With the FIFA U20 World Cup having started, we look at some of the players to watch out for, who could make a difference for their sides. Here, we look at some of the players who could leave a mark from Group B.
Maykel Reyes(Cuba)
None of the players who have come with the Cuba squad to play in the World Cup, play outside the country, and the country itself is making its debut in the tournament. It was Reyes goals which assured Cuba of a ticket to the World Cup from the CONCACAF qualifying tournament in Mexico, and it will be a chance for him to impress on the world stage, and possibly get a move to Europe.
Kwon Chang-Hoon (South Korea)
Kwon plays as an attacking midfielder for the K-League side Suwon Samsung Bluewings. A dynamic player with good footballing sense, Kwon has a lovely left foot as well as good shooting and set-piece abilities. Kwon recently won the AFC U-19 Championship in 2012 with the South Korean U20 side.
Michael Olaitan (Nigeria)
Olaitan started his career at Mighty Jets in the Nigerian Premier League and in February 2011 he moved to Veria, who were playing in the Greek Football League (Beta Ethniki) at the time. He was a first team regular and one of the club’s best players during Veria’s successful 2011–12 season, when they won promotion to the Greek Superleague as runner-ups of the 2011–12 Football League. In December 2012, Olaitan was nominated for “Talent of the Year” in the Football League and in June 2013 he made his debut with the Nigerian U20 national team. He recently secured a move to Greek giants Olympiacos where he will be playing next season.
Tiago Ilori (Portugal)
Born in London, England to an English father of Nigerian descent and a Portuguese mother, Ilori joined Sporting Clube de Portugal’s youth ranks in the 2006 summer as a striker, signing from ImortalDesportivoClube. Following a loan to Lisbon neighbours G.D. Estoril Praia, Illorireturned and reconverted as a stopper. Ilori made his official debut for the Lions’ first team in 2011-12 season and has since gone on to make 12 appearances for them. He is a summer transfer target for Liverpool, and is widely expected to complete his transfer after the World Cup.
Bruma (Portugal)
Born in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, Bruma moved to Portugal as a child, joining Sporting Clube de Portugal’s academy before his 13th birthday. He proceeded to score more than 80 goals for the team’s various youth sides.Bruma made his senior debuts in 2012–13, starting with the B-team in the second division, and then going on to make 13 appearances for the first team. Bruma has been compared to former Brazilian great Ronaldo and at only 18 he could easily become a fixture in the Portuguese national team alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in the coming years.