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Which youngsters will break out at the 2009 FIFA World Cup in Egypt and become soccer's next big superstars?
Here are the top 10 candidates:
Giuliano Victor de Paula, Brazil
Known simply as Giuliano (don't all the great Brazilian players go by a single name?), this attacking midfielder is one of the hottest prospects in South America and is being touted as the next Ronaldinho. Already a star with Internacional, one of the top pro clubs in Brazil, Giuliano is renowned for his dribbling ability and visionary passing skills.
Abel Hernandez, Uruguay
The teenaged striker first shot to fame with Uruguayan side Central Espanol, scoring five goals in his first four games as a pro. Since then, he signed with Italian club Palermo and scored five goals for Uruguay at the 2009 South American Youth Championship, finishing as the tournament's joint top scorer.
Gavin Hoyte, England
A former captain of England's U-17 team, Hoyte should figure prominently for his country in Egypt. The Arsenal defender, currently on loan to Watford, can play at left or right fullback, but his best position is centre-back, where he can anchor the back line with poise and maturity. Older brother Justin, also a defender, plays for Middlesbrough.
Fran Merida, Spain
A product of FC Barcelona's youth system, Merida signed with Arsenal while still a teenager, leading the Catalan club to taking legal action. No wonder they were sour about losing Merida, a technically proficient midfielder whom Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has labelled an "absolutely amazing talent."
Hernan Perez, Paraguay
The attacking midfielder was one of the best players at the 2009 South American Youth Championship, scoring five goals in seven games and playing a prominent role in helping Paraguay finish second overall in the tournament. Perez's greatest asset is his versatility, as he can play on either wing, as a midfield creator or up front as a target man.
Brian Perk, United States
The U.S. has a proven track record of producing top-notch goalkeepers, and Perk could be the next in a long line of American shot stoppers to take the game by storm. Still in school at UCLA, Perk showed great maturity beyond his years at the CONCACAF qualifiers when he posted four consecutive shutouts.
Roger Rojas, Honduras
This 19-year-old striker has it all, balancing speed, acceleration and a natural goal-scorer's instinct — he scored four goals in six games during the CONCACAF qualifiers. He's currently playing for Honduran club Olimpia, but Premiership side Wigan Athletic has been tracking Rojas and it's only a matter of time before he makes his way to England.
Ransford Osei, Ghana
Currently on loan with Dutch club FC Twente, Osei lived up to his reputation as an opportunistic goal machine by finishing as top scorer (seven goals) and being named tournament MVP at the 2009 African Youth Championship. Possessing explosive speed and good skills off the ball, the Ghanaian will give defenders all they can handle in Egypt.
Cho Young-Cheol, South Korea
Still only 20, this South Korea striker has turned a lot of heads since making his pro debut for Yokohama FC in Japan's top division. He famously scored 10 goals against Guam in the qualifiers for the 2008 Asian Youth Championship and was a member of the South Korean team that participated at last year's Summer Olympics in Beijing.
Richard Sukuta-Pasu, Germany
The Bayer Leverkusen star endeared himself to the German public when he scored the winning goal in extra time against the Czech Republic in the semifinals of last year's European U-19 Championship. He followed that up with another winner against Italy in the final, and big things are expected of him in Egypt.
Here are the top 10 candidates:
Giuliano Victor de Paula, Brazil
Known simply as Giuliano (don't all the great Brazilian players go by a single name?), this attacking midfielder is one of the hottest prospects in South America and is being touted as the next Ronaldinho. Already a star with Internacional, one of the top pro clubs in Brazil, Giuliano is renowned for his dribbling ability and visionary passing skills.
Abel Hernandez, Uruguay
The teenaged striker first shot to fame with Uruguayan side Central Espanol, scoring five goals in his first four games as a pro. Since then, he signed with Italian club Palermo and scored five goals for Uruguay at the 2009 South American Youth Championship, finishing as the tournament's joint top scorer.
Gavin Hoyte, England
A former captain of England's U-17 team, Hoyte should figure prominently for his country in Egypt. The Arsenal defender, currently on loan to Watford, can play at left or right fullback, but his best position is centre-back, where he can anchor the back line with poise and maturity. Older brother Justin, also a defender, plays for Middlesbrough.
Fran Merida, Spain
A product of FC Barcelona's youth system, Merida signed with Arsenal while still a teenager, leading the Catalan club to taking legal action. No wonder they were sour about losing Merida, a technically proficient midfielder whom Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has labelled an "absolutely amazing talent."
Hernan Perez, Paraguay
The attacking midfielder was one of the best players at the 2009 South American Youth Championship, scoring five goals in seven games and playing a prominent role in helping Paraguay finish second overall in the tournament. Perez's greatest asset is his versatility, as he can play on either wing, as a midfield creator or up front as a target man.
Brian Perk, United States
The U.S. has a proven track record of producing top-notch goalkeepers, and Perk could be the next in a long line of American shot stoppers to take the game by storm. Still in school at UCLA, Perk showed great maturity beyond his years at the CONCACAF qualifiers when he posted four consecutive shutouts.
Roger Rojas, Honduras
This 19-year-old striker has it all, balancing speed, acceleration and a natural goal-scorer's instinct — he scored four goals in six games during the CONCACAF qualifiers. He's currently playing for Honduran club Olimpia, but Premiership side Wigan Athletic has been tracking Rojas and it's only a matter of time before he makes his way to England.
Ransford Osei, Ghana
Currently on loan with Dutch club FC Twente, Osei lived up to his reputation as an opportunistic goal machine by finishing as top scorer (seven goals) and being named tournament MVP at the 2009 African Youth Championship. Possessing explosive speed and good skills off the ball, the Ghanaian will give defenders all they can handle in Egypt.
Cho Young-Cheol, South Korea
Still only 20, this South Korea striker has turned a lot of heads since making his pro debut for Yokohama FC in Japan's top division. He famously scored 10 goals against Guam in the qualifiers for the 2008 Asian Youth Championship and was a member of the South Korean team that participated at last year's Summer Olympics in Beijing.
Richard Sukuta-Pasu, Germany
The Bayer Leverkusen star endeared himself to the German public when he scored the winning goal in extra time against the Czech Republic in the semifinals of last year's European U-19 Championship. He followed that up with another winner against Italy in the final, and big things are expected of him in Egypt.
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