The 2019 FIFA Under-20 World Cup has reached the semi-final stage as Italy, Ukraine, Ecuador and South Korea vie for the title. Which players have impressed thus far? And could Villa snag a future star or two from the tournament?
1. GK – Alessandro Plizzari, Italy, 19.2, Milan (Serie A)
Alessandro Plizzari has backstopped Italy to a place in the semi-finals after four spectacular games in net. Along with Ukraine’s Andriy Lunin (who was coincidentally recalled to the senior team, thus rendering him unavailable for the two nations’ matchup), the pair offer a glimpse of the future at the position.
We know Villa are in the market for a ‘keeper, but expectations would be that they are looking for an experienced Premier League No. 1. Plizzari might be young, but he’t not far from being a starter in a Top-5 European league.
Alessandro Plizzari is having an incredible #U20WC. Stuck behind Donnarumma at Milan 🤔.
— Claret Villans (@ClaretVillans) June 2, 2019
It seems as though this Leeds scout and I are on the same page:
Leeds United scout Gabriel Ruiz has highlighted the following #U20WC players as impressive:
— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) June 8, 2019
🇮🇹 Plizzari, Bettella, Bellanova, Scamacca
🇺🇾 Acevedo, B. Rodriguez
🇪🇨 Alvarado, Rezabala
🇺🇸 Mendez, Soto
🇨🇴 Sinisterra, Angulo
🇫🇷 Diaby, Gouiri