The annual Toulon Tournament is the most prestigious of all the youth international tournaments in world football. It has a long-standing reputation as being a breeding ground for some of the finest players in the world, with the likes of Javier Mascherano, James Rodriguez and Thierry Henry among those to have been named as the competition’s outstanding player in past editions.
It got underway on Monday, with 12 Under-20 teams seeking to claim the 2017 title, among them hosts France, Brazil and defending champions England.
Given that the tournament is a proven producer of top-class internationals, here are five players worth keeping an eye out for in the coming fortnight.
#1 Ike Ugbo (Chelsea, England)
The striker has been in devastating form for Chelsea’s Under-23 side this season and is thought to be highly regarded by manager Antonio Conte, although he has not actually featured for the first team yet. Nevertheless, he is a player who has shown himself to be prolific with the Blues’ youth teams for several years now and notably scored a fine volley against Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup.
It is unlikely that he will have a chance with the Blues next term and is thought to be destined for a loan deal elsewhere. A strong showing in Toulon will make other Premier League clubs sit up and take notice, so this is a fine chance for the 18-year-old.
#2 Dayot Upamecano (RB Leipzig, France)
While the hosts have a number of talented players in their ranks, perhaps the most experienced is centre-back Dayot Upamecano, who has been earning rave reviews for his performances in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig. Just 18, he has played senior football for the last couple of campaigns, having turned out previously with Red Bull Salzburg, who sold him to their sister club in Germany for around €10 million in January.
France have many talented youngsters available to them currently, and it is a testimony to his qualities that he is regarded as one of the best amongst them. On home soil, he will see this as a valuable chance to shine.
#3 Regan Poole (Manchester United, Wales)
He might not have featured for Manchester United this season, but youngster Regan Poole is considered to be one of the most talented players in their academy. The centre-back or holding midfielder is comfortable on the ball and has an eye for a pass, leading to comparisons with former Old Trafford favourite Rio Ferdinand.
Poole debuted under Louis van Gaal against Midtjylland in the Europa League on the same night as Marcus Rashford but has not seen his career explode in the same manner. However, more maturity is required to play in the role he occupies and he has admitted that he is prepared to be patient to earn his chance.
Toulon provides him with the chance to show he can mix it with the best Under-20s in the world.
#4 Jean Thierry Lazare Amani (KAS Eupen, Ivory Coast)
Built in the mould of Claude Makelele or N’Golo Kante, 18-year-old Jean Amani is set to become the next diminutive midfielder of African origin to make an impact in Europe. He was picked up by Belgian side KAS Eupen from the Aspire Academy last summer and has already made a significant impression in the first team.
Unlike the aforementioned duo, though, Amani is a far more attacking player along the lines of Nice midfielder and compatriot Jean Michael Seri. He has scored two goals in Belgium’s top flight this season and has laid on four more, earning a reputation for being an excellent shooter from range. This is a chance to grow his reputation further.
#5 Marquinhos Cipriano (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
Brazil have drafted a young squad to take to France for this tournament. Although players born in 1997 are permitted, they have elected to carry instead of a squad of youngsters all born in 1999 in order to best prepare for South American championships of 2019, which can bring about Olympic qualification.
As a result, their panel really is stuffed full of players who are largely unknown now but harbour hopes of becoming the next Neymar. Among those are Marquinhos, a tall winger with a long stride but relentless movement. He has said that he models his game on Paris Saint-Germain winger Lucas Moura, who was at Sao Paulo before moving to Europe. Marquinhos, though, has shown that he has a greater eye for goal, and that could be vital for a team more inexperienced than any other in this tournament.
