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There's only a week to go before youth football’s biggest extravaganza begins in India. India is all set to host this year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup and some of the teams have already arrived.
All the squads for the FIFA U-17 World Cup have been already named and there is no doubt that many players playing in this tournament will be seen at Qatar in 2022 or who knows, they might even make Russia for next year’s FIFA World Cup.
Free-kick goals have always been one of football's great beauty. We have seen a lot of spectacular free kicks from legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos among others. Now let us take a look at top 5 young free-kick takers who will be displaying their skills in the showpiece event.
#5 Luis Miguel Lopez - Colombia
The least-known name in the list. The South American 16-year-old striker is not a regular free kick taker. The Santa Fe player just scored one goal in the qualifiers which was a free kick, a beautiful curler from a considerable distance. Let's hope to see more free kicks from Miguel Lopez in India.
#4 Alan Guimaraes - Brazil
Brazil are one of the favourites to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup and have got a host of talented players in the team. But when it comes to free kicks, Alan Guimaraes is the name that we have to look for. Alan is a regular set-piece taker for the Canarinhos and has taken a few fantastic free kicks.
#3 Angel Gomes - England
Angel Gomes is one of Manchester United's most talented youth product. Gomes has been a regular set-piece taker in United's youth teams and has scored some goals from direct free kicks. We can hope to see some of his magic in India too.
#2 Sanjeev Stalin - India
One of the best players in the Indian squad, Stalin has scored some wonderful curlers ever since he linked up with the Colts, impressing Indian football fans all and sundry. The 16-year-old full-back is the main set-piece taker for the Colts. The fans would hope that they will see more of Stalin's magic as India are getting ready to participate in the World Cup for the first time in history.
#1 Takefusa Kubo - Japan
The 16-year-old has been nicknamed Japan's Lionel Messi. Kubo was part of Barcelona's famous La Masia youth system before moving to Japan in 2015. Japan had produced some set-piece specialists in past and Kubo has been tipped to join the line. His magic on set-pieces has made him top the list and India will soon see his magic during next month's FIFA U-17 World Cup.
