Under-21 World XI
FORMATION: 4-3-3
GOALKEEPER
David De Gea seems to be the obvious choice in this department. Though turning 22 this November, De Gea shows goalkeeping talent that belies his age. The young Spaniard moved to Manchester United with the daunting task of replacing Edwin van der Sar. While he had a shaky start to football in England, and Sir Alex still doesn’t seem to have decided on the No. 1 between him and Lindegaard, there is little doubt that he will be amongst the top keepers in the world, when the time comes. Unfortunately for him, his path to getting international caps for Spain is blocked by the relentless Iker Casillas, because of which De Gea has featured only twice for Spain’s first team.
DEFENCE
Young Austrian David Alaba deserves to be the first name in this category. Bayern Munich’s young star has played in several roles previously, but Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes seems to have picked the left-back position for the talented youngster.
The two centre-back places are monopolised by England, with Tottanham’s Steven Caulker and Manchester United’s Phil Jones looking like bright prospects in this area. Phil Jones was bought by Manchester United from Blackburn Rovers for a hefty price tag, but proved to be extremely useful last season. With the Red Devils suffering multiple injuries, Phil Jones was asked to deputise at centre-back, right-back as well as in the midfield. His versatility, poise, and ability to lead are what Sir Alex paid for. Caulker, on the other hand, made his way through the ranks at Spurs, being loaned to three different clubs in three consecutive years. Now he finally seems to have found significance in the North London side, and is clearly a part of Andre Villas-Boas’ plans, having started regularly in the Premier League so far.
Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne makes the cut at right-back. Having made five appearances for England at the Under-19 level, he was called up for the England U-21s, but is yet to feature for them. Reported to have snubbed Manchester United for the Saints this summer, he is one of the bright prospects at this level for the position.
MIDFIELD
It’s the midfield where young stars across the world seem to shine the most. An array of talent at the centre of the pitch makes choosing just three an extremely difficult task. Arsenal‘s Jack Wilshere makes the cut for his versatility and sheer importance to his team. Every team needs a player like him at the heart of midfield, to fight for the ball, to dictate the play, and to have the creativity to see a pass where most can’t.
He’s partnered in midfield by Dortmund’s Mario Götze and Ajax’s Christian Eriksen . Mario Götze is one of Germany’s best talents, even if age is not taken into account. If the fact that he is just 20 is accounted for, it is hardly surprising that every top European club would love to lay their hands on the Dortmund man. Denmark international Christian Eriksen completes the midfield in fine fashion. Having been awarded Best Young player in the Netherlands,2011 while playing for Ajax, he also received the honour of Danish Football Player of the Year. His excellent ball control and ability to shoot with both feet justify the appraisals the young Dane is getting these days. 1 goal and 1 assist against English champions Manchester City show exactly why an array of top Premier League clubs have reported interest in him.
FORWARD
Brazilian Neymar is easily the first name to be penned down in this area of the pitch. Brazil has a long history of producing outstanding forwards, and that Neymar’s name is taken in the same breath says a lot. Although he plays in Brazil, and not Europe where most of the “hot” talents display their skills, his progress is followed by one and all, and both the Spanish giants are known to have tried to sign the Santos star. 107 goals for Santos in 181 appearances is a remarkable tally for someone who is just 20, albeit in a league of lesser competition. He may move to Europe soon, and perhaps only then will his name go down in history as one of the best players in all of football.
Chelsea‘s Eden Hazard supports the Brazilian from the flank. After a seemingly never-ending transfer saga involving him with all of Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea, it is the Blues that he chose, which probably had something to do with the result in Allianz Arena back in May. He was awarded Player of the Year in Ligue 1 for two consecutive seasons, and scored 20 while assisting 15 goals in his last season for Lille. Possessing great trickery and pace, he is a nightmare to defend against, and also has a decent delivery up his sleeve.
Brazilian starlet Lucas Moura is included in the team ahead of his compatriot Oscar. Although Oscar performed brilliantly in the Olympics, Lucas is seen by most as one of the best players in Brazil today, the country for which Neymar plays. Having been pursued by Manchester United, he finally snubbed them for a move to PSG, and is all set to set the Ligue 1 on fire in the seasons to come.
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