Generation 2022: Al-Kass Under-17 International Cup – Scouting Report

Always on the lookout for new talent here at Just Football, we sent our man in Qatar to check out the inaugural Al-Kass International Under-17 tournament. A warm welcome to Raphael Nawari, who reports on a competition full of promising youngsters:

In a small secluded part of the world, the new stars of tomorrow are taking part in a newly formed tournament, which in years to come will be considered as one of the better known youth tournaments, rivalling the Milk Cup and others where the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi have graced us with their precocious talents.

The Al-Kass International U-17s tournament took place in January at Aspire Zone, Doha, which will host the World Cup in 2022. No expense has been spared here to help the teams transition into the professional game, from 5 star accommodation, private buses, and press conferences to live TV coverage.

The teams have come from far and wide, representing four different continents. From Europe the powerhouses of Barcelona, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, and Ajax. From Asia, Kashima Antlers of Japan and Al-Jazira UAE, from South America Vasco Da Gama of Brazil and finally, from Africa we have Al Ahly of Egypt. The hosts have two teams representing them, Aspire Qatar and Aspire International, which completes the line up.

Some of the players have been of outstanding quality, so for Just Football I have compiled a list of ten to look out for in the future, players who stood out and shone from the rest. For all we know, playing in front of these very fortunate small crowds are the stars of World Cup 2022. It may come as no surprise to you that the list is made up of mainly front men and creative players.

10) Lucas Da Silva Augusto (Midfielder, Vasco da Gama and Brazil)

He starts on the bench, but when this boy comes on, he lights up the park. A breath of fresh air as he has the ability to unlock play. With the ability to beat a man one on one he can distribute wisely using his wide peripheral vision and always has an eye for goal, cutting in from the flanks. With a drop of the shoulder he can change direction and with it change the play. A true asset to the team.

9) Lucas Del Campo Montoliu (Defender, Barcelona and Spain)

A dynamic left back who loves to attack. He can play out wide as well as cut in and attack more centrally. Good at pressuring the man on the ball and times tackles well. He has exceptional stamina and is a very modern day left back.

8 ) Sho Abe (Defender, Kashima Antlers and Japan)

Very good technically and has a very high completion rate on all passes. Creative minded and a fierce competitor. Very disciplined but when given a chance he will beat his man, either by trickery or playing an intelligent pass. His movement down the flanks is excellent and covers well when others are out of position.

7) Adrien Rabiot Provost (Defensive Midfielder, Paris-Saint Germain and France)

A big holding midfielder, good at breaking up opponents play but equally comfortable creating. Strong aerially and composed on the ball. He does all the fundamentals well and is a natural competitor, chooses his moments well and is positionally astute for his age.

6) Djavan Lorenzo Anderson (Midfielder, Ajax and Holland)

Can be described as a more mobile version of Xabi Alonso, he spreads the ball really well with good accurate short and long range distribution. He gets up and down the pitch quite effortlessly  and is the leader of the pack, instructing those around him all the time with a good sense of where the play is heading.

5) Danilo Barbosa Da Silva (Playmaker, classic number 10, Vasco Da Gama and Brazil)

He links up the play well and can collect from deep then open the play up with a single penetrative pass. He likes receiving the ball in the middle of the park so that the play is usually in front of him, with good balance and technical ability mixed with the vision to spot a killer pass, we might be seeing him in Europe not too far from now.

4) Mattiello Federico (Attacking midfielder, Juventus and Italy)

Natural finisher with a knack for being at the right place at the right time. Federico plays in the pockets of spaces between midfield and defence. Has the ability to finish with both feet and a decent in the air. His movement and timing are what make him so exceptional at this age group and he hit four goals in Juventus’ run to the final.

3) Sandro Ramirez Castillo (Forward, Barcelona and Spain)

Spanish U-17s international. Front man with the ability to play out wide or down the middle. Technique comes natural to the boys of La Masia and it’s no different here. Skilful and knows how to generate space. What sets him apart is his decision making ability, – he made the right decisions 90% of the time here and was able to execute. With these attributes, and further development in the coming years, Sandro is definitely one for the future.

2) Hervin Ongenda (Forward, Paris Saint-Germain)

Already an international for France U17s. Strong, powerful, quick and those are just his natural attributes. With regards to quality, he is extremely sound technically, useful with either foot and recognises where he needs to be to facilitate space for himself and teammates. Always a willing runner, he works the flanks and links up well from deeper positions as well as more advanced positions. His finishing is emphatic and has a deft touch.

1) Alain Richard Ebwelle (Forward, Barcelona and Spain)

Electric, a player you want on the ball every time. Ebwelle is direct and exciting to watch. His control, touch, balance, skill, pace and technique all seem extremely natural. Very impressive close control and has immense acceleration to leave defenders trailing. Plays out wide or through the middle and was the best player on display in Qatar.

Keep an eye out for these guys in future, they may well be breaking into first teams around Europe and the world before you know it.

(Photo credit (and for more info) see: Al-Kass official site)

Ajax, FC Barcelona, Juventus, Kashima Antlers, Paris St Germain, Qatar, Vasco da Gama, Youth Academies, Youth Football