The Five Best Players From The Under-17 World Cup

With the dust settling on an exciting Under-17 World Cup, it’s time to pick out the players that stood out the most across the course of the tournament in India. England might’ve won the competition and had the star player, but they were not the only nation to shine. Rather than several players from one team, here are five players, one from each of the stand out teams in at the competitions.

Phil Foden - England

Without a doubt the star of the tournament, Phil Foden has shone in India like no other player. This was crowned with a sensational performance in the final, as England stunned Spain and ran riot to claim the trophy. Foden’s individual class came through more than any other player, and demonstrated that England do not need to envy any other nation when it comes to producing young talent.

Operating off the right flank for the Three Lions, he often likes to cut inside on his left foot. With his smooth technique and movement, he does so with ease and looks to open up play for others - or himself. His weight of pass is excellent and he demonstrated this especially so against the Spanish, as he unlocked their defence effortlessly with threaded through balls.

Those close to Foden say he’s a grounded individual, and keeps himself to himself, but on the field he’s a highlight reel and can also weave around opponents with his skill and close control. Foden scored three times in India, and also provided one assist. Away from the numbers though it’s his ability control and dictate games that sets him apart. Few have the belief, or ability to, do such a thing - the Manchester City star has that in abundance however.

Pep Guardiola is already well aware of the player and has been for quite some time, such is the level of appreciation he has for the young Englishman. They say that Foden studies David Silva meticulously, and it might not be long before the student makes the grade.

Abel Ruiz - Spain

A disappointing final result for Spain can’t take away the performance of Abel Ruiz across the course of the tournament, and it won’t be any surprise when the day comes that he’s one of the top marksman in football. In Spain they have been aware of Ruiz’s potential for quite some time, going back to reputable youth tournaments when hadn’t even reached his teens. Now captaining Spain, the signs are stronger than ever that Ruiz could well go on to be Spain’s next great striker.

Picked up by Barcelona from Valencia, Ruiz demonstrated his ability to lead a team once again in India. He’s a powerful, sharp, intelligent centre-forward who can lead the line on his own with ease despite his young age. Ruiz can tire opponents out with his movement and drag them out of their comfort zones, but also a natural striking instinct inside the penalty area.

He finished second top scorer in India and while some of his goals did come from the penalty spot, Ruiz did show his ability to handle pressure and step up when his team needed him most. This is what makes the 17-year-old so special, he has qualities in his game that go beyond being taught - he’s a natural leader and pure centre forward.

Paulinho - Brazil

Another Brazilian named Paulinho. This one proved to be one of the most consistent goal threats for Brazil as they finished third place in India. He wasted no time in making a name for himself as a constant danger from wide positions either, and his superb goal against Spain in their opener group game set the tone for his tournament.

Paulinho was an electric presence out wide, always looking to drive in with pace and open up for a shot or to play in a teammate. He finished with three goals and two assists in India as he showed the ability to balance his duties, and wasn’t just about individual quality. His skill and ability in one vs. one situations made him a particularly awkward threat to mark up.

So what next for Paulinho? Europe is of course at the forefront of most young Brazilian’s minds, especially after seeing the success of Neymar and Gabriel Jesus at major clubs in recent years. Its a Portuguese star however that Paulinho idolises the most, and looks up to for inspiration when it comes to shaping his game.

“My inspiration is Cristiano Ronaldo. He has the ambition to always want to be a better player. He is always looking to develop himself and for that he has to be very hard-working.”

Mo Camara - Mali

There has been no shortage of midfielders emerging from Africa to the top of the European game over the years, and Mo Camara of Mali might well be one to join that elite list. The one game in which he was absent for, against Spain, was when his team looked at their most vulnerable and it’s no coincidence that Camara wasn’t around.

He was an all-action presence in midfield, demonstrating his ability to help the defence out by regaining the ball and pressing opponents, but in attack he also offered support. Camara’s quick and assertive in everything he does, whether it is beating a man or feeding the attack with a pass. His movement impressed too, and his bursts in the final third often opened up teams such was his ability when running with the ball.

Currently with Real Bamako in his native country, the Mali captain will be on the shortlist of most European teams now surely following his string of impressive displays.

Juan Peñaloza - Colombia

Colombia might’ve fallen short in the early stages of the knockout rounds in India, but they perhaps come away with a new potential superstar in their midst. Looking to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Falcao and James Rodriguez, 17-year-old Juan Peñaloza announced himself on the world stage in emphatic fashion before Colombia’s last 16 KO.

Penaloza’s background makes for heavy reading too. He grew up in the Comuna 13 area of Medellín, notorious for its violence and general crime. Such is the fine line between life and death there, the player watched as his brother was killed.

He looks to leave that all behind on the football field however and did so impressively in India, registering three goals and producing some of the moments of the tournament. First he scored a dramatic winner to break Indian hearts early on in the group stages, then came a special goal against USA as Penaloza stood over a free-kick on the left hand side of the area, and from a tight angle unleashed a fierce drive into the net. Afterwards he ran to the bench in celebration before holding up a t-shirt of his brother.

Penaloza has the look of a player who could dominate in the game today. He’s strong, tall, powerful and boasts blistering pace. He’s also smart in and around the area however, offering the ability to hold up the ball and bring others in to play. With a fierce shot, and a knack for popping up in goalscoring positions.

His performances in India have alerted the big teams, as he plays for the modest outfit Estudiantil. Like most young Colombians his dream is to play at Atletico Nacional, and of course, make the move to Europe.