IN REVIEW 2016 will go down as the year Naby Keïta arrived on the scene as one of Europe’s most imposing midfielders. Granted, in the first half of the year, he was racking up top performances and outstanding stats en masse, but who –apart from our friends in the analytics corner, really pays attention to the Austrian Bundesliga. It is understandable though: a league thoroughly dominated by RB Salzburg, a team unable to qualify for the Champions League. What does this say about the quality of their players – or does it say anything at all? At least with regard to their top performers, we should be taking note. Sadio Mané is now bamboozling defenders in the Premier League, while Kevin Kampl – after a weaker stint at Dortmund – is performing solidly for Leverkusen. Thus, it comes as no surprise that Keïta mastered the switch to a better league with ease, too. After helping Salzburg to yet another double, contributing 14 goals to the cause, he answered the call of the German Red Bull franchise. By netting the Austrian side €15 million, heads were turned about who this young player from Guinea actually was. After missing the first game of the season due to injury, he announced himself to the Bundesliga faithful by finding a late winner against Borussia Dortmund. It was also quite visible, how Leipzig coach Hasenhüttl took his time to fully integrate Keïta into the new system. At first, after being handed short cameos, or being left on the bench entirely, Keïta eventually and unsurprisingly played himself into the team – becoming a fixture in Leipzig’s midfield.

STYLE OF PLAY Describing Keïta’s features is similar to arriving at a buffet: where do you start? In very few words, despite playing one position – he is several positions rolled into one. He possesses the industry and lungs of a box to box player, the eye for a pass and the appreciation of space of a number 10 and the dribbling ability of a winger. Especially the last trait might set him apart from others in his position and could elevate him onto a different level. Being able to dribble yourself out of tight midfield positions, using touch and turn of pace along the way, can not only help to relieve pressure, but quickly start attacks as well. In short, perfect for the way Leipzig are playing football. In general, despite primarily being a box-to-box player, one would want to employ Keïta mostly in the opponent’s half and as far advanced as possible. In these areas, his strengths can be utilised in the best way possible, while removing him from situations in which his weaknesses might be exploited. Having already discussed his dribbling, his ability to find team-mates in promising positions might be just as valuable. Similar to other great creative players, it is not even the eye for or the execution of the final ball, but the way he positions himself to even initiate these promising attacks. With Emil Forsberg, the other main creative outlet of Leipzig, mostly coming in from the left, there is plenty of central space for Keïta to attack and to use to great effect. Interestingly though, because of Leipzig’s direct style of play, they often do not even enter this particular phase of the game. Again in the opponent’s half, however this time without the ball, Keïta can be very efficient too. Using his anticipation and aggression, he helps Leipzig to win many balls high up the field. It has to be noted though that this is largely down to the team effort, rather than individual performance, but it contributes to the cause, to have someone of Keïta’s profile joining the chase. In terms of frame and one-on-one physicality, he is still often second best and only rarely wins tackles in his own half. Admittedly, this could again be down to Leipzig’s playing style, which tries to refuse opponents to arrive in these areas in the first place. Nevertheless, it is a part of the game where he requires the help of his midfield partner. One other weakness of Keïta also occurs in his own half – namely when he gets the ball with the back to opponent. Unfortunately for him, this was highlighted and brutally punished by Bayern Munich’s press, which took full advantage of Keïta taking a second, unnecessary touch when already under pressure, to win possession and to even score. However, repeating once again, Leipzig’s style of play takes care of that weakness to an extent. Similarly, Keïta’s problems on the ball, regarding setting the tempo and direction of play through his passing, are often masked by Leipzig’s direct passing that often bypasses the midfield two entirely. Leipzig are the ideal team for Keïta. Their style enhances his positive characteristics, while limiting the impact his weaknesses may have. In the long run, and as it became obvious against Bayern, or top class opposition in general, the team will not be able to compensate for these shortcomings. If he wants to turn himself into a top player, he may just have to work on these areas. Lastly, a quick look at the tactical profile of the player. Even though at Leipzig, his position is rather fixed, he was already able to demonstrate his range at Salzburg – both in a mere positional, but also tactical sense. The speed with which he adapted to the new system at Leipzig, also provides insight into his tactical education and footballing intelligence. FORECAST FOR 2017 Keïta will be part of a Champions League team in no time. Either, very likely, with Leipzig first, or if he continues to grow, with a different top team. Despite his weaknesses, he is already playing at a very high level and is able to influence games in a positive manner. It could be key for his role and development, if Leipzig were to decide to hand him a new partner in midfield. While Diego Demme does the job the system asks of him, you can only wonder how a player of greater quality could free Keïta the attacker even further. Either way, the Guinean is going to be responsible for many memorable moments in 2017.

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OTÁVIO FULL NAME: OTÁVIO EDMILSON DA SILVA MONTEIRO CLUB: FC PORTO NATIONALITY: BRAZILIAN POSTION: ATTACKING MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: FEBRUARY 9, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: TIAGO ESTÊVÃO (@TIAGOESTV)

2016 IN REVIEW Many Brazilians have arrived at FC Porto in recent times to varying degrees of success. Despite early promise, Kelvin ultimately disappointed and has returned to Brazil multiple times in the last three seasons on loan. Contrarily, full-backs Alex Sandro and Danilo exploded at Porto and secured big money moves to two of Europe’s biggest clubs in Juventus and Real Madrid. For Otávio, the early signs are positive. 2016 was the year where he started proving himself to the Portuguese public as another potential profit-maker for Porto. After edging his way into the main Internacional team in Brazil at only 17, he earned himself an under the radar move to Porto a couple of years later. With Vitoria SC on loan from Porto, the youngster was a shining star in what ended up being a pretty dull season for ‘the Conquerors’. Accumulating close to 30 starts with Vitoria, Otávio was given the opportunity to return to his parent club this year. Not only did manage to quickly grab his spot in the starting XI, he has also turned into one of the most influential players in the team’s offence early in the season.

STYLE OF PLAY While last year Otávio played in his preferred attacking midfield role, this season the Brazilian has started more matches from the left side, acting as an inverted winger. He is very versatile though, being able to play in almost every position forward of central midfield. The right-footed playmaker creates plays with his constant diagonal movements towards the centre area of the pitch (with or without the ball at his feet). While it is with his through balls and dribbles that he tends to create danger more often, he is not afraid to try his luck from outside the box, averaging two shots per match under Champions League lights and having scored once in the league. With the ball glued to his feet and a couple of defenders to take on, he enjoys showing all the Brazilian flair his game possesses. His decision-making needs to be worked on though - a talented, tricky winger needs to know when is the best moment to take on a defender and at times he is still too naive or perhaps overconfident in that aspect. In the Champions League, only one midfielder has been dispossessed more often than Otávio – Tottenham’s Dele Alli – with the Brazilian losing the ball more than three times per match. Despite this, he draws many fouls in dangerous areas for his time with his incisive central runs. The Brazilian must learn to read attacking situations better, but he would also lose the ball less through having more confidence in his own distribution skills and footballing IQ. Do not let Otávio’s technicality distract from his high work-rate and willingness to defend though. Often a victim of white line fever, the Porto youngster is aggressive in duels and is feisty in general. The Brazilian averages around two fouls and three tackles per match, highlighting his ability to apply pressure to his opponents as soon as he loses the ball in high areas of the pitch and not shying away from physical duels despite being just over 1.7 metres tall – though this obviously hinders him when challenging for the ball aerially. His ability to press and harry would be an encouraging prospect for many of the world’s pressing-oriented managers such as Jorge Sampaoli and Marcelo Bielsa. He is often desperate to win the ball back, but can look naïve sometimes in the way he chases for the ball in positions where he is clearly wasting his energy. In 29 matches, the youngster was yellow carded 10 times while playing for Vitoria. FORECAST FOR 2017 Off the pitch through injury for the majority of December, Otávio watched his replacement Yacine Brahimi take over and perform excellently for the duration of his time off the field. The Brazilian will need to earn his place back, but knowing that he is not indispensable at Porto should encourage him to continue working diligently in training and putting in his best efforts whenever he takes to field. While early in the season the left wing position was a vacant spot for Otávio to fill, he now needs to work to prove himself as a valuable asset to the club, which will prove his eagerness and help him grow. According to several reports, Brazil manager Tite has been looking at the youngster since early in the season and will be looking to bring him into the national team when the right conditions are met in regards to performance and playing time. This may not happen this year or even next due to the array of attacking options available to Brazil, but knowing he is on Tite’s radar should be fuelling Otávio every time he steps out onto the pitch for Porto.

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SAMPER FULL NAME: SERGI SAMPER MONTAÑA CLUB: GRANADA CF NATIONALITY: SPANISH POSTION: CENTRE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: JANUARY 20, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: JACK GRIMSE (@JACKGRIMSE)

2016 IN REVIEW Barcelona-born Sergi Samper finished off the year 2016 by finally playing consistent La Liga football. It may not be his dream to be playing home matches in front of less-than-capacity crowds at Granada CF’s Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes, but it is a step in the right direction to playing under the bright lights of the Camp Nou. Samper spent the first half of the calendar year playing with Barcelona B in Spain’s third tier, as the side had been relegated from the Segunda División the previous year. He missed the last five matches of that campaign with Barca B due to a bone chip injury. The club finished tenth in the third-tier Segunda B, and Samper recorded six assists in 29 league games, playing 2490 minutes. Over the summer, Samper took part in Barcelona training camp and their International Champions Cup friendly matches. Unfortunately, he was not able to make a strong enough impression on manager Luis Enrique to merit a promise of meaningful minutes in the coming season. However, he did secure a loan move to Granada CF, so it was still a step up for Samper to get a chance in La Liga. With El Graná, Samper played in 11 La Liga games in 2016 and in the new year he has made four more starts. The club have struggled mightily, managing just three wins La Liga victories to date. Samper has only chipped in with one assist, but he is not really the player who should be relied upon to make contributions that show up on a traditional match recap or can be measured by only the most basic of statistics. Samper has played for various youth international levels for Spain throughout his career, but in 2016 he was only included in the squad against San Marino in September, playing 29 minutes as a substitute. Now he is 22, so he is still eligible for the U-23 team, which is right in line with his development overall.

STYLE OF PLAY Sergi Samper is a classic possession-focused midfielder, a vintage number six that has all the tools to dictate the game from the middle of the park. A local boy born in Barcelona, he has been with the Blaugrana since the age of six. A childhood friend of Arsenal right back Héctor Bellerin, both are part of the La Masia ‘Generacion del 95’ that also includes Keita Balde (Lazio), Álex Grimaldo (Benfica) and Samper’s current club teammate JonMiquel Toral. Toral – who was on loan at Granada, but is now at Rangers – joined the Gunners in 2011, the same time that Bellerin made the switch. Arsène Wenger also wanted Samper, but, as a culé through and through, the Spanish midfielder opted to remain at his boyhood club. He was reluctant to make the loan switch to Granada this summer, as Barca are the only club he has ever known. Being molded into a player that fits the Barcelona style was natural to Samper. Dubbed ‘The New Xavi’ a few years back, Samper has the vision to pick the perfect pass and the technique to zip it across the pitch. He is by no means a flashy dribbler, but has excellent ball control. Part of this is out of necessity, as Samper is not the quickest midfielder operating in La Liga, but the way he plays does not require him to exert himself in this way – needing to sprint would suggest he is not doing his job as well as he could be doing it. Instead, Samper lets the ball do the hard work. He does not just pass the ball to his teammates, he wants it back as well. He is a metronomic presence in the middle of midfield; possession is Samper’s religion. In addition to the traits that make him such a desirable player for a possession style, Samper is a hard man to bypass in the centre of the pitch. Tactical awareness is a big part of this (he has 1.2 interceptions per La Liga match this year), but equally important is his tackling ability. He is more physical than many La Masia products and his size and strength significantly help Samper in this part of his game – something one would argue will benefit him more at Granada than it might at Barcelona. (Samper averages 1.2 tackles per match and wins about half of his aerials). FORECAST FOR 2017 With half the season remaining, Granada are mired in a relegation scrap, currently joint-bottom in La Liga, eight points adrift of safety. They may already be doomed, but every remaining match is a must-win. While this experience will not exactly be comparable to what his parent club would like him to have, it will be important going forward as Barcelona set out to take three points in every contest. Upon returning to the Catalan capital this summer, it will be interesting to see if Luis Enrique has Samper in his plans for the near future. A role in the 2017-18 Barcelona first team is not out of the question, but the same could be said for another loan move. Additionally, it is yet to be determined if Enrique will be replaced by the Barça board, as the Blaugrana continues to lose ground on Real Madrid in the La Liga title chase. Current Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitić is rumoured to want to leave the club should manager Enrique stick around. A clear-out of older players could usher Samper into the starting lineup. Or, a new coach might want to bring in expensive talent from outside rather than promote the next generation of homegrown La Masia players to starting roles. Should Samper not get a chance next season at Barcelona, it will likely lead to another loan move within Spain’s top flight. His experience should at least get him to a club that will not be battling relegation the whole season. If Samper feels he will never get the chance at his childhood club, expect him to move overseas, as Barça products are always in demand in the Premier League, and the Catalans could command a decent fee for the midfielder. With regards to the Spanish national team, it is going to take more time to break through. Long term, it would be best for his national team career if Samper ends up playing major minutes for Barcelona, but if he is unable to get in the team it will be best to move elsewhere.

MF

VILHENA FULL NAME: TONNY EMILIO TRINDADE DE VILHENA CLUB: FEYENOORD NATIONALITY: DUTCH POSTION: CENTRE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: JANUARY 3, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: TOM CURREN (@TOMOCURR)

2016 IN REVIEW It is hard to believe that Tonny Vilhena is still just 22. The enigmatic, somewhat troubled Dutch midfielder has seemingly been around forever – an idea that becomes easier to process once you realise he has, in fact, been around Feyenoord’s senior side since he was 17. He has also been playing in the youth ranks of the Netherland’s national side since U-15 level; though so far that has only translated into a single cap for the senior side. Here lies the paradox in Vilhena’s career: he is both absurdly experienced and puzzlingly overlooked. 2016 was a strange, difficult year for Vilhena both on and off the pitch, and as such his career has taken several unlikely twists. In January, a story emerged which detailed Vilhena’s training-ground altercation with teammate Miquel Nelom. Pictures appeared to show Vilhena karate-kicking the defender in the midriff, with manager Giovanni van Bronkhorst furiously trying to pull the two apart. It was obvious to all that Vilhena had reached a boiling point, that a frustration that had been brewing since the summer had become too much for the youngster to handle. The reason, it would appear, was his peculiar lack of playing time. Prior to the Nelom incident, Vilhena had only started three of Feyenoord’s Eredivisie games, despite being fully fit. The rest of his limited minutes came from the bench. For a player so integral to previous manager Ronald Koeman’s midfield, Vilhena’s apparent absence from Van Bronkhorst’s plans was odd. To the young Dutchman’s immense credit, though, he turned things around over the second half of that season via a series of impressive performances. His altercation with Nelom seemed to relieve some of the pent-up pressure in Vilhena, and he would go on to end the season strongly, starting almost all of Feyenoord’s remaining fixtures. The approaching summer presented another hurdle, however. Vilhena’s contract was set to expire in June, and as early as May it looked for all the world like the youngster’s stay at Feyenoord – which had stretched his entire professional life – would be coming to an end. Rejecting the Dutch club’s initial contract offers, Vilhena was strongly linked with Tony Pulis’ West Brom before allegedly agreeing a five-year contract with Inter Milan. Then, in June things changed. With his mother falling ill, Vilhena opted to sign a two-year contract extension with Feyenoord. Vilhena would end 2016 the way he started it, playing regularly for a Feyenoord side who are currently on course to win the league. That is not to say the back half of 2016 did not present its own problems, however. In October, a fortnight before Vilhena would make his long-awaited Oranje debut, his mother passed away. On his return to Feyenoord after an understandable two-week hiatus, the club’s fans presented him with an incredible tribute, filling De Kuip with the light from thousands of sparklers. Though tragic, the event appeared to spur him on, and he played 90 minutes in every single one of Feyenoord’s remaining games to conclude the year.

STYLE OF PLAY Vilhena is a breath of fresh air for those used to watching the usual metronomic simplicity of the modern midfielder. Initially a winger, the Dutchman possesses an impressive turn of pace that he uses to explode from deep positions, driving at the opposition defence before releasing a killer final ball. In many ways, it is his experience as a wide player – in a phenomenon we are seeing more and more often in young midfielders – which define his greatest strengths when playing in the centre. His speed is just one facet of this. He is also refreshingly confident when running at players, happy to use his low centre of gravity to try and beat his man. His final ball, too, is exceptional. In the final third he can be lethal, splitting defences apart with clever inside passes, finding attacking runs when wingers and fullbacks overlap or pumping a pinpoint cross from deep into the box. Furthermore, his set-pieces have become an important part of Feyenoord’s attacking play. Not only are his whipped crosses lethal, but his direct free-kicks too are (albeit sporadically) wonderful. His left-footed strikes are delightfully powerful, capable of the obscene kind of goals that countryman Memphis Depay became famous for before his stint at Manchester United. It is this wand-like left foot that is perhaps his greatest asset. Despite all the talk of his speed and his attacking prowess, Vilhena remains an absurdly talented passer. He creates chances, he switches play, he instigates attacks from deep, he plays through the lines, he lofts balls over the top of defences; but, perhaps most importantly, he is largely positive. That is not to say that Vilhena is devoid of interest in circulating possession – according to Squawka, 39.1% of his passes this season have gone backwards – but when he chooses to go forward he is very forward, often making decisive passes that carve out chances for his team-mates. Per WhoScored, he makes a decent 1.7 key passes per game, whilst 82.8% of all his passes reach their intended target. So, he is dangerous when coming forward, accurate and cultured when passing the ball, and decisive when he wants to be. For a winger-turned-midfielder, these traits might not raise many eyebrows. What is surprising, however, is how dogged he is defensively. Vilhena loves to tackle. More than that, his defensive positioning is generally excellent. In fact, WhoScored state that he makes an impressive 2.1 interceptions per game. For context, Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante – a man renowned for shutting down the passing lanes of the opposition – makes a comparable 2.4 interceptions per Premier League game. This, coupled with his high tackling rate and his explosive box-to-box nature, make him an aggressive, industrious player just as useful when his team do not have the ball as when they do. For a young midfielder, this tenacity displays not only an impressive maturity but might suggest the ability to play in leagues generally thought of as ‘tougher’ than the Eredivisie. It is not hard to see why Tony Pulis was keen on acquiring his services over the summer for his dogged West Brom team. FORECAST FOR 2017 What happens in Vilhena’s immediate future could depend largely on how Feyenoord finish the season. At the time of writing Van Bronkhorst’s side maintain a five-point gap over Ajax, with current form suggesting they have every chance of finishing the season as champions. Should this become a reality, Vilhena will have a choice to make: stay and honour the final year of his contract with the club which has given him everything, or move onto one of the plethora of clubs which are likely to be clamouring for his signature. 2016 was a year in which Vilhena displayed impressive maturity in the face of (admittedly partly self-made) adversity, and his meteoric rise back to the summit of Dutch football has been richly deserved. If the likes of Inter Milan have been interested in the past, it will be intriguing to see which clubs move for him in the summer, should he make himself available. Though a Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or PSG level of club remains beyond his talents for now, he could comfortably fit into any upper-mid table Premier League or Bundesliga side. With all eyes on Feyenoord’s title push, however, it is a decision he is unlikely to think about for a while. Beyond his club career, 2016 saw him finally make his debut for the Dutch national side. Without wanting to put too much pressure on the young man’s shoulders, the Oranje could do with him continuing to impress as their campaign to qualify for the World Cup intensifies. They will be hoping not to miss out on Russia 2018 after a pitiful Euro 2016 qualifying campaign which saw them miss the tournament altogether.

MF

DUDA FULL NAME: ONDREJ DUDA CLUB: HERTHA BERLIN NATIONALITY: SLOVAKIA POSTION: ATTACKING MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: DECEMBER 5, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: JACK GRIMSE (@JACKGRIMSE)

2016 IN REVIEW Ondrej Duda has been a name familiar to those who follow the lesser-known European leagues for some time. Plucked from the Slovakian second tier two years ago by Poland’s Legia Warsaw, Duda has been a dependable midfielder capable of contributing consistently for nearly three years, turning in impressive performances both domestically and in the Europa League. 2016 was supposed to be when he made his mark on a brighter stage at Hertha Berlin, but the second half of his year was lost due to injury. Duda impressed at the European Championships this summer in France for Slovakia. After coming on as a substitute against Wales, Duda scored the equaliser just one minute later (Slovakia would go on to lose 2-1). He got plenty of valuable experience, playing 154 minutes in the tournament overall, including two starts. Just one tournament’s worth of good performances were not the sole reason that Hertha Berlin purchased Duda for €4.2 million, the most expensive fee paid under Pál Dárdai. Last year in Poland’s Ekstraklasa, Duda bagged a pair of goals and assisted eight more en route to helping Legia win their 11th Polish top flight title. Sadly, since swapping Warsaw for Berlin this summer, he has not featured for the Bundesliga club. The Patella problems have kept him on the training table and off the pitch for Dárdai’s team, as Duda missed the entire first half of the season with those knee issues. Originally expected back at the end of January, Duda is still recovering and is due back in March.

STYLE OF PLAY A dynamic midfielder who bosses the centre of the park with tidy passes, Ondrej Duda should grow into just what Hertha Berlin manager Pál Dárdai could use in his team. Duda’s ability to pick the ball that can open up a defence is so valuable, and when he pops up with the odd goal it is an extra bonus for his club. Against Wales this summer at the European Championships, Duda perfectly demonstrated everything that makes him an ideal attacking midfielder with his goal. After Róbert Mak scampered down the right wing and beat two players, he squared the ball to Duda. The now-Hertha man had four Dragons in red shirts in front of him, yet Duda was able to drift left towards the centre of the goal, allowing the ball to do the work. Just when Duda looked likely to continue in the direction of his momentum and curl the ball to the far post on the left, he smashed it back across goal with his left foot, technically the weaker of the two, though you are not able to tell from the finish. Danny Ward was totally wrong-footed and had no chance to stop the shot. Even when deployed on the wing or further back in the midfield, Duda has something to offer. While he is far from a destroyer, his intelligence and passing ability makes him a player that can pull the strings from somewhere other than the number 10 role. Comfortable on either flank, Duda does not have remarkable pace but makes up for it with his ball skills and accurate crossing ability. That said, he is best behind a centre forward or striker pairing. Precise passing paired with composed shooting makes Duda so dangerous. At Legia Warsaw he totaled 16 goals and 19 assists in 101 games, making a direct impact on the scoresheet more than once every three matches. FORECAST FOR 2017 Like a lot of the world, Duda will want to quickly forget about the end of 2016. Fortunately, it is not because of things he has done, but because of the things he was unable to do. Missing nearly six months due to a knee injury is not something that is easy to recover from, but at 22, Duda is young enough that he should be able to overcome it without too much difficulty. Therefore, Duda’s 2017 should top his 2016, even though the attacking midfielder will always have the European Championships in France to be proud of. He has missed every Slovakia match since the summer due to injury, but should slot back into the team right away upon returning to full fitness. Hertha Berlin remains an ideal place for Duda to continue his development. For the second straight season, Die Alte Dame (The Old Lady) went into the Bundesliga’s winter break sitting pretty in third place. Duda did not recover as soon as predicted, but will return to the team in March following the completion of his injury rehabilitation, which may actually come at a perfect time. Last year, Hertha won zero of their seven matches that took place in April and May, taking just two points with a couple of draws and slipping to seventh in the final table. As injuries and bans tend to pile up at the business end of the season, the 22-year-old Slovakian midfielder may get the chance to pick up right where he left off in the Euros last summer. His club could use the help if they hope to participate in continental competitions next season. If Duda is not presented with regular minutes at the end of this Bundesliga campaign, it will only be a matter of time. With a strict transfer policy, the Berlin club did not spend a sizeable (by their standards) sum on the midfielder without envisioning him slotting into the team-sheet for years to come under Dárdai.

MF

TORRES FULL NAME: ÓLIVER TORRES MUÑOZ CLUB: FC PORTO NATIONALITY: SPANISH POSTION: ATTACKING MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: NOVEMBER 10, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: TIAGO ESTÊVÃO (@TIAGOESTV)

2017 IN REVIEW Regarded as a promise for a long time and somehow still only 22, Óliver Torres returned to Atlético Madrid last season – the club where he forged his career as a footballer and the team he represented from U-13 level. After two loan spells with Villareal and Porto, with the latter especially productive – the Spaniard ended the season with 40 matches played – Diego Simeone felt like he could be a part of his tenacious squad at Atlético Madrid. Truth is, despite being playing in over 30 matches, things never really seemed to tick for the tricky playmaker. He played the full 90 minutes only thrice – in both cup rounds against second tier Reus and in a Champions League affair against PSV. Not only did it appear as though he did not have the endurance to handle Simeone’s preferred footballing system, but his characteristics did not seem to adapt to the formation played at the Calderón. His talent was undeniable though, the Spaniard simply needed a move to an environment that suited his skillset more comfortably. A return to Porto, where he had played the best football of his career to date seemed an obvious choice to make given the Portuguese giants’ interest in bringing him back to the club.

STYLE OF PLAY Óliver was incapable performing to the maximum of his capacities in Simeone’s intense and physically demanding structured style. While not physically powerful, the Spaniard has a lot of qualities that can be key to teams with a different system. With FC Porto, he has taken on a central midfield role in the heart of a 4-1-3-2, with Danilo covering behind him and two players either side of him – he is the fulcrum the team operates around. Having possession for a great portion of their matches in a team that plays an offensive brand of football, Óliver is the maestro that makes everything connect going forward. Even if he has not been registering assists – yet to have one this season – he is always involved in the team’s offensive play and due to often playing against weak opposition (at least in the league). For someone who regularly plays in very advanced zones on the pitch because of the weakness of some of Portugal’s other competitors in the league, a pass succession rate of 83.9% is good, if unspectacular, as is the one key pass he completes per match. As we have seen with many other Spanish midfielders, Óliver’s passing range accompanied by his vision tend to be his best and most obvious qualities. As a player who does not fancy being dragged out wide, the Spaniard however did start from the wing often throughout his first Porto stint. In a large portion of those matches, he would let the highly regarded full-back Alex Sandro (now with Juventus) take over the wing, while moving centrally with diagonal runs towards the penalty area in order to open up more space for the Brazilian full-back and to drift into central positions in which he can utilise his qualities most effectively. Now his movement depends a lot on who is playing with him in the trio behind the strikers – when natural wingers like Brahimi or Corona are playing he stays central, but when midfielders are adapted to play out wide he fluctuates between playing centrally and on the wings more often. Strong on the ball, the agile youngster does not have an issue taking on defenders but tends to get in behind the opposition more often after starting an intricate passing move and not as much through pure one-onone skill. 13 goals in 153 career matches shows he is obviously not a goal-scoring playmaker being someone who rarely tries his luck from long-range but who does have a good conversion rate from inside the box. In Champions League matches, in which Porto does not tend to overwhelm opponents has much, the amount of shots he takes per game tend to increase as Porto fashion less clear-cut chances and are instead forced to shoot from deep. Defensively, his reactions have been improving massively: the short amount of time he takes to recover the ball from his opponents in advanced areas is key to Porto’s defensive style and is one of the reasons why the Dragons have such a formidable defensive record. FORECAST FOR 2017 Despite his youth, Óliver has always appeared humble and proved to be very mentally strong in past seasons. Rarely starting with Atletico last year, the youngster kept working and did not push for a risky or desperate move in January 2016. Instead he waited for a chance to come back to Portugal where he starred in the past and where he was happy with the quality of football he was producing on a regular basis. Now he is thriving again and is an integral part of this Porto team, while being arguably the key player in Porto’s solid run of form with their newfound 4-1-3-2 formation. It will be interesting to watch what happens by the end of the season, though: if Simeone moves from Atlético, a new coach may well want him back but on the other hand FC Porto has a €20 million clause that can be triggered at any time before the season ends. It is a lot of money for a club still struggling financially, but with their increasing dependence on the Spaniard it might be an investment worth making as they look to end Benfica’s streak of domestic dominance.

MF WARD-PROWSE FULL NAME: JAMES MICHAEL EDWARD WARD-PROWSE CLUB: SOUTHAMPTON NATIONALITY: ENGLISH POSTION: CENTRE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: NOVEMBER 1, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: CONOR GARRATT (@CONORGARRATT)

STYLE OF PLAY Having made his professional debut at Southampton at the tender age of 16, James Ward-Prowse has been around the Saints’ first team squad for the past six years and, as such, has long been an established player at St Mary’s. However, what the youngster has lacked in that time is a break-out season. Pundits rave about his potential, but the Portsmouth-born midfielder has produced little in the way of a consistent run of form to bring him real public acclaim. This was characterised by Ward-Prowse’s initial problems with asserting himself as a key player under Claude Puel after the Frenchman arrived on the south coast. The youngster’s first full 90 minutes in the league under Puel came as late as November, despite staying injury-free throughout the entire season to that point. Since, Puel appears to have been impressed with what he has seen, as Ward-Prowse has played virtually every minute since. Yet, having been shifted between his main position of central midfield as well as both flanks and even at full back, it could still be argued that he has not received the chance to properly assert himself as an undisputedly key player. And, interestingly enough, it is with this status that Ward-Prowse has shone brightest in his career so far. An intelligent, intuitive midfielder, he has captained England youth sides throughout each age group, even being earmarked as a potential candidate for the role for the senior squad later in his career. 2016 was perhaps the highlight of his international youth career to date, as he led England U-21s to their first Toulon Tournament win in 22 years in emphatic style. Ward-Prowse’s former coach at that level, Gareth Southgate, clearly rates him highly, and it appears it is not just the current England manager who favours the youngster. Ronald Koeman, who was responsible for somewhat of a stifling of Southampton’s youth talent during his two years on the Solent, gave the youngster a lot of playing time during his tenure.

STYLE OF PLAY Growing up, Ward-Prowse idolised the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, and it is safe to say that there is more than a hint of that pair’s dynamism in his game. This is more obvious when he plays for England U-21s, given that he has more of a remit to get forward and control the game, but the midfielder is still a creative force for the Saints. Only the more attacking duo of Dušan Tadić and Nathan Redmond have created more chances than Ward-Prowse’s 29 for the club in the Premier League this season. While he has toughened up in recent years, Ward-Prowse’s record in duels remains relatively poor; succeeding in just 30% of his tackles and 27% of headed duels. This, though, is offset by an intuitive sense of positioning which allows him to intercept the ball and create immediately, rather than battling for the ball in midfield. Furthermore, Ward-Prowse is very sure on the ball; completing an astonishing 100% of his take-ons in the Premier League this season and rarely conceding possession either. Compared to the slightly more blood-and-thunder approach of midfield partner Oriol Romeu, Ward Prowse’s is a much more aesthetically pleasing approach. And this is not to say that Ward-Prowse is ineffective; more that he combines effectiveness with style. Technical ability is arguably Ward-Prowse’s main strength; there are few players in the Premier League opposing fans fear more when he stands over a dead ball, for example. It was on the youth international stage that Ward-Prowse truly announced this ability to the wider world, with a memorable free kick at the Toulon Tournament back in 2014, but this is becoming increasingly obvious at club level too. His technicality also helps during open play too. Ward-Prowse is arguably one of the club’s best passers; an 83% completion rate is, considering the general verticality of his play, somewhat impressive. Concerns remain about whether he has what it takes to consistently dictate games at senior level, but it is also abundantly clear that the youngster, still just 22 despite his relative experience, has a game with all the hallmarks of a future stand-out Premier League midfielder. FORECAST FOR 2017 2017 is an important year for Ward-Prowse. At 22, and having made 160 professional appearances for the Saints in all competitions, it really appears that the youngster must emerge as a vital player at senior level to justify all of the hype heaped upon him at youth level over the years. Continuing at a club such as Southampton could not be more ideal for the youngster; without the relative pressures of fighting for top four football, or the struggles of attempting to stave off relegation, the youngster will only continue to receive several chances to make his mark on the club’s senior team. However, there is a danger that, if those chances are not taken over the next couple of years, he could become another Premier League could-have-been, destined not to become an international stalwart like his boyhood heroes Gerrard and Lampard. That would be a huge shame, because the potential for Ward-Prowse to follow in their footsteps is clear for all to see. There are early signs that his potential is coming to fruition, though. Ward-Prowse played an important role in taking the Saints to Wembley through the EFL Cup, especially in the away leg of the semi-final at Anfield, and looked comfortable on the European stage even as his side bowed out after the group stage. Next on his radar should probably be a call-up to the England team. Performances must step up a level at Southampton to achieve this, but with the team’s manager Gareth Southgate already familiar with WardProwse, any achievements at club level should find him in contention. The World Cup in Russia next year may come a little too soon for Ward-Prowse, but equally he would not be the first young player to force himself into late contention with some strong late-season form.

MF

BAKAYOKO FULL NAME: TIEMOUÉ BAKAYOKO CLUB: AS MONACO NATIONALITY: FRENCH POSTION: CENTRE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: AUGUST 17, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: STEPHEN GANAVAS (@MAROTTANOMICS) AND WILL SAVAGE

2016 IN REVIEW Tiemoue Bakayoko was considered a talented youngster but after rejection by Clairefontaine and overcoming a leg break at a young age, Rennes were one of the few clubs willing to take a risk on him. Off the field problems hindered his development, but the arrival of Phillipe Montanier appeared to improve his attitude. He caught the eye in 2013/14 season when he broke into the Stade Rennais first-team and ended up making 40 appearances. He then packed up and moved to Monaco in the summer of 2014 for €8million. Bakayoko was only a squad option in his first season after a disastrous debut against Lorient and a poor relationship with Leandro Jardim, coupled with reports of a poor attitude. The arrivals of Claude Makélélé and Yannick Menu, a youth coach he worked with at Rennes, in the Monaco backroom were credited with turning around Bakayoko’s career as he got his head down and worked hard, adopting a more professional lifestyle. The changes have paid off too, as Bakayoko has caught the eye starring in the midfield of a free-scoring Monaco side. He has had an impact on the international stage too, as Bakayoko has found himself increasingly integrated into the French U-21 setup.

STYLE OF PLAY Bakayoko has grown from a lean teenager to an imposing young man. Built like a tank, it is easy to see why Bakayoko has been compared to previous Monaco man Yaya Touré. More than just physically imposing, Bakayoko is an energetic midfield machine. Strong on the ball and in the tackle, his reading of the game sees him regularly intercepting passes and snuffing out attacks, helped by the speed with which he covers ground. The consistency with which he is able to protect the Monegasque defence has played a large part in Monaco’s performances this season. He is not just a ball-winner either, his strength combined with his solid technique means he carries the ball forward well and his passing means he can hurt the opposition in multiple ways when he recovers the ball. Bakayoko’s solid passing means he rarely misplaces a pass, happy to find the balance between recycling possession and affecting the game further forward with more incisive passing. He and Fabinho complement each other well and their ability to quickly win the ball and launch a riposte have been a key part in why Monaco have been so dangerous going forward. There are not many flaws in Bakayoko’s game, but when his team plays against opponents which look to sit deep, he would be able to help his team even more if he was able to add a goal threat. Whether with runs from deep or shooting from range, a player with technique as solid as his will be expected to contribute more goals going forward. Bakayoko’s attacking play in general can be blunt. This is not too much of a worry currently, as Monaco aren’t a team lacking players who can affect the game in the final third, but for Bakayoko to become a properly well rounded midfielder, he will need to be able to affect the game in all areas of the pitch. Aside from that, the main worry one may have would regard the mental aspect of his game. Bakayoko’s concentration can slip from time to time, and this ties into larger concerns around his maturity. He has needed guiding figures to settle him before really impressing in his career and this could be the case again, while on the pitch teams may be cautious about entrusting him with much responsibility as a leader. Previous worries about inconsistency have disappeared due to his good form this season, but if that form were to dip those concerns would reappear rapidly. FORECAST FOR 2017 There is little argument that Bakayoko is not a good player, that just is not true. The only worry for prospective clubs is whether he would be a settled, mature character. With the attitude that surrounds clubs at the very top level of football, there is an expectation that a hyped up signing gels into the team straight away, providing consistently impressive performances. Prospective buyers may well have to decide whether they have the man-management structure in place to ensure they get the best from an undoubtedly talented player. This has not put off prospective buyers though, as the young midfielder has been linked with pretty much every big club in Europe over the past year. While Bakayoko’s impressive performances attract attention from other clubs, it will also attract attention from France’s coaching staff. Having already represented France at multiple youth levels, one would think it’s only a matter of time before a senior call up comes his way.

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PAREDES FULL NAME: LEANDRO DANIEL PAREDES CLUB: AS ROMA NATIONALITY: ARGENTINIAN POSTION: CENTRE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: JUNE 29, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: STEPHEN GANAVAS (@MAROTTANOMICS)

2016 IN REVIEW Leandro Paredes sprung to prominence in 2016 after a string of impressive performances in the centre of midfield for Empoli, on loan from Roma. Many clubs around Europe took interest in the Argentine as he emerged as a midfield general, capable of controlling games with his excellent range of passing and physicality. The 22-year-old played 33 matches in Serie A last season, forming a fruitful partnership alongside Piotr Zielinski (now at Napoli). He relished the responsibility of the deep-lying midfield role which allowed freedom to other players around him - such as Zielinski who was able to score five times and lay on six assists himself last season. Doubts remained however, over whether Paredes’ game at Empoli could translate to a bigger club like Roma. There, he would no longer be the centre of attention and there would be no guarantees that he would be able to play a familiar role in midfield. Fears have been allayed thus far though. While opportunities have been more limited than they were in Tuscany, Roma have been vindicated in their decision to hold onto their starlet as his market value continues to rise. Often outshining the ageing Daniele De Rossi, Paredes has done everything in his power to work his way into the starting XI. However, questions remain over his consistency and the club have shown a willingness to sell the 22-year-old in the last two transfer windows with clubs such as Juventus and Liverpool interested. It raises interesting questions over how Paredes is rated internally compared to how other clubs rate his talents. It could simply mean the club are willing to let go of a player they currently see as an understudy to the ever-reliable Radja Nainggolan.

STYLE OF PLAY Paredes’ finest attribute is undoubtedly his passing. Whether he is passing long, short, forward or backwards, his passing is always crisp and clean. He rarely misses a target and his 89% pass success rate puts him in the top ten in Serie A. It is the main skill that enables him to be effective in a deep-lying midfield role. Like an NFL quarter-back, Paredes sees the entire game in front of him and translates what he can see into some delightful cross-field long-balls or passes in-between the midfield and defensive lines. These are key to building quick attacks from seemingly stagnant offensive positions. He often knows when to play safe too and recycles the ball backwards as easily as one would expect from a passer of his calibre. The Argentine is also an underrated set-piece taker, capable of some superb curling deliveries into the box. However, he is less comfortable shooting direct on goal than he is crossing from dead ball situations. The era of deep-lying midfielders being able to shirk defensive responsibilities because of their offensive strengths are over though. The 22-year-old has bought into that theory this season by attempting five tackles per 90 minutes in Serie A this season – placing him in the top 20 in Serie A. However, he will be looking to increase his success rate in the tackle as he is dribbled past on 44% of his tackle attempts which can at times leave Roma’s occasionally porous defence exposed. Yet Roma have won ten, drawn three and are undefeated when Paredes starts, conceding just ten goals in those thirteen matches. On the other hand, they have conceded nineteen goals in fourteen matches in which he has not started. It gives a strong indication of his ability to balance the team and provide coverage when given the opportunity to play from the first whistle. On the ball, Paredes keeps his feet while holding off defenders and is capable of emerging from some unlikely situations with the ball when opposition defender(s) close him down. This creates numerous positive attacks as he effectively breaks the opposition press and helps his side gain a numbers advantage further up the pitch. He is not a flashy dribbler though, preferring to pick the moment where a slight shift of the ball rather than a pre-meditated dribble is required to shrug off defenders. The 22-year-old’s attacking game is rounded off by his ferocious shot. While usually playing too deep to be a regular goal-scoring threat, when within range Paredes can produce some wicked palm-stinging shots. They are generally quite accurate too, bringing attacking players into the game as they try to latch onto a rebounded save. FORECAST FOR 2017 There will be little surprise if Paredes finds himself playing outside of Italy’s capital at the start of next season. Desperate to hold onto defender Kostas Manolas, but needing to sell to satisfy Financial Fair Play regulations, Roma’s hands may be tied this summer if a big-money offer arrives for their young midfielder. Despite being widely tipped to join Liverpool, CalcioMercato reported at the end of January that Juventus were close to signing the Argentine. However, Juventus were unable to offload midfielder Mario Lemina to Crystal Palace which meant they were unable to free squad space, ultimately derailing their move for Paredes. It would be an interesting move for Paredes since he has struggled to regularly feature in the first-team at Roma, but Juventus have been desperate for a specialist deep-lying midfielder to help ease the burden on Claudio Marchisio. They have struggled to control games in midfield since the start of the Italian international’s horrible injury run that began with an anterior cruciate ligament rupture last season. Paredes could help revitalise an ageing midfield consisting of the injury-prone Marchisio (31) and Sami Khedira (29). Paredes needs to continue honing his game at Roma though. He must block out the impending possibility of a transfer and channel his energy into the competition he is likely to feature in prominently until the end of the season – the Europa League. It will also be the best way to place himself in the shop window for potential suitors. Roma have been drawn a marquee Round of 32 tie against Villareal for the 22-year-old to showcase his talents in. And who knows, Argentina manager Edgardo Bauza might even be watching.

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CERVI FULL NAME: FRANCO EMANUEL CERVI CLUB: SL BENFICA NATIONALITY: ARGENTINIAN POSTION: ATTACKING MIDFIELD/ LEFT WING DATE OF BIRTH: MAY 26, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: WILL SAVAGE

2016 IN REVIEW Franco Cervi may well have been feeling oddly content coming into 2016, the kind of contentedness that comes with knowing what your future holds. Cervi knew that a move to one of Portugal’s most storied clubs beckoned in the summer, after all it had been agreed in 2016. A move of just under €5 million with a release clause of €60 million in his contract, which reportedly runs till 2022. Part of this contract however, stated that Cervi would stay with Rosario Central for a year to pick up experience. So the young attacker spent another season learning the ropes in Argentine football, featuring both in the league and in the Copa Libertadores. Cervi’s move to Benfica started with a bang too, scoring the opener in the Portuguese Super Cup. It was probably expected that he would not get that much football at first, given minutes off the bench as he made the transition from South American football to representing one of Portugal’s leading clubs. This could not be further from the truth, Cervi has found himself a regular for Benfica in both domestic and continental competitions. The speed with which Cervi nailed down Benfica’s left-wing spot is almost startling, but it is also a testament to the attacking verve and directness the 22-year-old brings to the attack.

STYLE OF PLAY In an interview, upon signing for Benfica, Cervi was quick to agree with assertions that his game is similar to that of Angel Di Maria and Eduardo Salvio. As a young Argentine winger, this probably is not that surprising and his impressive displays during his breakout year in 2015 saw him likened to a range of Argentine attackers. At 5’5”, with a low centre of gravity, it is not that hard to tell what kind of player Cervi is. His low centre of gravity gives him the agility to skip past defenders like they are not there and evade challenges as if they were never made, while his phenomenal acceleration gives him the ability to exploit space to its fullest once he breaks defensive lines with his dribbling, or to stretch a defence to its breaking point. Although usually a left-winger, Cervi poses a threat from the right side too and has played in more central roles from time to time, although his skillset is maximised in wider positions of the pitch. His sensationally quick feet once he gets into the area make him a threat to any defence. If a tackle is not timed perfectly when Cervi is on the ball, the Argentine is skilful in his ability to draw fouls and penalties. With decent end product too, Cervi is not just a show pony, with a good eye for a pass and a willingness to threaten the goal. Despite his size, he is stronger than one would first think. While not quite ready to be man-marking players on corners, Cervi can hold his own when he is on the ball and it takes a real effort to force him off it, no doubt a throwback to growing up with the rough and tumble of South American football. Off the pitch, Cervi often comes across as retiring and a down-to-earth kid, upon his arrival at Benfica he seemed star-struck at meeting the playing staff and being shown around the club. On the pitch, he is a whole different animal. On the ball, he is fearless and direct, happy to shoulder as much of the attacking burden as is required and confident enough in his ability to try flicks and tricks whenever he is in a tight situation. Off the ball, he does not let up either, with an impressive work-rate he is happy to hassle and harry defenders whenever it is called for. As is to be expected when attackers join a tougher league, whether they can maintain consistency and end product is the real question. While Cervi’s time is still to come, at Benfica he has the chance to work on his game and, if he can really start making the difference with regularity, then there is no doubt he will flourish. FORECAST FOR 2017 So, what next for Cervi? That part seems simple. Keep playing and keep playing well. Already getting regular football at Benfica is a major boon and if he keeps performing at the high level he has reached so far during his time in Portugal, there is no reason for that to change. He is at a club with a rich history in improving players to sell them on so all the tools are there for him to work on his game. It will be expected that some of Europe’s biggest clubs will be casting a glance in his direction. The only other worry for Cervi will be moving at the right time. Stay too long and clubs may find new talents, but move too soon and risk ending up on the bench somewhere. For now, Cervi just needs to focus on improving his game and the rest should just fall into place.

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ZIELIŃSKI FULL NAME: PIOTR SEBASTIAN ZIELIŃSKI CLUB: SSC NAPOLI NATIONALITY: POLISH POSTION: CENTRE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: MAY 20, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: KAMIL ROGÓLSKI (@K_ROGOLSKI)

2016 IN REVIEW The setting: The football stadium on Kusocińskiego street in Ząbkowice Śląskie, a small city in Western Poland. In the balmy summer of 2007, 13-year-old Piotr Zieliński is playing against other sides from the region. The stadium is abuzz with rumours that a scout is present from one of Poland’s biggest and most storied clubs, Zagłębie Lubin. Lucky enough to be present, I will never forget the conversation I witnessed between Zieliński’s mother and the scout. Knowing one of the players was her son, the scout asked her to point him out. Mrs. Zieliński simply said ‘Wait a minute. In a moment, you will show him to me.’ She knew how big a talent her son was, and it came as no surprise to anybody who had watched him that, after this game, Piotr Zieliński joined Zagłębie Lubin. This move did not come about without competition though, Bayer Leverkusen had been on the case of the young Pole after he had impressed against them in a youth competition. Although offers had come in from across Europe, they were knocked back by Zieliński’s parents who did not want their son moving too far away. Even in Lubin, 100km from home, young Zieliński was reportedly homesick. In Ząbkowice Śląskie, Zieliński was known as a shy, humble kid who liked to keep to himself. With the ball at his feet however, it was a different story. Everyone was used to Zieliński playing against kids years older than himself and running past them as if they were not there, antagonising them with his agility and close control. It was not long before Zieliński was taken even further from home though. As he matured it became clear that a move abroad was going to be inevitable, and it was Udinese who managed to secure Zieliński’s services. Although he started out playing for Udinese’s Primavera side, it was not long before his talent was recognised and he was featuring in first team squads. 2013 saw the young midfielder given his first Poland cap too, as they looked for a replacement for Ludovic Obraniak. Zieliński moved on loan to Empoli for two years and became a regular fixture in the side. His impressive performances saw him rewarded with a move to Naples, as Napoli came calling. Although in theory, Zieliński should form a good partnership with Krychowiak at international level, it has never quite come to fruition and the Napoli midfielder has often been criticised for his inability to reproduce his sparkling club form at international level.

STYLE OF PLAY Zieliński is a typical midfield playmaker, looking to get on the ball and dictate the game with a great range of passing. When he is on the ball it often seems as if just one pass is all it will take for him to set a teammate through on goal. He rarely tries to force the final ball however, and one of his strengths is his ability to know when to try a more incisive pass and when to keep things simple, a trait of his game which helps Napoli keep the ball high up the pitch. Although his game is still developing, Zieliński is already well rounded. Standing at 1.80m tall, he is decent in the air and defensively competent. Zieliński’s skillset best suits a number 8 role, given the freedom to contribute at both ends of the pitch. He has the tools to help drive his team forward and to shoulder much of the creative burden for his team. Having said that, Zieliński is right now a talent rather than a finished product. His end product has improved this season, but he has it in his game to become an assist machine. He can improve his goal threat too, although that is an area where he has improved this season. He has shown a greater willingness to go for goal for his club than he has his country, which leads to perhaps the most interesting concern about him. Zieliński has taken criticism for his international performances and was dropped during Euro 2016 in France. He reportedly cried in the dressing room at half-time and, while this is not particularly surprising for a young man who is suffering at his first major tournament, it did little to silence questions around Zieliński’s mentality and whether his personality suits top level competition. Mentality aside, Zieliński has a well-rounded game and under Sarri’s stewardship could well become the midfield fulcrum of this Napoli side. FORECAST FOR 2017 Zieliński is playing for one of Italy’s best sides and playing on the continent’s biggest stage in the Champions League. For now, everything is set for him to ensure he plays regularly for Napoli as his game continues to develop. His focus may well be on his performances with Poland. A lot of pressure is on him to produce that standout international performance and really announce himself for his country, something which has not yet happened. Zieliński is like a symbol of the new generation for Poland. A young Polish playmaker moving to Naples and being described as a revelation, a decade ago this would not have been possible. His role model always been Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid is supposedly the club of his dreams. While regular run outs at the Bernabeu are probably still a way off – apart from his match against Real Madrid in the Champions League this season for Napoli - if he demonstrates reliability and consistency in his game, it would be unwise to bet against him. In Ząbkowice Śląskie people cannot believe that the boy from their little city has already made his dreams come true.

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KLEINHEISLER FULL NAME: LÁSZLÓ KLEINHEISLER CLUB: FERENCVÁROS NATIONALITY:HUNGARIAN POSTION: ATTACKING MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: APRIL 8, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: TOMASZ MORTIMER (@TMORTIMERFTBL)

FORECAST FOR 2016 László Kleinheisler has had a rollercoaster 18 months. Since November 2015; Kleinheisler has been contracted at four different clubs, made his debut for the senior national team, scored his first goal for Hungary, earned a move to the Bundesliga, played at a major international tournament and moved back to the Hungarian top tier whilst only playing 30 games at club and international level. The Hungarian midfielder had been tipped as a potential star since a young teenager, but after his form dipped considerably following a move to Videoton from Puskas Akademia in 2013, that talent looked for all the world like it was going to be wasted. That was until a very bizarre and surreal moment in November 2015 when Hungary were gearing up for a crucial European Championship qualifier against Norway. At the time Kleinheisler was rotting in the Videoton reserves following a contract dispute with the Vidi hierarchy in the summer of 2015, a disciplinary issue not unique to the then 21-year-old. Kleinheisler had not played a single minute of club football by November – for the Videoton first team nor the B team, though he had featured for Hungary U21s in three games in September and October, three games new Hungary coach Bernd Storck happened to be watching. Based on those three games alone, Storck called up Kleinheisler to his first Hungary squad for the country’s biggest games of the century. The voices of discontent were loud. It was a bizarre move from the new coach to call up someone who had never played at international level and had not even been being playing club football. The voices of content became bellows when, to everyone’s bamboozlement, Kleinheisler started away in Norway – though they were silenced somewhat when the ‘Hungarian Scholes’ smashed Hungary ahead within half an hour, the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win. Hungary would go on to win the tie 3-1 and Kleinheisler would be outstanding in both legs. Immediately, the 23-year-old was on the radar of huge clubs across Europe with the likes of Arsenal, Genoa and Udinese all linked at some point.

After a short trial at Werder Bremen, he was snapped up by the Bundesliga club for about €250,000 in January and debuted against Hertha Berlin with a 30-minute cameo at the end of the month, putting on a good enough to show to get a starting berth the next week in a 5-1 humbling away at Monchengladbach. After that Kleinheisler barely featured for the rest of the season, coming off the bench in just four of Werder’s remaining 12 games. The Euros would be a better showcase of Kleinheisler’s talents, though that would only be brief too. Ever since the game in Oslo, he had cemented the number 10 spot and was brilliant in Hungary’s 2-0 win over Austria in the opener, superbly assisting Adam Szalai for the game’s first goal with some lovely intricate footwork. He also performed well again in Hungary’s 1-1 draw with Iceland in the second game of the group but that was to be his last game. Rested for the final group match, Kleinheisler missed out on the Round of 16 tie with Belgium through a cruel injury picked up in the warm up and Hungary slumped to a 4-0 loss looking laborious without their little terrier. Following Euro 2016, a loan move to Darmstadt came about despite talk of Kleinheisler replacing Zlatko Junuzović as Werder’s number 10. The move to Darmstadt was not a bad one, he started 10 of the 16 games in the Hinrunde, scored one goal and produced one assist. But it was not a spectacular spell, and following Torsten Frings’ appointment in January, the former German international deemed Kleineheisler surplus to his plans and following murmurs of homesickness, Kleinheisler moved back home to Ferencvaros at end of January. STYLE OF PLAY Kleinheisler is a diminutive footballer. Short but stocky and with a low sense of gravity. He can weave in and out of defenders with great ease and is therefore fantastic in tight spaces (as perfectly displayed by Hungary’s first goal against Austria in the Euros) and his stockiness makes him combative in physical challenges, even though his balance is lacking and therefore he is sometimes shrugged off the ball too easily. He is relatively ambidextrous and though he is naturally right footed, it is hard to tell from initial inspection as he can dribble, cross, pass and shoot on either side. Unfortunately, all these components of his game are raw. You may see him one day look like a world class talent; he would smash an effort in on the volley with his right foot, before later beating two players and putting a delightful ball into the box with his left. However, his inconsistency means he is totally unpredictable and at times, frustrating. In the same game, he can go from looking like a world class talent to looking entirely out of his depth. Kleinheisler believes his best position is the number 10 role and that is where he plays for Hungary and played for Darmstadt. Though at Werder he impressed slightly deeper in midfield and has also played on both wings while in the Hungary squad. This constant flittering of positions and his lack of real game time in his youth is probably the reason why at nearly 23, he looks so raw and so tactically and positionally unaware compared to his counterparts. His ability is undoubted but down to perhaps his attitude to train on or maybe even circumstances out of his control, his talent, which everyone in Hungary has been aware of for years, has not been fulfilled to the level many expected, or at least hoped. FORECAST FOR 2017 The goal of 2017 is quite simple for Laszlo Kleinheisler. Perform at Ferencvaros or hopes of a glittering career in one of the big European leagues is over. Kleinheisler has the talent to be a magnificent footballer, but it really feels like he is not prepared to go that extra mile to become anything better than average. If these next few months at Ferencvaros do not go according to plan Werder will sell him back to Hungary and he will likely remain there for the rest of his life. Who knows, maybe that is the case already? Kleinheisler spoke about integration problems in Germany, and if he finds it tough in Germany it will not be any easier elsewhere. Going back home to comfort is unlikely to help the issue at hand and playing in a very weak league is unlikely to aid his development. On the bright side, Kleinheisler will be the focal point of the side. He will be the first name on the team sheet, and it is likely he will be a big factor in whether Ferencvaros win the league this season or not. It is a massive few months for the 23-year-old. Come July we will know whether the light on this fire is bright, flickering or out.

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SUÁREZ FULL NAME: DENIS SUÁREZ FERNÁNDEZ CLUB: FC BARCELONA NATIONALITY: SPANISH POSTION: CENTRE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: JANUARY 6, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: JUSTIN SOUSA (@SOUSA7474)

2016 IN REVIEW Denis Suárez’s 2016 began at Villarreal as an integral part of the Yellow Submarine’s voyage to a Europa League semi-final and fourth place league finish. The Spaniard’s rapid development in ability and maturity under Marcelino saw a €3.5 million return to Barcelona later that summer; a return he addressed as a step to ‘fulfilling [his] dream’ of representing the Catalan giants. His breakthrough season with Villarreal also caught the attention of then Spanish national team head coach, Vicente Del Bosque. Making his international debut in late May, Suárez came on as a substitute for David Silva in a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Spaniard became a regular name on the Villarreal team sheet, creating 43 goal-scoring chances and averaging a 73% pass completion rate in La Liga. In the Europa League, he led the competition in assists with six in 13 appearances. He clocked out his time with Villarreal with five goals and 13 assists in 48 matches across all competitions. With a new-found confidence in his physical and tactical capabilities, Suárez left the Estadio de la Cerámica for his boyhood club FC Barcelona. Upon his return to the Nou Camp, Suárez was immediately labelled the heir to Andrés Iniesta’s throne in Barcelona’s midfield. However, the transition from Villarreal to Barcelona has been turbulent, bouncing back and forth between the bench and the starting XI. Suárez has spent much of his time adapting to his role as a number eight, showing patches of inconsistency and making novice mistakes in the process. Due to the rough transition, he has only started seven games for Barcelona in domestic and European competitions. STYLE OF PLAY One of Suárez’s most applaudable traits is his positional versatility. His vision and precise passing allow him to play behind the striker as a number ten where he can slip passes into the final third for teammates. At Villarreal, the 23-year-old also showed potential to play as an interchangeable winger. He has played some of his best football on the left side, frequently cutting into open space to set up for a shot on goal with his favoured right foot. He is also surprisingly quick, often dashing past defenders and delivering a cross into the box. Yet, his versatility poses an important question: where will he play most regularly for Barcelona?

Throughout his career, Suárez has fallen victim to his own positional versatility. Despite the host of positions with which he is acquainted to, Luis Enrique opts to place him in the number eight role. The idea came as a surprise given Suárez’s defensive work rate is phenomenal. Although he played a similar position for Barcelona ‘B’, he has struggled to find his feet in this position at senior level. At 23-years old, Suárez needs to solidify a sole position where he can impact Barcelona’s overall play. Although he has shown improvement since the start of the season, there are still evident growing pains in his game. The 23-year-old’s positional difficulties, however, have not stunted the development of his passing quality. His time at Manchester City was an important part of his maturation as a playmaker, studying and idolizing the playing style of fellow compatriot David Silva. If not for a falling out with Roberto Mancini, Suárez might have been the heartbeat of City’s midfield rather than Kevin De Bruyne. The Spaniard put out David Silva-esque performances for the youth academy, but, as is the problem with most big Premier League teams, the midfield prospect could not find first team action for the English side. With Villarreal, he was not instituted to the beautiful passing system that has come to be expected of Spanish sides. One of Suárez’s more memorable performances this past year was ironically against Barcelona. Deployed on the right wing, the young Spaniard wasted no time in showcasing his crossing technique, finding the head of Cédric Bakambu with nearly every cross. It would not be until Suárez returned to Barcelona that he would revert to a more technical and meticulous passing game. In Barcelona’s Champions League fixture with Borussia Mönchengladbach, he showed composure on the ball and orchestrated the game’s tempo with simple but effective passing. It was the type of passing that defines the Barcelona style of play. However, the composure he showed on the day is not always up to that same level of excellence. The playmaker often gets caught in two minds, wasting opportunities to continue his side’s offensive pushes. The sight of a diagonal ball falling behind a teammate or an over-hit pass ending a dangerous incursion are too familiar ones for the 23-year-old at this stage of his career. Part of the problem stems from his use, or lack thereof, of his left foot. The time he wastes setting his body to take his first touch with his right foot kills seconds needed to avoid tackles or turn defenders and continue his forward momentum. At the same time, Suárez has quickly become one of the most technically gifted players in Spain. Substantially weaker than his opposition, he relies heavily on his technical ability to avoid physical confrontations on the field. Combined with a low centre of gravity, the Spaniard can be a difficult man to mark in midfield. FORECAST FOR 2017 To remain at Barcelona, Suárez must sort out his positional dilemma. With the likes of Messi, Neymar, and Turan ahead of him in the pecking order for a starting position out wide, his focus should be on the centre of midfield. Working on Enrique’s requirements for him to succeed as a number eight will ease the pressure of replacing Iniesta in Barcelona’s midfield. Additionally, as he proves his quality, the freedom to play as a ten may be licensed to him. At international level, Suárez is already at one of the best teams to turn Julen Lopetegui’s head in his direction. However, his problems at Barcelona will be huge factors in determining whether the midfielder is given an opportunity to represent his nation at the upcoming World Cup. If Suárez intends to make Spain’s team in Russia, he must continue to progress at club level and prove his value on the international stage in the lead up to this year’s Confederations Cup. Before even thinking about turning out for Spain in Russia this summer though, he needs to enjoy an error-free run-in to the end of the season with Barcelona. With the title seemingly going to go down to the wire, their young midfielder should enjoy plenty of chances to impress between now and the end of the season in a highly charged, competitive atmosphere.

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LEMINA FULL NAME: MARIO LEMINA CLUB: JUVENTUS NATIONALITY: GABONESE POSTION: CENTRE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: SEPTEMBER 1, 1993 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: STEPHEN GANAVAS (@MAROTTANOMICS)

2016 IN REVIEW Mario Lemina arrived at Juventus to little fanfare 18 months ago, but by the winter break of the 2015/16 Serie A season the Gabonese midfielder had emerged as a useful role player as Juventus pushed for titles on three fronts. The former Marseille midfielder had only been chased by the Bianconeri after a combative pre-season friendly game in which he played for Marseille against Juventus, but was viewed as a low-cost and high potential midfield replacement as the Italian champions moved to fill the gaps left by the departing Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo. Lemina eventually found his way into the team as a Paul Pogba understudy, playing a total of 13 matches in his first season for Juventus. This season, due to an injury to Claudio Marchisio and the departure of Pogba, Lemina has been thrust into the first-team. A huge burden has been placed on his shoulders to be the midfield’s controlling force as he has played a deeper central role deputising for Marchisio. It has not always been successful, but Lemina is quickly learning at a club becoming increasingly highly regarded for their development of young players. Lemina’s year did not end well though. Publicly sidelined by the flu, rumours began to emerge that Juventus’ public stance may have just been a cover story, as unconfirmed reports suggested that the Gabonese international was involved in a car accident and was being disciplined by the club. He did not play a single minute in the month of November, despite Juventus’ clear midfield issues.

STYLE OF PLAY Rough around the edges with the hair to match, the 23-year-old is a surprisingly underwhelming name in a Juventus side that boasts the likes of Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Higuain and Miralem Pjanić. However, this is also paradoxical. Lemina is withdrawn, calm and – barring the occasional wayward long-shot – a good decision maker. Apart from believing he sometimes has a Pogba-esque ability to score from outside the penalty area - he does not - Lemina is a safe midfield option. Unspectacular, yes. But safe. He is not a sensational passer. He is not great on the ball. His shooting ability is OK. Considering these shortfalls, it is quite impressive that the Gabonese international has achieved what he has in his first season and a half at Juventus. The lingering question though, will be whether Lemina will have the quality to be an enduring option for Juventus manager Max Allegri. There are certainly doubts. The main fear for Juventus fans will be Lemina’s lack of creativity. He routinely maintains a passing success rate around the 90% mark, but – again – he plays safe and struggles to influence the transition from a true central midfield position into an attacking one. This is slightly uninspiring from someone playing in a team as dominant as Juventus, but it must also be quantified with the fact that he is playing in a more reserved role so far this season. However, when playing the deep-lying role he needs to be more willing to play the killer pass that he is talented enough to produce. Instead, he prefers playing the safe pass back to Leonardo Bonucci, who - despite being a wonderful passer of the football - must play a longer distance pass with a much higher degree of difficulty to achieve the same result. He also has his clear positives though. The Gabonese international is industrious, reliable and very tidy defensively. As a screen for the back three or back four at Juventus, Lemina routinely plays his part in ensuring Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli are not forced into many awkward positions. Meanwhile, he can seamlessly slot into the spaces left by the attacking full-back pair of Dani Alves and Alex Sandro. As far as physical defensive actions are concerned, Lemina is willing to be aggressive and physical – his core strength is impressive and he is also willing to bend the rules – he has learnt quickly from the impressive colleagues he dons the Juventus shirt with. FORECAST FOR 2017 With the return to fitness of Claudio Marchisio after the Italian suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury last season, Lemina will likely find minutes harder to come by at the turn of the year. Additionally, Allegri has also signed midfield reinforcements and switched formation to a 4-2-3-1, meaning there are just two midfield spots available to share between Lemina, Claudio Marchisio, Miralem Pjanić, Stefano Sturaro and Tomás Rincón. Nevertheless, Lemina needs to improve or risk being frozen out of the squad by these reinforcements. Improving his penetrative passing ability and being more willing to take risks in playing more vertically will be a core focus of the Gabonese midfielder and Allegri over the coming months. Furthermore, he needs to be more aware of his explosive power – a rare and incredibly useful talent – that he does not take advantage of, for example, like Pogba did during his time at Juventus. Bursting midfield runs have been few and far between in Juventus’ sometimes stale midfield this season. Used in a freer role like the one in which Pogba was deployed in, Lemina could add a different dynamic to Juventus’ midfield with his physicality that cannot be replicated by Marchisio, Sami Khedira or Miralem Pjanić. At 23, Lemina is at an age where he needs to push on and improve key aspects of his game. Otherwise, his time at Juventus may be the only opportunity he receives to shine at one of world football’s elite clubs.

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LLORENTE FULL NAME: MARCOS LLORENTE MORENO CLUB: DEPORTIVO ALAVÉS NATIONALITY: SPANISH POSTION: CENTRE MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: JANUARY 30, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: MIRAN ŠARIĆ (@THEREALBOZZ)

2016 IN REVIEW The grandson of Real Madrid great and six-time European champion Francisco Gento, Marcos Llorente was seemingly always destined for stardom. Following a strong year with Real Madrid Castilla which saw the youth team nearly promoted to Spain’s second division on the back of Llorente’s calm and composed play, the youngster was deemed too good for Spain’s lower divisions. What better way to be rewarded than to be loaned to a newly promoted side, in this case Deportivo Alavés, to serve as a shield to their back line while deputizing as the midfield linchpin.  To Llorente’s credit, he took the job and ran with it. Aside from hiccups here and there and the growing pain inconsistencies which often affect almost all young players, Llorente has remained grounded while not shying away from any of the massive responsibilities placed at his feet. After three quarters of the season, Llorente has already established himself as one of the very few players with a case for the league’s best young star, not to mention injecting himself into the top half of the league’s best defensive midfielders. Thanks to his play, Alaves is not only on track to stay up in their first season back in the top flight, but they have been able to pull off an improbable Copa del Rey final appearance versus FC Barcelona, much of it due to Llorente’s calming influence and defensive abilities. His play has not gone unnoticed and though the Madrid fan base was firmly behind him at the time of his loan, many are already pencilling him in as the starter on opening day next season. This is due to his pedigree and the simply stunning composure he has shown at the top level, specifically against elite opposition such as Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, both clubs that Llorente and Alavés have taken points off of this season.

STYLE OF PLAY Regarded as too slight, physically, as a youth player, Llorente has certainly overcome that as he has matured and developed an intelligent approach to the game to make up for any physical battles he may lose. That is not to say that he is afraid to use his body to fight for the ball and shield it when won, but he is more in the mould of Sergio Busquets than Casemiro. Like many top Spanish defensive midfielders of the past decade. He will likely have a bigger role in controlling the match and making the passes into channels which will, in turn, free up his offensive-minded teammates rather than making highlight reels for his bone-crunching tackles. Much of the criticism of Llorente has come from the Madrid fanbase, not Alaves’. The primary one being that he plays too safe when in possession, that he is too reliant on lateral and backwards passes and does not help progress the flow of play forward. While this is true to an extent and something that is a growing pain for many young deep playmakers, it should not be held against Llorente too harshly as the level of his team-mates limits how many risks he can take. He will undoubtedly be able to express himself more when paired with the world class offering Madrid has to present, not to mention being able to move forward and join the attack. Given that his dribbling skills and strong shot are quite outstanding, he could very well be paired with a more defensive-minded partner and allowed to play further forward as a creative outlet. However, his primary duties will undoubtedly be to shield the back four. As previously mentioned, Llorente has a decent physical frame but he will not be a dominant force in the air and in foot races. Because of this, he will likely leave his team-mates exposed from time to time as keeping play in front of him and on the ground is something he and his team will look to do. He has got a strong lower core but tackling is not necessarily something he is particularly comfortable with yet. Often it is a toss-up as to whether or not he made the right decision in going in for a tackle and whether or not he put his teammates in the best position because of it. FORECAST FOR 2017 Llorente is undoubtedly on the fast-track to return to Real Madrid in the summer and compete for the starting defensive midfielder job with Casemiro. His calmness on and off the ball provides a contrast to the more bullish Brazilian and will be a welcome sight to many Madrid fans pining for a royal bloodline in the starting XI. Given that Real Madrid is not necessarily a club that prioritizes defensive midfielders, nor is it a club that often spends much money to reinforce the position, having a ready-made option which will allow the club hierarchy to divert their funds to other positions will likely be a deciding factor in bringing him back home. That being said, Real Madrid is not a club where off-days are tolerated very often and several talented youngsters, despite their limitless ceilings, have found it hard to get regular minutes. Llorente is lucky in the sense that the depth at Real Madrid is not particularly deep in his position, but he will need to hit the ground running from day one. Though there is a possibility that Real Madrid will let him hone his skills on loan one more season and potentially at a club competing in Europe, the staggering development he has shown this season will likely overrule such thought and will allow him to finally serve as the depth at the position which has evaded Los Merengues the past two seasons. He should be able to seamlessly integrate with his new team-mates which will not only allow him to grow as a player but will protect him from growing pains thanks to the sheer quality he will be sharing the pitch with.

MF

STANCIU FULL NAME: NICOLAE CLAUDIU STANCIU CLUB: RSC ANDERLECHT NATIONALITY: ROMANIAN POSTION: ATTACKING MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: MAY 7, 1993 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: JAMES BUFTON (@JBUF1)

2016 IN REVIEW Anderlecht have earned for a reputation for the fashion with which they develop young talent, often through their own prestigious youth academy, before eventually selling the fruit of their labour for a substantial figure years down the line. In this respect, Nicolae Stanciu is something of a luxury for Les Mauves et Blancs, having arrived in the summer from Steaua Bucharest for the largest fee ever invested by a Belgian club. The business is still very much consistent with the club’s model, though, as the intention is the same as with every other young talent that walks through the door at Constant Vanden Stock Stadium. That investment should reveal much of what is worth knowing about Stanciu as a prospect as well the trajectory his employers envisage his career following, however. 2016 was certainly eventful for the 23-year-old as he starred for Romania at the European Championships, earned his move onto a bigger stage and finished as runner-up in the Romanian Footballer of the Year voting. All of which has produced a lot of hype for Stanciu, the comparisons with compatriot and national football icon Gheorghe Hagi - despite earning his first cap with the Tricolorii as recently as last March - perhaps representing the highest praise he has received to this point.

STYLE OF PLAY Stanciu is usually deployed centrally as an advanced playmaker, while also getting minutes in the front three of René Weiler’s alternative 3-4-3 system, and is especially useful to both club and country for his immense quality with the ball at his feet. The task of dispossessing Anderlecht’s #73 is one of remarkable difficulty; the sudden changes in pace and direction - with the ball seemingly attached to his boots with super glue - that are a feature of his game are spectacular to watch but are more importantly of great tactical value too. Stanciu seamlessly eliminates lines of pressure while disrupting the opposition’s shape and can instantly adapt the tempo of an attacking move depending on the circumstances, exhausting defenders as much as he excites supporters. Although he possesses as much, if not more, dribbling ability than any other youngster profiled in this handbook, Stanciu’s pace is limited to bursts of acceleration rather than forty yards of breathless sprinting. This is, therefore, where much of his creative duties can be identified. In transition from defence to attack, with the opposition back-pedalling in a state of frenzied panic, the diminutive Romanian has a penchant for playing long passes into the vacated space for his team-mates further up the field to take advantage of. His innate gift for controlling the ball also comes into effect in these situations as he is able to pause the counter and allow others the time to move ahead of him, often improving the channel his colleagues have to run into through the pressure this delay elicits. The extent of Stanciu’s scope shooting from distance is just as impressive as his extensive passing range. He is more than happy to fire an attempt on goal the moment he escapes the typically desperate collective effort to tackle him, seemingly no matter how far out he finds himself. This presents defenders with a tough dilemma: close him down and you present him the opportunity to dribble through into the abandoned real estate in-behind, stand off and you offer him an invitation to shoot. In a one-on-one situation, where Anderlecht particularly reap the rewards from Stanciu’s qualitative superiority, there is often no right answer to the conundrum. The space Stanciu assumes off the ball complements the rest of his attacking repertoire in this respect, frequently receiving the ball through the lines in mixed positions (where the defenders can only close down diagonally). This conveys terrific awareness and is a forecast of sorts for his suitability at the highest level too. The perpetual threat to score and create that Stanciu poses is not merely anecdotal. He has stepped up on the biggest stage available to him by producing three goals and three assists in seven appearances in the Europa League this term, adding to his four goals in league play. Stanciu hit the back of the net on fourteen occasions and made a further eleven assists in his final season with Steaua, and once he fully acclimates to his environment in Belgium he should post similar numbers once again. His capacity to cause chaos through so many different avenues is arguably what distinguishes Stanciu from most attackers, and will continue to do so as he grows as a player. But the tangible reflection of his influence that can be found in his production could propel him to the top of the game. FORECAST FOR 2017 The hope in Brussels is that Stanciu and fellow prodigy Youri Tielemans can lead Anderlecht to their first league title since 2014. There is also promise for a deep run in the Europa League knockout stage, providing Stanciu the same chance to raise his profile that he seized in the group stage and at Euro 2016 with Romania. If he does indeed lead his club to success on all fronts and continues to show consistent, incremental improvement, there will no doubt be interest in his services this summer. The idea of developing further at Anderlecht and potentially participating in the Champions League in the autumn does appear optimal for his long-term growth, however, and it would likely take an excessive bid for his current suitor to justify cashing in on their investment with the likelihood of making a larger profit in coming years anyway. Stanciu is out to make a name for himself regardless, and he deserves attention while doing so.

MF

HAZARD FULL NAME: THORGAN GANAEL FRANCIS HAZARD CLUB: BORUSSIA MÖNCHENGLADBACH NATIONALITY: BELGIUM POSTION: ATTACKING MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: MARCH 29, 1993 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: TOM CURREN (@TOMOCURR)

2016 IN REVIEW 2016 has, in many respects, been the defining year of Thorgan Hazard’s career so far. Though he has had previous seasons in which he has played more football, scored more goals and accumulated more individual awards, 2016 has seen Hazard exercise a grit and determination previously lacking from his career. He has needed to develop these traits, too: the sacking of Lucian Favre at the end of 2015 left Thorgan’s career in limbo. The Swiss manager had built the platform at Mönchengladbach from which Hazard wished to launch his career, and his replacement André Schubert failed to build upon his predecessor’s impressive foundations. Favre had bought Hazard in on loan from Chelsea, and then deemed him good enough to spend €8million on securing his services permanently. Hazard then went on to be a key part of Mönchengladbach’s remarkable 2014-2015 season, in which they finished 3rd in the Bundesliga. He would have been anticipating continuing his development under Favre; so the sacking must have been especially hard for him, coming just months after he had signed a long-term contract with the club. Hazard entered 2016 without the guaranteed security of a starting role at the club. Guinean Ibrahima Traoré was initially preferred on the right flank and Hazard was left to compete with Gladbach’s plethora of attacking talent for a starring role: Lars Stindl, Raffael, Patrick Herrmann, Jonas Hofmann and André Hahn have all played for Schubert in different forward roles. This competition, however, seems to have lit a fire under the younger Hazard brother. The Belgian has moved inland, departing from the right flank to play more frequently in the centre of the pitch, where he can dictate counter-attacks and appear where he is needed most. This was never more apparent than in his performance against Barcelona at Borussia Park, in which he scored in a 2-1 defeat. It was that performance that would define Hazard’s 2016. He has become a hardworking, industrious forward both on and off the pitch and it is no coincidence that his stock has risen in a year in which his brother’s has somewhat fallen. Whereas Eden Hazard’s 2016 (at least the first half of it) was defined by a languid unwillingness to work under imperfect conditions, Thorgan’s work ethic has visibly risen. He has forced his way into contention on the international stage, too, and will only flourish as a central player given the opportunity to train under Thierry Henry. Though 2015’s doubts remain over his future at Borussia, now they are a product of interest from elsewhere; very different from last year’s insecurity. With Schubert gone and Dieter Hecking installed - the man who oversaw Kevin De Bruyne’s rise to stardom after his similar rejection by Chelsea - Hazard has an excellent opportunity to make 2017 his best year yet.

STYLE OF PLAY Though it might be unfair to compare Thorgan Hazard to his ludicrously mercurial elder brother, there are similarities in their styles of play. Both are dynamic, forward-thinking attackers at their best when instigating counters and beating defenders one-on-one. Both possess low centres of gravity, impossibly quick feet, and rapid speed of thought, capable of making snap decisions that bamboozle defenders and create opportunities for teammates. Though Thorgan can be decisive, and has a very respectable one-in-four goal-scoring record across his career to date, he does not yet possess the game-changing explosiveness of his brother. Instead he must rely on his other traits to set him apart. Thankfully, he is beginning to interest other clubs simply because some of those other traits are so strong. Chief amongst them is his willingness to contribute to the defensive aspect of the game. Hazard is relentless in this respect. He’s incredibly willing to track runners from deep - a skill particularly useful in the Bundesliga, a league renowned for the speed and intensity of its counter attacks. In a contrast with his brother so stark it is almost startling, the 23-year-old has established himself as one of the hardest working attackers in Germany. It is almost as if he studied his brother’s greatest weakness - that being his languid, nonchalant style - and decided to make it his greatest strength. In many respects, it has worked. His undeniable hustle does set him apart from Eden, and it is interesting to note that Chelsea are now reportedly interested in reuniting the pair at Stamford Bridge. Considering Antonio Conte’s love for a hard-working wing-back, it is not difficult to see Thorgan flourishing in a role that would exploit both his attacking flair and his enviable work ethic. However, as fairytale as this Hazard duopoly might sound, it remains unlikely. André Schubert denied the existence of a buy-back clause in Thorgan’s contract, and though the player has admitted he would enjoy a return to London one day, he has three years remaining on his Borussia deal. If he were purchased as a wing-back, it would be a move to subvert his recent development into a central player and there would be little hope of him slotting into that role at Chelsea; with Eden, Willian, Pedro, Diego Costa and Michy Batshuayi all currently competing for three attacking roles. Early signs from new boss Dieter Hecking suggest he considers Schubert’s reinvention of Hazard as a centre-forward a mistake. Thorgan has played almost exclusively in a wide position under his new boss, but his stint as a striker will do him the world of good as his career develops. Regardless of where he plays, his speed of thought is instrumental in releasing the forward runs of the attackers around him and, just like his brother overseas, he is a menace with the ball at his feet. His greatest weakness lies in his consistency. His first touch can be erratic. His eagerness to beat players often ends in him being dispossessed. For a player so keen to establish himself as a central creative force, his average passing accuracy of 72.3% in league matches is disappointing, as is his making an average of 1 key pass per game. FORECAST FOR THE FUTURE As mentioned above, Thorgan has been beginning to attract interest from clubs abroad, most notably Chelsea. Though this is in part due to his lack of consistent starts for Borussia, it is undeniable that he is developing into one of the most hardworking, industrious forwards in Europe. His ability - and, more importantly, his inexhaustible willingness - to work for the team should stand him in excellent stead if he decides to move away. For now, though, it might be a mistake to move on from Borussia Park. Though his position in the team wobbled under André Schubert, he proved his willingness to work for it during his ex-manager’s ill-fated stint. Early signs from the young reign of Hecking seem positive, though Hazard’s brief venture as a central striker appears to be over he seems all the better for it. Whether the young Belgian leaves Borussia Park in the summer depends on how his relationship with Hecking blooms, but his most recent performances from the wing suggest that a prolonged stay in Germany might be beneficial as he continues to develop.

MF

ZIYECH FULL NAME: HAKIM ZIYECH CLUB: AFC AJAX NATIONALITY: MOROCCAN POSTION: ATTACKING MIDFIELD DATE OF BIRTH: MARCH 19, 1993 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: JOE DONNOHUE (@JOE_DONNOHUE27)

2016 IN REVIEW 2016 was a blockbuster year for Ajax’s Moroccan maestro, Hakim Ziyech. One of the Eredivisie’s stand out players in the second half of the 2015-16 campaign for FC Twente, Ziyech went on to seal a move to Ajax in the summer transfer window, for a fee in the region of £9.35m. To put into perspective the talent that Ziyech possesses, one needs to only to look at the fact that a club renowned for producing their own players, deemed him worthy of such a hefty sum. Since joining the Amsterdam club, Ziyech has continued where he left off at Twente, averaging a goal once every three games in all competitions. This is a fantastic record for a player who primarily plays as an attacking midfielder or wide-man. Ziyech’s creativity for Ajax in the Eredivisie has been one of the key reasons for their free-scoring form and the emergence of fellow youngster Kasper Dolberg. Internationally, Ziyech added to his cap count, now totaling nine for Morocco. More impressively however, is the fact he scored five goals in just three matches in 2016, yet again a remarkable return for a midfielder. STYLE OF PLAY Ziyech is without a doubt one of the Eredivisie’s most exciting flair players. His brand of attacking, forward-thinking approach play is a joy to watch, even if it is not always entirely successful. For attempted passes in the final third, Ziyech ranks amongst the highest in the Eredivisie and Europa League. This indicates he has a penchant for trying to change the complexion of a game with a defence-splitting pass. Of course, this means his pass completion figures will be down too, but in terms of entertainment value and overall quality of play, Ziyech trumps them in that aspect. His range of passing is excellent too, as his ability to find a teammate in space or willingness to attempt the improbable and succeed is impressive. Yet, his tendency to misplace a cross-field pass is too common and while that may not be a bad thing if he prefers to play on the floor, it is an element of his game that could certainly be improved in order to market himself as a total footballer.

A key element of his style is his pace and audacity to take on a player with skill or simply with sheer acceleration. Ziyech loves to dribble and given the opportunity to meander into space, can cause havoc and punish teams because of his nature as a flighty, evasive player. His pace and dribbling ability is something which makes Ziyech a potent counter-attacking threat, making driving runs from deep inside his own half and blitzing past opposition defenders. The Moroccan’s turn of pace is a factor in many of Ajax’s threatening dangerous attacks, often due to a drop of the shoulder or a clever dummy. Ziyech’s creative influence is undeniably one of the driving forces of Ajax this season. On a turbulent day in the Eredivisie in late February, Ziyech was instrumental in securing a 4-1 victory over Heracles Almelo. Two assists and a level-headed performance from the Moroccan helped Ajax keep pace with table-topping Feyenoord. Set-pieces are certainly one of Ziyech’s key strengths. They are a ‘Hollywood’ attribute that helps to separate him from many other players with a similar style of play. From a dead-ball situation, Ziyech’s ability is arguably one of the best in Europe. Several of his assists this campaign have come from whipped corner balls into the box, or from free-kicks. However, it is not just his creativity for others from set pieces that make him Ajax’s talisman in this field. Ziyech is also a fantastic goalscorer from free-kicks, highlighted most recently by a well driven effort for Morocco, and multiple astounding efforts for FC Twente earlier in 2016. Free-kick specialty often goes together with a fondness for long shots, something which Ziyech is not afraid to take on due to his excellent technique. His strike for Ajax against Excelsior in October 2016 was one of the goals of the month in the Eredivisie as the ball flew into the back of the net from quite a distance. Ziyech willingness to test ‘keepers from long range can be frustrating at times when they break down and stifle attacks, but he does have a relatively strong track record from outside the box. Like any top professional, there will be areas for improvement and Ziyech is no different. As mentioned above, his pass completion ratio is not the most impressive, due to his audacious attempts to always find the killer ball. This should not be discouraged, but instead Ziyech must look at potentially slowing the tempo and looking for the sideways pass. If the option of passing to a team-mate in an advanced position is too difficult, then perhaps he should look to restart the attack, passing backwards allowing more players to be brought into the attack. This allows his team to retain the ball and means he does not turn over possession as often, which is underrated but invaluable. Ziyech’s team retaining the ball is paramount to his own personal success as well as the team’s. This is primarily down to the 23-year-old’s main attributes not being the defensive aspects of his game. Chasing onrushing full-backs and marauding opposition playmakers is not Ziyech’s strong suit, therefore his side in effect, lose a man when defending. The Moroccan international is not adept at making last-ditch tackles and his footballing education was evidently not defensively-orientated. His build and stature does not encourage this style of play, and rightly so; if he was any stockier, it is unlikely he would be as effective on the counter-attack as he is. Nonetheless, improving on the defensive side of his game would help his teammates and himself as he would see more time on the ball. FORECAST FOR 2017 Despite snubbing the African Cup of Nations tournament to remain at Ajax, 2017 could be Ziyech’s biggest year yet. Sustained starting appearances with Ajax in the Eredivisie, KNVB Beker Cup and the Europa League, promise to showcase his growing talents. Ajax will do very well to keep hold of Ziyech for one more season host of European scouts are undoubtedly keeping an eye on his progress with every passing game. He is on course to be in double figures for both goals and assists in the Eredivisie by the end of the season, and with Ajax topping their Europa League group with a brand of youthful, attacking football, Ziyech and plenty of admiring neutrals will be hoping to see the Amsterdam side progress further in the competition. Should he manage to remain injury-free and stay in the Bosz’s good books, there is no limit to what can be achieved in terms of personal accolades. By the time the summer of 2017 rolls around, Ziyech will have just turned 24 and will be starting to enter his peak as a professional footballer. Having dominated the Eredivisie in 2015/16, followed up by an equally impressive 2016/17 campaign to date, it is quite possible that Ziyech and his agent believe he will have outgrown the Eredivisie. Looking for pastures new is not always a guaranteed success, therefore if a move does materialise, Ziyech must aim to find a club who will accommodate his brand of football and style of play, or risk taking a backwards step in his development. Regardless of the permutations of Ziyech’s future, one thing is clear; if he can maintain the same level of performances he has delivered over the past couple of seasons, there will be no shortage of suitors and he will become a star man in European football. The Champions League stage beckons.

FW

DAVIES FULL NAME: ALPHONSO DAVIES CLUB: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS NATIONALITY: CANADIAN POSTION: STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: NOVEMBER 2, 2000 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: JAMES BUFTON (@JBUF1)

2016 IN REVIEW Alphonso Davies’s rapid progression through the ranks in Vancouver last year - at the remarkable age of 15 - could certainly be described as meteoric. Beginning the year in training camp as an unknown stranger from the club’s residency program, the Liberian-born prodigy has generated the kind of excitement in British Columbia typically reserved for ice hockey players. The fact that infamous wonderkid Freddy Adu is the only player to ever make their MLS debut aged younger than Davies should serve as a parallel of sorts to introduce those unfamiliar with his breathtaking emergence. Alphonso’s late strike to secure the top seed in the CONCACAF Champions League against Sporting Kansas City in September represented both the culmination of his breakthrough and the beginning of his legacy in Vancouver - something that may or may not be very extensive given the interest he has already elicited from some of the elite clubs in the Premier League. Irrespective of where the electrifying winger plies his trade in the future, Davies has announced himself as one of the few truly elite prospects to emerge within MLS over the last few years. The league’s improvement since Adu’s leap into the limelight serves to heighten the impressive feat of Alphonso’s ascent to prominence, while also affording him an environment to fulfil his spectacular potential that is suitable for his spectacular talent. STYLE OF PLAY Age is typically used as a caveat to excuse immaturity with most players that graduate to the professional level as young as Davies, however the reverse is true when discussing the effervescent 16-year-old. Alphonso’s youth is an afterthought rather than a qualifier when studying his sophisticated and multifaceted game. 5’10” and growing with speed in abundance, the Canadian youth international can be an extremely useful outlet to relieve pressure and stretch opposing back-lines. Davies’s true value to the Whitecaps extends far beyond his pace and physique, however, as he has showcased a level of intelligence in his positioning and movement that usually takes years to master. He finds space inside the area between full-back and centre-back in which to receive the ball with exciting regularity, presenting himself a wide range of options in possession that would otherwise be unavailable to him.

Davies conveys his spatial awareness in his distancing from both his right-back and other ball-carriers in the team, as happy to selflessly draw defenders away and open room to exploit for others as he is to show off his sublime dexterity with the ball at his feet. Alphonso’s gratitude to Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson for letting him shine so early into his career is clear in his willingness to obey whatever orders are asked of him in this sense. Of decent significance with respect to the direction of his development, Davies has been provided with more creative responsibilities in the preseason fixtures building up to the beginning of the 2017 campaign. Alphonso can drift into central pockets and look to find others from an auxiliary number 10 role of sorts; a product of the positional fluidity that exists between the Whitecaps front four. The confusion caused by this interchangeability frequently unsettles the opposition’s defensive structure, with defenders unsure of who to pick up and precisely what approach they ought to take. This is one instance where his diverse style of play is particularly advantageous as it gives him the flexibility to either run at goal or combine with his supporting cast depending on what suits the respective circumstances of each scenario. Without a defensive midfielder that excels in collecting from the back-line and starting attacking movements from deep, the onus is on Davies and the rest of the attacking complement to make smart runs behind the midfield line of pressure. This may be the most overwhelming case for a permanent place in the starting line-up that Davies can put forward as the Whitecaps possess few individuals with the capacity to produce this calibre of off the ball movement. When this function becomes essential to the side’s whole offensive game plan, as it will do against the most organised and prepared outfits in the league, Davies will become an essential component within the team’s build-up play - obtaining such critical tactical value is arguably one of his most impressive accomplishments to date. Davies’s talent alone sets a high floor for the player he will eventually become, but ultimately the quality of his end product will set the ceiling on his potential. This is not something that should evoke concern, though, as Davies has already shown a lot of promise when faced with complex decisions. He is going to create a lot of chances for himself in front of goal through the timing of his runs, and there is good reason to assume that he will reap the full benefits of that attribute with finishing of a similarly high standard after his two-goal performance against a Bristol City XI in early February. It was evident in that encounter and in the other matches played during the club’s training camp in the UK, that the Whitecaps coaching staff have invested time over the offseason to figure out how best to make use of everything Davies offers. Having the 16-year-old make more runs in behind is seemingly a result of that internal evaluation of the talent at their disposal. Davies resembles a somewhat lanky figure at present, yet his frame will soon fill out once his growth slows down and he spends more time with the club’s strength and conditioning staff. There is a unique intrigue caused by his age as it is difficult to accurately project his physique in five years’ time, although this should assist his development rather than hinder it if nurtured correctly. It is an even more difficult task attempting to forecast how Davies will cope with the fame, attention and interest from suitors abroad that will surely follow him as he continues to make a name for himself in British Columbia. That said, the early signs are certainly positive. He has appeared unfazed by both the hype surrounding him and the magnitude of the first team opportunities he has received to this point, expressing himself with a great deal of confidence and not a whole lot of nervous energy. The upward nature of his trajectory from academy prospect to the USL to the Whitecaps first team is testament to how he has managed to keep his feet on the ground and focus entirely on the task at hand: becoming the best football player he can be. FORECAST FOR 2017 Observers sceptical of whether Davies will become an integral part at BC Place in the immediate future - on account of his age - are perhaps overlooking the most fundamental aspect of the discussion: his talent compared to that of those he will compete with for minutes as well as those he will compete against in MLS. In giving Davies so much playing time as a 15-year-old, Carl Robinson has practiced what he has preached about a player’s involvement in his plans depending on how good they are, not how old they are. The same principle should extend to the extent of that involvement; if Davies can prove that he deserves greater influence within the opportunities given to him to impress, he will more than likely achieve his deserved reward. This system of meritocracy and philosophy towards youth makes Vancouver the optimal location for Davies to grow at the moment, but how long that will hold true remains to be seen. The sample size last year was not quite extensive enough to result in investment from overseas during the offseason, however concrete offers can be considered a foregone conclusion should Davies extrapolate what he has already showcased with consistency in 2017.

FW

MBAPPÉ FULL NAME: KYLIAN MBAPPÉ LOTTIN CLUB: AS MONACO NATIONALITY: FRENCH POSTION: LEFT-WING/ STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: DECEMBER 20, 1998 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: JAKE ENTWISTLE (@JAKEENTWISTLE)

2016 IN REVIEW 2016 was a year of mixed emotions for Kylian Mbappé. On one hand, frustration. Aged 16 years and 347 days old he became Monaco’s youngest ever first-team player in December 2015, breaking Thierry Henry’s record that had stood for 21 years. However, come the turn of the year, first team starts were hard to come by. Monaco’s abundance of talent all seemingly started playing some wonderful football at the same time at the start of the 16/17 season, meaning Mbappé made just 6 starts and played just 570 minutes in total in the league after recovering from a head injury. His name appeared more frequently in the starting XI towards the end of the year, but chances were limited. But for all the frustration at club level, his year with the national team could not have been better. The standout player in the French U-19’s successful European Championship campaign, the 18-year-old prodigy outshone practically every single player at the tournament. This feat was made even more impressive when considering the talent within the France squad itself, let alone the entire competition. Team-mate Jean-Kevin Augustin ended up claiming the tournament’s Golden Boot, finishing with six goals in six games compared to Mbappé’s five, yet it was the Monaco man that caught everyone’s attention. Single-handedly winning the semi-final for France against Portugal — providing an assist for the first goal and finishing them off with two for himself — Mbappé proved he was ready to take the step-up to senior level. It was an experimental year for the young Monaco forward; but no matter the role he fulfilled, nor the number of minutes he played, Mbappé made it abundantly clear that this is just the start of an extremely exciting career. STYLE OF PLAY The Frenchman’s role at club and international level was ever-changing last year. Finding himself at the crossroads between the left-wing and striker, Mbappé’s most effective role is arguably still yet to be decided. Yet, despite this positional limbo that seems to afflict many of France’s young attacking talents, there is no doubt Mbappé has the potential to flourish in either. Often compared to Thierry Henry, the former Arsenal striker also experienced a similar ‘identity crisis.’ Deployed as a left-winger during his early years at Monaco, Henry eventually transitioned into a fantastic modern forward, marrying his incredible physical attributes with a ruthlessness in front of goal. Mbappé could still play either. He proved at the U-19 European Championships that he can score goals, and as the domestic season progressed he was utilised alongside Radamel Falcao upfront to devastating effect. Nevertheless, he remains a menace to any full-back when deployed in a wider position.

At 5’8”, Mbappé is not the tallest striker, yet his long legs allow him to cover ground exceptionally quickly without the ball as a sprinter would. Not quite as powerful as the aforementioned Henry (yet), the similarities between the two definitely hold weight. Being of Cameroonian descent, it also makes sense to draw comparisons with Samuel Eto’o, a lightening quick striker who used his leggy frame to torment the opposition. When stationed out wide, whether tactically or because he has drifted towards the touchline, Mbappé is just as adept at receiving the ball deep and beating defenders with the ball at his feet. With or without the ball, the 18-year-old is often too quick for the opposition. Always drifting into the space between the right full-back and centre-half, Mbappè’s natural habitat is very much in this left-side channel. It allows him to pick up and ball and attack defenders from deep or spring the offside trap and race onto through balls from his team-mates. In extreme scenarios he can even find himself stationed on the touchline. Knowing when to drift this far is important and his desire to get on the ball and make things happen means that at times he will drop too deep and wide to receive the ball in his favourite area of the pitch. This may become an issue should he ever be used as a lone striker. Knowing exactly when to roam and when to stay in position will again come with playing time. But for now, the Monaco man will continue to learn by trial and error, while also benefitting from playing in a range of positions alongside the experienced figure that is Radamel Falcao. When tasked with leading the line for his side, there are clear examples of Mbappé’s instinctive understanding of which positions he must adopt and when to move into them. Perhaps slightly selfish with the ball at his feet, especially when playing against less talented opposition, his movement off the ball is excellent. For someone so young, it is usually what they do off the ball that inhibits them or even proves to be the stumbling block that prevents them from reaching their potential. Unlike many strikers, even those supposedly in their prime, Mbappé has proven so far this season that he is extremely effective in front of goal. Additionally, whilst a certain level of profligacy could easily be forgiven due to his age, his efficiency in front of goal in fact extends beyond his finishing ability. He has created X chances in X games for Monaco this season, X of which have been assists for his teammates. Converting such a high number of shots and key passes into tangible goals is definitely a hallmark of an excellent awareness of the game as well as his quick, ruthless decision making in and around the opposition box. Whilst he may dawdle or prolong his retention of the ball in the middle third of the pitch, once Mbappé enters the most dangerous part of the field his footballing instincts often override his tendency to showboat in possession. A more equal balance between efficiency and expression is something that will develop overtime and from the exposure to first team football. Once again, this was more evident towards the end of the year as Mbappé became more disciplined in his movement, staying high up the pitch as to allow space for Monaco’s midfielders — Thomas Lemar and Bernardo Silva in particular —to act as the side’s main ball carriers, waiting to pounce on any through balls they may provide for him. FORECAST FOR 2017 Playing with a confidence and technical ability beyond his years, as mentioned earlier it is perhaps Mbappé’s age that is preventing him from becoming a regular starter for the Ligue 1 side. Even for a squad which has such a youthful look to it, it is a lot to ask of an 18-year-old to play a key role week in week out and is perhaps sensible to trickle him into the first team set up. However, By the start of the 2016/17 winter break Mbappé had been directly involved in a goal every 56 minutes across all competitions, with six goals and five assists in just 615 minutes of action. Only two players in the whole of Ligue 1 had more assists than Mbappé by the end of 2016, whilst when comparing him to all U-21 players in Europe’s top five leagues, his league tally of five was only bettered by Ousmane Dembélé (seven) and Julian Brandt (six), both of whom had played twice as many minutes as the Monaco forward. His numbers are spectacular. He had also scored three league goals up to that point, but has since more than doubled that statistic with a crucial goal in a 2-1 win against Montpellier and his first league hat-trick in a 5-0 drubbing of Metz. Not to mention an incredible Champions League display against Man City, in which he netted his first ever goal in the competition. The young Frenchman has all the hallmarks of a future world beater and will have plenty of time to fulfil such vast potential. The only doubt that surrounds the future of this particular Clairefontaine graduate is which club will be fostering his growth: Monaco? Or one of Europe’s elite? Ligue 1 has become a playground for some of Europe’s best young talents, another year at Monaco may well be the best choice for optimal development. However, should the French-Cameroonian still find himself as a bit-part player rather than guaranteed starter, he may wish to test himself at an even more prestigious club, or at the very least force a move in search of consistent first team action. Whether he finds a new club or not, little by little we will all catch a greater glimpse of this talented 18-year-old and if 2017 does indeed prove to be yet another year of development and fine-tuning, we should not be disappointed but instead remain patient.

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PULISIC FULL NAME: CHRISTIAN MATE PULISIC CLUB: BORUSSIA DORTMUND NATIONALITY: AMERICAN POSTION: RIGHT-WING DATE OF BIRTH: SEPTEMBER 18, 1998 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: LEWIS AMBROSE (@LGAMBROSE)

2016 IN REVIEW To call 2016 Christian Pulisic’s breakthrough year would be something of an understatement. Having started the year in Borussia Dortmund’s U-19 team, he was thrust into the spotlight with a full Bundesliga debut as soon as February against none other than Bayer Leverkusen. From there the American went from strength to strength, racking up 12 appearances before the end of the season and scoring his first senior goals for club and then country. Appearing in bursts for Dortmund throughout the 2016/17 season, the American has proven to be a worthy impact player often off the substitute bench. He has chimed in with some key goals and assists – especially a 45-minute cameo in a Bundesliga game against Ingolstadt in which the 18-year-old helped Dortmund claw back a two-goal deficit to draw 3-3 with an assist and last-minute equaliser. By the time the Copa América came around, Pulisic was still just 17 but a key part of Jürgen Klinsmann’s side. The youngest American to play, start, and score in a World Cup qualifier and the youngest player to score for the United States in the modern era, he arrived as a talent not just primed for the present but destined to be the poster-boy of US football for years to come.

STYLE OF PLAY An exciting attacking midfielder, Pulisic is all about the impact he manages to have with the ball at his feet. Whether it be dribbling with close control or making the most of his vision to perfectly weight a through ball, the young American is already a thorn in the sides of the most stubborn Bundesliga defences. The most striking feature of Pulisic’s play is, remarkably, that he does not stand out. Unlike almost any other player his age, when watching one must remind themselves that he is just 18. Incredibly, his decision-making and general maturity on the ball comes across as that of a much more experienced player. It juxtaposes quite strikingly with the raw style of team-mate Ousmane Dembélé, as the American’s game often looks far more polished than the Frenchman’s. Modest on and off the pitch, Pulisic’s down to earth personality helps him manage expectations with relative ease; he has not been fazed by starts at: an international tournament; a notoriously fierce derby at home agaisnt Schalke 04; or a must-not-lose Champions League fixture at the Bernabéu. Critically, his manager Thomas Tuchel has been willing to throw the 18-year-old into the deep end, which bodes well for the American as he acclimatises to all different types of match situations – whether they be playing patiently against packed defences, or looking to break against more expansive sides. Turning attention to his technical gifts, Pulisic often appears to glide in possession, taking plenty of touches so he can change direction or make a decision at any particular moment. He keeps the ball incredibly close to himself in the process which makes it difficult for defenders to dispossess him as he produces less loose touches than most. In possession, he is very secure, using his intelligence to shield the ball from more physical opponents before pushing against them and using his agility to turn quickly. That intelligence also comes in handy when defending, where he shows discipline to track back or press forward in whatever situation he may be playing in. This is essential in helping Dortmund keep their shape in a defensive system that, when implemented effectively, is simultaneously one of the best attacking mechanisms in world football. For now, he is at his most dangerous in the channels; an ability to dribble with ease and with comfort on either foot leaves defenders often unable to anticipate his next move, whether it is to take the ball central or out wide. It is natural for attacking midfielders to drift in and out of games and, still a teenager, it should not come as a surprise that Pulisic still occasionally appears to be feeling his way through matches. In time, though, expect his ability to shine through on a much more consistent basis as he slowly becomes an attacking fulcrum for both club and country. FORECAST FOR 2017 First and foremost, Pulisic faces a big challenge to maintain his place as a regular first-team contributor at Dortmund. André Schürrle and Marco Reus both spent considerable spells on the side-lines early in the 2016/17 season, helping the American earn regular first-team minutes in both the Champions League and Bundesliga. Now healthy once again, both are staking separate claims for Pulisic’s minutes - he has a fight on his hands. It does not help that he has been so successful as a substitute this season, as this will likely mean Tuchel will opt to utilise the 18-year-old as a safe option off the bench while handing his older team-mates more starting XI opportunities. Beyond that, playing a part in more game-changing moments are the next step. For the time being, Pulisic shows superb sparks of creativity but, despite becoming important to Dortmund’s game, is rarely the man playing the final ball or getting into really threatening positions. As soon as he adds more regular goals to his game, he will become integral at Dortmund and attract attention from teams all over Europe. Becoming a more imposing goal-scoring threat will also be critical to the USA’s chances of success at the 2017 Gold Cup and throughout their ongoing World Cup qualifying campaign.

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GARCIA FULL NAME: LEVI SAMUEL GARCÍA CLUB: AZ ALKMAAR NATIONALITY: TRINIDADIAN POSTION: LEFT-WING DATE OF BIRTH: NOVEMBER 20, 1997 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: NATHAN CARR (@CARRIBEANFTBL)

2016 IN REVIEW 2016 was a record-breaking year for Levi Garcia for both club and country. In late January, he made his professional debut off the bench for AZ Alkmaar – who he agreed a deal with in February 2015. He officially joined on a three-year contract from Central FC when he turned 18 in November later that year. He took over Dwight Yorke’s previously held record as the youngest Trinbagonian player to make an appearance for a European side aged just 18 years and 65 days. A mere week later, he notched his first professional goal and it did not take him long. There was less than 60 seconds between Garcia entering the field of play and him finding the net against NEC Nijmegen. In doing so, he became the second youngest scorer in the club’s 50year history. The teenager had hit the ground running at his new club in the Netherlands and this had not gone unnoticed by then-manager of Trinidad and Tobago, Stephen Hart. He was given his first senior international call-up for T&T’s World Cup qualifying double-header versus Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in March. The Soca Warriors were trailing 2-1 with around half an hour remaining in Kingstown and needed a breath of fresh air, something different to get back into the game. On came Garcia and he did not disappoint. He scored two memorable goals on his senior debut to turn the match on its head and give his country three big points in their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign. For the first, he fooled his marker Akeem Williams with a quick step-over and used his weaker right foot to drill the ball into the top left corner. For the second, he raced onto a through ball played over the top by team-mate Neveal Hackshaw and struck a first-time shot past Lemus Christopher in the Vincy Heat goal. This was some introduction to international football for an 18-year-old kid who had made his two goals look easy. ‘It was a wonderful feeling for me,’ beamed Garcia after full-time. ‘It is a moment I will never forget. Not many teenagers get his opportunity, so I was grateful for it.’ Garcia had broken yet another record, this time becoming his country’s youngest scorer in a World Cup qualifier aged 18 years and 127 days. He was rewarded with a starting berth in the home tie a week later, playing the full 90 minutes as Trinidad & Tobago secured a comprehensive 6-0 win in Port of Spain. The national team now have a new manager in the form of Dennis Lawrence and Garcia will be hoping to impress him as well as his assistant, Sol Campbell, as T&T continue to battle for World Cup qualification

This 2016-17 season he has been unable to hold down a regular starting spot in the AZ first team, managing 90 minutes twice so far, both coming in the Europa League – the second of which in February’s 7-1 thrashing by Lyon. In the Eredivisie, he has been used mainly as an impact substitute, brought on midway through the second half when defences are tiring and his speed can be capitalised on. He did start, before being taken off on 69 minutes, in a 4-2 loss to Champions League-chasing PSV; he also completed 90 minutes versus PEC Zwolle. STYLE OF PLAY The great Marco van Basten described Garcia as an ‘exceptional talent with a lot of ability’ when he was coaching during AZ’s pre-season training ahead of the 2015-16 campaign. The former Ajax and AC Milan star had been the club’s head coach earlier in the year before stepping away for health reasons, but he returned for pre-season training and was impressed by what he saw from the winger. Praise from a person of that calibre and stature within the game should not be taken lightly. Garcia is naturally left-footed and capable of playing on either wing – AZ have mainly used him on the left as well as in-behind the striker. His main attributes are his speed, dribbling and trickery when in one-on-one situations. He can pack a punch with his left foot from long range, too. He is a player with a direct approach: he likes picking the ball up out wide and driving at his marker. The fact Garcia is playing in an attack-minded team suits his style of play. AZ average 14.1 shots per game in the Eredivisie, fourth highest in the division behind Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord. As mentioned previously, Garcia has often - in his AZ career, at least - been sent on in the second half of games as opposed to starting. This is partly because his standout qualities – pace, dribbling and trickery on the ball - might lead to a manager believing he best fits the description of somebody who can make a difference late I matches when those qualities can really come to the fore against a tiring opposition. The question is: can he consistently deliver for the entirety of the match? That is something he needs to work on. But it is worth noting that the club’s ex-Director of Football, Earnie Stewart, explained upon Garcia’s arrival that ‘we see in him mainly a promise for the future.’ The Trinbagonian newspaper website, Wired 868, used the following simile to describe him as ‘like an employee who spends most of the day on Facebook and then solves all the office’s problems at 3.45pm.’ His game is not without blemish though. Sometimes his link up play and short passing can be lacking. Sometimes, too, he can hold onto the ball for too long when making the pass is the easier option. But that decision-making intelligence will likely come with more playing time and experience. Although, his reliance on his pace and athleticism could trouble him later in his career. FORECAST FOR 2017 On the domestic front, it is important that Garcia continues to develop. At 19 he really needs to be playing first team football on a frequent basis. Ideally this would be at AZ. However, if he must go out on loan to another club to maximise playing time then so be it. On the national team front, Garcia is still very much in the infancy of his international career but has shown that he is a valuable member of the senior squad. T&T will be trying everything between March and October in their attempt to qualify for next year’s World Cup and Garcia is expected to be a part of that collective effort after the team lost their opening two matches in qualifying. As documented, the last 24 months have been very eventful for him: transferring from his native Trinidad & Tobago to a new country and culture in the Netherlands. He has seemingly settled in well. A few weeks prior to signing his first professional contract, Garcia was asked on whether he had any words of inspiration for aspiring footballers. ‘Always stay humble, don’t get swell-headed as soon as things come your way,’ he said, offering a reminder that humility will get you far. ‘Just continue being the same person you always are and have respect for your parents and friends.’ That kind of humble outlook on life will surely stand this exciting young talent in good stead as he looks to do his country proud.

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RASHFORD FULL NAME: MARCUS RASHFORD CLUB: MANCHESTER UNITED NATIONALITY: ENGLISH POSTION: STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: OCTOBER 31, 1997 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: TOM CURREN (@TOMOCURR)

2016 IN REVIEW Marcus Rashford’s professional career did not exist before 2016 – at least not beyond a solitary appearance on Manchester United’s bench. In a turbulent calendar year for both United and England, his emergence has provided an explosion of colour, a story so exciting that even the tabloids struggled to hyperbolise it. During the first half of 2016, Rashford penned the kind of romance that English commentators constantly insist cannot be written. Called into the first team by Louis van Gaal because of a last-minute injury to Anthony Martial, Rashford – then just 18 – promptly broke George Best’s record to become Manchester United’s youngest ever goal-scorer in European competition. Three days later, before his name had left the headlines, he scored another brace, this time against Arsenal. It was a shout of defiance in the face of the old cliché: you most certainly could write it, and Rashford did. Then, just in case the message had not been received, he scored 135 seconds into his England debut, too. Once the dust had settled and Rashford ran out of debuts to score in, 2016 assumed a narrative more typical of a teenage prodigy playing at the very highest level. The arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimović at Old Trafford meant Rashford lost his position as United’s preferred striker and the appointment of José Mourinho meant the young striker could no longer be championed by Van Gaal. He was, in many ways, the poster boy for Van Gaal’s success at United; no, the Dutchman hadn’t returned them to the summit of the Premier League, but he had at least blooded a handful of exciting youngsters. Without the backing of van Gaal, Rashford had to start again under Mourinho, who shifted him out to the wing to accommodate both Wayne Rooney and the mercurial Ibrahimović. The confidence of youth seemed to dissipate, the goals dried up and Rashford found himself relegated to the bench. Though this might sound like his career has stalled, Rashford is still, remarkably, only 19. He went to the European Championships in the summer, an experience that very few teenagers can claim. He is still an important part of a slowly improving Manchester United side and being second-fiddle to two of the previous generation’s best players – perhaps two of history’s best players – is hardly a damning criticism of his talent. Rashford is still the most exciting teenage prospect in England and, if the Golden Boy rankings are anything to go by, he is second only to Renato Sanches in the entirety of Europe. Though he must bide his time under Jose Mourinho, 2016 will live long in every United fan’s memory as the year Marcus Rashford emerged – forget the FA Cup win.

STYLE OF PLAY Part of what makes Rashford’s emergence so refreshing is, ironically, how comfortably familiar he is. In a world where Manchester United are dropping record-breaking money on mercurial Argentine wingers just for them to leave a year later, Rashford’s simple playing style is a breath of fresh air. Without sounding like Sam Allardyce on loop, there is something happily British about watching Rashford score goals. He is a little reminiscent of Ian Wright, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer. He is fast, ruthless, and dependable in front of goal. He is capable of both the brilliant and the beautifully mundane. He is an unapologetically English striker, and there is a guilty pleasure in watching him peel away from his marker to tap in from five yards. Though Rashford does possess old-school qualities, he is far from outdated. His stint as a winger is largely due to his terrific speed and his willingness to take on defenders; watch the way he drifted through Manchester City’s defence to score on his derby debut. Though he does possess qualities that make him effective as a wide player, he belongs down the middle; but that is not to say his time as a winger is wasted. Arsène Wenger infamously played Aaron Ramsey as a winger for two seasons straight at Arsenal, much to the dismay of fans – but the result was a more mature midfield player with a far greater appreciation of space. The modern Ramsey – arguably one of Europe’s better midfield engines when allowed to play through the middle – is a product of his time as a winger. It is easy to see potential parallels between his early career and Rashford’s. If the young Englishman must spend time in a less-favoured position, then he would do well to take what lessons he can from the experience. Like Ramsey, he may become a better player for it. That said, Rashford’s appreciation of space is already superb. His famous opening brace for United against FC Midtjylland demonstrated his old-school poacher’s instinct, again invoking memories of Ian Wright. Like all great strikers, Rashford understands when and where to position himself in the box to clean up half-chances, latch onto loose balls and make himself available for his teammates to assist him. In a team boasting the creative talents of Juan Mata, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba, it is not hard to envisage Rashford slotting away scores of goals for United in the future. That is not to say that he is incapable of creating goals himself, however. He scored an impressive hat-trick for England U-21’s against Norway last year, two goals of which were products of his electric pace and individual ingenuity. He possesses almost every trait desirable for a modern striker. FORECAST FOR 2017 While Zlatan Ibrahimovic remains at Manchester United, Marcus Rashford is highly unlikely to ever replace the Swede as first-choice striker. However, this should not deter the young Englishman. Though the evergreen Zlatan shows no signs of slowing down, eventually his fitness will begin to fail and Rashford’s exuberance and athleticism will likely turn Mourinho’s eye. Rashford must be patient. Manchester United’s fans have seen young stars rise and fall in the space of a year – Federico Macheda is currently playing in Serie B – so it would be wise for them to let Mourinho manage Rashford as he sees fit. Given the correct tutoring and guidance, Marcus Rashford can slowly become Manchester United’s go-to striker for years to come.

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DOLBERG FULL NAME: KASPER DOLBERG RASMUSSEN CLUB: AFC AJAX NATIONALITY: DANISH POSTION: STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: OCTOBER 6, 1997 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: JACKGRIMSE (@JACKGRIMSE)

2016 IN REVIEW Although the 2015/16 Eredivisie season ended with Ajax finishing as runners-up to PSV Eindhoven for the second consecutive campaign, there have been changes going on behind the scenes in Amsterdam. The next generation of young stars is starting to emerge, and Danish forward Kasper Dolberg is one of the brightest talents from that group. While it would be unfair to compare these players to the famed ‘Class of ‘95’’ that Ajax are so well-known for, Dolberg will be playing a lot of football alongside Justin Kluivert, son of Patrick, who scored the lone goal in the 1995 UEFA Champions League final as Ajax beat Milan. Having joined Ajax from his hometown team of Silkeborg IF in 2015, Dolberg played with Jong Ajax for a year before the club decided he was ready for the first team. With Peter Bosz replacing Frank de Boer at the start of the current season, it presented a chance for Dolberg to make an instant impression on the new boss. Dolberg made the most of that opportunity, scoring on his competitive debut for Ajax’s senior side with a long-range strike in the third round of Champions League qualification against PAOK Saloniki to level the match at 1-1 and rescue a draw. He came off the bench for just 13 minutes in the first Eredivisie match of the year, but started Ajax’s second league fixture and bagged a brace as Ajax drew 2-2. In total, Dolberg has made 27 starts for Ajax this season, and a further eight appearances off the bench. It is clear that the Ajax hierarchy has faith in the 19-year-old, as Dolberg has played more than 1600 league minutes, scoring 10 and assisting five goals in the Dutch top flight. The highlight of Dolberg’s year was probably the 5-0 win over NEC Nijmegen on the 20th of November. The Dane opened the scoring on 19 minutes, scored again just five minutes later and made it three in the 37th minute. Late in the day he provided an assist to cap off a man of the match performance, in which he displayed almost every attribute that makes him such a promising young striker.

STYLE OF PLAY Primarily, Dolberg is a clinical finisher. Standing at 1.87m, his height is an asset, even though the young Dane is more skilled with his feet. So far in the 2016-17 season, Dolberg has scored 11 times with his right foot compared to just two headers. Revisiting that hat-trick against NEC Nijmegen; Dolberg’s first goal started with him dropping deep and turning his back to goal to collect a pass from midfield, playing it short to Lasse Schöne. The two Danes combined brilliantly, as Schöne lofted it over two defenders to pick out Dolberg who had burst forward towards the penalty area. Dolberg chests it down, drifts to the right and blasts it into the top right corner before the goalkeeper could react. Dolberg had significantly less work to do in order to make it 2-0 just five minutes later, drifting back to the top of the box to lose his marker before finishing a ground cross to the far post with a first-time finish. Ajax executed a set piece routine perfectly for Dolberg to get his third goal. The free kick was about 40 yards out from goal, but it was played on the ground towards the left-wing and Daley Sinkgraven. Dolberg cut ahead of his marker in the middle of the penalty area to head the left-back’s cross to the bottom left corner. Just 37 minutes into the match, the 19-year-old had three goals from three shots on target. Dolberg returned the favour to his countryman Schöne just ahead of the hour mark as Ajax scored their fifth of the match. It was a wonder-goal where the assist was definitely overshadowed by the finish, but Dolberg did well to control the ball just outside the area and kept his composure to pick out an unmarked Schöne. Averaging 72% pass completion for an Ajax player is not something that draws the eye of clubs across the continent, but it is a respectable figure that will get better with time. Many of Dolberg’s inaccurate passes are headed flicks or long balls, and his strength on the ball helps his team retain possession. Still, the big thing about Dolberg is that he is a goal-scorer. He constantly gets into good positions through his dribbling ability, and has excellent movement off the ball to find space. The only thing that lacks about his game is his defensive contribution, but he does not get stuck in and therefore avoids silly yellow cards. Dolberg’s been booked just once in 85 matches across club first-team, youth, and youth international play. FORECAST FOR 2017 Since the turn of the new year, Ajax are unbeaten with Dolberg scoring twice and assisting three more goals in six league games. De Godenzonen have also advanced to the round of 16 in the Europa League after a narrow 1-0 aggregate win over Legia Warszawa and will face FC København next. Having lost the Eredivisie title after drawing on the final matchday last season, Ajax will be hoping for better this time around. This time around, Feyenoord look to be the most formidable opposition for the crown, and Ajax are trailing in the table by five points with eleven matches left to play. If Ajax cannot reclaim the title, they will be faced with qualifying through the playoff to reach next season’s Champions League. Familiar foes PSV are six behind Ajax and slipping to third would mean automatic qualification for Europa, a white elephant prize of sorts. While it would mean that Dolberg would not be able to continue his development on the biggest stage, it could also provide a platform at a slightly lower level. Not yet 20 years old, there is no immediate need for Dolberg to test himself against that degree of competition; Ajax are not in a position to compete for the Champions League title and playing weaker teams in the Europa League means Dolberg and his teammates should be able to score more goals and win more matches. Linked with Liverpool as recently as last week, Dolberg can now add Jürgen Klopp to his ever-growing list of admirers. Despite the interest attracted by foreign clubs, the Danish striker will most likely remain at Ajax until at least 2018. Amsterdam remains one of the best places for young footballers to develop, and there is no reason to leave at this time. Should Dolberg finish the year with 20 goals, and continue that pace at the start of next season, top clubs could realistically go after him next January.

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ABRAHAM FULL NAME: KEVIN OGHENETEGA TAMARAEBI BAKUMO-ABRAHAM CLUB: BRISTOL CITY NATIONALITY: ENGLISH POSTION: STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: OCTOBER 2, 1997 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: PHIL COSTA (@_PHILCOSTA)

2016 IN REVIEW Kevin Oghenetega Tamaraebi Bakumo-Abraham, or Tammy Abraham for short, is Chelsea through and through. Born in Camberwell, South London, the striker joined the club as a seven-year-old and has stayed there ever since. He was pivotal in their FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League winning teams in 2014/15 and 2015/16, so after scoring 74 goals in 98 appearances, it was clear that the Blues had an exciting talent on their hands. Just figuring out what to do with him was the issue. After initially impressing on Chelsea’s pre-season tour of America, it was not until his loan move to Bristol City where the 20-year-old really made a name for himself. This was a side that had finished 18th in the Championship, escaping relegation by the skin of their teeth, struggling for goals at one end and conceding far too many at the other. Many young players would have struggled under that kind of pressure, particularly on their first full loan away from academy football. However, Abraham just continued doing in the Championship what he had been doing for years at Cobham – putting the ball in the back of the net. Afforded just 23 minutes away to Reading on matchday one, the Englishman was rewarded with a start in The Robins’ next game against Burton, scoring twice in a 2-1 victory. Buoyed by his match winning double, Abraham found the net seven times in his next nine appearances, picking up three man of the match awards along the way. His form dipped slightly around October and November, before normal service was resumed with five goals in six games over a chaotic Christmas period. In just four months of football, only Newcastle’s Dwight Gayle was more prolific than the teenager.

STYLE OF PLAY Undoubtedly, Abraham’s most exciting attribute is his ability to score with such regularity. He is a throwback to generations prior where the likes of Gary Lineker, Filippo Inzaghi and Raúl built their careers around penalty box poaching and making sure they were positioned correctly to capitalise on any fortunate rebounds. Capable on both feet, strong in the air and with a vigour for acrobatics, Abraham can find the net in a number of different ways which is a credit to his goalscoring instinct. The 19-year-old has had a hand in nearly half of Bristol City’s 44 league goals this term, scoring 18 goals and setting up a further two in 31 appearances – an incredible tally for his first season on loan. Standing at 6’3” (1.91m), Abraham is an incredibly imposing presence which makes it difficult for the opposition to contain him. Physically similar to Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo who was once described as the ‘chaos factor’ by Alan Pardew, the 19-year-old is quick, strong, unpredictable and awkward – traits that when combined, have proven to be effective in every tier of English football. Surprisingly quick across the ground as well, his willingness to press and harry opposition defenders will leave him in good stead with managers at the top level asking their strikers to be the first line of defence. Arguably the biggest weakness in Abraham’s game is his lack of technical quality. For somebody who spent his formative years in one of the country’s best academies, his first touch is loose and he is not particularly adept at playing in tight spaces. When travelling at speed, the Englishman can hit the ball too hard, get the ball stuck under his feet or run himself into a cul-de-sac which then results in losing possession. His quickness of thought could also improve, after looking notably disconnected from his team-mates this season where quick, one-touch build up or intricate link-up play is concerned. Also, despite his knack for being in the right place at the right time, Abraham still has a lot to learn when he has time to think about his movement. For somebody with such pace and power, the 19-year-old has a frustrating habit of being caught offside far too often. His eagerness to be involved and score goals at every opportunity is admirable, but small things such as bending his runs, or even bursting through from deep could really take his game up a level. Also, he seems reluctant to run the channels which could create space for onrushing midfielders such as Lee Tomlin and David Cotterill. FORECAST FOR 2017 Between now and the end of the season, Abraham’s sole focus will revolve around keeping Bristol City in the Championship. The Robins are currently in 17th place, sitting dangerously above the drop zone with 13 games to play and a string of difficult fixtures ahead. Unfortunately, the 19-year-old is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a thigh injury and has returned to Chelsea while he undergoes treatment. The news is more encouraging than first feared however, with the striker expected to miss three weeks as opposed to six. In terms of what the future may hold, it is difficult to say. The youngster has definitely impressed at Ashton Gate and even entered the football record books by becoming the highest-scoring teenager in the Championship for over 20 years. But with Diego Costa back to his best and even Michy Batshuayi struggling for anything more than a few minutes each week, it is unlikely that he will be able to make an impact at Stamford Bridge next season. This may not be a bad thing though, as he could go out on loan again (ideally to a Premier League club) and test himself against England’s top defenders. Then we will know if he is capable of leading the line for Antonio Conte or not.

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BAILEY FULL NAME: LEON BAILEY CLUB: BAYER LEVERKUSEN NATIONALITY: JAMAICAN POSTION: LEFT-WING DATE OF BIRTH: AUGUST 9, 1997 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT

WRITTEN BY: JAKE ENTWISTLE (@JAKENTWISTLE)

2016 IN REVIEW Electric: a term that is so often thrown about when talking about quick players. However, with Leon Bailey there couldn’t be a more apt word to describe him. The Jamaican burst onto the scene last year with club side Genk and attracted reported interest from Europe’s most prestigious clubs, with Manchester United sending scouts to watch the winger in action. Winner of the Belgian League’s Young Player of the Year award and UEFA European Golden Boy nominee, the Kingston-born winger has gained widespread recognition for his talent. He scored a goal on his Europa League debut — an outstanding effort that epitomised everything great about his game: direct running, incredible close control and the capacity to produce the outrageous. Bailey ended the group stages with four goals, more than any other U-23 player in the competition. He had more shots (28) and attempted more take-ons (38) than any other player, with Ajax’s Amin Younes (24) the only player to complete more than Bailey’s impressive 23. Despite his age, and the fact it was his debut in the competition, it is no surprise to find Bailey leading these metrics. His game his heavily built around his ability to beat players and driving into the opposition box.

STYLE OF PLAY Ronald de Boer, who coached Bailey during his trial at Ajax in 2013, had this to say about the Jamaican speedster: ‘He’s so quick, it’s not normal. What are his weaknesses? I can’t tell you.’ De Boer’s quote says everything that needs to be said about Leon Bailey: lightning fast and incredibly talented in some many different ways. He will beat a defender once, only for him to turn back and do it again. He lacks neither pace nor confidence and his affinity for the audacious is always more evident when playing on the right. Able to open out and beat defenders with pure pace in open space, Bailey also has the trickery and the guile to function in tighter areas and beat defenders with his superior skill and agility. This means that he operates tremendously from both flanks: on the right, he has the ability to slow the pace down before pulling something out from his bag of tricks to get back on his favoured left foot. On the left, he can adopt a more traditional approach of knocking the ball beyond a defender before passing them in a flash and collecting it further down the line. So often young players, especially wingers, can only perform successfully on one side and limit themselves to one style of play. Leon Bailey is such an exciting talent as he has already demonstrated his ability on both sides of the pitch, as well as an understanding of how to adapt his approach depending which flank he finds himself on.

Referring to de Boer’s comments one final time, whilst the Ajax coach claimed he could not tell you the weaknesses in Bailey’s game, he does possess some. In fact, a footballer can always improve, a mantra Bailey himself lives by. His feet at times move too quick for the rest of his body and can often leave the ball behind or lose control of it in vital areas; mainly the final third. However, the rawness of his style of play is something to be lauded and not criticised. It is harder to alter someone’s natural intentions when on the ball than it is to improve their first touch and crossing ability. Bailey possesses the core strengths to become a successful modern day winger, able to fly down both flanks, beating opposition players at will. But, if he is going to become a complete superstar, then it his defensive work that will need polishing. Often lethargic when in a defensive position, Bailey is prone to sticking out a leg in hope rather than defending intelligently. Modern football dictates that all players are just as competent off the ball as they are on it and whilst there is no doubting Bailey’s talent with the ball at his feet, to become the complete player he aspires to be, he must work on understanding his defensive role within the team at the very least, if not the actual carrying out of defensive actions. Another slight issue is Bailey’s reliance on his dribbling ability to get him out of trouble. Armed with one of the most dangerous counter attacking weapons - speed and ball carrying ability - whilst Bailey can launch attacks in an instant, his preference to carry the ball up field rather than offload has the potential slow attacks. It is a minor issue, but an issue nonetheless. With age and experience will come a great understanding of knowing exactly when to take-on players in his own defensive third, and by all means he should not stop doing it entirely - after all, his high speed dribbling is one of his greatest attributes, it would be nonsensical to deny him the opportunity to use it. Whether defending, lunging into tackles or trying to single-handily beat an entire opposition team; or attacking, beating his man for the sake of beating him rather than shooting or passing at a more opportune moment it is clear that Bailey’s decision making is perhaps his biggest weakness. Yet, for a player that moves so fast and operates at such a high intensity, he should be forgiven for making the wrong decision on occasion. After all, his explosive play-style means he must only give himself a fraction of a second to make one, if that. FORECAST FOR 2017 Bailey’s January move speaks volumes about what his future hold. Whilst it is not the high profile move that was originally speculated, Bayer Leverkusen is in fact the natural progression for someone of Bailey’s age and ability. In a team that relies heavily on fast breaks to score the vast majority of their goals, Bailey has not only found a club that can match his Champions League ambitions, but also an outfit that complements his best attributes perfectly. Despite rumours suggesting new teammate Julian Brandt’s future at the club may be in doubt, the addition of Bailey means that – for six months at the very least – Leverkusen have got their hands on exciting talent on each flank and this duo should wreak havoc in the Bundesliga. They might cause a few problems in the Champions League too. There is, however, the matter of one important decision still looming from the past year: which national team Bailey will look represent? In an interview with UEFA in 2016 he said, ‘It makes me very proud standing up here in Europe representing my country. Even though I don’t represent them as a nationality, I still represent Jamaica and it makes me proud inside.’ Whether Leon Bailey will play for Jamiaca in the future is doubtful, especially given his extremely ambitious nature. Turning out for Belgium will provide him with the stage and competition to match his ability. Representing Jamaica could in fact stunt his growth as a footballer, even prevent him from gaining the global recognition and appreciation such an exciting talent deserves. In fact, rather ironically, the Belgian national team is probably the best means for Bailey to put Jamaica on the footballing map. He wants to play against the best players. He wants to play in the biggest tournaments. Belgium can provide him with the opportunities to do so. Jamaica, unfortunately, cannot. Should the pride of Kingston decide on his international future soon, one expects him to fly the Jamaican flag proudly behind him, whatever his choice may be. Germany will be Bailey’s home for the next year. But, it will not come as a surprise if Leverkusen end up becoming another stepping stone towards an even more prestigious European club. His technical ability is rare for someone so fast and that is testament to his career choices thus far. By playing regular football and slowly ramping up the difficulty and competitiveness of his surroundings, the 19-year-old is steadily becoming a household name.

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MOR FULL NAME: EMRE MOR CLUB: BORUSSIA DORTMUND NATIONALITY: TURKISH POSTION: RIGHT-WING DATE OF BIRTH: JULY 24, 1997 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT

WRITTEN BY: LEWIS AMBROSE (@LGAMBROSE)

2016 IN REVIEW Emre Mor broke into the Nordsjælland starting lineup at the start of 2016, instantly becoming a crucial player at the Danish Superligaen side. A short 18-year-old, playing in a weaker European league afforded Mor the chance to play up front, a luxury a player of his size and experience would not be afforded in the continent’s major divisions. After leading the attack and notching two goals and two assists, Mor’s opening few games in senior football earned him a surprise place in Turkey’s Euro 2016 squad and a transfer to Borussia Dortmund. After a pair of impressive cameos, Mor started and delivered instantly with a match-winning assist in the final group game against the Czech Republic. The start to his Dortmund career has been trickier with the club well-stocked out wide but Mor has already shown glimpses of what is to come, with a goal and two assists in just eight Bundesliga appearances.

STYLE OF PLAY Mor’s size is instantly striking. Even shorter than Lionel Messi, he stands out when he takes his place on the pitch amongst the giants of German football. Thankfully, he can use his size to his advantage. An incredibly low centre of gravity and short strides make Mor a superb dribbler, capable of controlling the ball at speed and making sharp turns. Unfortunately, he is also predictable. Almost exclusively playing from the right-wing, the Turk is incredibly one-footed, looking to cut inside at every opportunity. This can have its advantages – making diagonal runs inside from the flank is incredibly advantageous strategically – but makes Mor easy to predict. As well as dribbling well, Mor can find intelligent passes when he comes inside or when he gets to the by-line, regularly creating opportunities for his team-mates, especially when he comes off the bench against tired defences. Again, though, his use of the ball comes with a caveat; Mor tends to shoot from ambitious distances or angles a little too often. This is something he has already worked on at Dortmund, now surrounded by better players than during his time in Denmark, but he habitually wasted good attacking situations at Nordsjaelland by unleashing a shot unlikely to test the goalkeeper when he had other options. Mor’s first touch, which is often loose, is also a relative weakness to his game. It is something of a conundrum that such a good dribbler has a weak first touch but it is something he could focus on, rather than thinking too far ahead before he has control of the ball. One thing to note of the Turk is the temper which he found difficult to tame in October’s 1-1 draw with Hertha BSC. It was a game in which he won five fouls, but it should have been more than that, shut was Hertha’s robustness in dealing with the midfielder. A rough foul pushed him to the edge; Mor pushed back and was sent to the stands. It was a harsh dismissal and underlined Mor’s immaturity but also his desire. The teenager was so frustrated he acted out and left his side a man down but he only did so because he has such a strong drive to reach the top. With enormous ability and growing experience, the only way is up for Mor and the ability to dribble and offer decisive moves at the highest level at the age of 19 continues to delight. FORECAST FOR 2017 With Christian Pulisic and Ousmane Dembélé ahead of Mor as the youthful options on Dortmund’s wings, playing time is going to be hard to come across. Dortmund are incredibly well stocked in the attacking midfield positions and the Turkey international must be outstanding in his limited chances to prove he can hold his own. Under Thomas Tuchel, Mor should receive the guidance he needs to hone his talents. With more tactical understanding and a slightly less rushed approach on the ball his development could be enormous. With so much competition for places at Westfalenstadion, Mor may have to push for a loan move later in 2017 to force his way to the front of the queue in Dortmund and regain his place in the Turkey squad.

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AUGUSTIN FULL NAME: JEAN-KÉVIN AUGUSTIN CLUB: PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN NATIONALITY: FRENCH POSTION: STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: JUNE 16, 1997 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: JAKE ENTWISTLE (@JAKEENTWISTLE)

2016 IN REVIEW Jean-Kevin Augustin is yet another member of France’s incredible current batch of young forwards. A finisher first and foremost, the PSG academy graduate is able to lead the line on his own or in conjunction with another striker, but has found it increasingly difficult to gain any significant amount of game time at club level —  hardly surprising when Edinson Cavani has scored 35 goals already. In fact, he has only made seven senior starts since his debut in April 2015. That being said, no matter how limited Augustin’s chances may have been domestically, for France he has proven his quality time and time again. Top scorer in France U-19’s European Championship success in the summer of last year, he was also named the tournament’s Golden Player. His goals in Germany were numerous, diverse and great adverts for his talent, especially his finishing ability; his tally of six goals equalled a tournament record previously held by a certain Alvaro Morata. The Frenchman sustained this prolific form throughout the rest of 2016, making the seamless transition into France’s U-21 alongside Celtic’s Moussa Dembélé. The two have formed a deadly partnership since then, tearing England’s defence to shreds in an entertaining match between the two sides in October. With four goals in six games for the France U-21 side, adding to his 12 in 13 appearances at U-19 level, Augustin all but secured his place at the U-20 World Cup in 2017 before 2016 had even ended. Although a loan move may have seen him acquire more game time, PSG kept him in their first team squad, using him sparingly in 2016. He managed one goal and two assists in just 190 minutes of Ligue 1 action; a decent return not to be besmirched. STYLE OF PLAY Explosive is the one word that best describes Augustin. The 19-year-old is far from the most imposing striker but can hold his own in most physical battles. Should he be given space to run in behind or even a fraction of a second to turn, he will do so with devastating effect.

His finishing is clinical, and as mentioned in the review section, he is capable of finding the net from any part of the pitch, with any part of his body. A powerful and clean striker of the ball, he is just as likely to rifle the it into the roof of the net as he is to nestle it into the bottom corner. Augustin’s understanding of which type of finish is best for each individual situation is one of his greatest strengths and speaks volumes about his excellent game intelligence. The 19-year-old would not be an archetypal French forward if he was not partial to a game on the wing. And in a PSG side that has Edinson Cavani spearheading an already frightening attack, it is on the right-hand side where PSG’s young forward sees most of his minutes. When playing out wide he is even more direct and enjoys beating his man in a raw display of speed rather than tangling up his opponent with an array of different tricks. Rather than beat his defender, and then do it again, Augustin prefers to blitz past any waiting opponents in one fell swoop, showing them a fresh pair of heels and leaving them scrambling to catch up. He may not be the tallest, but he is powerful and there are not many players who can keep up with him when he decides to drive towards the by-line. His occasional foray as a right winger is evident when he plays up front. Unlike most French forwards who enjoy drifting out to the left only to cut in and shoot with their right, Augustin is relatively unique in his ability to manipulate the right-hand channel - hence why his partnership with Kylian Mbappé and/or Moussa Dembélé at youth level has been so devastating. When one drifts towards their favourite channel, the other stays central awaiting a delivery from their strike partner, lying in wait to pounce on any loose balls as a result of their strike partner’s exploits out wide. Admittedly he is not the most graceful of footballers to watch, nor the most eye-catching on the ball. No doubt he has technique and skill, but when running with it he relies purely on pace and power to burst into vacant spaces rather than trickery and guile to create them himself. There are no secrets. But with his pace and running power, there need not be any. When playing upfront, his best position in my opinion, Moussa Dembélé’s parallel rise to prominence sees Augustin play alongside another striker generally. However, when tasked with leading the line on his own he is surprisingly well equipped. The 19-year-old is remarkably comfortable with his back to goal, taking the ball in and bringing others into play. His capabilities as lone front-man were on show during the U19 European Championships, as although the likes of Mbappé were in the side, the Monaco forward was stationed much wider on the left in a fluid formation closely resembling a 4-3-3. At times Augustin could be seen patrolling the touchline, but he was the most common option through the middle. Able to absorb pressure and protect the ball, Augustin not only provided an outlet in the channels thanks to his speed, but also displayed a maturity and understanding of when he should drop deeper and simply act as a wall for his team-mates in midfield to bounce the ball off of. In short, Jean-Kevin Augustin is a good winger, but has the potential to be an even better striker. He already has the tools to plague most full-backs, but he is not far from becoming the scourge of many a central defender, too. FORECAST FOR 2017 This year will no doubt be another frustrating year in terms of first team minutes. Part of one of the most expensively assembled attacking squads, Augustin now has Julian Draxler and Gonçalo Guedes to contend with - and that is just for a place out wide. A loan move is looking like the increasingly more sensible option as time passes and players are brought in, but Augustin should not give up total hope of making it in the French capital. Staying at PSG, however, will most likely mean more minutes as a winger: the fact he is able to play in any position across a front three is perhaps the biggest obstacle blocking any real progress in forging a career as a striker. Augustin’s future should be in a central role and his versatility is potentially a curse. Whether he is used exclusively as a winger or a utility player who can both play out wide or through the middle, the PSG academy graduate can certainly add something to the squad. 2017 is still too early to make such an impact given the huge competition for places, even out wide. But his ability to play two positions intelligently and effectively - means he would be an asset for any team looking to acquire his services either on a temporary and more permanent basis.

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DEMBÉLÉ FULL NAME: OUSMANE DEMBÉLÉ CLUB: BORUSSIA DORTMUND NATIONALITY: FRENCH POSTION: RIGHT-WING DATE OF BIRTH: MAY 15, 1997 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT

WRITTEN BY: LEWIS AMBROSE (@LGAMBROSE)

2016 IN REVIEW One day, we might just look back on 2016 as the year football first saw glimpses of what Ousmane Dembélé could become. After rejecting the advances of many of Europe’s top clubs, Dembélé became the star player at Stade Rennais during his first full season of professional football. The Frenchman scored his first twelve league goals in professional team in fewer games than it took the likes of Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimović, or Neymar. A summer transfer was inevitable. Dortmund were the club to secure his signature and after a couple of months riddled with frustration but sprinkled with moments of brilliance, he has started to deliver consistently and has asserted himself as a regular starter in both the Champions League and the Bundesliga. With more minutes than any other teenager at a top European club apart from Gianluigi Donnarumma at AC Milan this season, Dembélé has provided a tangible impact too with six goals and 14 assists in just over 2,000 minutes of first-team action since his arrival in Germany. These are incredible numbers for a teenager to register in only his second season of regular first-team football and his first season after a move to a foreign country.

STYLE OF PLAY Sometimes Dembélé looks erratically unpredictable, other times he looks a genius with an innate gift to terrify defenders. At his exciting best he is a healthy mixture of all of the above. He is statistically among the best dribblers in Europe and it is hardly surprising when you see him running with the ball. Incredibly quick and ambidextrous, his long legs underpin his ability to manipulate the ball precisely and change direction rapidly. Despite this, the 19-year-old can have games where he is extremely wasteful on the dribble and can at times look as though he is trying to force the game when patience must be exercised in order to recycle and reboot attacks. It is a sign of how raw he is despite the obvious power he possesses. His dribbling ability means nothing, of course, without end product. As he has shown with Rennes and now Dortmund, he has plenty of that too. Only one player in Europe has more than his incredible tally of 14 assists (all competitions) by mid-February, and his name is Toni Kroos. Dembélé’s furiously fast style makes his considered passing in the final third all the more impressive. Having said that, there is a lot to work on. That passing ability does not rear its head often enough and, with all that talent, he remains one of the more frustrating players in all of football. Unlike Pulisic, watching Dembélé play for Dortmund comes with constant reminders that he remains just 19 and expectations should be tempered for the time being. Dribbling when there is no space, passing when there is nobody available, and lapses in defensive concentration mark the points that stand between the 19-year-old and a place amongst the very best in the world. Great progression has been made tactically, though, and we have already seen Thomas Tuchel get some success by moving Dembélé into a more central role. He can struggle to impose himself but when he drifts a little closer to the wings and finds spaces, the 19-year-old injects an impetus into Dortmund’s game that can make them impossible to defend. When Dortmund are struggling to get a grip of a game, a winger constantly losing possession is the obvious candidate for a substitution but that is where the enigma lies with Dembélé: he is likely to defy 80 poor minutes and conjure a chance from nothing. It is why he is brilliant, it is why he is frustrating, and it is why people love watching him. However, if he can slowly begin to impact games for longer periods of time, the 19-yearold has the potential to be one of the world’s elite attackers in terms of volume of goals and assists playing in a system that promotes his style. FORECAST FOR 2017 In the short term, Dembélé will look to remain a mainstay in the Dortmund team and establish himself at international level, where he has already won three caps and was awarded a full debut in November. With more consistency, he will try and have an impact on the Champions League knockout rounds - in which Dortmund will attempt to overcome a rigid Benfica team - and become one of the Bundesliga’s leading players. Looking further forward, the attacking midfielder has already underlined an interest in playing for Barcelona in the future. He is already being tipped by many to be crowned the best player in the world at some stage in his career, so, like his team-mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, maybe he too will look towards Spain if he is unable to regularly contest for the Bundesliga and Champions League titles in his next few seasons at Dortmund.

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MAYORAL FULL NAME: BORJA MAYORAL MOYA CLUB: VFL WOLFSBURG NATIONALITY: SPANISH POSTION: STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: APRIL 5, 1997 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: MIRAN ŠARIĆ (@THEREALBOZZ)

2016 IN REVIEW With over 150 goals scored in all competitions in the past four years, Borja Mayoral is a name that had many Real Madrid fans licking their lips and envisioning the second coming of club legend Raúl. A supreme poacher who almost always gets into the right place at the right time, Mayoral netted 15 goals in 33 matches for Real Madrid Castilla helping the side reach the promotion play-offs and narrowly missing out on promotion to Spain’s second division. Given that the division is a brutal one for young players, especially attackers from glitzy clubs such as Real Madrid playing alongside jaded veterans looking to kick, rather than outplay, Mayoral held his own more than well enough. Like many recent Real Madrid youth products, Mayoral needed regular minutes but at a more advanced competition so the club bosses decided that a loan spell at Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga would serve him best. A competitive league with a wide range of tactical challenges brings out the best in many young talents, but Mayoral has found it hard to gain stable footing while on loan. His move was met with a decent bit of fanfare but starts have been few and far in between while appearances off the bench have been limited in minutes. The second half of the season has seen him start to make inroads and he has looked more threatening on goal, but rumours of poor training effort levels have dogged him and likely explain the lack of minutes he has played this season. STYLE OF PLAY A brilliant goal-scorer that seems to score whenever he is gifted even a half-chance, Mayoral is a two-footed poacher extraordinaire. Though strikers in the modern game see more and more demands placed on them, not just as strikers but also all-around versatile playmakers, Mayoral is a sort of throwback to the days of Filippo Inzaghi and Raúl sitting on the shoulders of defenders and looking to break offside traps to cherry-pick goals with the most minimal of touches. Mayoral is by no means a physical phenomenon, he is rather lanky and not particularly blessed with height and pace, but his understanding of when to use his burst of acceleration and how to get lost in between defenders only to pop up in front of the net is clearly above average for many strikers his age.

To compensate for a lack of blistering pace, Mayoral has learned to make devastating runs into channels. He tends to disappear, not in the negative sense in that he is not involved but rather that he emerges unexpectedly and is more than adept at losing his man marker. He has made a name for himself with his trailing runs, while a teammate will be the one to provide the primary pressure on the defence and goalkeeper, while Mayoral provides the finishing touch on a rebound or loose ball in the box. However, he is not without his faults. As previously mentioned, his game is rather one-dimensional. His holdup play is adequate and he does try and bring his teammates into the game, but he is by no means a playmaker in the ilk of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, nor is he a prodigiously quick and talented dribbler capable of breaking down man-markers and defenses on his own like Gareth Bale. He has also been somewhat awkward in an attacking pair as he thrives as the primary focal point at the front of the attack. Adding a reserved attacker willing to take some creative pressure off Mayoral is something managers might want to consider until Mayoral develops these skills on his own. If he does not, he might find his career options limited. Though his work-rate while progressing through the ranks of Real Madrid’s academy was exemplary and should have served as a template for other young strikers in the program, it has dropped off a fair amount while on loan. This may be linked to his demoralisation as he continues to be starved of minutes on loan in Germany. While rising through Real Madrid’s youth system he was undoubtedly the man who was consistently fed the ball and whose spatial awareness allowed him to dominate versus less talented defenders who simply could not keep up with his movement. Now that he’s being challenged it will speak volumes about his commitment and ability to progress in his development. FORECAST FOR 2017 Young attackers under contract at Real Madrid might have the single largest barrier to entry in all of football. Unless the talent is so prodigious that it simply cannot be ignored, these youngsters will need time on loan in order to impress the Real Madrid hierarchy. Mayoral has an inherent advantage thanks to his outrageous goal tallies over the years while impressing both at the club level as well as with the Spanish youth teams. However, his time on loan brings up more questions than answers so far as he has not found much of a footing at a league known for developing young talent. Mayoral will likely see himself on loan again in the coming season, perhaps in Spain where he is more familiar with his surroundings. After all, Mayoral is only 19 years of age and has much developing to do. It would be unfair to him and the club he plays for to already compare him to the likes of Raúl and Inzaghi, he shares their supreme awareness of defenders and their clinical touch but his work rate will certainly need to improve to match the qualities of those two legends. He will likely need to add additional elements to his game if he is to emerge as a first-team player at Real Madrid one day. He has got the love for his Merengues and the crowd has regularly returned the love, both to the crowd in Madrid as well as those invested in Spain’s youth national teams who cannot help but see flashes of young Raúl in him. But whether or not they will give him a fair chance and whether or not he will reach the high expectations placed on his shoulders seems ultimately up to him. The coming year will likely provide a clear indication of whether he will follow in Raul’s footsteps or if he will end up as one of the many good, not great, Real Madrid striker products.

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MALCOM FULL NAME: MALCOM FILIPE SILVA DE OLIVEIRA CLUB: FC GIRONDINS BORDEAUX NATIONALITY: BRAZILIAN POSTION: RIGHT-WING DATE OF BIRTH: FEBRUARY 26, 1997 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: WILL SAVAGE

2016 IN REVIEW When Bordeaux signed Malcom at the start of 2016, experienced Football Manager 2016 players across the world would have nodded knowingly, aware of the young Brazilian’s potential. In the real world, too, Malcom had shown his talents turning out for Corinthians. The 2014 season saw the young attacker getting chances to impress and the 2016 season saw him cementing himself in the team, with 46 appearances across the whole season in which he scored 8 goals. He truly caught the eye during a successful season as Corinthians won the league title and Malcom was unsurprisingly linked with a vast swathe of Europe’s bigger clubs. A strong showing in a talented Brazil team at the U-20 World Cup followed and at the end of the 2015 calendar year, he was ready for a move. It was perhaps unexpected then that Malcom ended up at Bordeaux at the start of 2016, but it allowed him a chance to play regularly in a European league without too much hype or pressure and in hindsight it is fair to say the decision was a good one. The acclimatisation period before featuring regularly was short too, by the end of February Malcom was regularly coming off the bench. The 2016/17 season has seen him take another stride forward, as a starting fixture in Bordeaux’s attack. Malcom has some international experience too, although it is ended in heartbreak. He was a member of the Brazilian side which made the final of 2015’s U-20 World Cup and lost in extra-time to Serbia.

STYLE OF PLAY When one thinks of Brazilian attackers, there is a certain stereotype. Pace, power, skill, directness. It is the mould, and for Malcom it is no exception, as exemplified by his regular comparisons with Robinho. The young Brazilian uses his electrifying ability well, able to play in wider positions as he typically has for Bordeaux, or behind the striker. But Malcom is not just a one trick pony. His ability to fashion chances for himself is married with creative instincts which make him just as capable of creating chances for teammates. When one thinks of Brazilians who can do anything with a ball at their feet, one thinks of the likes of Ronaldinho with obscene tricks and flicks. Malcom’s feet are far subtler though, using slight flicks and agile changes of direction to make space for himself and they allow him carry the ball effortlessly. Perhaps surprisingly for a young attacker, it is the subtleties of his game that are most impressive. Part of his power on the ball no doubt come from his build, despite not being the tallest at 1.71m tall, his stocky physique allows him to hold off the unwanted attentions of defenders when they manage to get near him. Combined with his quick turn of pace the Brazilian can seem almost unstoppable when he gets up a head of steam. Malcom is not afraid to go for goal himself either, happy to take a shot from range if he cannot find a better option, or straight from a free-kick. Although he has the technique to threaten the goal, it should be hoped no doubt that his numbers in terms of both goals and assists will increase in time to match his ability. Having only been in France for a year there is no great burden on him yet but he will be expected to contribute more as his development continues. For all the positive aspects of his game there are other areas which could do with improvement too. His contributions defensively have been criticised previously, with accusations that he does not cover enough ground for the team or is unlikely to go into a tackle with the same commitment others might. It is possible the stereotype of being a young Brazilian attacker has influenced these views to an extent but either way, Malcom will want to distance himself from such labels in the future, as footballers at the top level are usually required to contribute in all aspects of play. This is especially true of many of today’s top teams which employ high-intensity pressing systems.  His lack of height means he is not the strongest in the air either, although it is up for debate how important this is for an attacking midfielder. FORECAST FOR 2017 Things seem simple for Malcom right now. He is getting as much first-team football as he can handle at Bordeaux and that can only be good for his development. The more minutes he continues to receive, the more he can work raise his game and iron out those weaknesses, while also affording him the opportunity to build up a fitter engine so that he can become a stronger two-way runner. It is imperative that he bears that in mind in the future too, having already shown a down to earth attitude and good decision making in choosing Bordeaux as his first European destination. While there is no doubt he will view a bigger club as his next step as he continues to improve, there should be no hurry for him to leave the situation he is in at the moment, but that will not stop Europe’s bigger clubs trying to turn his head as they did before he moved to Marseille.

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ROBERTS FULL NAME: PATRICK JOHN JOSEPH ROBERTS CLUB: CELTIC NATIONALITY: ENGLISH POSTION: RIGHT-WING DATE OF BIRTH: FEBRUARY 5, 1997 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: JAKE ENTWISTLE (@JAKEENTWISTLE)

2016 IN REVIEW Patrick Roberts started the year by signing an 18-month loan deal with Celtic after making just one first team appearance for Manchester City since his reported £12 million move from Fulham. The rather surprising nature of the transfer and subsequent lack of game time suggest there may have been more at play than the Premier League club simply acquiring an exciting young player, but agenda aside, acquire an exciting young player they did. Since moving to the Scottish Premiership side, Roberts has enjoyed his best football to date. 11 goals and 11 assists in 45 games across all competitions since the start of his loan move is a very respectable return. His first ever senior goals came in the form of a brace in April in a match against Hearts and he was later awarded Player of the Month after adding another goal to his April tally. The highlight of his year, however, is undoubtedly the impressive Champions League display he produced against his parent club in December. An excellent solo goal in the fourth minute of the match set the tone for a man of the match performance which acted as a timely reminder to those watching, especially everyone involved with Manchester City, of exactly what he is capable of. STYLE OF PLAY Agility is the backbone of Robert’s play style. The myth that excellent dribblers are instantly perceived as ‘quick’ is often misguided, and whilst Roberts may look rapid, it is really because his short stride and low centre of gravity enable him to change direction and accelerate much faster than any other player. He leaves players in his wake through the sharpness of turn and ability to start and stop in an instant. In a flat-out foot race, the 20-year-old will not turn many heads, which is by no means a flaw, it is just important to distinguish between quick players and agile players; Roberts is the latter - and, in fact, one of the best examples of it. Although recruited to be a member of Team Messi, Roberts is unlikely to reach the same level as his apparent footballing sensei. But, for all the clichés there is no denying that the Man City youngster’s style of play is eerily similar to that of Barcelona’s mini magician – standing at 5’7”, their physical stature is not too different either. Scurrying forward with the ball glued to his left foot, Roberts plays as a right winger using his short stride and excellent close ball control to constantly attack the opposition, shifting the ball inside onto his left often.

His ability to change direction quickly means that defenders find it difficult to stop him from coming inside and are punished for any over-eager attempts to steal possession. The 20-year-old is capable of manipulating the ball to accommodate his heavy one-footedness even in the tightest of spaces and relies on twists and turns rather than outrageous skill to beat his opponents, similarly, to Lionel Messi. Pitching up on the right-hand touchline, Roberts enjoys receiving the ball as wide as possible. Being left-footed and playing on the right allows the Man City loanee to receive the ball with his body open to more of the pitch and by standing so close to the touchline he is able to lure opposition players towards him, creating one-on-one situations which a player with his dribbling ability thrive off of. It also crafts the opportunity to play incisive reverse passes for strikers exploiting the space in between centre-back and full-back. By drifting inside not only is Roberts able to see these runs materialise and identify them quicker and by pulling defenders across the pitch as they naturally shift over with the ball it creates the perfect angle for a reverse through ball into the right-hand channel which has been vacated: Roberts’ most common form of assist. Leaning so heavily on the angles and spaces created by cutting in, however, also makes the accompanying full-back extremely important to the 20-year-old’s game. Roberts relies on the overlapping runs of his teammates to either help isolate defenders, freeing himself from a two-on-one situation should the opposition decide to double up on him or simply create space inside that Roberts can either dribble into himself or begin creating chances for others. Whilst it is perhaps too far to suggest that Celtic’s young winger will only ever be as good as the full-back behind him, given his style of play and fairly unilateral approach to the game at this stage in his career, it is certainly something that will have a huge bearing on his ability to impact a game. Although by no means prolific goal-scorer, Roberts has a decent record since joining Celtic on loan, netting 11 times in 45 games across all competitions (he failed to score in his first 22 senior appearances, all for Fulham). A high proportion of his goals follow the same pattern: dribbling in field from the right-hand touchline before measuring a pinpoint curled finish into the opposite left-hand corner. It is textbook and predictable, but as many similar players have proven, highly effective if the player adopting the approach is good enough. Roberts is, unfortunately, not that good yet. For every time he makes a defender look foolish, squeezing through a seemingly impossible gap, there are several other occasions in which his attempts to shift the ball on to his favoured left side look forced, uninspired and rather underwhelming. The London-born winger no doubt has great technical ability, but having the intelligence to know when to use it is equally important. As alluded to earlier, the goal in the Champions League against parent club Man City was the perfect expression of everything exciting about Patrick Roberts: agility, technique and dribbling ability. The only worry is that a player with such talents can easily become just as frustrating as they are fantastic. More games will lead to better decision making and at 20-years-old Roberts has the time to rid himself of some potentially crippling habits. FORECAST FOR 2017 Patrick Roberts’ loan move to Celtic has been his best footballing decision to date. He was struggling to live up to the hype surrounding him at Fulham and although he showed glimpses of his talent, the flurry of goals and creative spark fans were expecting were not on show as often as they had hoped. Truthfully, though, he is probably still a fair way from any real prospect of regular first team football at Manchester City, especially given the recent form of Leroy Sané and Pep Guardiola’s apparent fondness of the German winger – just a year older than Roberts. If Celtic wish to extend the Englishman’s loan deal into a third season at the club then the winger should oblige. Although still not a guaranteed start in Brendan Rodger’s side, he is playing frequently and making enough of an impact to silence some previous doubters. He has settled into the team and flourished in a system which encourages and accentuates his greatest talents. He is too one-dimensional at this moment of time to be used frequently in a Man City side which requires so much from its wide players. He may even find that with a bit of fine-tuning his future at his parent club lies in a more central, creative role, if in Manchester at all. Another season and a quest to become a first team regular at Celtic Park is his best option. His international future is even harder to predict. Roberts declined the opportunity to represent his country at the U-19 European Championships in favour of helping Celtic qualify for the 2016/17 Champions League. He had scored six goals and provided a further five assists in the previous two U-19 European Championship qualifying campaigns (10 appearances) and such a record at suggests that he would easily slot back into the side at youth level should both parties be willing. But, whether any bridges were burnt after his summer snub will have a massive part to play on his potential involvement in another tournament. Put bluntly, England travel to South Korea in May 2017 to participate in the U-20 World Cup: they would benefit from having Roberts in the squad. But, Celtic will not mind keeping him around, either.

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JOTA FULL NAME: DIOGO JOSÉ TEIXEIRA DA SILVA CLUB: FC PORTO NATIONALITY: PORTUGUESE POSTION: STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: DECEMBER 4, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: TIAGO ESTÊVÃO (@TIAGOESTV)

2016 IN REVIEW With his younger years shared between Gondomar and Paços de Ferreira’s youth sides, it was two years ago that the brilliant Paulo Fonseca decided Diogo Jota was ready to start playing some first division football with Paços. Going from a regular starter in the 2014/15 season to a crucial starter in 2015/16, it was obvious to anyone who watched that Jota’s future lay at a level above Paços. 10 assists and 14 goals in 35 matches from one so young only served to back up this conclusion. Happy to be fielded out wide where he could cut in from the left or in a central position as a second striker, Jota yielded comparisons to Antoine Griezmann. Fitting then that Atlético won the battle for his signature, tying him down till 2021 and fighting off interest from some of Portugal’s biggest clubs in the process. Joining the Champions League finalists and impressing immediately was always going to be a daunting task for the young Portuguese attacker. A loan move to Porto soon followed, allowing Jota to gain experience at a higher level than he is used to while in a familiar environment at a club Atlético know they can trust with loanees. The 20-year old did start the season on the bench but a few substitute appearances quickly turned into an unquestioned starting spot with a hat-trick in Madeira in a match against Nacional and Espirito Santo’s new tactical switch to a 4-1-3-2.

STYLE OF PLAY Jota crafted out a place for himself in the team, proving himself as the perfect partner to André Silva with the latter leading the line giving Jota the freedom to act as a second forward. This role suits Jota perfectly as he sees enough of the ball to be regularly involved in play while having the positional freedom to roam in between the lines and drift into wider positions as the play requires. His excellent link-up play means the young attacker is always connected with his midfield and attacking teammates, he leads Porto’s assist chart with four. While his raw passing numbers are not overly astonishing, his 80% pass accuracy shows quality in that aspect for someone playing in routinely advanced attacking positions. Jota does not carry the ball forward as often as one might expect from someone in his position, but also holds possession remarkably well for one operating in such a crowded area of the pitch. Despite not being the most prolific dribbler, Jota is adept at advancing play through finding gaps of space to receive the ball and picking out teammates for a quick exchange of passes. It would be easy to think Jota’s role is simply providing chances for Andre Silva, given how prolific his strike partner is, but this is not the case. Few players in Portugal take more shots per game than Jota who poses a real goal threat. Although not the biggest, Jota is not phased by physical defenders. He is resilient in the challenge and his pace and agility mean he can exploit the smallest gap of space. His consistent featuring in the starting XI show he has the stamina and mental fortitude to go the distance both in a match and over a long season playing in multiple competitions.

FORECAST FOR 2017 Going forward, Jota’s attitude should serve him well. Reportedly a humble and grounded character, Jota constantly seems happy to take on feedback in order to improve his game. While Fonseca was an important manager in his career since his debut, Jorge Simão has perhaps been just as important when it has come to improving the defensive side of Jota’s game. Now under a natural motivator like Nuno and learning more about Porto’s values, he will grow as a man as well. Now a starter in the talented Portuguese U-21’s whose two-striker formation has been implemented at senior level during the Euros, both him and his striking partner Silva - who is already playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo - have the potential to reach great heights. With few other options for his spot in the Porto squad, barring any injury or suspension Jota will remain one of the first names on the team sheet throughout the rest of the season. Jota’s fascinating mix of physical and technical attributes and his hard-working, humble nature mean he is likely to have a role to play on his return to Madrid.  If Porto are willing to buy him, €22million is the clause that ties him to the Spanish giants. If the Dragons can afford it, it seems a worthy investment for someone who has impressed considerably during his time there. Furthermore, he will continue to grow into a role at international level which should see his value continue to rise.

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IHEANACHO FULL NAME: KELECHI PROMISE IHEANACHO CLUB: MANCHESTER CITY NATIONALITY: NIGERIAN POSTION: STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: OCTOBER 3, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: PHIL COSTA (@_PHILCOSTA)

2016 IN REVIEW Kelechi Iheanacho was not always destined to shine for Manchester City. In fact, had it not been for the advice of his father, he would have been playing in the blue and white stripes of Porto where other African players had previously enjoyed success. But as additional offers came in from Arsenal and Sporting Clube de Portugal, the Imo born striker went against his gut instinct to join the sky-blue revolution. Two years, 43 appearances and 22 goals later, it just goes to show that parents really do know best. After initially impressing against Crystal Palace and Swansea in the league, it was not until April where the 20-year-old really made a name for himself. Thrown into the starting XI by Manuel Pellegrini who was struggling to motivate his team after it was announced he would be replaced at the end of the season by Pep Guardiola, many young players would have frozen under that kind of responsibility. However, Iheanacho thrived under the pressure and enjoyed testing himself against some of England’s sternest defences. With his good form earning him a consistent run in the side, he scored four goals and assisted two in his next four games to secure City a crucial top four finish. However, following Pep Guardiola’s arrival in the summer, rumours began to surface that Iheanacho had threatened to leave the club unless his excessive salary demands were met. Unsurprisingly, the claims were incorrect and the Nigerian needed little persuasion to sign a new five-year deal in August. His ability to prove decisive was evident yet again after scoring three goals and assisting three in his first six games of the season, before finding the net against Southampton, Celtic and Hull to cap off a fantastic twelve months.

STYLE OF PLAY Undoubtedly, Iheanacho’s most impressive attribute is his finishing. Developing a clinical streak to one’s game is something that usually develops with experience, but the Nigerian manages to handle most of his goalscoring situations with an ice-cold composure found in players 10 years his senior. He possesses a venomous left foot and will always aim to pick a corner, to make it as difficult for the goalkeeper as possible. It is no surprise that he has the best goals-to-minutes ratio of any player in Premier League history, finding the net every 96 minutes. In comparison, fellow City striker Sergio Aguero has scored 112 Premier League goals at a rate of one every 107 minutes and former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry scored his 175 Premier League goals at a rate of one per 122 minutes. Another standout feature in the 20-year-old’s game is his movement. Much like Aguero, Iheanacho cuts a peripheral figure during City’s intricate build up, but as soon as the ball finds itself around the penalty area - he comes to life. Five of his six goals this season have been scored from inside the six-yard box and when you watch closely it is easy to understand why. Iheanacho is always on his toes, making sharp bursts towards the near post or slamming the brakes on altogether to try and lose his marker. Also, the striker’s instinct will always take him away from the ball, which creates space and offers the man in possession a clear passing option. With a knack for readjusting his body quickly, he is always ready to apply the finishing touch regardless of how the ball is crossed or fizzed into him. First and foremost, Iheanacho is a poacher. But what commonly goes unnoticed is how positive and creative the Nigerian can be when needed. Of the top centre forwards in English football, only Alexis Sanchez averages more forward passes (26) and creates more chances (2.65) per 90 minutes than he does (14/2.63). His willingness to receive the ball in tight areas, matched with a keen eye for a pass, mean that Sergio Aguero (10/0.88), Harry Kane (12/1.42) and Diego Costa (13/1.28) are statistically inferior in a productive sense. Granted, his first touch can be loose at times, but he first impressed Europe’s top scouts in 2013 playing as an attacking midfielder for his country at the U-17 World Cup. One weakness that stands out in Iheanacho’s game is his tendency to be selfish. He will often find himself in dangerous positions, but frequently make the wrong decision to shoot instead of passing to team-mates who are far better placed. This can make him very frustrating to watch and play with, however he usually scores when deciding to go alone which offers a slight reprieve. All good strikers need a ruthless streak and being confident in your own abilities is crucial, but when that turns into becoming wasteful then it becomes a problem. Guardiola will undoubtedly aim to coach this out of him, but if the Nigerian is to unlock his full potential, it is a component to his game that he will have to curb. FORECAST FOR 2017 The next four months will see Iheanacho featuring sporadically for a Manchester City side looking to make a statement in Europe and in the FA Cup, with Chelsea showing no signs of slipping up in their Premier League title pursuit. Already one of the top flight’s most prolific strikers, the 20-year-old will be hoping to work his way into the manager’s thinking again, with doubts lingering over Aguero and Gabriel Jesus ruled out for the foreseeable future. In terms of his international career, Iheanacho has the chance to spearhead an incredibly exciting generation of Nigerian talent, alongside Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Isaac Success and Moses Simon ahead of the next World Cup in Russia. Throughout his life, Iheanacho has had to battle through tough environments, tragedy and poverty for even the slightest chance of making it at the top. But his sheer desire to succeed has now given him a platform to showcase his ability and it is hardly a surprise that some of Europe’s top clubs were after his signature. Speaking in January, the striker told The Players Tribune: ‘Where I grew up in southern Nigeria, it was kind of like a ghetto. It was a tough place to be a kid. We would make balls out of socks, or sometimes we even used a balloon’ which gives you a real insight into his upbringing and how hard he has worked to get where he is.

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CORNET FULL NAME: GNALY MAXWEL CORNET CLUB: OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS NATIONALITY: FRENCH POSTION: LEFT-WING/ STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: SEPTEMBER 27, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: WILL SAVAGE

2016 IN REVIEW Maxwel Cornet looked like a real talent as he started to feature repeatedly in Metz’s first team, regularly coming on as a substitute towards the end of the 13/14 Ligue 2 season. The outlook looked less good when he and the club fell out due to the player’s disinclination to extend his contract. As such, Cornet found himself frozen out of the Metz squad for the first half of the 14/15 season before Lyon swooped in for the talented attacker with Metz losing the young starlet for a nominal fee. It was not long before Cornet was involved for Lyon either, in an ironic twist of fate he came on in a 2-0 win at home to Metz. At first Cornet was unsurprisingly used as a squad player, finding a place on the bench on the occasions when he earned a place in the squad. His ability to play across the front-line helped him pick up valuable minutes and by the start of 2016 Cornet was featuring regularly for Lyon. His playing time since has been a mix of starting appearances and minutes off the bench, as he was able to take advantage of injuries to the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Nabil Fekir. As well as this, his upturn in playing time has in no small part been linked to the introduction of Bruno Génésio as manager towards the end of 2015.

STYLE OF PLAY Maxwel Cornet may not be the most recognisable name to casual Ligue 1 watchers, with Ousmane Dembélé taking much of the Ligue 1 limelight before his move to Germany. Even at Lyon, Cornet is rarely mentioned before his fellow attackers, with Lacazette and Fekir regularly linked with moves away and Rachid Ghezzal joining them in the transfer gossip columns in recent months. Those who are exposed to the French winger certainly remember him though, the versatile attacker’s directness and the tempo he sets are veritably eye-catching. Deployed often in wide positions, Cornet is most dangerous carrying the ball forward and cutting inside to drive towards goal. With the strength in his build to be a powerful runner when he gets up a head of steam Cornet can seem unstoppable on his day, as evidenced by a super solo goal against Valencia in a Champions League dead rubber early in his Lyon career. His flair and rapid acceleration help him avoid defenders trying to get tight and exploit spaces that others perhaps cannot too. When he gets into advanced positions he can look to either feed a teammate or go for goal himself. For a young player, Cornet’s 12 goals in the 15/16 season is a decent number. In the area, Cornet’s finishing is very instinctive, although his goal-scoring is something he has pointed out as an area he wants to improve. In Cornet’s defence, he has regularly been asked to play in different positions and different roles for Lyon. Often used as an out-ball or a threat on the counter, Lyon have changed system regularly during the absences of important attackers such as Lacazette, Fekir and Mathieu Valbuena. As such, Lyon have struggled to find any real chemistry going forward, but when they have looked on song there is no doubting that Cornet has looked impressive. There are other areas of his game which need work regardless, however. When teams look to nullify Cornet’s proclivity for cutting inside, they take away a lot of the threat he poses. His crossing ability is the least dangerous part of his game and there is no doubting that if he wants to become a truly multi-faceted attacker then he will need to work on providing an attacking threat even when he is not allowed to drive into his favoured central positions. Cornet’s defensive work-rate leaves something to be desired too. Although not that unusual for a dynamic young attacker to save energy for dangerous forays forward rather than tracking back and positioning himself diligently in the defensive phase, it is a part of the game that is required more and more often from modern forwards. Saying that, given Cornet’s age there is no reason to think he cannot improve these aspects of his game. Cornet has been touted previously as the long-term replacement for Lacazette, perennially linked with a move to English football. Although this could be where he ends up, right now he is far more suited to playing out wide. Although a powerful runner his frame seems better suited to running with the ball than holding it up and his ability to link play with others would have to improve for him to become a well-rounded centre-forward. FORECAST FOR 2017 Still only twenty years old, there is no reason to think Cornet cannot iron out these kinks in his game if he applies himself. He is already receiving regular minutes and with at least one of his three attacking colleagues likely to leave Lyon at some point in the next year he will hopefully get a chance to nail down a starting spot. Just as important for Cornet’s development will be Lyon fixing on a regular system and way of playing and giving the attackers the ability to work out their chemistry and adapt to each other’s automatisms. Internationally, Cornet has represented France at every youth level but is yet to be involved with the senior set-up. It is likely to be a while too, given the quality usually found in France squads. If he can impress consistently for Lyon and work the rawness out of his game, there is no doubting that Cornet will be able to garner attention from Europe’s bigger teams; the potential is there for Cornet to become a consistent, multi-faceted forward capable of playing for clubs at the top level of the sport.

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DEMBÉLÉ FULL NAME: MOUSSA DEMBÉLÉ CLUB: CELTIC NATIONALITY: FRENCH POSTION: STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: JULY 12, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT

WRITTEN BY: JAKE ENTWISTLE (@JAKEENTWISTLE)

2016 IN REVIEW Moussa Dembélé dominated - and is still dominating - the SPFL. Before his move to Celtic the Frenchman shone brightest in a very underwhelming Fulham side and was rightly pursued by more prestigious outfits. The promise of first-team football saw him join Brendan Rodgers’ project in Scotland rather than opting for a more competitive environment at the likes of Tottenham and other interested Premier League sides. Since moving to Celtic Park, very few centre backs, if any, have managed to cope with his talent. Whether through pace and power or trickery and guile, Moussa Dembélé has bested all that has been set before him and at the time of writing he had netted 29 times in 42 games for Celtic including three hat-tricks and 4 goals in the Champions League group stages. His perfect treble and assist to boot in the first old firm Derby of the 2016/17 season encapsulated everything fantastic about this young striker. An excellent solo goal accompanied by two emphatic finishes put Celtic’s perennial rivals to the sword and proved that even at a young age he is very much among the Scottish Premier League’s elite. On an international level, he has formed one of the more formidable U21 partnerships with fellow Frenchman Jean-Kevin Augustin, both of whom will qualify for the U20 World Cup in South Korea this summer. In fact, it is at a national level of sorts which brought arguably Dembélé’s best moment of 2016. On the 17th of December, he was awarded the Trophée Téléfoot otherwise known as the France U-21 Player of the Year. To win such an award is impressive in itself, but when considering he was up against the likes of namesake Ousmane, Anthony Martial, Adrien Rabiot and Thomas Lemar to name just four, his victory becomes even more extraordinary. With a Scottish League Cup trophy, soon to be followed by an SPFL title, Brendan Rodger’s record-breaking young Celtic side turned a fair few heads in 2016: Dembélé was the main reason for it.

STYLE OF PLAY Moussa Dembélé has all the raw ingredients to become a complete modern-day striker: pace to run in behind, power to shrug off defenders, and the technique to finish from any position he may find himself in. Although capable of carrying the ball forward himself or making intelligent runs to receive the ball in advanced positions from his teammates, Dembélé’s best trait is his shooting. The young Frenchman is at his most deadly when given little time to pull the trigger. His spatial awareness in the box is impressive and means he often only needs one touch to dispatch any crosses or loose balls coming his way. Though increasingly clinical from less than 18 yards, the French forward is by no means only dangerous inside the box. His physicality and pace means he is difficult to catch when making runs in to the channels and is just as deadly with three touches as he is with one. He enjoys peeling away into the space between centre-back and full-back which usually allows him to take two touches – one to control the ball, the next to drive into the space - before applying the finishing touch. Dembélé’s off-the-ball movement is intelligent and well timed and with his finishing reaching a more consistent level he is proving to be quite the force when bearing down on goal after latching on to a through ball from midfield. However, perhaps Dembélé’s biggest flaw at this moment in time is his clumsy and unreliable hold up play. Oozing confidence when faced with the opposition’s goal, he looks a far less capable player with his back to it. Lax lay-offs and sloppy passes are too common for a player of his ability and although he has the strength and pace to match, if not best most defenders, when put in a situation in which he needs to protect possession and offer an outlet for his midfielders to bounce the ball against, he struggles. He will often attempt to turn his marker rather than provide any semblance of hold up play – a tactic that is working for him right now but may become a greater issue against more formidable opponents. Another potential problem is his reliance on his right foot. By no means untalented with his left, given the time and space afforded to Dembélé in the Scottish league he has showed a heavy preference to shift the ball on to his stronger side whenever possible. He also dribbles heavily with his favoured foot meaning that he is limited both in the direction he can travel and the area of the pitch he is most effective. Dembélé certainly has the flair to shift the ball on to his foot in tight spaces and his ball control is good enough that he can alter the path of the ball in an instant. The forward has even made a habit of squaring up defenders on the edge of the box before shifting the ball to the right and bending past the goalkeeper’s left. However, for every time he finds the top corner there is another in he left running sideways in to a cul-de-sac in search of an opening and subsequently moving in to his teammates’ space. His superior ability relative to the defenders he is facing in Scotland means his weaknesses are less apparent, though. He can almost always get away with accommodating his preferences and at times being wasteful with the ball. But, with more competitive leagues comes more talented defenders and less time to create the perfect opportunity as well as a greater responsibility to contribute to more phases of the play and retain and protect possession of the ball. His best traits may serve him well at most levels, but to fully reach his massive potential he will need to improve on the above areas: thankfully, he already has the physical and technical capabilities to do so. After all, a striker who can go both ways in or outside the box is a much scarier proposition and Dembélé will score even more goals if he can develop a greater degree of unpredictability. Add on top of this a forward who is as comfortable with his back to goal as he is tearing towards it and Moussa Dembélé will soon become a threat from any situation. FORECAST FOR 2017 There is no doubt Dembélé would smash records if he stayed at Celtic. Still just 20, even a three-year spell would allow him to develop his already incredible reputation given the fact first-team football and truck-loads of goals are a guarantee at his current club. But, although just one season under Brendan Rodgers may seem fickle, Dembélé has already proven his quality during his short stay in Scotland and it would perhaps be in his best interest to surround himself with top-class players as soon as possible. Rather than relying on his superior ability he will be forced to improve the areas of his game that need most work whilst being able to put his new skills into practice more frequently. The worst thing for Dembélé at this stage in his career would be to get too comfortable. Finishing as Celtic’s top scorer and winning more domestic trophies will be Dembélé’s immediate priority. But come the summer, his focus must shift on making an impact in South Korea by helping France win the U-20 World Cup. Didier Deschamps has shown he is partial to giving some of France’s most exciting talents a chance in the first team, calling up the likes of Ousmane Dembélé and Presnel Kimpembe to the senior squad. A move away from Celtic may even increase the likelihood of such a call up. After all, Ousmane and Kimpembe are playing in elite European sides; Celtic, unfortunately, are not quite at the same level.

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SANABRIA FULL NAME: ARNALDO ANTONIO SANABRIA AYALA CLUB: REAL BETIS NATIONALITY: PARAGUAYAN POSTION: STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: MARCH 4, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: JOE DONNOHUE (@JOE_DONNOHUE27)

2016 IN REVIEW Paraguayan international Antonio ‘Tonny’ Sanabria, enjoyed an excellent breakthrough season on loan at Sporting Gijón from former parent club AS Roma, scoring 11 league goals and registering one assist during his stay in the Asturias region of Spain. Billed as a wonder-kid as a youngster at Barcelona’s famous La Masia youth setup, Sanabria failed to make the grade and was subsequently shipped to Sassuolo and then AS Roma, but it was on loan over the course of the past year that Sanabria has truly hit form and began to cement himself as a star of the future. The Paraguayan featured at last summer’s Copa América Centenario tournament, but failed to score his first international goal and played just 86 minutes as Paraguay crashed out in the group stages. However, the matches against Colombia and the USA which he featured in were valuable growth opportunities for a player of just 20 years of age. His time spent at Sporting Gijón was enough to earn him a permanent move to La Liga, as Real Betis parted with a reported fee of around £6m for his services. The first few months at Betis have hardly been as promising for Sanabria as he has looked to overcome an injury sustained in just his second appearance for the struggling club and is yet to find prolific goal-scoring form. Arguably the highlight of Sanabria’s 2016 was the hat-trick scored in January against Real Sociedad amidst a 5-1 demolition of the San Sebastián club, which showcased his raw, unadulterated talent and eye for goal, with a trio of impressive finishes. STYLE OF PLAY Sanabria fits the bill of a poacher to a tee. The Paraguayan loves to play on the shoulder of the last man, or cut back onto his favoured right foot to slot home, however what Sanabria is most adept at is his one-touch, six-yard-box goal-scoring. The vast majority of the 20-year-old’s contributions to Gijón’s valiant efforts to stave off relegation last campaign were done in the penalty area, primarily in and around the goalmouth.

Whether it be reacting quickest to a goalkeeper spillage or arriving late to pounce and power a header into the back of the net, Sanabria is most certainly skilled at being in the right place at the right time, which is a trait that will serve him well in his career as a centre-forward. Sanabria’s ability to peel away from the last man and cause a nuisance in the attacking third is a promising aspect of his game; his pace also a valuable asset and another string to his bow. Sanabria featured in every one of Gijón’s last 12 games of last season and helped steer them clear of relegation on the final day with a 2-0 win over Champions League qualification hopefuls Villarreal, a game in which Sanabria claimed a vital assist. Yet during that run, he only scored once, highlighting a weakness of his game, consistency. His consistency does remain an issue, highlighted by his start at Real Betis. It has not been the smoothest of transitions, hindered obviously by a lengthy injury, but Sanabria does remain a frustrating entity for fans and managers. Somewhat spectacular and unplayable at times, but far too often he goes missing and fails to contribute in matches where he could potentially have a major impact. Of course, this kind of desired consistency will come in time, because after all Sanabria is still a bambino of the game and has much to learn, but currently his ability to influence games with his obvious talent is unreliable at times. Sanabria is very capable at dribbling for long stretches, carrying the ball into dangerous areas and shrugging off the challenge of defenders many years his senior. The Paraguayan is strong for his height and build with the ball on the ground and is well suited to La Liga with his well-rounded style of play despite his lack of strength and power in the air. He also has a knack of scoring from set-pieces and if worked on, could be a prized trait for himself and the clubs he plays for. His current technique is excellent, but needs practice and honing if he is to become more consistent from dead-ball situations. Much like his consistency, Sanabria is very hit-and-miss with his heading, because as shown during his stint at Gijón, he did chip in with the occasional headed effort from inside the box, yet when it comes to build up play, Sanabria struggles with aerial challenges and often succumbs to the might of the opposition in this field. Standing at near six-feet tall, one would think the Paraguayan should do better in the air, but it is not necessarily a negative that he cannot contribute in this area because it allows him to be flightier and speedy, since most strikers with considerable aerial presence are stockier and tend to turn slower. Sanabria’s ability to shift his centre of gravity and send an oncoming defender the wrong way is something which must be deemed as a positive feature of his play, and would be less effective if he was of a taller, heavier disposition. The Paraguayan does not possess a stand-out strength, but he just manages to do whatever it takes to get the ball over the goal-line. He is not incredibly strong in the air, but despite this he scores the occasional headed effort as he is always willing to do anything to be in the right position to score. Sanabria is a great poacher while still possessing the skills to be effective away from the goalmouth such as his pace and low centre of gravity, which allow him to evade traffic in the attacking midfield zone. FORECAST FOR 2017 High on the agenda for Tony Sanabria in 2017 is to follow up his 2016 performances with an equally impressive goals tally. To do this, he needs to work on the aspects of his game that may not necessarily be his strengths at present. With just a sole La Liga goal for Betis to date, he has underperformed, subsequently meaning starting opportunities have become few and far between. Bedding in at Real Betis must be a top priority as without peace of mind at his new club and in his new home, his goal-scoring form may suffer. Remaining injury-free is a must as well, if he is aiming to continue to be selected for the national team. It is unlikely that he will set the football world alight in 2017 as Betis continue to perform in a mediocre fashion in La Liga, however something that is not beyond his reach is to remain in contention for a starting berth at Betis. Sanabria has the skillset to prove that his wonderful season at Gijón was not a one-off event. However, even in testing circumstances at Betis, he must prove he is capable of being a consistent goal-scorer in La Liga and for Paraguay, with whom he is yet to register his first international goal.

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FLEMMINGS FULL NAME: JUNIOR FLEMMINGS CLUB: NEW YORK RED BULLS NATIONALITY: FRENCH POSTION: LEFT-WING DATE OF BIRTH: JANUARY 15, 1996 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT

WRITTEN BY: NATHAN CARR (@CARIBBEANFTBL)

2016 IN REVIEW 2016 was a bittersweet year for Junior Flemmings. Having signed his first professional contract with USL side New York Red Bulls II in March, the Kingston-born forward picked up a nasty injury in September which ruled him out of the remainder of the season. A move overseas had been in the pipeline for some time. Flemmings really made his name as a teenage sensation in Jamaican schoolboy football, captaining Jamaica College to three major titles throughout 2014, claiming the Golden Boot Award for the Manning Cup in the process. During this time, he was scouted by Manchester City, who had followed his development closely and were considering inviting him to their academy. He made his first team debut for his local club Tivoli Gardens, located in a tough Kingston neighbourhood notorious for poverty and gun crime, at the tender age of 17. In 2015/16, he was awarded the Red Stripe Premier League Young Player of the Season. Interestingly, though, he represented Tivoli strictly on a voluntary basis with the aim of securing a scholarship abroad. He had already foregone an NCAA scholarship in order to stay at Tivoli. He told the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper: ‘My coach at Jamaica College told me that first and foremost, I shouldn’t have any agreement or sign any contract and I am not supposed to be paid because if the scouts or any interested college hears that I am being paid, they would say that I am already a professional. I am just playing like a volunteer. I just choose to play for enjoyment, so I am not getting paid, and I haven’t signed any contract or anything like that.’

How would Flemmings cope playing at a higher level against more experienced opponents, though? Without too much fuss. Just over a week after signing, he registered a goal and assist on his debut against Louisville City and was rewarded with a spot in the USL Team of the Week. A month later he followed that up with a game-winning goal against FC Montreal. Flemmings’ performances in the USL attracted the interest of Red Bulls senior head coach, Jesse Marsch, who handed him his first team debut, coming off the bench, in a friendly win over Club American in July. As mentioned, his campaign ended prematurely because of injury. In 23 USL outings, he scored seven goals and made four assists in 1,756 minutes of action. Those goals and assists contributed to Red Bulls II’s Eastern Conference title, but more importantly, their USL Cup triumph in October. The team comprehensively beat Swope Park Rangers 5-1 to take the trophy. Although Flemmings didn’t feature, he was very much involved in the full-time celebrations. In November, following the end of the USL season, Red Bulls II decided to keep Flemmings on by exercising the option in his contract. Not every member of the squad was retained so that reinforced how highly he’s regarded by the coaching staff. On the international front, Flemmings was included in Jamaica’s 40-man provisional squad for the Copa America Centenario alongside Red Bulls senior player Kemar Lawrence. He unfortunately did not make the final cut as the Reggae Boyz lost to Venezuela, Mexico and Uruguay at the group stages. An increasing number of fans have been banging the drum for Flemmings’ inclusion in the national team. Indeed, he has been a solid performer through the age groups from captaining the U-17s/20s to playing for the U-23s in Olympic qualifying. With the Caribbean Cup and Gold Cup beckoning this summer and manager Theodore Whitmore showing a tendency to select USA-based players, we could well see a deserved call-up for Flemmings within the near future. STYLE OF PLAY He is a dynamic, wide attacking player, at times an inside forward, who is particularly effective lining up on the right of a 4-3-3. A big part of Flemmings’ package is his pace. He is extremely quick off the mark which gives him that extra yard on the defender and makes him a threat in behind. There were times last season where a through ball was played over the top and Flemmings could use his pace to connect - his goal in a 4-0 victory over Wilmington Hammerheads being a classic example. ‘When I get the ball, I don’t hesitate,’ explains Flemmings. ‘I go at people and make things happen.’ But to say his game revolves solely around covering ground quickly would be doing him a disservice. He possesses skill on the ball, a good first touch and a great work ethic. He’s not afraid to track back and aid his full-back defensively. His free-kicks can be dangerous, too, as evidenced at the CONCACAF U-20 Championship two years ago, when he curled one in against rivals Trinidad & Tobago. Some players are steady yet unspectacular. Others have that ability to be a difference-maker on the pitch, that ability to turn a match on its head with a piece of magic or moment of inspiration. Flemmings definitely falls into that latter category. FORECAST FOR 2017 Firstly, Flemmings needs to focus on making a breakthrough into the Red Bulls first team with the CONCACAF Champions League knockouts and new MLS season on the horizon. The change from Jamaican schoolboy football to USL football hasn’t been a problem for the player. Obviously, MLS constitutes a higher standard of play, but I and a significant amount of Red Bulls supporters believe Flemmings has all the right tools to be a real hit in the top-flight. At 21, this is the season for him to really step up and make his mark. He has acknowledged this himself, confidently predicting 2017 as ‘the breakout year’. Secondly, as touched on already, he should be pushing for a spot in the Reggae Boyz side. The only experiences he’s had with the seniors are being included in the 18-man squad for the World Cup qualifier against Panama in November 2015 and being invited to the provisional Copa America Centenario squad. This summer represents a perfect opportunity for Jamaica to hand him his debut, especially at the Caribbean Cup as French Guiana await in the semi-finals. Recently the likes of Damion Lowe, Oniel Fisher, Omar Holness, Andre Lewis and Romario Williams have all been given opportunities. There is absolutely no reason why Flemmings shouldn’t either.

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MINA FULL NAME: SANTIAGO ‘SANTI’ MINA LORENZO CLUB: VALENCIA CF NATIONALITY: SPANISH POSTION: LEFT-WING DATE OF BIRTH: DECEMBER 7, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: JUSTIN SOUSA (@SOUSA7474)

2016 IN REVIEW In 2016 alone, Santi Mina has already had to adjust to the playing styles of four different managers at Valencia; not an easy task for a young player at a new club. The managerial instability has stunted the growth of Mina, depriving the Spaniard of a guide for his career and the comfort of a trustworthy advisor. Unlike his time at Celta Vigo, where there was a strong relationship built with Luis Enrique, Santi Mina must continuously prove himself to a new manager for the sake of play time. Under Gary Neville’s management, Santi Mina continued his integration into the first team and grabbed headlines on two separate occasions. The first of which came against Barcelona when Mina scored a late equalizer (the first goal of Valencia’s Neville era) to steal a point from the Catalan club. The second was arguably Santi Mina’s best match to date, scoring two goals and assisting three on his Europa League debut in a six-goal romping of Rapid Vienna. After Neville was sacked, Pako Ayestaran oversaw Valencia and kept Santi Mina in starting XI during his six months as the head of Los Che. Ayestaran, however, faced the same fate as his English predecessor just six months after replacing Neville. Mina had his worst individual period with Valencia when Cesare Prandelli took charge, starting just two of the Italian’s ten games as head coach. In an interview with beIN Sports, Mina commented that Valencia ‘are going to shit’ after a dreadful performance in a 3-2 loss to Real Sociedad. Prandelli was fired by the club soon after the match. Mina has since found more minutes with Salvador González at the reigns of Valencia, scoring three goals in Gonzalez’s first two months as manager.

STYLE OF PLAY Since his Celta Vigo days, Mina’s work ethic and aspirations to reach new heights have been commended by coaches and teammates. This positive attitude reflects itself into the way he makes many half chances, in the air or with the ball at his feet, into goal scoring opportunities. Santi Mina is not the usual false nine-style forward that Spain’s academies have been known to produce, but rather a dangerous poacher searching for a loose ball to tap in. There are similarities to be drawn between the Spaniard and a young Luis Suarez with both forwards bursting onto the scenes because of their inherent goal-scoring threat and predator instincts in the box. Yet, Santi Mina’s heroics at the centre of Valencia’s offensive trident have not convinced his coaches to play him as Valencia’s centre-forward. Mina is exiled to the left or right wing for Los Che, straining to deliver good crosses for his teammates and take on opposition full backs to provide-width. Mina is capable of making a straight-line dribble, but he lacks the flair of a natural winger needed to surpass the physically dominant fullbacks of La Liga. Against Las Palmas, Santi Mina had an especially lacklustre performance while on the left wing. Despite scoring two goals on the night, Mina was incapable of getting the better of his defensive counterpart, Michel Machado, during the match. The young Spaniard showed hesitance when the opportunity to dribble at Machado arose, preferring to let José Gayà handle the job while he made a run into the box. Mina’s tactical ignorance lead him to unnecessarily flood the middle of Valencia’s offense and left Valencia’s defence more susceptible to counter-attacks. Under scrutiny, Mina’s reluctance to track back into Valencia’s defensive shape contributed to two avoidable goals from crosses into the box. In recent weeks, however, the 21-year-old’s cries for a chance to play as a centre-forward have been answered by interim manager Salvador Gonzalez. Mina repaid Gonzalez’s faith in him with three goals in three games, all as beautifully scrappy as a poacher’s goal can be. Mina’s intuitive runs in-behind pressured the opposition backlines to drop deeper, opening space for Valencia’s wide players to work a ball into the penalty area. The Spaniard showed his tactical IQ as the target man when he pressured Las Palmas into falling back, presenting Gayà with the time and space needed to reward Mina by setting him up for the match’s opening goal.   Along with his incisive runs and clinical finishing, Mina is a key instrument to the link-up play between his team’s midfield and offense. The understanding of his broad upper body strength enables him to hold the ball and hassle his defenders in an aerial duel. FORECAST FOR 2017 The 21-year-old’s growth is a clear indicator that he is willing to improve his craft, therefore, staying healthy and in the first team will be the other two factors of his progression as a player. As impressive as Mina’s instinct in the box may be, the little forward must add more subtle qualities to his game if he is to reach his potential. Elite strikers do not reach their level of prestige as one-trick ponies, but instead continue to refine mastered skills and improve their weaknesses. With Valencia’s managerial troubles, Mina must look towards his seasoned teammates for inspiration and guidance to continue his push for a permanent role in Valencia’s first team. He will, however, be sidelined for the next month after being diagnosed with a knee injury sustained during a league match against Real Betis. The Galician forward could also take the alternative route of leaving Valencia in search of more stability. He has expressed his happiness at Valencia, but he has also shown frustration in the club’s poor run of form and his own inadequate yielding from the wings. Perhaps if Valencia succeed in their rebuild reasonably soon, Mina will be persuaded into staying with the club instead of looking elsewhere for elite competition. Still, the possibility of a reunion with Luis Enrique at Barcelona at some stage cannot be written off. Luis Enrique once stated that Santi Mina “is a rough diamond” that is “hungry for the game and has a great craving to play.” The Catalan giants are without a quality replacement for Luis Suarez, but purchasing Santi Mina this summer would be a risky investment for the club and a premature move for Mina. Regardless of whether he leaves Valencia this summer, 2017 will be a year of progression for Mina. He has the maturity of a veteran player and his devotion to making the most of his career as a player will point him in the right direction.

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SILVA FULL NAME: ANDRÉ MIGUEL VALENTE DA SILVA CLUB: FC PORTO NATIONALITY: PORTUGUESE POSTION: STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: NOVERMBER 6, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: WILL SAVAGE

2016 IN REVIEW The answer to Portugal’s perennial struggle for a goal-scoring centre-forward is over, or so it would seem. That is a lot of pressure to put on the shoulders of young André Silva, who only turned 21 in late 2016, but the young attacker seems to thrive under it. Having joined Porto in his mid-teens Silva had to bide his time before his chance came, finding himself behind the likes of Vincent Aboubakar and Dani Osvaldo. This was no problem for Silva though who impressed for Porto B and chances started to duly come his way, helped by the introduction of José Peseiro as manager. He scored his first league goal for the club in the last match of the season before starting in the Taça de Portugal final. If the young forward felt any pressure, he did not show it as he scored a brace to reverse a two-goal deficit and draw the game. It is shame he was not on penalty duty as Porto lost the ensuing shootout. The 2016/17 season has carried on in the same manner for him, with goals coming regularly and in great quantity. His form was rewarded with a new contract and a release clause reported to be in the region of €60m. Having scored goals for Portugal at every youth level it is unsurprising that Silva’s impressive domestic form saw him heralded as the answer to Portugal’s never-ending search for a centre-forward who can consistently score goals and provide a foil for Cristiano Ronaldo. He is already on four goals for his country, although it is worth pointing out these consist of a goal against Andorra and a hat-trick against the Faroe Islands.

STYLE OF PLAY The general nature of Silva’s game comes across simply enough, he scores goals. His supreme poacher’s instinct has marked him as special throughout his career thus far, but there is more the Silva than just a poacher. His physique gives him the flexibility to play how he wants, well-built without being a towering target man, he has the tools to be powerful in the air or to hold off defenders with the ball on the ground. Combined with his intelligent movement this makes him a handful in the box, marrying his ability to take up the most dangerous positions with the capability to make the most of them. Just as capable as holding up the ball for runners, his eye for a pass makes him a multi-faceted fulcrum for the attack, capable of creating chances as well as finishing them. His crossing too can cause problems for a defence and it is not uncommon to see him making runs out wide, no doubt due to his history at youth level of playing as a midfielder and a wide attacker before his ability in the centre of the attack was noticed. As is demanded by most coaches in modern football, his work-rate has impressed too. Whether he is better off playing as a complete centre-forward or would be of more use to his club and his country sticking to a goal-scoring role is certainly up for debate. With that said, it is easy to think Silva’s game is flawless. Although that would be an exaggeration, it is hard to find glaring weaknesses. The weakest part of his game would be his pace. Although he is not the slowest, nor is he rapid and is unlikely to be found regularly exploiting space in behind a defence with the same level of threat as a quicker forward might. This is not much of a problem for a team like Porto, most of their time is spent in possession of the ball where Silva can rely on his clever movement rather than his pace. If he were to find himself at a club where he’s regularly asked to spearhead counter-attacks he could struggle. The bigger question about Silva’s game really, is how it will develop. Where he ends up after Porto will no doubt play a big part in this, as will his international career. The centre-forward situation at Portugal is unlike most others and there will be a demand that however he is developed he does not lose his goal-scoring touch. FORECAST FOR 2017 He will likely be sold. As a talented youngster at one of Portugal’s top clubs, one knows what happens – he moves abroad. With Porto reportedly having a financial downturn last season, there is no doubt any team meeting a price anywhere near the €60m clause in his contract would be gladly accepted by the Portuguese giants. Europe’s top clubs are reportedly queuing up for the chance to sign Silva too, with a host of the Premier League’s biggest teams reportedly watching closely, while the likes of Atlético and Juventus have also been linked. The general idea here is clear enough, Silva is a wanted man. For now, he will be hoping to simply maintain the goal-scoring form he has been showing at Porto, if he does that the rest should come easily enough. Although his international career is still burgeoning, there will be an expectation on him to score goals against bigger teams to be sure, but there is little doubt that he will manage that with the service that will be provided by the likes of Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and others. While one might worry that the hype will grow too great around Silva, he has done well coping with pressure thus far in his career. If the goals keep flowing, there is little doubt Silva will be seen at the top level at the game within the next couple of years.

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TRAORÉ FULL NAME: BERTRAND ISIDORE TRAORÉ CLUB: AFC AJAX NATIONALITY: BURKINABÉ POSTION: STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: SEPTEMBER 6, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT WRITTEN BY: JOE DONNOHUE (@JOE_DONNOHUE27)

2016 IN REVIEW Burkinabe forward Bertrand Traoré enjoyed a prosperous 2016 in which he finally earned a chance to represent Chelsea as they laboured to mid-table Premier League finish. While appearances for the Blues remained sporadic, Traoré took his chance, impressing interim boss Guus Hiddink. The Dutchman was quoted as saying, ‘He is open to learn and you can teach him. You can say ‘work on this’ and he is very clever to do so’. The 21-year-old has two Premier League goals to his name, including a sumptuous strike against Stoke City early in the year. Two more goals in cup competitions for Chelsea exemplified his role as a promising youngster and fringe player, which was only reinforced as new head coach Antonio Conte set about listing the attacker for loan. Conte did see the potential in Traoré though, ensuring he signed a new three-year deal before being shipped to the Netherlands. It was at this point that Dutch giants AFC Ajax came calling. The Amsterdam club are world renowned for their youth academy and developing players into world-beaters, so for the 21-year-old, a move to this historic club was a no-brainer. At Ajax, Traoré has been deployed most frequently in his preferred role of right-forward, often on the flank of a three-pronged attack. A handful of goals in the red and white of Ajax has seen him identified as one of Europe’s burgeoning talents. But earlier in the season, Traoré came under scrutiny from manager Peter Bosz for being unfit and not in a condition to be playing regularly. Subsequently, injury and a stint of national team duty at the African Cup of Nations has limited his playing time at Ajax, he has since begun working his way back into the team since his return.

STYLE OF PLAY Traoré is undoubtedly a flourishing raw talent, but at this lack of polish can become frustrating. His technique is not that of a well-honed, aged professional, often letting him down at times. On the other hand, his technique can make spectators marvel, as his quick feet have dazzled defenders and won penalties for Ajax this term. Naturally enthusiastic, Traoré is not afraid to take on his man. Many clips of Traoré’s goals this campaign have come from his ingenuity to spin off the marker with his back to goal and use his superior acceleration to power his way into the box before curling an effort past the goalkeeper. Many of his goals are carbon copies of each other, something which by October and November of 2016, many Eredivisie defences had figured out. Forcing Traoré down the right wing considerably nullifies his attacking potency and creativity as he has a distinct reluctance to use his right foot. Traoré’s trademark perhaps, is his tendency to cut back onto his favoured left foot while in the opposition penalty area. As mentioned above, Traoré’s acceleration and pace is something which he uses to his advantage. His ability to utilise this alongside his low centre of gravity allows him to be very quick on his feet and possess a delicate touch. The 21-year-old can shift direction in an instant, which is useful for opening up space and giving himself a spare second to pick a pass or set himself for a finessed effort angled into the top corner. At a tall height for a wide forward at 1.81m, Traoré is incredibly quick, seemingly gliding across the turf when he gets to full speed. Likewise, his quickness at switching the direction of his movement is similarly impressive considering his size. A weakness of Traoré’s is his ability to translate his height into a proper physical advantage on the pitch. At only 21 years of age, he has plenty of time to continue to physically develop but he is extremely slender and weak on the ball. In the modern game, where central defenders and full-backs are stronger and more mobile than ever, Traoré fails to compete against adaptable defenders with considerably greater strength, as he is far too easily outmuscled and loses possession. The 21-year-old’s admittedly naïve approach to his play is epitomised by his youthful enthusiasm in dribbling excessively. While attempting to get a run on the last man, Traoré regularly finds himself falling foul of the offside trap, something which has become a particular pet hate of Ajax fans. Yet when he times his runs to perfection, playing on the shoulder of the full-back, it pays dividends as Traoré’s speed allows him to wreak havoc in-behind the defence. With acres of space in front of him, he is particularly adept at dribbling at speed without getting the ball caught up in his feet. This proves to be a key asset for Ajax and on the international stage where he has impressed for his native Burkina Faso in this year’s African Cup of Nations tournament. A breakaway goal in their quarter-final tie against Tunisia was assisted by Traoré’s quick-thinking, initiating the counter-attack that has propelled his country to the semi-final for only the third time in their history. Traoré was also impressive in their defeat of Guinea-Bissau, scoring a well-taken effort swept into the net, following a trademark run down the right flank before cutting inside onto his left and nestling it in the opposite corner. FORECAST FOR 2017 Following an impressive AFCON Tournament, Traoré will be hoping to win back his place in the Ajax first team as he continues to compete with the continually improving Justin Kluivert. At international level, he will undoubtedly look to add to his impressive current cap haul of 36. With only five international goals, supplementing that must be a priority for his personal ambition in 2017. After making his debut as a 15-year-old in 2011, Traoré is well and truly the golden boy of Burkinabe football. Therefore, instilling his talent and influence in the national team during World Cup qualification could lead to him gaining legendary status if he drives his country to their first Finals. At club level, Traoré will look to continue his development at Ajax but his primary concern will be to begin the 2017/18 season with Chelsea, in their first team setup. He has spoken out previously about the difficulties for young players at the club to progress to becoming first team regulars, meaning his ambitions are quite clearly set on becoming a regular at Stamford Bridge. If his finishing, technique and mentality is honed in the coming months, there is nothing to say that this is not an unachievable goal.

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LOZANO FULL NAME: HIRVING RODRIGO LOZANO BAHENA CLUB: PACHUCA NATIONALITY: MEXICAN POSTION: LEFT-WING DATE OF BIRTH: JULY 30, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: JAMES BUFTON (@JBUF1)

2016 IN REVIEW Hirving Lozano was subjected to an abundance of valuable experiences in 2016, representing both club and country. The 21-year-old broke the deadlock in the first leg of Pachuca’s semi-final meeting with León in the Clausara before netting the winner in stoppage time in the second meeting to send Los Tuzos to the final, where they would ultimately defeat Monterrey to claim the title. Lozano soon found himself attracting interest from Europe - with Manchester United one of the sides most heavily linked with a bid for his services - and was further rewarded for his efforts in Liga MX with a place in the Olympic squad for Mexico. Just when everything was going so well, the diminutive Pachuca youth product encountered unfamiliar adversity in Rio as the reigning champions crashed out of the football tournament in the group stage. Lozano was replaced at the interval in El Tri’s second group fixture and subsequently dropped for the decisive outing against South Korea; a shadow of his usual electrifying self when he eventually entered the game. His lacklustre display and unprofessional demeanour in protest of the treatment he had received were compounded in the dying embers of the match as he was sent off for needlessly shoving a player he had perceived as faking injury. The platform to elevate his name on an international stage was well and truly squandered, and with red flags attached to his profile that had not previously existed there was a lot of work to be done to retain the hype that previously surrounded his game. Although Pachuca were knocked out of the Apertura knockout stage by Necaxa, the Mexico City native picked up where had left off domestically, garnering rave reviews for both his performances and his development as a player.

STYLE OF PLAY Lozano is right-footed and predominantly stationed by Pachuca manager Diego Alonso on the left flank, typically cutting inside to affect the game in central areas as an inverted winger rather than remaining tethered to the touchline. He is perhaps at his element in confined spaces where his dribbling ability and low centre of gravity combine to both attract and eliminate defensive attention, while also vacating space for those around him to exploit. His combination play in these congested areas is also of a high standard, navigating through bodies often much larger than his while maintaining the presence of mind to connect with his team-mates. Receiving the ball out wide before moving inwards and beating defenders at will is by no means all that Lozano is adept at. He has also mastered the timing of his runs in behind, with particular excellence in the nature of such movement; often on the defender’s blindside or as the third man in a passing sequence. This is a skill that will appeal to bigger clubs across the Atlantic as it conveys a level of technical quality that only certain wingers possess at such a young age, without an elite academy education. While this certainly speaks to how Pachuca have nurtured his prodigious talent, it also highlights the intelligence that manifests itself in his game on a regular basis. Another, and to some the most, exciting facet of Lozano’s body of work is his impressive end product. In 2014, breaking onto the scene at the age of 18, he produced seven goals and eight assists in 38 appearances. A year later, over the course of the 2015 Clausura and Apertura, the insatiable Mexican international notched seven goals and seven assists in 33 appearances, while also sharing the Golden Boot award at the U20 CONCACAF Championship as he led Mexico to eventual victory. Lozano’s numbers took a leap forward last year, quite notably, as he scored 20 and created a further 10 across all competitions with his club of eight years. The signs for 2017 are promising as he buried a hat-trick in the first game of the Clausura against León. Lozano also has a penchant for the spectacular within his goal-scoring exploits, totally unafraid to attempt the audacious and undeterred if he fails to hit the back of the net. This is quite indicative of his entire mentality offensively and explains a lot of his strengths as well as his shortcomings. Self-confidence almost has to be characteristic of a young player in Lozano’s circumstances in order to thrive, having starred for one of the biggest clubs in Mexico since he was a teenager. If he lacked the belief in himself to beat defenders years older than himself with every possession it would be difficult to imagine him cementing his reputation as one of the most threatening attackers in Liga MX. This assertive mindset has less desirable side effects, though. Hirving’s aforementioned petulance representing his country at the Olympic Games could definitely be attached to the same psyche as his usual brilliance. Arrogance is an understandable product of the lifestyle and profile that ‘Chucky’ has assumed in recent years, yet modesty is something that he should look to embrace if he wants to reach his very high ceiling later in his career. Moreover, Lozano is at times guilty of shooting from distances and angles that can be difficult to justify despite his capabilities. He still has room for improvement in his decision-making in this respect, however the more frequently he makes the right choice between running at goal, distributing the ball and shooting himself, the more difficult it will be for Pachuca to hold onto their prized asset.

FORECAST FOR 2017 Pachuca have publicly announced that they rejected offers for Lozano in the winter, ostensibly dissatisfied with the structure of the bids they have received as much as they are stubborn in their commitment to keep the crown jewel of their academy system. As negotiations continue in the boardroom and as Lozano further advertises himself on the pitch, the long-awaited move to Europe appears inevitable in the summer. Marco Garces, sporting director at the Estadio Hidalgo, has admitted as much, citing the summer as a more optimal time for the transfer as it would hypothetically allow the player to settle in during preseason and the club to find an adequate replacement. Lozano’s performances in the Clausura will largely determine the destiny and ransom Los Xolos can command when the transfer window opens. The harder he works in Liga MX to prove himself and show continued development in his play, the greater the rewards he will be able to reap. The next few months reflect an insightful test of his capacity to ignore distraction and remain hungry for the brightest career path possible; the results of which also forming an important indication of whether his antics in Rio last year were merely an anomaly or indeed part of who he is and who he will become. That said, he is owed the benefit of the doubt as his future is unquestionably in own his hands. Lozano may well gain from this scepticism as part of his learning curve and become a more complete player with the benefit of maturity.

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GNABRY FULL NAME: SERGE DAVID GNABRY CLUB: WERDER BREMEN NATIONALITY: GERMAN POSTION: LEFT-WING DATE OF BIRTH: JULY 14, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: SIMON WEISS (@SIMONWE1SS)

2016 IN REVIEW A year of two halves. While this phrase is often used in an overstated and sometimes even in a jovial way, it hits a home run wheing describe the year Serge Gnabry has had in 2016. From a failed loan at West Bromwich Albion that even left a sour aftertaste regarding his fitness and attitude, over him closing out the 2015/16 season playing for Arsenal’s under-23 team in the Premier League, to a silver medal at the Olympic football tournament, winning the golden boot at said event and ending in a permanent transfer to Werder Bremen, which led to many noteworthy performances in the Bundesliga. While the move was mostly a disappointment for the Arsenal faithful, it came as no surprise. Certainly, Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger would have loved to renew with the player he brought to the club in 2011, yet for the player’s development the move made a lot of sense. With established players like Walcott or young and promising players like Alex Iwobi seemingly ahead of him, Gnabry chose to seek playing time in the Bundesliga. At Bremen, Gnabry not only managed to receive a substantial increase in minutes on the pitch, but quickly established himself as one of Bremen’s key offensive players, scoring 10 times in 21 games. 2016 proved the year Gnabry turned himself into a regular professional player. Unfortunately for him, it came a couple of years later than he likely would have hoped for. Back in 2013, the door was wide open for him at Arsenal. Wenger gave him the opportunity and Gnabry was about to take it, until a serious injury threw him back. At a club like Arsenal though, young players cannot expect return to the first team without once again proving themselves, which resulted in years of loans, more injuries and frustration for the young German. Now, however, he has found his place in the Bundesliga.

STYLE OF PLAY Serge Gnabry is a difference maker. Be it to add the finishing touch to an attack by slotting the ball easily into the back of the net, or by using his skill and pace to create an opening from the wings. As a winger, a player can be strong, fast or skilful; or a useful combination of the three. Possessing just one trait, defenders are often able to predict the movements of a winger and can premeditate defensive actions to counteract their opponent’s strengths. With two or three however, the attacker can act as a different weapon entirely. Gnabry offers all three. He can beat his marker for sheer pace, with a skill move or by shrugging them off. Even though he can influence play in many different positive ways, his standout feature remains his finishing. From an angle, from distance, off a dribble, off a volley, left foot, right foot - you name it. In fact, he is probably a clear goal scorer first and a provider second. In terms of positions he can fill, there is almost no limit. Either on the flank, behind a striker or up front, Gnabry has the tools to perform in any of these. At the moment, the left-wing position is probably still the most suited to his game: one-on-one with a single defender and with option to either go down the line or to cut inside. With a starting position on the wing, Gnabry has also learnt to time his runs in behind to perfection, setting himself up for great angles to take a shot. Having scored 10 times in 21 matches for a team with weak offensive output, it is reasonable to suggest that Gnabry should aim to become a regular fifteen goal a season player. It was also refreshing to see how quickly he hit the ground running in Bremen. After a couple of years of bad spells and injuries, a rougher start would have surprised nobody. The Olympic games certainly played a part in restoring his confidence and making sure he would be given a greater role at Bremen from the start. There are, however, still two big flaws to Gnabry’s game and both can be linked to his lack of playing time during his period at Arsenal. The first one would be that he tends to drift in an out of games. It has often had an extremely damaging impact on Bremen’s offense, as they do rely quite heavily on the influence of the German. At the most negative end of the scale however, there are halves of football where Gnabry plays no role at all. As a player with his talent and as a player that his team desperately needs in attack, he must engage himself in the play more consistently. Admittedly, when players drift out of games, it is often very much linked to the style and the performance of the team. During a couple of games this season, Bremen simply were not able to get their attacking players involved as they struggled to build up play in a constructive manner. The second flaw would be his first touch. There are moments when it seems that he is too fast for his own good. As if he was already in the next phase of his actions, being aggressive at going at the defender, building up pace. This at times leads to heavy touches, which when they occur, frequently turn over possession. Lost possession usually is not dramatic in wing positions, but it is the mark of a great player not to be careless in possession.

FORECAST FOR 2017 The next year will likely see the young German move onto bigger and better things. Both in terms of his performances as well as the level he will be playing at. Werden Bremen will soon become too small for him and there are already suggestions a move to Bayern München is likely in the off-season. When Bremen signed him, speculation surrounded the move that Bayern had lent Bremen a helping hand at signing him. While unconfirmed, it would make sense for all parties. On the pitch, Gnabry will be looking to keep the great form he has had of late while ironing out some details of his skillset. Another aspect of his development in 2017 will be finding his best position on the pitch. Primarily being used as a left winger at Bremen, a move into a more central position could be on the cards as well. His style of play certainly supports this idea. Looking at his Arsenal career and concerns raised by former coaches, Gnabry will be playing to prove he can play consistently for an entire season without succumbing to any injuries. Lastly, he will certainly be keen to nail down his place in the national team set-up. While his first call-up came rather due to injuries to other players as well as the opposition faced, Gnabry made the most of it with a hattrick on debut in an 8-0 drubbing of San Marino.

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PJACA FULL NAME: MARKO PJACA CLUB: JUVENTUS NATIONALITY: CROATIAN POSTION: LEFT-WING DATE OF BIRTH: MAY 6, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT

WRITTEN BY: STEPHEN GANAVAS (@MAROTTANOMICS)

2016 IN REVIEW The improvement undertaken by Marko Pjaca in 2016 was epitomised by his big money move from Dinamo Zagreb to Italian giants Juventus over the summer. It was a reward for some extremely high level performances over a consistent period at both Dinamo Zagreb and, prior to that, their feeder team NK Lokomotiva for whom he made his debut in 2012 aged 16. Not short on experience before his arrival at Juve, the Croatian attacker had already played over 100 matches in Croatia’s top division. Furthermore, Pjaca had accustomed himself to playing in Europe with 10 appearances across the Champions League and Europa League – not including qualifiers. He would have played six more Champions League matches with Dinamo this season, but instead found himself playing against his former club after Juventus drew the Croatian champions in the group stages. Pjaca’s reputation ballooned over the summer and specifically at Euro 2016 after a spirited performance in Croatia’s last-gasp 2-1 victory over Spain. In that match, the 21-year-old completed seven dribbles – terrorising Spain with his pace and power on the break. With the ensuing scramble for his signature after the tournament, Pjaca took the gutsy move in signing for Juventus despite the firm interest of AC Milan, for whom he would certainly have started almost every week. Young players are often criticised for making the big move too early and not allowing themselves to develop and ready themselves for a top club, but the intent with which the Croatian has spoken in the media suggests he understood the consequences of moving to Juventus. He has been prepared to play second fiddle in Turin and an injury sustained on international break has limited his influence and minutes on the pitch. However, through appearances off the bench, Pjaca has demonstrated why the Juventus management were so happy to sign him over the summer.

STYLE OF PLAY Quick and incredibly direct, the 21-year-old offers an entirely different attacking dimension to the Bianconeri. A team who generally build-up slowly and rely on breaking teams down patiently rather than through moments of individual brilliance, Juventus have struggled at times this season without a second dimension to their attack that was often offered by Paul Pogba in season’s prior. Pogba was often able to break the game open via a flick, dribble or long-shot or simply by being able to draw multiple defenders. Pjaca’s speed, power and strength on the dribble make him a similarly difficult player to mark and his ability to keep his head up while doing so makes him capable of some stunning slalom runs in the final third. Late in games after being subbed on, teams have been caught out by the Croatian’s quick changes of pace and ability to cut inside surge into the box. Having started only one game for Juventus though, it will be interesting to see if Pjaca can have this same impact against fresher defenders from the first minute of a match. However, the Croatian’s game is not limited to simply overpowering and outpacing defenders. He has very natural attacking instincts that see him get into strong central positions despite typically taking up a role on either wing. He also has a deceptively powerful and generally accurate shot and is a player that loves to cut in from the wing and shoot from outside the box. Juventus manager Max Allegri is also trying to force Pjaca to familiarise himself with a central role, often substituting the 21-year-old on for Paulo Dybala and playing him off the striker. Sometimes let down by his insistence on trying to force the game in his brief sub appearances, the second half of the season should see Pjaca earn a handful of starts for Juventus as the club continue to battle on three fronts. Defensively, Pjaca does not look to involve himself too much. Despite this, his pace makes him a weapon whenever Juventus decide to press the opposition and with the help of compatriot Mario Mandžukić he can conserve energy and focus on the attacking phase. However, he is strong in the air and will challenge for every ball tenaciously. The 21-year-old is most notably let down by his poor decision making skills. Blessed with so many wonderful attributes, at times it appears Pjaca is unsure when to use which. It is underpinned by his lacklustre passing range that at times limits his options when deciding what play to make in the final third. Often, the decision is to dribble – a move which is becoming slightly predictable for the standard Serie A defender. FORECAST FOR 2017 2017 will likely require more patience for the Croatian international. The continued importance of Dybala in Juventus’ starting XI will likely limit the influence of Pjaca. However, a newfound fondness of the 4-2-3-1 at Juventus may open some potential minutes for him interchanging with either Mandžukić or Juan Cuadrado out wide. In Juventus’ Champions League knock-out clash away at Porto, the Croatian entered the field for Cuadrado as a second-half substitute with devastating effect, scoring the opening goal with a thunderous low drive as the Bianconeri triumphed 2-0. Pjaca seems to have the temperament to withstand the disappointment of not starting regularly. After all, as noted earlier, he chose Juventus and acknowledged that he would not be playing every week when he could have at other clubs. Despite this, he still has a lot to learn from the attacking group he will train with at Juve. From the ruthlessness of Gonzalo Higuaín to the tenacity and hard work of Mandžukić and to the passing, fluidity and great decision-making of Paulo Dybala, Pjaca has three of the best attacking players in the world to learn from - and all with vastly different skillsets. When he does get his chance to start, expect Pjaca to become increasingly aware of his duty as a Juventus player. This means buying into the Juventus ethos that does not exactly align perfectly with his style of play. Mandžukić summed up what it means to be a Juventus player in January 2017 when he tweeted ‘Don’t aspire to be the best ON the team. Aspire to be the best FOR the team’. These are important words for Pjaca to understand. While trying to make an impression in Turin, he must understand that the team’s goals for the season are all that matter.

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ORIGI FULL NAME: DIVOCK OKOTH ORIGI CLUB: LIVERPOOL FC NATIONALITY: BELGIAN POSTION: STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: APRIL 18, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT

WRITTEN BY: TOM CURREN (@TOMOCURR)

2016 IN REVIEW There was much doubt surrounding the 2014 arrival of Divock Origi at Anfield. A teenager who had scored barely a handful of senior goals, the Belgian striker was immediately loaned back out to previous club Lille, where he was watched with interest by the Liverpool faithful. They were largely disappointed by what they saw; the gangly striker seemed clumsy and uncoordinated, a far cry from the lethal precision of the Luis Suárez – Daniel Sturridge – Raheem Sterling combo of the previous season. Origi did not reach double figures in Ligue 1 that season, a league many saw as one in which talented strikers should be finding the net often. When he returned to the club in 2015, it was safe to say expectations where low. Few saw the young striker’s emergence coming, then. With the arrival of Jürgen Klopp – a man who had reportedly been after Origi’s signature during his time at Borussia Dortmund – the Belgian was given a clean slate, an opportunity to impress regardless of his average goal-scoring record. Happily, he seized it with both hands. Though the arrival of Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim seemed to relegate Origi to third-choice striker, the Belgian would not be perturbed, playing his way into the first team with several electric performances. By the end of the 2015/16 season, despite several injuries he had played his way into starting XI contention, and would begin the 2016/17 season in direct competition with Firmino for Klopp’s favoured single striker role. During the back end of 2016, Origi continued to play well when called upon, particularly during an impressive purple patch which saw him score four goals in four Premier League games. Disappointingly, it was a turn of form which the Belgian could not maintain and the final few weeks of the year saw him go on a barren run. Relegated to second choice again behind Firmino but just as likely as Daniel Sturridge to be involved, Origi now finds himself on the fringes of a Liverpool side who have been knocked out of every competition they started the year in. With only a dozen or so Premier Leagues games left to play, the Belgian might find future appearances limited; but he has proven he is entirely willing to knuckle down and fight for minutes, so it would not be at all surprising to see him back in Klopp’s plans between now and the end of the season.

STYLE OF PLAY Tall, lanky and occasionally clumsy, it is easy to sympathise with the Liverpool fans who had their doubts following Origi’s arrival. He continues to dispel their fears though. The six-foot striker has, when he is on his game, a kind of streamlined elegance to him, a refinement to his movements, a sophistication to his touches. If this sounds like the ballet, do not be fooled; Origi makes all his touches at lightning speed, making it easy to see why Klopp thinks so highly of him. He fits perfectly into the uber-attacking style that the German manager has been lauded for instilling at Liverpool, being supremely fast across the ground. It would be lazy to describe a tall striker as simply ‘fast’, however. It is his application of this speed which makes Origi such a useful asset to Klopp’s side. Whereas Sturridge and Firmino often enjoy coming deep to collect the ball and involve themselves in build-up play, Origi deploys his speed in aggressive, darting runs in-behind defenders. This is especially useful with ball-carrying midfielders like Phillippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana in the side, who can drive at the opposition before releasing Origi through on goal. This was exactly how he scored both of his goals against Borussia Dortmund last season, making diagonal runs to receive passes, dragging defenders out of position and going through on goal. When he is at his absolute best the Belgian is a real handful for centre-halves. He is so explosive with his initial movements that man-markers are often left in a cloud of his dust. This turn of pace means that Origi has also made multiple appearances on both wings for Liverpool. Though clearly not his favoured position, he appears relatively comfortable there and it remains a viable option for Klopp. His final ball is inconsistent - he would much rather be on the end of crosses than providing them. His true strength when playing out wide remains his ability to run in-behind teams, to stretch them and create space for Liverpool’s central creative players to exploit. He is also adept at beating his man, using one of the many tricks he has at his disposal to turn defenders inside-out, carving space for a shot or an opportunity to play inside to a team-mate. These shots can be lethal, but the consistency with his finishing does let him down. Despite the occasional explosions of good form, as a rule Origi does not score enough goals – even for a man whose majority of appearances come from the bench. Finally, Origi is unsurprisingly good in the air. This, however, is not simply due to his height. Whereas in transitional play Origi uses his appreciation of space to make penetrative darting runs behind defences, during set-pieces he uses it to sniff out half a yard and win the definitive header. He is excellent at peeling away towards the back post, using an impressive sense of anticipation to foresee the ball’s most likely path. He has scored several tap-ins for Liverpool in this manner and a handful of decisive headers, rising high into space to nod the ball beyond the keeper. FORECAST FOR 2017 It is hard to predict the next few years for Origi. On one hand, he has proven himself to be an incredibly capable striker more than good enough for the Premier League. On the other, his consistency remains an issue, and competition for a starting birth at Liverpool will continue to hamper his first-team opportunities as the season progresses. It also would not be a huge surprise to see Klopp dip into the transfer market this summer to strengthen his attacking options, with the side becoming increasingly reliant on the mercurial Sadio Mané for goals. That said, there is a place for Origi at Liverpool. He is an excellent squad player for the club, capable – occasionally very decisive – when called upon and able to play several different roles. It remains his decision, however, whether this is the height of his ambition. The 21-year-old has already secured 24 professional appearances for the Belgian national side, a feat especially impressive when considering the huge extent of that team’s attacking talent. With Romelu Lukaku looking decidedly world-class across Merseyside, Origi will need to decide soon if he wants to stay relevant to boss Roberto Martinez’s plans. If he stays a bit-part player at Liverpool, that will translate to his international career; but if he decides to leave to pursue a starting berth elsewhere, a season of good performances could see him challenging for international relevancy. With the World Cup looming large though, he seems content for the moment to stay and fight for Klopp’s approval.

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LARIN FULL NAME: CYLE LARIN CLUB: ORLANDO CITY NATIONALITY: CANADIAN POSTION: STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: APRIL 17, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT:LEFT

WRITTEN BY: JUSTIN SOUSA (@SOUSA7474)

2016 IN REVIEW Starting the 2016 MLS season, Cyle Larin needed to prove he was not just a one-season-wonder. Setting the record for most goals by a rookie (17) and winning the Rookie of the Year Award in 2015 raised the expectations of Orlando City’s coaching staff and critics across the USA. Luckily for Larin and MLS fans, his second season was far from a disappointment. The 21-year-old bagged 14 goals in 31 appearances for Orlando, earning him a spot in the 2016 MLS All-Stars team. Again, the Canadian international proved to be an efficient goal-scorer and a lively attacking outlet in Orlando’s system. Larin’s front line leadership, however, was not enough for Orlando City to qualify for the playoffs in their second full season as they finished in a disappointing eighth place. Along with failing to qualify for the MLS Playoffs, Larin also failed in helping the Canadian National Team advance to the fifth round of the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers. Despite a goal and assist in Canada’s first two qualification matches in 2015, the Orlando striker only managed one goal in the four games they contested during 2016. After a year of disappointment on the international stage, the Canadian will try and change his team’s fortunes at the 2017 Gold Cup.

STYLE OF PLAY Despite his 6’2” stature, Larin has established himself as one of the most dangerous dribblers in the MLS. Larin strikes fear into defenders when he shifts gears and races towards them, rushing past and seeking any angle from which he can score from. The alpha lion of this Orlando City pride shoulders and muscles off defenders that challenge him for possession with relative ease. On the ground or in the air, Larin is not someone a defender would want to go toe-to-toe with in any aspect of a physical battle. The Canadian is entirely aware of this physical advantage that he has over opponents and is continually learning how to maximise the use of it. However, Larin’s technical attributes have not yet developed as well as his physical ones. He is reliant on his pace, as his dribbling ability is let down by an especially weak first touch. Because of this, defenders that can sit back and control the physical aspects of Larin’s game often have no problems handling him when he is on the ball. Such technical handicaps expose his inexperience and make it easy for veteran professionals to prevent dangerous forays forward. Though his opportunities are minimal, the 21-year-old’s finishing ability is something special for a player his age. He seems to be one of the few strikers who can slot a shot into the top or bottom corner, left or right side of the net. The power Larin generates through his hip rotation allows him to power a ball into the back of the net with little to no movement forward. In one of his most memorable goals this season, Larin lashed a fierce shot from 21 yards past Steve Clark in a 4-1 loss against Columbus Crew. Along with his clean finishing, the Canadian international is a bully in the air, notching five of his 14 goals from headers. Larin manages to catch defenders by surprise and, before they can stop him, he has already leaped into the air and is in position to put the ball into the back of the net. According to WhoScored, Larin won 37% of his aerial duels in his 32 appearances for Orlando this season, topping that of the league’s two top goal scorers Bradley Wright Phillips (34%) and David Villa (24%). Yet, Larin still lacks the ability to contribute to both defensive and offensive phases of play. He finishes chances easily, but instigating attacking plays or winning back the ball for a potential counter attack is a skill requiring improvement. His lack of a quality first touch comes to haunt him again as it contributes to his faulty passes and failure to hold up play long enough for his teammates to help him in attack. It would be harsh to dub Larin lazy, but his contribution to winning back the ball after being dispossessed is minimal. The 21-year-old prefers to leave that work to his fellow midfielders and defenders, but he would create more chances for the team and himself if he got his hands dirty by pressing the opposition - especially deep-lying midfield creators like NYCFC’s Andrea Pirlo. Off the ball, however, is where Larin’s knowledge of the game starts to show. The Canadian is like a fox, sneaking behind and between defenders to get on the end of a tap-in or through ball. Larin scored a carbon copy of his chested goal against Portland last season in a match against the Philadelphia Union this season, showing his perseverance in stretching to get any part of his body onto a close-range opportunity. Constantly trying to get open or find space, Larin is any playmaker’s dream target when they are looking for the killer pass. FORECAST FOR 2017 Links to both Lazio and Benfica came up during the summer transfer window, but Larin is still too rough around the edges for that level of competition. Moving to either club would require his work rate to be increased if he is to compete for a starting position for the structured Serie A side or the high-tempo play style of the Portuguese champions. Though work rate can be adjusted through experience in Europe, Larin’s technical ability must be improved at a lower level before he will be able to cross the pond and ply his trade in Europe. A solid first touch and decent passing ability are a must have if the 21-year-old is to survive in Europe, especially in a Champions League side like Benfica. With the likes of Kaká and Nocerino at Orlando City, Larin has a good pool of talent to learn from this year. This should be a season of reward for the Canadian; challenging for the golden boot and possibly the MVP Award if he can guide Orlando to their first playoff qualification. One more strong season in MLS should give him the confidence he needs to take the next step in his career. In terms of the national team, Larin needs to forget what he could not do for Canada’s World Cup ambitions and focus on having a good run with the national side during next year’s Gold Cup. The tournament will take place about half way through the MLS regular season, so Larin should be fit and ready to go when his nation calls upon him to score the goals. Canada failed to score a single goal in the 2015 edition of the tournament, but an in-form Larin could have the X-factor they need to make a worthwhile account of themselves at the tournament.

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AZMOUN FULL NAME: SARDAR AZMOUN CLUB: FK ROSTOV NATIONALITY: IRANIAN POSTION: STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: JANUARY 1, 1995 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT

WRITTEN BY: DAVID SANSUN (@RFN_DAVID)

2016 IN REVIEW Sardar Azmoun has had a year to remember. Having joined FC Rostov on loan for the second time at the start of the 2015/16 season, the underdogs of the Russian Premier League ran big guns CSKA Moscow down to the final day of the season, eventually finishing in second place exactly one year after finishing 14th. On that day, they played in a relegation play-off to ensure Premier League status. Azmoun was one of the stars of the side which qualified for the Champions League for the first time in their history, scoring nine times throughout the season, including six in the last six games. He bagged crucial goals and notched key assists as Rostov dispatched of all of Russia big guns, including Zenit, CSKA and Lokomotiv Moscow. After his loan finished, parent club Rubin Kazan wanted Azmoun back. New management and a new vision at the club meant that they had been spending big and they wanted Azmoun as part of the project. However, Rostov claimed to have triggered a release clause in his loan and Azmoun went missing from Rubin’s training, eventually returning to Rostov. After long legal battles, he was given permission to play for Rostov, however Rubin are still challenging the decision and if any wrongdoing is proved, he could face a lengthy ban. Nevertheless, Azmoun started the season with Rostov in late July, as they were drawn against Belgian giants Anderlecht in the Champions League qualifiers. After a 2-2 draw in Russia, Azmoun scored an expertly taken finish in the return leg in Belgium as they dispatched their opponents 4-2 on aggregate – a shock to western Europe, but not a massive surprise to those who had watched Rostov last season. However, another hurdle had to be crossed before Champions League qualification was secured. That hurdle was Dutch giants and four-time European Cup winners, Ajax. After a well fought draw in Amsterdam, Azmoun played a starring role as Rostov destroyed the Dutch side 4-1 back in Rostov, with the Iranian scoring a wonderful header, as well as running the Ajax defence ragged for the entire game. But Azmoun was still to peak. Rostov’s group drew them with Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich. He scored an equalising goal away in Madrid as Rostov fell victim to a last-minute goal, before announcing himself to the world as he scored an excellent goal in a historic 3-2 victory over Bayern, sending Jérôme Boateng sprawling before finishing expertly. However Azmoun’s league form has been impacted, as he has often been rested domestically with Champions League football high on Rostov’s agenda. He has appeared 14 times, scoring just twice, while only completing the full 90 minutes on three of those occasions.

At international level, Azmoun has been in electric form, scoring eight goals in eight games, including his first hat-trick for his nation as they beat Macedonia 3-1 in a friendly in June. To date, Azmoun has 16 goals in 22 caps; a simply astonishing record for an Iranian international who only turned 22 in January. STYLE OF PLAY A jack of all trades, Azmoun possesses almost all the aspects a striker needs to have to assert himself at the highest level. Firstly, he has great speed, not electric like Héctor Bellerín or Ahmed Musa, but still enough to cause defenders problems. Secondly, he is very comfortable with the ball at his feet. As a teenager, for youth sides, he played several games in the role behind the striker and because of this he can link up well with midfielders or if he is partnered with another striker up front. This is something which in Rostov’s 5-3-2 formation, he has had to do well to ensure he does not become isolated. However, perhaps most notably, he is amazing in the air. At 6”1’, it may not be a surprise to anyone that Azmoun would be good in the air. The Iranian though, who trained as a volleyball player as a child and whose father was an international volleyball player for Iran, has one of the best leaps in world football, easily beating some of the best and tallest centre halves in Russia to the ball regularly. Furthermore, once Azmoun is in the air, he has a powerful, accurate header, which can turn even the weakest of lobbed crosses into goal-scoring opportunities. It should be noted that unlike the wording of many lazy reports which emerged when he was linked to Liverpool, Azmoun is solely a striker, and would struggle in wider positions. As previously mentioned, he has some experience in the role behind the forward, but out wide, he would likely struggle. To waste him anywhere but up front would be irresponsible, considering he has played nearly every single senior game as a striker. An aspect of Azmoun’s game which many young strikers have not had a chance of playing, is to operate in a very defensive 5-3-2 formation which Rostov used. Sitting very deep, Rostov play long balls forward for Azmoun and his striker partner to chase and they are tasked with keeping constant pressure on the opposition defence. He must remain disciplined to operate in such a formation, and his work rate in this is top class – much like the forwards of Leicester City throughout the 2015/16 season. But this heavy workload does take its toll and, unfortunately, Azmoun’s stamina is quite poor. He has only seen out games three times in his 23 appearances this season to date, often being subbed with 15-20 minutes left to play. He runs himself into the ground for Rostov – just rarely for the full 90. However, the most controversial aspect of his game is his attitude. He has been sent off and received bookings for reckless off the ball incidents, and his off the pitch attitude, social media behaviour and interaction with the press have all received heavy criticism from fans of club and country. They believe that Azmoun needs to focus on his game in order to reach his potential, and put it down to age and poor management from his coaches and agent. FORECAST FOR 2017 After the last 18 months, there will be no doubting that the Iranian will have been scouted by several of Europe’s top sides, and because of his age, he will be valued as a top commodity around Europe. As previously mentioned, Liverpool have been the most commonly linked suitor, but this is not the first time some of Europe’s elite have reportedly taken interest in Azmoun. As a 19-year-old, he was scouted by Arsenal during a training camp with Rubin and Everton have been linked since they were taken over by their new Iranian owner Farhad Moshiri. Rostov will be hoping to keep hold of him at least until the end of the season, as they look to challenge for a Europa League spot for the 2017/18 season. Following Rostov’s exit from the Champions League which subsequently placed them in the Europa League, Azmoun still has some games at the top European level left to play with Rostov. They have qualified for the round of 16 following an obliteration of Sparta Prague, including a 4-0 home win. The ongoing success at the Russian club and the ongoing crucial role Azmoun continues to play in their fairy-tale run suggests that he will likely remain at the club at least until the end of next season. However, he is maturing rapidly. Following that, it is impossible to speculate on what may happen. What is clear is that Azmoun craves regular football – he would not have joined Rostov on loan initially if that was not the case – and so if he is to move, he would likely need to be assured of a regular, guaranteed first-team berth. While Azmoun has talent, he is untested with consistent top level football, and so a move to one of Europe’s intermediary leagues, or a middle range club in a top league may be the best stepping stone for his career.

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NIANG FULL NAME: M’BAYE BABACAR NIANG CLUB: WATFORD NATIONALITY: FRENCH POSTION: LEFT-WING/STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: DECEMBER 19, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: STEPHEN GANAVAS (@MAROTTANOMICS)

2016 IN REVIEW While technically not part of 2016, it would be impossible to give insight into the current state of M’Baye Niang’s career without delving into his January move from AC Milan to Watford. The Frenchman had a tumultuous career at AC Milan. Despite offering regular glimpses of his talent on loan at other clubs, he struggled to perform consistently at Milan. Forced to play out wide for the Rossoneri over the last two seasons after the arrival of Carlos Bacca, Niang has been oft-criticised by Milan fans for his wastefulness in the final third. Some fans even urged the club to sell him after rumours about a potential replacement (Marseille’s Lucas Ocampos) emerged and then celebrated his departure. Eager to prove his doubters wrong though, Niang has hit the ground running at his new club. Since his arrival at Watford, the Hornets are yet to drop a point, claiming wins against Arsenal and Burnley. His performance against Burnley was a decisive one too, as his precise headed goal and assist earned Watford a 2-1 win. Niang has a bad boy image to shake in England as well. Already dubbed by The Sun as the ‘new Mario Balotelli’, his brushes with the law over a string of driving offences are a lot worse than any of Balotelli’s minor indiscretions. However, unlike many of the 22-year-old’s previous managers, Walter Mazzarri has spoken candidly in the public about his desire to play a father figure role throughout Niang’s career at Watford. He even pledged to ‘treat him as if he were my son’. After his impressive start in the Premier League, it seems likely that Niang will have his release clause activated by Watford. Additionally, with the Hornets’ decent form this season which has carried them to mid-table, Mazzarri should remain until at least next season to mentor and nurture the talent of the French attacker.

STYLE OF PLAY Much of Niang’s career he has been shifted around the front-line by different managers. Often asked to play on the left wing, it has become evident over the course of the last 18 months that the 22-year-old is not suited to playing out wide. Often wasteful when given the opportunity to dwell on the ball, Niang has had more success playing as a striker as he is forced to be more resourceful and instinctive in attacking positions closer to goal. Furthermore, playing up front suits other impressive physical characteristics of his game, especially his ability to bully defenders off the ball while simultaneously possessing the ability to drive past them with pure speed. These skills came to the fore in Niang’s first week as a Watford player and specifically in his second game against Burnley. Playing alongside Troy Deeney up front, the Frenchman evidently enjoyed working off his team-mate and playing slightly in-behind him. In that space, the 22-year-old can still move into the channels and work effectively out wide, as evidenced by his wonderful cross to assist Deeney’s opener. Contrarily though, he highlighted why he is most useful playing in a primarily central role, routinely testing the goalkeeper from central long-range positions and stretching the defence with his pace and trickery on the ball. He then doubled Watford’s lead peeling off the front post and sliding a delicate glancing header across the goalkeeper and inside the far post. This standout performance highlighted that his game is quite polished, contrary to what some of his matches for AC Milan suggested. Playing at Watford, he will not be playing a dominant team, but his smooth movement in transition will be an important outlet for the Hornets that they have lacked since Roberto Pereyra suffered a serious knee injury in December while sitting in seventh place. Picking up just three points from six matches between the game Pereyra went down and the match Niang debuted, Watford have picked up six points in three matches since as their offence begins to reconnect. Importantly, he seems to work in tandem with Deeney more effectively than Odion Ighalo ever did. While Ighalo and Deeney often competed for the position sitting on the last man, Niang’s willingness to play slightly deeper has thus far made Watford’s attacking play more fluid. Furthermore, his ability to distribute effectively is an underrated element of his game; particularly his crossing ability. Possibly a product of his regular playing time out wide, Niang is adept at hitting some excellent whipped crosses cutting in from the left onto his favoured right foot. On the defensive end, while he will be a passenger, Watford’s tendency to play a low-block means they can afford to carry someone like Niang defensively. At times, he will be a frustrating figure for fans and he would likely not suit a team defending higher up the pitch looking to press the opposition into their own half. It likely would not suit the Frenchman offensively either as he uses those pockets of space behind the opposition defence to do his best attacking work. FORECAST FOR 2017 Niang must focus on ensuring the petulance that made his time at Milan a turbulent one does not haunt his first months at Watford. Determined now to make his stay in the Premier League a permanent one ahead of next season, the 22-year-old needs to continue to build his relationship with the clever Mazzarri – a manager who has helped develop the careers of a number of top attacking players in the past, notably at Napoli, where he made the Edinson Cavani, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marek Hamšík triumvirate the most imposing attacking triumvirate in Serie A. The 22-year-old must keep working on his game in a quiet setting outside of the toxic environment he was exposed to in Milan. Continuing to develop his distribution skills will see Niang become a better all-round player and more effective playing in a two-man strike partnership. Now placed in a more stable environment, the Frenchman has the potential to showcase his game to a massive audience and elevate himself to a new level.

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CORREA FULL NAME: CARLOS JOAQUÍN CORREA CLUB: SEVILLA NATIONALITY: ARGENTINIAN POSTION: STRIKER/ ATTACKING MIDFIELDER DATE OF BIRTH: AUGUST 13, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: STEPHEN GANAVAS (@MAROTTANOMICS)

2016 IN REVIEW A player that was largely underrated in Serie A circles last season, Joaquin Correa’s quality performances were enough to warrant Sevilla paying €14m for his services in the summer. This was despite a startling lack of product, with just three goals and an assist in 1,308 minutes of league football. This reflects the potential of the 23-year-old who has already shown glimpses of his prospects of being a high-volume goal-scorer in his time at Sevilla. That game was a three-goal and two assist effort against a fourth-tier side, SD Formentera, but it was important in highlighting the variety and versatility of his play style. In a 5-1 win, away from home, Correa won two penalties with excellent dribbling sequences down the left wing, before scoring twice with precise shots from outside the box and then finishing a tap-in after making a late run into the box from deep. The Argentine also performed superbly in Sevilla’s knock-out round Champions League tie with Leicester, despite missing a penalty, scoring the opening goal as Sevilla claimed a 2-1 win. Correa’s time at Sevilla though, has largely been disappointing. An inability to earn regular first-team minutes has stalled his growth and his momentum after his excellent season in Serie A. So far, the Argentine has played just 348 minutes in the league of which only four were starting appearances. The lack of opportunity is understandable though in a team that has added Stevan Jovetic, Samir Nasri, Luciano Vietto, Wisam Ben Yedder, Ganso, Pablo Sarabia and Franco Vazquez to their squad in the last twelve months – all of whom do (or can) play in the position(s) Correa plays in.

STYLE OF PLAY Correa’s style of play is incredibly aesthetic. His movement is smooth and his dribbling is fluid; backed by an acute visual-spatial awareness that sees him glide into dangerous spaces in the final third unmarked. Simultaneously though, the Argentine enjoys dropping deep to draw defenders away from his attacking team-mates while possessing the skill to then bypass them, or pass around them. He suits the prototypical Sampaoli style of attacker minus the extremely high work-rate. This does not mean that Correa is lazy, but rather that he can fade in and out of matches. He remains much more of an impact player than one that will consistently menace and that is likely partly responsible for his lack of minutes at Sevilla so far this season. This is also underpinned by the Argentine’s weak engine. He lacks the stamina to run out games – he rarely completes the full 90 minutes - and tries to combat this by avoiding running two-ways as often as possible. This stops him from influencing games more consistently throughout the 90 minutes. However, there remains a significant amount of upside to Correa’s game that reflects the value of Sevilla’s summer outlay. Comfortable through the middle and out wide on either side, the 23-year-old’s versatility makes him suitable for a variety of roles under a manager comfortable with interchangeable formations and systems. Likewise, he is able to swap wings, play tighter to the touchline or drift closer in-field whenever he is required to. Furthermore, he has an innate ability to find space between the lines of the opposition defence and midfield – a space where he can become the focal point of his team’s attack. This was evident during his time at Sampdoria when he became the driving creative outlet, fuelled by his clever movement and his skill in bringing other attacking players into the game. When isolated he was also able to create positive attacking situations for Sampdoria by drawing fouls regularly and in dangerous areas. However, at times he can get caught out trying to play for contact to draw a foul and can stifle his team’s attack or lose possession altogether in the process. Correa’s eight goals in over 2,000 minutes of competitive football since his arrival in Europe suggests that the Argentine is comfortable playing deeper, being the in-between player that links midfield and attack without contributing regularly on the scoresheet. Yet, whenever he is around the penalty area he seems alert. He is savvy around the penalty area and despite not spending a lot of time in the box with Sampdoria, his poacher’s instincts have always seemed switched on. Maybe Sampaoli has noticed too, as in recent times he has thrown Correa onto the pitch as an impact sub upfront – a potential answer to his lack of stamina, but also a move that could see the 23-year-old hold the play up and bring other attackers into the game with his intricate final-third passing. FORECAST FOR 2017 In a Sevilla side still clinging onto hope in the league while also challenging in Europe, Correa should be confident of finding some regular minutes – at least off the bench – between now and the end of the season. Burdened with a plethora of options though, Sampaoli will be waiting on the Argentine to prove himself capable maintaining the standards expected of a player playing in his system before giving him the opportunity to start matches more frequently. Perhaps another preseason under Sampaoli will allow Correa to familiarise himself with the physical demands his manager expects, while being able to work on them without the demands of match day preparation. This also implies that there is no reason for Correa to contemplate leaving Sevilla. With one of the best managers in world football and playing in an extremely competitive squad – both in terms of depth and ability to compete against the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid – it would surely be naïve to suggest he would fare better elsewhere. Yes, regular minutes may help him improve in the areas of his game that require developing. However, it would on one hand be an admission that he does not have the determination to fight for an opportunity at a big club, and on the other hand deprive himself of the opportunity to continue honing his game in a wonderfully coached side focussed on playing technical, attractive football.

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POULSEN FULL NAME: YUSSUF YURARY POULSEN CLUB: RB LEIPZIG NATIONALITY: DANISH POSTION: STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: JUNE 15, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: CONOR GARRATT (@CONORGARRATT)

2016 IN REVIEW Danish forward Yussuf Poulsen has long been a highly-rated youngster tipped to achieve great things, but it is indisputably in the last year that he has broken out as a star in his own right. While Poulsen has been a semi-regular Danish international since 2014, as well as a regular in the Danish youth teams at every level, his club career had taken a somewhat different course to many of his peers. The Dane plays for energy drink conglomerate Red Bull’s German football department RasenBallsport Leipzig. As one of the early additions to the project, joining while the club were 3. Liga new boys in 2013, much of his career to date – indeed, until the midway point of 2016 – has essentially involved paying his dues in the German lower leagues. Thus, it is only since the beginning of the new Bundesliga season in August that the youngster has really been able to impress a wider audience. But do that he has. An ever-present so far for Germany’s most controversial club, the fact he has been around the club as a virtually assured starter when fit has made him the experienced pillar of a young attack, which, on a sporting level, have been one of the Bundesliga’s brightest sparks this season. True, Poulsen only managed to score five goals in the calendar year of 2016, with four of them during Leipzig’s spell in the second tier. However, both Ralf Rangnick, the club’s coach last season and current sporting director who helped sign the Dane in 2013, as well as Ralph Hasenhüttl, his current coach, clearly see him as an incredibly important player to both the present and future of the club. As such, it is no surprise that clubs traditionally considered larger than Leipzig – in that they have had history stretching back prior to 2009 – have coveted Poulsen’s signature, with the likes of Borussia Mönchengladbach showing interest throughout the entirety of the last season. That provides a strong affirmation of the Dane’s abilities, and his potential to improve.

STYLE OF PLAY Standing at 6”4’ or 1.93m, Poulsen is an imposing physical presence. He is strong and relatively good in the air, winning 51.5% of his headers in the Bundesliga so far this season, and as such one might expect the Dane to be your classic target man. It is a role he is equipped for, certainly, but one would be wrong to limit his role to that. Leipzig’s high-intensity pressing game relies on a mobile striker ready to work hard throughout games and this, indeed, is the primary function of Poulsen in the Saxony outfit’s team. Armed with a rapid burst of pace, the sight of the 22-year-old bearing down on goal can be an intimidating one for opposition players. Indeed, these attributes make Poulsen an attacking all-rounder, able to play on both flanks as well as in his more comfortable position of centre-forward. Yet, Poulsen’s industry has not really been rewarded with goals. This season so far he has directly contributed to just two – a goal and an assist apiece – while in the second tier the season before he only managed a mere twelve involvements. However, during his season in the second tier he tended to act as a foil for the higher-scoring Emil Forsberg and Marcel Sabitzer. This season, both Naby Keïta and Timo Werner have added goals to the mix. As such, the Dane has been able to focus on his all-round game rather than worry too much about peaks and troughs of form in front of goal and the results for his team are undisputable. While it does appear that Poulsen has underperformed a lot in front of goal, it is clear to see that the allround attacking quality he has displayed is one of the fulcrums of Leipzig’s attacking, aggressive pressing game and the Dane typifies their electric approach to football. FORECAST FOR 2017 During the January window, Leipzig were not linked too seriously with many potential replacements for Poulsen and, as such, his position in the team, despite lack of goals, can probably be considered safe. In fact, with more playing time in the top tier the Dane appears to be growing in influence on the side and one might reasonably expect the goals and assists to flow slightly more freely for Poulsen in the Rückrunde, as well as next season. In fact, it could even be that a larger club’s interest in Poulsen turns into something more serious. The move would be a money-spinner for Leipzig, who may have to balance the books slightly when it comes to dealing with Financial Fair Play regulations in what will probably be their maiden European campaign in 2017/18. While it would obviously not be advantageous to the Saxony-based club to lose a leading light in their attack, it could certainly be the case that the right offer at the right time could prise away a player who has been so fundamental to the growth of what was, at the time, ostensibly an energy drink’s marketing tool in the German third tier, to an energy drink’s marketing tool in a very strong Bundesliga team. The next step for Poulsen is to become a key player for the Danish national team. Since the beginning of the most recent World Cup qualification campaign, Poulsen has been an ever-present for his country, but often this has been from the bench and to little effect. Adding top-level experience, whether with Leipzig in the Bundesliga and in Europe, or elsewhere in another top-flight team, should arm the Dane with the experience and consistency to showcase the best of his abilities on the national stage at a high level. Qualification for the World Cup in Russia remains a possibility, albeit a distant one, as Denmark sits behind Poland and Montengro in their group. Perhaps the pressure of having to perform for what is, at present, an underperforming nation will help Poulsen blossom into a player more comfortable with playing major roles both at club and national level.

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SABITZER FULL NAME: MARCEL SABITZER CLUB: RB LEIPZIG NATIONALITY: AUSTRIAN POSTION: RIGHT-WING DATE OF BIRTH: MARCH 17, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: JACK GRIMSE (@JACKGRIMSE)

2016 IN REVIEW Not to be cliché, but it has been a high-energy year for the entirety of RB Leipzig. Marcel Sabitzer has been one of the catalysts for the ever-increasing output of the Bundesliga upstarts. After helping Die Roten Bullen (The Red Bulls) clinch promotion to the Bundesliga with eight goals and five assists in the most recent 2. Bundesliga campaign, Sabitzer has kicked on in the new season. The 22-year-old Austrian attacker has scored five and provided a five assists halfway through his debut campaign in Germany’s top flight. Like his Leipzig team-mates, the jump up to the top league has not fazed Sabitzer. He has shown he belongs at this level. The Leipzig squad is bursting with young talent and it is not an easy starting XI to crack, especially considering Sabitzer plays quite often on the right wing, and right midfielder Dominik Kaiser is the captain. Having been involved at every level of the Austrian youth national team in the past, Sabitzer has been playing with the first team since 2012. This summer at the European Championships in France, Sabitzer played 194 minutes as Austria crashed out of Group F. While it was a Euros to forget for Die Burschen (literally, the lads), it certainly will be a special memory for Sabitzer as it was his first action on the big stage at international level. Like Leipzig at club level, Austria is a youthful side made up of budding stars. Since then, Sabitzer has been holding down a spot in Austria’s starting XI. He found the back of the net in a World Cup Qualifier, a 3-2 loss to Serbia in October. Currently Austria are fourth in Group D with six matches to play, and the pool lacks any powerhouses. Should Sabitzer and company develop some chemistry and start getting results, there is no reason to think they cannot at least reach the playoff rounds of qualifying for the World Cup.

STYLE OF PLAY It is hard to pinpoint where on the pitch the Austrian is most effective. Comfortable in any of the attacking midfield positions of a conventional 4-2-3-1 formation, he is right-footed but adept with his left as well. The ease of slotting him into any of these roles has probably prevented manager Ralph Hasenhüttl from consistently using him in one position. Under Hasenhüttl, Leipzig play a 4-4-2 that greatly involves the forwards in link-up play, so anyone playing up top must have decent ball control skills as well as finishing abilities. A very pacey customer, Sabitzer is tall enough (177cm) and has decent jumping ability to get on the end of crosses, though he scores fewer headers than Arjen Robben. Still, if he improves in this area he could become a more complete forward -- if that is the role the manager wants to use him in. Most likely, he will continue splitting time between both wings and that secondary striker role, as it would be criminal not to capitalise on his quickness and affinity for latching onto through balls played behind defenders. He may not be one of the best crossers of the ball currently playing in the Bundesliga, many of his assists are created through his dribbling in the middle of the park just ahead of the opposition penalty area. That does not mean he is incapable of providing service from crossing situations, though. If he was unable to whip balls in from wide areas, Sabitzer probably would not see much time out on the wing. Rather, that part of his game is something that, if improved, could see Sabitzer become one of the most dangerous complete attackers playing in Germany. The 22-year-old has a high work rate both in attack and while defending. Like many of his teammates, he will tirelessly chase after seemingly lost balls, in addition to closing down in defence to prevent shooting opportunities. He also has decent strength, allowing him to be a useful presence defending set pieces in addition to the positives it brings on the attacking phase. FORECAST FOR 2017 So far this season, Leipzig manager Hasenhüttl has mostly used the Austrian in the starting line-up, alluding to his impressive stamina. However, against Darmstadt, Sabitzer came on with 40 minutes to go and the match still scoreless and provided both Leipzig goals, highlighting the impact he can have as an impact sub when he does not start. He is clearly a fulcrum of the team’s attacking structure and that should not change this calendar year as Leipzig continue to challenge for Champions League football. Additionally, 2017 will see more opportunities for Sabitzer to be involved in the national team set-up. Even for a nation that is not a traditional power like Austria, his four goals in 25 appearances are impressive for a 22-year-old. He has mostly been utilised on the right side of midfield when playing for his country, so more games on the right at club level could improve his development in that role. However, his ability to comfortably slot into any attacking position offers both of his managers plenty of options. Versatility is an underrated quality and it is something that Sabitzer evidently possesses. Back to the Bundesliga, Leipzig are certainly in uncharted territory near the top of the table. For a squad with an average age of 24, they have shown outstanding maturity so far, but crumbled against Bayern Munich in the final match of the Hinrunde. In that game, they went into halftime down a man and three goals and they have lacked the consistency of the first half of the season since then. It ended with the same score-line, 3-0 to the Bavarians, but the game exposed Leipzig. While it is still too early to rule them out of title contention, the gap between Bayern and the rest of the league showed itself yet again in December. Still, Sabitzer and the rest of the Leipzig squad would surely be happy to seize second place for themselves and guarantee Champions League football for next season. Sabitzer should continue scoring plenty of goals in addition to providing a wealth of opportunities to his teammates thanks to the dangerous situations his pace and dribbling abilities create. The Austrian is one to watch in the coming year, for reasons similar to many of his club companions. Sabitzer has all the traits required to be a top player and with Leipzig he is starting to make the most of them and will have a range of opportunities to showcase them in an exciting 12 months ahead at club level.

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MILIK FULL NAME: ARKADIUSZ MILIK CLUB: SSC NAPOLI NATIONALITY: POLISH POSTION: STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: FEBRUARY 28, 1994 PREFERRED FOOT: LEFT

WRITTEN BY: STEPHEN GANAVAS (@MAROTTANOMICS)

2016 IN REVIEW Arkadiusz Milik experienced an incredibly exciting, yet ultimately difficult 2016. The difficulty had nothing to do with actual footballing performance though, but an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained earlier this season. Before that, the Polish international had emerged as another talent developing at Ajax and scoring with incredible regularity. He averaged a goal every 118 minutes in the Eredivisie last season as he asserted his credentials as a high-volume scorer after some barren seasons at Bayer Leverkusen and Augsburg in the Bundesliga. Criticised by many as a poor finisher, especially after some awful misses for Poland at Euro 2016 – despite performing well overall in the tournament – many baulked at the €32 million fee Napoli decided to spend on Milik in the transfer window. Replacing the outgoing Gonzalo Higuaín, arguably the best striker Serie A has seen since the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimović, questions were raised over Milik’s goal-scoring pedigree. Fears have been allayed in Naples, however. Despite the Pole’s injury that has sidelined him for most the season so far, he has scored seven goals in 650 minutes of football this season.

STYLE OF PLAY Milik’s effectiveness in Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri’s 4-3-3 has been particularly impressive. Able to play on the last man, the 23-year-old has enough pace to be effective in a counter-attacking system. It will be important to see if his knee has fully recovered however, as this could start to limit his value from this aspect. He can hold up play in this situation too and thrives in Napoli’s system in which he brings both wingers and Marek Hamšík into the game as they interchange and move the ball quickly. He is tall at 1.86m too, but not the best aerial outlet when under pressure – he is not an overly strong, nor aggressive player – although he thrives aerially in the box, suggesting he may sometimes be disinterested in competing for contested balls near the halfway line. When free in these positions though, his first touch and close control allow him instigate forward thrusts. Furthermore, his ability to distribute effectively once in these situations underpins Napoli’s fluidity in attack in much the same way Dries Mertens’ did during his absence. For a tall player, Milik is also excellent technically. He can play deeper than a traditional striker role because of this, assisting as he drops deep and allows Napoli’s other attackers to fill the space he vacates before playing them through. He performs superbly in this role with Poland, as he is forced to play second fiddle to mercurial team-mate Robert Lewandowski. Good on the ball too, he generally opts not to try dribbling past players, but his clever touches when he drifts into the channels again help create space for others as well as drawing defenders out of possession or simply allowing more attacking players – specifically full-backs – to surge forward. Milik’s consistency in front of goal has perhaps been the most pressing question mark looming over the 23-year-old’s game. However, these views seem misguided as the Pole has recorded elite conversion rates over his last three seasons of 19.8% in 2014/15, 28.2% in 2015/16 and 25% this season. Not only does he finish chances at a remarkable rate though, Milik’s also records a high volume of shots attempted per game, averaging 3.1 per 90 minutes in Serie A this season. Placing him at 0.8 shots per 90 minutes behind Higuaín and 2.2 shots per 90 minutes behind goal-poacher extraordinaire Edin Džeko, the 23-year-old’s all-round game clearly does not hamper his ability to effectively produce in his primary goal-scoring role. A relaxed player defensively, Milik still plays a role in maintaining Napoli’s high-intensity standards when not in possession. Not one to over-exert himself though, he will not burst a lung like Mario Mario Mandžukić would in attempting to chase down a contested ball. However, he is not immobile like a Džeko and can cover ground to enforce a semblance of pressure. But at Napoli, Milik is not required to venture too far into his own defensive half, with Sarri openly admitting that his side cannot defend deep. Instead, the Italian manager wants his team to counteract this by being aggressive in the attacking half – something the Polish international is more capable of. FORECAST FOR 2017 Ensuring he returns to full fitness and recovers properly from his anterior cruciate ligament rupture will be the priority of the 23-year-old, as he continues to make his slow return to competitive action that resumed with seven minutes in Napoli’s 3-1 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid. Already this season Serie A fans have seen Alessandro Florenzi and Mattia Perin struck down by consecutive ACL injuries that have not only ended their respective seasons, but threaten to limit their potential to compete at their highest level into the future. With silverware still on the line this season though, there may be a temptation to rush the Polish international back. However, the impressive form of Dries Mertens should afford Sarri some more time to ease Milik back into full match conditioning. Still young, caution must be adopted to protect a valuable asset that will provide goals for seasons to follow - in which Napoli will hopefully not be stranded 12 points behind leaders Juventus. Injuries aside though, Milik has had an impressive start to life in Serie A. Heading into the peak years of his career, he certainly has the team and the attributes to become a massive goal-scorer in the same way Higuaín was during his time in Naples. While this may not ever translate to flurry of international goals as Milik continues to be act as Lewandowski’s foil, the pressure of playing in front of the demanding Napoli faithful - and the club’s demanding president Aurelio De Laurentiis - should prepare him for success with Poland.

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BELOTTI FULL NAME: ANDREA BELOTTI CLUB: TORINO NATIONALITY: ITALIAN POSTION: STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: DECEMBER 20, 1993 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: PHIL COSTA (@_PHILCOSTA)

2016 IN REVIEW Andrea Belotti has always been highly rated in Italy, but 2016 was the year that he finally began to deliver on his considerable potential. In a trait he shares with many other strikers, the 23-year-old needs to be in the right environment to perform at his best. Marginalised in the shadows of Paulo Dybala and Franco Vazquez during his time with Palermo, he is very much the main man at Torino and they have brought the best out of each other. Given time to settle and playing in a team that is suited to his strengths, he netted 24 Serie A goals in twelve months – a number bettered only by Gonzalo Higuaín. Despite his prolific end to the 2015/16 season, Belotti did not make Antonio Conte’s squad for the European Championship in France, which allowed him to rest and shake off any knocks from months prior. While his omission would have been disappointing on a personal level, the time off gave him an opportunity to come back and begin the new campaign sharper than those who may not have been afforded such a luxury. After scoring six goals in four games at the start of the new campaign, Premier League clubs began to circle, but it was Torino owner Urbano Cairo who had the last laugh. After weeks of negotiation and speculation, it was announced in December that Belotti had signed a new five-year-deal with the club which included a €100 million (£86m) release clause, to ensure that I Granata would benefit from the Italian either staying or leaving.

STYLE OF PLAY Undoubtedly, Belotti’s main strength is his ability to score goals. Capable on both feet, he can find the net from almost anywhere, including the most acute of angles which he does for Torino on a regular basis. Young players are often erratic in front of goal, but the Italian rarely becomes flustered and always keeps a cool head when in promising situations. He may not be the type of striker to drop deep and involve himself in the build-up, but his movement is superb and his team-mates can be confident that the chances they create for their main man will more than likely end up in goals. At 5’11” (1.81m), Belotti is tall enough and adds to this by knowing how to use his body effectively. Despite his slender frame, he is reasonably quick and possesses a large amount of core strength which allows him to run the channels effectively when spearheading the attack. The 23-year-old is difficult to knock off the ball and enjoys the physical battle with defenders, but also has a brilliant spring which makes him a threat in the air. Aspects to Belotti’s game are reminiscent of an old-fashioned centre forward, and his ability to mix things up makes him incredibly difficult to defend against. Under Siniša Mihajlović, the Torino players are expected to work and harry the opposition for as long as they are on the field. Luckily for him, the former Palermo striker is a lean, mean pressing machine. Flanked by the talented (but sometimes leisurely) duo of Adem Ljajic and Iago Falque in a 4-3-3 formation, Belotti sprints from centre back to centre back trying to force errors and even aims to hunt down defensive midfielders who receive the ball when facing their own goal. He is always ready to pounce on a mistake as he showed against Inter at in October, taking advantage of a defensive mix up between Gary Medel and Danilo D’Ambrosio to lash home an equaliser. Born and bred in the province of Bergamo, an area that thrives on hard work and industry, it is no surprise that Belotti is a relentless runner. But despite his Bergamasque blood, his competitiveness and desire to win is what makes him so unique. The Italian will wind up opposition defenders, maximise contact in search of penalties or free-kicks and embrace the role of the villain when playing away from home in a similar fashion to Chelsea’s Diego Costa. He will look for any edge possible to make the difference which can paint him in a bad light at times, but his antics are undoubtedly effective. If I was to highlight a weakness in his game, it is that his touch can be very loose. When travelling at speed, Belotti can hit the ball too hard, get the ball stuck under his feet or run himself into a cul-de-sac which results in him surrendering possession. His quickness of thought could also improve, as he often looks disconnected with his team-mates when it comes to intricate link-up play. FORECAST FOR 2017 The next six months will see Belotti playing week in, week out for a Torino side looking to stake their claim for European football next season. Already one of the league’s most prolific strikers, the Italian will be targeting the Capocannoniere (golden boot award) but faces stiff competition from the likes of Mauro Icardi, Edin Džeko, Dries Mertens and Higuaín. He also has the chance to establish himself as the answer to Italy’s striking problems – their underwhelming options at Euro 2016 clearly hindered them from progressing further in the competition – ahead of the next World Cup in Russia. Belloti’s humble, hardworking nature has now given him a platform to showcase his talents and it is hardly a surprise that he is flourishing. Speaking in November, the former Palermo striker said ‘I am a person who always thinks about getting better and I never set myself limits’, which gives a real insight into who he is as a person. Whether his future lies elsewhere remains to be seen, with Europe’s elite more likely to spend big on an Antoine Griezmann or a Marco Reus. However, should he continue to find the back of the net with such regularity, his name will certainly find its way onto some shortlists.

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VIETTO FULL NAME: LUCIANO DARÍO VIETTO CLUB: SEVILLA NATIONALITY: ARGENTINIAN POSTION: STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: DECEMBER 5, 1993 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: JUSTIN SOUSA (@SOUSA7474)

2016 IN REVIEW Luciano Vietto’s 2016 started in underwhelming fashion as the striker continued his depreciation at Atlético Madrid due to the immense competition he faced from Antoine Griezmann, Jackson Martínez, Fernando Torres, and Ángel Correa for game time. Despite the initial faith Diego Simeone showed in the Argentinian’s capabilities, Vietto failed to make an impact when handed the opportunities and did not live up to the €20 million sum Atlético Madrid spent to get him. Vietto scored three goals and provided five assists in his debut season for Atlético as opposed to the 20 goals and eight assists he produced for Villarreal in the season prior. Their new signing was also recorded struggling to keep up with Simeone’s intense training methods. Rumours of a move away from the Vicente Calderón gained momentum toward the summer as, according to Vietto’s agent Jorge Cyterszpiler, more than 15 clubs had shown interest in the striker. By the end of July, Atlético Madrid reached an agreement with Sevilla to loan Vietto for the 2016/17 season. The departures of Kevin Gameiro, Ciro Immobile, and Fernando Llorente left Sevilla in need of forward options and meant minutes were readily available for Vietto. The 23-year old wasted no time in getting on the scoresheet for his new club, scoring a brace on his league debut as Sevilla defeated Espanyol 6-4. The striker has rediscovered his mojo in Seville and looked like the player Diego Simeone hoped would thrive under his management at Atlético Madrid. Recently, however, Vietto has found it difficult to break into the starting XI since the arrival of Stevan Jovetić in the winter transfer window and the recent rise to prominence of Joaquín Correa. Since the turn of the year, the Argentinian has failed to score or assist a goal in his three substitute appearances in the league and the 55 minutes he played in Sevilla’s 3-3 draw with Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey.  

STYLE OF PLAY Vietto has drawn comparisons to fellow countrymen Sergio Agüero and Lionel Messi because of their similar physique and the technical brilliance the offensive trio share. Similar to his compatriots, Vietto loves to dribble at defenders and unleash his arsenal of skills to beat his man. He is everything an Argentinian striker represent’s in today’s game with his low centre of gravity and agility which allow him to change direction on the ball with ease. While at Atlético Madrid, Vietto showcased these attributes in a match against Celta Vigo. There, he received a throw in from Filipe Luis and simultaneously turned two Celta Vigo defenders and flew by a third to continue his side’s counter-attack. Fleet of foot, Vietto is extremely difficult for a defender to stop when he is dribbling without committing a tactical foul. As captivating as Vietto’s dribbling and quick feet are, his off the ball movement and work rate are equally as impressive. The 23-year old can offer the creativity of a number 10 and the instinctive knowledge to work in between the channels of opposition defenses. Vietto can operate as a secondary striker in a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1, dropping behind his offensive partner in an effort to link the front-line with the midfield. Jorge Sampaoli has favored Wissam Ben Yedder as Vietto’s partner up top as he provides the pace and finishing ability necessary for his team-mate’s creativity to thrive. He is also capable of working alone in a 4-2-3-1 where he can manoeuvre in between defenders and use his pace to latch onto a through pass or loose ball. Vietto’s persistent pressure forces defenders to rush their decision making, often causing them concede possession as they attempt to distribute the ball. Vietto scored a brilliant counter-attacking goal against Sporting Gijón after he got on the end of a Sergio Rico clearance, leaving the defenders stranded and unable to prevent his shot on goal. His ability to diversify his attacking approach throughout a match is what makes Vietto such an attractive option for Jorge Sampaoli and Diego Simeone when utilizing him as a solo forward. However, the fluttering footwork and break-neck pace of Vietto can be easily neutralized by physically dominant defenders like Gerard Piqué and Diego Godín. His speed and agility are adequate when challenging full-backs of equal strength, but seasoned centre-backs recognize Vietto’s inability to stand his ground in the physical side of his game. Moreover, WhoScored shows that Vietto is dispossessed an average of 1.7 times per 90 minutes in La Liga and as many as 2.5 times in the Champions League. Apart from his first goal for Sevilla, the 5’8” forward has never been a threat for defenders to handle in an aerial duel. In fact, Vietto has won just 8.33% of his aerial duels in all competitions since the start of the season. Despite having brought the Argentine striker through the ranks of Racing Club in Argentina, Diego Simeone has yet to figure out how to implement his prodigy into his intense style of play at Atlético Madrid. Nevertheless, what Vietto lacks in strength is made up for by clinical finishing ability with either his left or right foot. His ambipedal shooting provides him with an advantage over the defensive technique of forcing a player onto their weaker foot and the ability to shoot from any angle confidently. In his 17 league appearances for Sevilla, Vietto has kept 57% of his shots on target and averages a goal from every five shots. FORECAST FOR 2017 As far as a return to the Vicente Calderón is concerned, Luciano Vietto should not consider his time with Atlético Madrid finished. With speculation of star forward Griezmann and manager Simeone planning to leave the Madrid club in the summer transfer window gaining substance, Vietto’s return to Los Colchoneros next season could be a fresh start. Without Griezmann, Atletico Madrid will only have a 33-year-old Fernando Torres, 29-year-old Gameiro, and an inconsistent Correa to fill the void up front. Vietto can also benefit from a change in the managerial department if Simeone’s tactics continue to exploit his weaknesses rather than build upon his strengths. Whether he returns the Atletico Madrid, stays at Sevilla, or moves on to an entirely new club, Vietto must make a move to a club that will assure him first team minutes regularly and make him the focal point of their front line.  

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RAFA FULL NAME: RAFAEL ALEXANDRE FERNANDES FERREIRA DA SILVA CLUB: SL BENFICA NATIONALITY: PORTUGUESE POSTION: LEFT-WING DATE OF BIRTH: MAY 17, 1993 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: TIAGO ESTÊVÃO (@TIAGOESTV)

2016 IN REVIEW Rafa Silva has been one of the most valuable assets in Portuguese football for years now and definitely the most valuable one outside of the big three of FC Porto, Benfica and Sporting Clube de Portugal. This 23-yearold winger started his young playing career in the outskirts of Lisbon – with Alverca, a once first division team now sunk into the lower tiers – before getting his chance in the professional world with Feirense. After drawing the attention of both Sportings – the Lisbon and the Braga based one – he snubbed the Lisbon to make a move to SC Braga. After lighting up the Primeira Liga with numerous quality displays for Braga, the interest from international clubs rose massively, all seemingly more likely to match his €20 million valuation than any of the Portuguese big three who were hunting Rafa once again. Yet, Benfica eventually ended up parting ways with a sum slightly less than that €20 million valuation to sign the 23-year-old. With Benfica’s record with developing young players, can one blame him for exercising the safe option in joining the champions? A quality club season did not go unnoticed by Fernando Santos who took him to the European Championships in case his flair and creative spark was needed. Luckily for Portugal, but unfortunately for Rafa the team possessed plenty of wingers in its roster. Despite playing little though, he did become a European champion.

STYLE OF PLAY Benfica’s 4-4-2 had a space open up on the left when Nico Gaitán finally left the club for Atlético Madrid and, despite the arrival of Franco Cervi, a big money signing came in to replace the Argentine – Rafa. The Portuguese winger who is versatile enough to play both wings and even more centrally behind the striker, tends to enjoy the left-hand side has his preferred spot to start from. Right-footed, he has an easier time drifting inside when he starts there. But when one talks about Rafa, they must discuss his most important attributes, which are clearly his speed, agility and his technical ability. Standing at 1.7m tall, Rafa is an incredibly fast, nimble, player: off the mark, in a sprint, in tight spaces and in-between the lines. With the ball at his feet he is everything a winger needs to be: a fantastic close control dribbler who is aware enough of his surroundings to approach play intelligently, whether it be running at a defender or finding team-mates with a well-timed pass. Unfortunately for the 23-year-old, his season with the champions got off to a stuttering start – with injuries keeping him out of the first team for most of his debut campaign with Benfica, however he has slowly begun to prove his worth. In only his second start, he did not feel the pressure of a derby match and not only delivered a mesmerizing outside of the boot assist against Sporting but was also one of the best on the pitch for Benfica. From here on out, he began accumulating starts. A great finisher, he appears in the box instinctively when he drifts inside and those are the moments when he tends to score as he is not someone to try his luck from outside of the box often. Rafa still has a lot to work on defensively though. He is far from perfect in this aspect. Furthermore, his end product definitely needs some added polish too as his final ball is often found to be lacking quality. FORECAST FOR 2017 Being the fourth most expensive player to ever be bought by a Portuguese club and the result of the biggest transfer between two Portuguese teams, Rafa is under a lot of pressure to succeed at the Estádio da Luz. Rui Vitória has a history with developing youngsters though and now fit after the holiday break, Rafa should be able to integrate himself within the squad more effectively in 2017 as a key first team player. He will also have the opportunity to express his talents in the Champions League, a stage in which he is untested thus far in his career. Although he has earned 10 caps for the Portuguese national team and is a regular call-up when fit, Rafa is yet to establish himself as a key starting XI player under Fernando Santos. Again, despite being a European Champion he played very few actual minutes in the competition for Portugal and now has seen his spot come under threat by a host of young Portuguese wide talent, including the likes of Bernardo Silva, Gelson Martins and Pizzi.

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PLÉA FULL NAME: ALASSANE PLÉA CLUB: OGC NICE NATIONALITY: FRENCH POSTION: STRIKER DATE OF BIRTH: MARCH 10, 1993 PREFERRED FOOT: RIGHT WRITTEN BY: PHIL COSTA (@_PHILCOSTA)

2016 IN REVIEW The summer months rarely disappoint in Nice. However, in 2016 it was not simply the sunshine giving the locals reason to be cheerful as Les Aiglons underwent a considerable overhaul in the transfer window. When any club encounters such a change in playing and coaching staff, the hope is always that the constants who remain step up and fill the voids vacated by their predecessors. Under Claude Puel, the south-coasters were one of the surprises of last season. A team destined for mid-table obscurity ended up finishing fourth in Ligue 1, scoring 58 goals in the process (the third highest amount in the top flight) led by an attacking duo of Hatem Ben Arfa and Valere Germain who combined for 33 goals and 13 assists. With Ben Arfa leaving on a free and Germain returning to his parent club Monaco, those 33 goals and 13 assists completely vanished and Mario Balotelli was brought in to try and compensate for that. A gamble in every sense of the word, but perhaps a change of scenery and ambition could bring the best out of him. But after an encouraging start, the honeymoon phase faded quickly and the constant that Nice were so desperate for arrived from elsewhere. A man on the periphery – Alassane Pléa. Given little time to impress, the former Lyon man became lost in the shadows and contributed just three goals and two assists between January and May. However, Lucien Favre’s appointment in June offered him a fresh start and he has not looked back since. Pléa made an effort to reinvent himself as a player to suit Favre’s counter attacking style, and his ability to play wide and centrally increased his value to the team. He may not be as talented as Balotelli, but offers far more consistency and drive which are qualities that Nice have thrived upon. His 14 goals this season have seen him double his disappointing tally of seven from 2015/16.

STYLE OF PLAY Undoubtedly, Pléa’s biggest strength is his ability to act as a fulcrum for the side. Comfortable with his back to goal and effective at holding off defenders, his relationship with Vincent Koziello, Wylan Cyprien and Jean Michael Seri, who like to burst forward from midfield have given Les Aiglons more attacking variety. Even the likes of Valentin Eysseric and Younes Belhanda, who are usually deployed as inverted wingers, have enjoyed a new-found license to run beyond Pléa with confidence that they will be found by the Frenchman. The ease in which he seems to complement and combine with others in the final third cannot be understated, after initially struggling to find a role that suited him. The 23-year-old is also another example of the ‘Thierry Henry effect’ taking precedence in France: a winger during his early years who has slowly migrated centrally. Alexandre Lacazette and Anthony Martial underwent similar transitions, who both, like Pléa, developed at the famous Olympique Lyonnais academy. Having originally learnt his trade out wide, the Frenchman’s instinct is to drift into the channels and attack the penalty area at speed, ideally running at defenders. More natural centre forwards tend to stay in the middle third and rely on clever movement to get in behind - a trait he has slowly become accustomed to under Favre and in the absence of Balotelli. What is also worth nothing is how much more clinical Pléa has become. The forward has always been a handful for defenders but often lacked that final bit of ruthlessness to take his game up a level. However, with regular first team football under his belt and an added sense of responsibility within the Nice squad, his finishing has improved markedly. Pléa can now strike the ball cleanly with both feet, creating notable pace and swerve with minimal back-lift which is an incredibly useful tool to possess. Crucially, he now makes a conscious effort to compose himself and pick a corner when bearing down on goal, as opposed to rushing and firing straight at the goalkeeper which he has been guilty of in the past. Despite his significant improvement, there are still aspects to the 23-year-old’s game that need refining. At 5’11” (1.81m), Pléa is not the tallest around, but Edinson Cavani (31%) is the only ‘top bracket’ striker in Ligue 1 to win fewer aerial duels than him (32%). Alexandre Lacazette (38%), Bafetimbi Gomis (41%) and Radamel Falcao (42%) have all displayed a willingness to provide for their team in their air as well as on the ground, which then offers added diversity when going forward. Pléa is also a very hard working frontman, but his eagerness to press and win the ball back sees him commit frustrating and unnecessary fouls (two per game) which is a habit he should learn to control. FORECAST FOR 2017 Having made a brave decision to step down in search of regular football, Pléa’s stock has risen again at a quicker rate than expected. The Frenchman has all the core attributes to be a successful striker in the modern game, with his physical strength, pace and technique allowing him to play as both the hold-up man and penalty box poacher. It is often said in sport that confidence is the hardest thing to gain but the easiest thing to lose, and we have witnessed that first-hand here. After finding the net just once in six top flight starts, Pléa went on to score seven times in his next eight starts – including two against PSG & Monaco. Becoming the meilleur buteur (top scorer) was certainly a realistic ambition. Unfortunately, a campaign that could have been one to remember for Pléa and Nice has turned into one of regret. Their title hopes were dealt a gut-wrenching blow when it was confirmed that the 23-year-old would miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury against Lorient. ‘It’s a blow to lose our best scorer,’ said Favre, whose words suggested he understood the severity of the situation. Injuries of this ilk have been known to affect players longer term which means there will be no time for shortcuts during his rehabilitation.