Top 5 European Under-21 players to watch

The Under-21 European Championship gets under way today with England playing their first match against Italy tomorrow evening. It’s an exciting event which will showcase some of the best young talent Europe has to offer.

It’s also a superb opportunity for players from different countries to fight against common themes like trying to win their club place back or trying to force a move in the summer transfer market.

Here are five players to keep an eye on.

Wilfried Zaha – England

Wilfried Zaha showed with his late season performances for English Championship side Crystal Palace that he’s versatile as a winger or in the pocket behind a main striker.

Zaha scored six goals and provided ten assists for Crystal Palace last season meaning he is one of the names certain to be down on every team sheet for England and one of the few players in Stuart Pearce’s squad effective in terms of scoring and creating goals.

Zaha Top 5 European Under 21 players to watch (including Manchester United and Liverpool future stars)

A new Asian power? Tracking the rise of football in Uzbekistan

A new Asian power? Tracking the rise of football in Uzbekistan

Wolves are a fascinating species. When it comes to sustaining dominance, wolves tend to display an act of submission or ‘giving in’ to the dominant wolf. On the other hand, the dominant wolf, known as the alpha male, demonstrates his power by getting each and every pack member’s attention.
Similar is the case of the ‘White Wolves’ of Asian football at a continental and eventually, a global platform. If you were to ask me a year ago what is the Central Asian country of Uzbekistan known for I would have answered: gold, copper and natural gas. Never football.
Critics in the Asian scene have consistently underrated and written off Uzbekistan in major tournaments and the Uzbeks in return have somehow proved them wrong. With encouraging performances last year alone from all levels, starting at U-16 through to the AFC Champions League and all the way to the national team, perhaps it will only be a matter of time until we see Uzbekistan rise to the same level alongside such Asian greats as Japan, South Korea, Iran and Australia.
One of the most esteemed clubs of the nation, FC Bunyodkor, a club where the colossal Rivaldo played for 3 years, including a season under Scolari’s management (now back at the helm of Brazil); carries quite some story. It only took the club 3 years, since their formation in 2005, to reach the AFC Champions League, and that too bowing out to Australian side Adelaide United in the semi-finals. A historic achievement by all means. And since then, they’ve managed to get past the group stages in each of the following AFC Champions League seasons.

At the preceding AFC Champions League, they beat the very team that denied the club from moving into the finals in their inaugural season, to set up a semi-final clash with South Korean side Ulsan Hyundai. Bunyodkor, at this point, was only a few difficult steps away from staking a claim as Champions of Asia and consequently, facing the big dogs of various continents in the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup in December. However, such tale did not turn into gold, and instead they bowed out in the semi-finals yet again.
Drifting away from the club scene over to the international squad, they too have been improving and enjoying a solid outing as well. They’ve strengthened their case at the Asian level with quarter-final finishes in both the 2004 and 2007 editions of the AFC Asian Cup. Four years later and progress was once more evident, achieving a convincing and rewarding 4th place finish in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup held in Qatar.
Uzbekistan’s development has not stagnated, in fact the ambitions have only grown, with their main objective now being to reach the 2014 World Cup. Surprisingly or not, their goal is looking realistic, as they currently sit on top of Group B in the AFC qualification.
With three more games remaining in their attempt to earn a spot in Brazil, their subsequent back-to-back 1-0 victories over Qatar and Iran, has given them the confidence they need to appear in their first ever World Cup. As it stands right now, Group B of the Asian qualifiers is open for any of the 5 teams for the taking, where South Korea are the natural favourites. Anything is possible.

The future of Uzbekistan looks bright too, which is important for their continuation and growth. The U-16 team, after being runners up in the 2010 AFC Championship, lost to Uruguay in the quarter-finals of the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico. This time round, the young ‘White Wolves’ ended up winning the 2012 AFC Championships held in Iran, having beaten all three regional heavy weights in succession; South Korea in the quarters, Iran in the semis and finally, Japan. This victory earned them an automatic berth in next year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates.
Off the field there have also been achievements, with the country’s FA winning the prestigious FIFA Fair Play Award at the Ballon d’Or Awards earlier this year. This comes after Uzbekistan was awarded the equivalent in Asia based on the dedication and good behaviour displayed by Uzbek national teams and club sides participating in AFC competitions during the past year.
In all seriousness, Uzbek football is making amendments to the way the world views Asian football. Their physical strength and aggressive style of play can only be matched by Australia, and with technical players like the Uzbek Maradona, Server Djeparov, as well as Azizbek Haydarov, the midfield looks set for glory in the immediate future. The attack is lacking a consistent performer, but with this unknown country comes many unknown, but positive possibilities.

Soccer's Rising Stars: 10 Standout Players from the 2010 World Cup

Soccer's Rising Stars: 10 Standout Players from the 2010 World                    Cup

1)NAME: Thomas Muller, MF/FW

COUNTRY/AGE: Germany/20

CURRENT TEAM: Bayern Munich

I say: Thomas Muller looked out of his depth playing for Bayern Munich in the Champions League final against Inter Milan. He didn't look capable of operating effectively as a wide attacker—wrong! In South Africa, he's shown pretty much everything you could want from the position. Desire, energy, tremendous touch, and a goal threat. He tore England a new one in the last 16, and it's a shame he was forced (unjustly) to sit out the semi-final.

Team that should buy him: Bayern Munich isn't about to let him go. Their own Champions League final appearance coupled with the German performance in the World Cup suggest the Bundesliga is looking ripe for a renaissance over the next couple of seasons. He's staying put.

2)NAME: Alexis Sanchez, FW

COUNTRY/AGE: Chile/21

CURRENT TEAM: Udinese

I say: Sanchez's performances in Chile's group games were mesmerizing. A bundle of attacking energy, he seemed a genuine threat every time he got the ball. Chile's style brought them to the attention of fans over the world, and Sanchez was the team's standout player.

Team that should buy him: The wide attacker was being tracked by some of Europe's big guns before the tournament and looks likely to leave Italian club Udinese. Real Madrid is thought to be on the lookout, although Sanchez has reportedly set his sights on Manchester United.

3)NAME: Fabio Coentrao, DF

COUNTRY/AGE: Portugal/22

CURRENT TEAM: Benfica

I say: Coentrao often offered Portugal their best attacking weapon with his lung-bursting runs from the left fullback position. While the Portuguese team as a whole were quite defensive in South Africa, the Benfica defender offered youthful energy in abundance and was perhaps the prime reason for the six second-half goals bagged in the 7-0 win over North Korea.

Team that should buy him: Coentrao enjoyed a great year with double-winners Benfica last term and was already tipped to move on. Both Real Madrid, where fellow Portuguese Jose Mourinho is now at the helm, and Barcelona could view the left-back spot as their weak links. Could Fabio be the man to fill one of them?

4)NAME: Mesut Ozil, MF/FW

COUNTRY/AGE: Germany/21

CURRENT TEAM: Werder Bremen

I say: Any watchers of the UEFA Europa League may have seen this one coming, with Ozil regularly showing his range of incisive dribbling and ball-carrying skills over the past two years for Werder Bremen. Spanish midfielder Xavi obviously wasn't one of them, admitting to a German paper that he hadn't been aware of Ozil before the tournament. What Ozil has proved in the "hole" for the Germans is a wonderful awareness of his teammates, belying his tender age.

Team that should buy him: Ozil will be one of the most sought-after properties in football following the tournament. Any English Premier League side would be glad to have him, as his pace and movement fit the league's highenergy style. His control of the game mark him out as a potential replacement for Cesc Fabregas at Arsenal, should the midfielder move to Barca as expected.

5)NAME: Keisuke Honda, FW

COUNTRY/AGE: Japan/24

CURRENT TEAM: CSKA Moscow

I say: Honda began making a name for himself in the Champions League when he moved to CSKA in January, but it was rumored a substantial ego threatened his place in the Japan team. Bet they're glad they stuck with him. Honda's directness in front of goal made him hugely dangerous throughout the tournament, and he bagged three of his country's four goals. A wonderful free kick against Denmark was the pick.

Team that should buy him: Top managers take huge egos in stride these days, so Honda's attitude won't scare off too many big guns. If he saw CSKA as a stepping stone to a major European team, then it's worked quickly—and most sides will show an interest. AC Milan could look to freshen their forward line, and it's reported one of their major sponsors could be smoothing the way for the transfer.

6)NAME: Diego Lugano, DF

COUNTRY/AGE: Uruguay/29

CURRENT TEAM: Fenerbahce

I say: Lugano's a bit of an old-stager in terms of this list, and while Forlan and Suarez have taken the headlines for goals, Lugano's performances in defense have been just as important. A robust and powerful leader, Lugano missed the semi-final against Holland with injury. Epitomizing the rugged Uruguay of old, the captain helped ensure his team hold the opposition scoreless in the group stages. A late developer at club level, he's now employing his experience to maximum effect.

Team that should buy him: His never-say-die attitude and well-timed tackling could make him a hit in both England and Italy. If Manchester United were to lose Nemanja Vidic to a Spanish side, they could do worse then look to Lugano as a replacement.

7)NAME: Asamoah Gyan, FW

COUNTRY/AGE: Ghana/24

CURRENT TEAM: Rennes

I say: Asamoah Gyan put down a marker at the World Cup in 2006 and he was expected to make a name for himself quickly—but he went a bit quiet. However, after three goals in the 2010 African Cup of Nations, he came alive in South Africa, leading the line fearlessly with seemingly limitless energy. After missing a penalty with the last kick of the game against Uruguay he proved he had the biggest pair in the tournament by stepping up to strike home the first kick of the shootout.

Team that should buy him: Looks certain to move on from Rennes with West Ham among the names linked. His energy would certainly suit the Premier League, but could well choose to join up with teammate Dominic Adiyah at AC Milan. The aging Milanese could do with his energy.

8)NAME: Luis Suarez, FW

COUNTRY/AGE: Uruguay/23

CURRENT TEAM: Ajax

I say: Suarez was busy making his name at Ajax last season, scoring 49 goals in 48 appearances and kick-started his World Cup in the same way, bagging three goals—the best of the bunch the curling winner against South Korea in the last 16. However, he will be forever remembered as the man who handled the ball on the line in the closing seconds of the quarter-final with Ghana. The World Cup's number-one villain.

Team that should buy him: Suarez will struggle next season as opposing fans choose to mark him out as football's bad guy after his handball. Players from the Dutch league often make a move to England, where they can either fly like Ruud van Nistelrooy or dive like Mateja Kezman.

9)NAME: Javier Hernandez, FW

COUNTRY/AGE: Mexico/22

CURRENT TEAM: Chivas/Man. United

I say: Hernandez never really got the starting place that his sharpness and deft finishing seemed to deserve. Scored a great goal against the French in the group stage, and when he finally played from the off against Argentina, he scored a beautiful consolation, rolling his defender, and turning with aplomb before finishing with confidence. The future of the Mexican team.

Team that should buy him: Manchester United had already done the business with this guy before the World Cup, and will be glad that they won't have to spend the extra millions that his performances would have required.

10)NAME: Kevin Prince Boateng, MF

COUNTRY/AGE: Ghana/23

CURRENT TEAM: Portsmouth

I say: Kevin Prince Boateng took the late decision to defect from Germany (who he represented at youth levels) and play for Ghana. A skilled but sometimes selfish and over-elaborate player for Portsmouth in the Premier League, those qualities seemed to be exactly what invigorated him here. Certainly looked to seize the opportunity and never stop running, probing, and passing and always looked Ghana's most likely source of creation.

Team that should buy him: Portsmouth, in dire financial straits, will definitely have to sell their one prized asset. Tottenham have a habit of re-purchasing players they sell to Portsmouth but perhaps the Premier League, where his individual style does not always go down so well, is not the place for him. One of the bigger Spanish sides like Atletico Madrid could help him continue to develop. Lazio and Genoa have also been linked.