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As the dust settles on the first ever FIFA tournament being held in India, we can look back at it with fond memories. However, the best was saved for the last, with England making a spectacular comeback to win 5-2 against the mighty Spain.
La Roja raced to a 2-0 lead but this English side showed how different they are. Aided by a brace from Golden Ball winner Philip Foden, the Young Lions came back to trump their Spanish counterparts 5-2.
As we have seen from the triumphs of the U19s and U20s, England has got a brilliant pool of youngsters waiting in the wings; the U17s proved to be no different. Every couple of years, these talented teenagers light up the tournament and it provides a good platform for clubs to snap up talent before they become too expensive. This year has been no different and here’s a list of 5 players who shone most brightly in the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup:
#1 Rhian Brewster
One of the pre-tournament stars to look forward to, Rhian Brewster lived up to expectations. This is Brewster fighting back from heartbreak. Having lost the U17 European Championship final against the same opponent earlier this year, the Liverpool forward put those bad memories to bed with a goal that started their comeback in the final against the same opponents.
Brewster is quick and agile as well as remarkably clinical, winning the Golden Boot with eight goals to his name. Nothing could be bigger than scoring consecutive hat-tricks in the knockout stages against USA and Brazil. Under the mentorship of Steven Gerrard, this prodigy could become the star of the future.
#2 Phil Foden
The best player and deservedly the Golden Ball winner. Those who had seen Phil Foden closely would have expected this. The Manchester City starlet was in fine form throughout the tournament cementing his place as the best with a brace against La Roja in the final. His silky skills down the flanks complemented by his wonderful work rate were one of the reasons England emerged victorious.
A jewel of the Manchester City Academy, he is one player earmarked to earn a place in Pep Guardiola’s first-team in coming years. In fact, he already has been a part of the first team securing a place on the bench for a Champions League game last year. Under the watchful eyes of Guardiola, this young man will hope to go a long way in fulfilling his potential.
#3 Abel Ruiz
Another of the La Masia graduates coming to the fore, Abel Ruiz has already scored for the Barcelona B’s in the second division. Captaining La Roja, only Rhian Brewster scored more goals than Ruiz’s six. More of a traditional number 9, this young lad from Catalonia can be a good replacement for Luis Suarez in the coming years.
With a release clause of just €3 million, the Barcelona authorities will be waiting for the starlet at the airport with a new deal amid reported interests from European giants. He has already written his name into Spanish football history because no one has ever scored as many goals, 27, at U17 level.
#4 Alan
Standing at 5ft 4in, Alan might have been one of the smallest players in the tournament but don’t let his height fool you as his sublime skills can embarrass even the best of players. Arriving in India as the next best thing from South America since Neymar, Alan single-handedly sparked a comeback against tournament favourites Germany in the quarterfinal to win the game 2-1.
Alan is a typical Brazilian playmaker who is fast on the ball and gifted with two quick feet. Alan’s agent has already been spotted with the Florentino Perez in Spain, sparking rumours that the player might join his compatriot Vinicius Junior at the Bernabeu.
#5 Sergio Gomez
Silver Ball winner, meaning the second-best player of the tournament after Phil Foden, Gomez thought he had won Spain the World Cup with two goals in the first 30 minutes but England’s response left him shell-shocked by full-time. He finished the tournament with 4 goals and 2 assists.
Another one of the famed La Masia graduates, Sergio Gomez has been one of the unsung heroes of La Roja’s run to the final. Gomez is very versatile and can play on either flank as well as in the centre of midfield having an eye for goal. The Silver Ball winner will have to work very hard to follow the footsteps of his idol Andres Iniesta.
Special Mention…
#6 Dheeraj Moirangthem
Though the Indian team lost all three group stage games, goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem received plenty of plaudits from all quarters. The teenager from Manipur was one of the main reasons why his team did not concede more than it did. Dheeraj became a fan favourite and it was evident from the cheers he got every time he made one of his monster throws. He made 16 saves in three matches.
His performances have led to the likes of Scottish team Motherwell and Australian side Perth Glory being reportedly interested in the Indian shot-stopper. He also has several offers of ISL franchises as well.
