Over the years, the Under-20 South American Championship has been used as a highly effective market platform for future prospects to showcase their skills in an attempt to attract lucrative contracts with top European clubs.
South America constantly produces exciting players, with the potential to succeed in the elite leagues of Europe. And while the biggest stars traditionally emerge from South American heavyweights Brazil and Argentina, the other eight nations aren’t too far behind.
In the last decade, several household names tested their strength in the competition before finding extensive international success abroad. Such players include Lionel Messi, Carlos Tévez, Javier Mascherano, Ronaldinho, Adriano, Maicon, Daniel Alves, Alexandre Pato, Roque Santa Cruz and Diego Forlán.
The current edition of the tournament, which decides the four South American representatives for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup, has featured players who already have demonstrated the necessary quality to warrant a European move.
Here are 10 top future prospects in the 24th edition of the U-20 South American Championship:
1. Eduardo Salvio (Argentina)
If there’s one player who is destined to excel in the elite European leagues in the near future, it’s this exciting striker. Although Argentina struggled before securing passage into the decisive stage of the competition, Salvio clearly has been the standout. The 18-year-old is the latest gem to have emerged from Argentine soccer with Lanús, and he promises to be a future prospect with the senior national team.
His short stature, combined with his close-ball dribbling and explosive pace, have earned him comparisons with Barcelona superstar Messi. With three goals, Salvio is Argentina’s leading scorer in Venezuela, and he’s currently being observed by Italian giant Juventus, which has been dazzled by his rare quality. Other interested clubs include Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid and both Inter and AC Milan.
2. Douglas Costa (Brazil)
There was much speculation that Costa would join either Real Madrid or Manchester United after experiencing a memorable season with Grêmio last year. The attacking midfielder is perhaps Brazil’s most familiar name in Venezuela, and if he continues to impress with his incredible talent, he will surely be part of the senior national team in the future.
Many see Costa as the successor to Ronaldinho, who also defended the colors of Grêmio before making the big leap to European soccer. Brazil has yet to reach its peak in the competition, but when the final stage commences, Costa is likely to demonstrate why there has been so much talk about a future transfer to a leading European club.
3. Franco Zuculini (Argentina)
Zuculini has earned ongoing praise from the Argentine press since making his professional debut with Racing Club of Avellaneda last year. He is one of the stars of the Argentine U-20 side, and has been very impressive during the South American championship. Perhaps Argentina’s best player in the 2-2 draw with Ecuador, Zuculini worked tirelessly in the center of midfield, and his fighting spirit was much of the reason why Argentina managed to hang onto a vital point despite playing with only 10 men.
He has similar characteristics to Liverpool defensive midfielder Mascherano and has already caught the attention of Argentine boss Diego Maradona, who could well present him with a national-team call-up in the future.
4. Tabaré Viudez (Uruguay)
Having joined AC Milan as an 18-year-old last year, there’s no question about Viudez’s potential. At 5-foot-4, the midfielder is particularly short, but he makes up for his lack of physical presence with his movement and intelligence.
The fact that he’s only one of two Uruguayans plying their trade in Europe (the other being Benfica winger Jonathan Urretavizcaya) means that he faces much pressure to perform. Until now, things couldn’t be any better, as Viudez has been one of Uruguay’s most consistent players as the side has won all three of its matches. With more experience under his belt, Viudez should soon become an integral part of the Milan first team.
5. Dentinho (Brazil)
After having played a key role as Corinthians returned to the Brazilian top flight last year, Dentinho has been targeted by several top European clubs, including Spanish champions Real Madrid. But the 20-year-old is staying put at Corinthians, and will partner with Ronaldo (if the three-time FIFA World Player of the Year ever regains his health) in the club’s menacing attack during the Brazilian Championship.
Dentinho started slowly in the U-20 South American championship, but he turned on the style in a man-of-the-match performance as Brazil beat Chile 2-0. The striker opened the scoring for his side and constantly tormented the Chilean defense with his speedy runs down the flanks.
6. Walter (Brazil)
Brazil has produced extraordinary strikers over the years, and if his spectacular long-range missile against Paraguay was any indication, Walter is expected to be Brazil’s next superstar. Not only has he proved his efficiency in front of goal, but he has also been instrumental in most of Brazil’s best attacking moves. Walter may follow former Internacional teammate Pato to one of Europe’s top sides.
7. Emiliano Insúa (Argentina)
The Liverpool left back is one of the most experienced players on the Argentina squad. And although he hasn’t been in great form so far in the tournament, he’ll be expected to prove his worth when Argentina needs him most. Insúa, who played all seven matches as Los Albicelestes won the U-20 World Cup in ’07, has a bright future ahead of him. At only 20, he has plenty of time to break into the Liverpool first team.
8. Robin Ramírez (Paraguay)
The rise to prominence of the Paraguayan national team over the last decade has much to do with the emergence of highly talented attackers such as Salvador Cabañas, Santa Cruz and Nelson Haedo Valdez. From what we have seen so far in the South American championship, Ramírez is likely to follow in their footsteps. The Libertad striker has already notched four goals in the tournament, including a superb hat trick in a 5-1 demolition of Bolivia.
9. Santiago García (Uruguay)
At only 18, the “Uruguayan Samuel Eto’o” is one of the most sought-after strikers in South American soccer. Like Eto’o, García is a goal machine, having already scored twice in the tournament, including an extraordinary winner in the 3-2 victory over Chile. García rounded the goalkeeper with exquisite skill before slotting the ball into an empty net.
His ruthlessness in front of goal, as well as his physical presence and speed, are much of the reason why several clubs are after his services. But for now, his current club, Nacional of Montevideo, has rejected five offers. Uruguay has been by far the best team in the tournament, and much of the reason for this is the presence of its strikers, where García has been particularly important.
10. Rafael Romo (Venezuela)
It’s unknown whether he will go onto bigger things in the future, but Romo has been the main reason why the hosts remain in the competition. On Tuesday, the huge goalkeeper made a crucial 94th-minute penalty save that gave his side a point that sent it through to the final stage of the competition. The hero of the night was also important in Venezuela’s other three matches. If he continues to impress, he could be one of few Venezuelan goalkeepers to succeed in Europe.
Gregory Sica
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