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The countdown to the FIFA U-17 World Cup has reached single digits now with the first match set to be played on the 6th of October. The anticipation for the biggest footballing event ever hosted in India has reached sky high with the entire nation all set to root for the host team. These youngsters will be watched by millions with utmost scrutiny as the tournament will give us a first glimpse of the game's future superstars.
With the event set to be conducted in Asia, special focus will be on the players representing their countries from this part of the world. In total, five Asian countries have qualified for the World Cup namely India, Japan, Iran, Iraq and DPR Korea. In this segment, we will take a look at the five most promising Asian players who will be seen at the FIFA U-17 World Cup:
#5 Kim Pom Hyok (DPR Korea)
Korea DPR had to toil hard to reach the World Cup this year - the Asian side won just two games in regular time at the 2016 U-16 Asian Championship. This Korean side looks to play on the counter-attack and also press the opponents once they enter their half. The DPR Korean team are a hard-working unit and at the forefront of it is their star player and captain - Kim Pom Hyok.
Hyok plays generally in the number 6 position for North Korea which is the central midfielder's role. Hyok has a brilliant passing range and loves to carry the ball forward whenever possible. He is a good finisher and is also entrusted with the team's set-piece duties. Most importantly, Hyok never shies away from doing the dirty work and has one of the highest work rates in the Korean side.
#4 Komal Thatal (India)
The nation of 1.3 billion people will be watching with close attention when the Indian team will set foot to play in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. This is a huge event for this team and for Indian football in general, so it can be guessed how much pressure there will be on the shoulders of these young players. Considered by many as India's best player in this squad, Komal Thatal - the boy from Sikkim will have a lot of responsibility to shoulder in the group games.
A versatile player, Thatal can play in a midfield three or on the right wing. India generally play in a 4-3-3 formation and Thatal is expected to play most probably on the right flank. He is good with both of his feet and is brilliant in close spaces. He can beat his man with ease and can thread a pass for his teammate.
Thatal reads the game quicker than others which helps him to adjust quickly according to the situations. His work ethic is the one trait which sets him apart from his peers. You can expect Thatal to run his lungs out in every game that he plays for the country!
#3 Mohammad Ghaderi (Iran)
Iran does not have had a successful run in the U-17 World Cups so far with a surge until the round of 16 stage in 2005 being their highest ever finish. But the Asian giants will be looking to change that in the upcoming event and the player who will be given the charge of unlocking defences and creating chances for his teammates is Iran's left winger - Mohammad Ghaderi.
The teenager winger is considered as a left foot maestro in his homeland with his dribbling qualities and his skills in one on one situations being highly appreciated. He was one of Iran's go to guy in their World Cup qualification where he was the country's joint top scorer with three goals. Ghaderi has a huge career ahead of him with this World Cup being the first hurdle in his hopefully long international career.
#2 Mohammed Dawood (Iraq)
This year will mark Iraq's second appearance in the U-17 World Cup. Their first stint in 2013 was a forgettable one where Iraq finished bottom of their group. But this current crop of youngsters have stormed their way into the World Cup courtesy of a title win in the U-16 Asian championship where they beat Iran in the finals. Any successful team needs a prolific striker upfront and Iraq has that in the form of Mohammed Dawood.
Dawood wears the number 7 for Iraq and will arrive in the World Cup as Asian championship's top scorer. The teenager scored six goals in the competition, including a hattrick against Japan in the semis. Dawood has the predatory instincts required for a striker and can be found just at the right place at the right time. He is brilliant in the air and also takes pile driving spot kicks. Dawood is definitely a player to watch out for in the World Cup!
#1 Takefusa Kubo (Japan)
Asia's footballing powerhouses, Japan will look to have their best ever campaign in the U-17 World Cup with the Blue Samurais having the best run of only until the quarters in this competition. In their ranks, Japan has a forward who has already caught the attention of the world and is hailed as being the "Japanese Messi". Yes, we are talking about Takefusa Kuba. The 16-year-old sensation was signed by FC Barcelona when he was just 10.
But Barcelona had to let go of Kuba three years ago when the club was charged with violations regarding youth player policy. He has been with FC Tokyo since then with the Catalans having an option to sign him again when he turns 18. Earlier this year, he became FC Tokyo's youngest ever goalscorer at the age of 15 years and 10 months.
Kuba was seen in the FIFA U-20 World Cup earlier in 2017 and will now represent Japan in the U-17 edition. Talk of international achievements at such a young age!
