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World U17 Best XI 2011

On completion of the series about players who didn’t make it who were touted at a young age, I thought it would be necessary to look at the stars of tomorrow who still have their futures unwritten ahead of them. This team doesn’t include Andy Polo, Yuri Mamute, Islam Feruz or Gerard Deulofeu (some of which may not have even made the team regardless). This is because, this team has been drawn up after watching the U17 World Cup with a keen eye, picking out who I thought were the best performing players in a tournament, a tournament that included Chelsea’s Lucas Piazon and Arsenal’s Kyle Ebecillio (both noticeable omissions from my select eleven). This is the world stage and where players start to build their worldwide reputations. Be aware that some of these may never fulfil there potentials, even those who are considered head and shoulders better than the rest – Kerlon, Johnnier Montano, Lulinha, Leandro Bonfim et al. Nevertheless, these guys have made huge strides in their paths to stardom.

Notice that even this team highlights the fall of Jean Carlos Chera who made his name through his youtube sensation video at a very young age. He has since been labelled something of a prima donna whose ability has stalled in a similar way to Cherno Samba’s did so via Genoa and Flamengo having left Santos.

So here it is, my select World XI of players who played in the U17 World Cup in the summer of 2011…

Selection made after the U17 World Cup 2011 performances

The First Elevern

Goalkeeper Jonathan CUBERO (Uruguay) Cubero is the complete goalkeeper and at this age, that is something of a rarity. He has great shot stopping skills, as many great keepers at this age would possess, however, he also has great decision making, handling and is fantastic at catching crosses that come through the box. Cubero showed his class in an average Uruguay side and won the FIFA U17 World Cup Golden Gloves award for the best goalkeeper.

Right Back WALLACE (Brazil) Brazil has produced so many great fullbacks: Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Maicon, Daniel Alves, Marcelo et al. Expect to add Wallace to that list in the near future. He was probably the quickest player off the mark at the tournament and like his predessessors he became unstoppable when he got into momentum. The goal he scored against Denmark was a particular highlight. Wallace, like Maicon and Cafu, combines attacking prowess with a good defensive positioning and reading of the game. 

Left Back  Fumiya HAYAKAWA (Japan) Japan were touted to play the best football of the tournament despite going out early in the quarter finals against Brazil. Many of the Japanese could be in this squad but with the three goals Hayakawa scored he gets the nod. Their technical ability, short passing and interchange of positions of the squad was fantastic to watch. Hayakawa highlights what Japan were about. Primarily, Hayakawa played as a centre midfielder, however he also played as a striker, left winger and as a left back in Japan’s five matches. 

Centre Back Nathaniel CHALOBAH (England) The England captain was their most assured player and the most experienced in their squad also. Chalobah played part in the last U17 which won the U17 Euro’s in 2010 where they beat Spain in the final. Chalobah possesses an excellent defensive awareness, technical ability and leadership abilities. He came agonisingly close to scoring an overhead kick against Germany and scored the winning penalty over Argentina. Many within Chelsea see Chalobah as the natural replacement for John Terry.

Centre Back Raphael CALVET (France) Calvet just pipped the Mexico’s captain Antonio Briseno to centre back.  In the game against Ivory Coast he marked the standout striker Souleymane Coulibaly out of the match, giving him no breathing space and managed to keep him quiet from start to finish. Make no mistake this wasn’t down to Coulibaly playing badly, Calvet stepped up and showed everyone what he is capable of.

Right Wing Julio GOMEZ (Mexico) Awarded the best player in the competition with the Golden Ball, stood out in every game. In the semi final he scored two goals after suffering a serious blow to the head and performed the rest of the game with a Terry Butcher like headband around his head. Excellent technique and is so effective on the field of play, not a minute that he goes missing. Overhead kick and winning goal against Germany

Left Wing ADRYAN (Brazil) The Flamengo attacking midfielder was best when on the left wing. Adryan was the most impressive in a Brazilian side that included Chelsea’s Lucas Piazon. While Adryan may not be the quickest of players he is an excellent dribbler of the ball and it goes without saying has exceptional technique. Adryan scored one of the goals of the tournament against Japan. His set pieces added an extra dimension to Brazils attacking threats, scoring a direct free kick against Australia in the group stages. He scored five goals and and was plentiful in the assists department. Adryan has a huge future ahead of him. Highlights from his performances in the World Cup seen here

Centre Midfield Emre CAN (Germany) His manager Steffen Freund said that Emre Can was “the most complete player at his age I have ever seen.” Quite a statement. He showed no reason to state otherwise when he was given freedom to attack. His height and strength belied a delicate touch and a good dribbling ability. The German captain was a highly influential figure in the German side and this was evident when he was withdrawn through injury against the Mexicans in the semi final as they would eventually lose a 2-1 lead to lose 3-2 against Mexico. Can’s performance against Mexico was one of the standout performances of the world cup. Highlights including his wonder goal against Mexico

Centre Midfield Jorge ESPERICUETA (Mexico) Espericueta won the Silver Ball of the competition which is given to the second best performer of the World Cup. Despite his low profile, Espericueta was the most influential player in Mexico’s success in winning the World Cup. His left foot provided the heart beat to the Mexico side from a deep lying playmaking role, dictating the play and also providing an attacking threat by scoring two goals.

Striker  Samed YESIL (Germany) In a difficult choice between Yesil and Fierro (Mexico’s impressive striker), Yesil’s six goals and severn assists gave him the edge. Yesil has a tall yet lightweight frame and has an excellent awareness, show of strength and anticipation. Yesil was arguably the best penalty area goal poacher in the tournament. Not to be mistaken as a one trick pony, Yesil was arguably the best at link up play outside of the box also.

Striker Souleymane COULIBALY (Ivory Coast) The Tottenham and Ivory Coast frontman equalled the number of goals scored in the U17 World Cup (9 goals), and he did it in just four games. He started the tournament by scoring against Australia, he then scored all four in a 4-2 victory over Denmark and then scored a hat trick against Brazil in the final group match. His last and ninth goal of the tournament, came against France where he scored in the opening three minutes. But Calvet expertly kept him quiet for the rest of the game. He scored goals of a complete variety: right footed, left footed, tap ins, goals from acute angles and even an overhead kick to complete his hat trick against Brazil. Coulibaly’s movement off the ball was phenomenal and is not over reliant on pace to get his chances.   All nine goals can be seen here.

Subsitutions Bench

Abbosbek Makhstaliev (Uzbekistan) Hugely inspirational for a weaker side in the competition; Head and shoulders better than his team mates with his box to box centre midfield workman like performances. A sure future ahead of him with a top european side is a certain.

Victorien Angban (Ivory Coast) A 14 year old, along with Binguila and you wouldn’t have noticed it, not one bit. Angban is a tall creative midfielder who perhaps has a huge future ahead of him, but we’ll be saying that for the next six years. 

Hardy Binguila (Congo) Again only 14 but hugely impressive in midfield. Scored a goal in the tournament and possibly one of the best players in the Congo side. Again, a bright future.

Lucas Ocampos (Argentina) A very skilful attacking midfielder for a poor Argentina side. The opportunities to play first team football at River Plate could lead Ocampos onto the list of great players River Plate has produced over recent years.

Yassine Benzia (France) Unlucky not to make the first eleven, scoring five goals cutting in from the left wing for France. He has pace in abundance and has excellent awareness. He is most effective in and around the opponents box. Great future ahead of him with Lyon. 

Carlos Fierro (Mexico) Bronze ball award winner and scorer of four goals in severn games. He made the difference in many games. Fierro is a very quick and lively striker who again has a big future ahead of him.

Antonio Briseno (Mexico) Captain and solid defender for the Mexicans. Briseno won World Player of the week at goal.com and perhaps deserved more credit after the tournament as his team mates have so. 

Gaston Silva (Uruguay) Along with Briseno, very unlucky to miss out on the starting eleven in arguably the most competitive position in this eleven. Silva was the only defender in the ten man shortlist for the Golden Ball award. He was one of the best players in the Uruguay side and was highlighted as the reason they got so far in the competition.