Claret Villans
Fansided

Five Players That Caught My Eye in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup

By Josh Tonti

FLORENCE, ITALY - APRIL 29: Alessandro Plizzari of Italy looks on during a Italy training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on April 29, 2019 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
FLORENCE, ITALY - APRIL 29: Alessandro Plizzari of Italy looks on during a Italy training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on April 29, 2019 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 25: Dan-Axel Zagadou #2 of Borussia Dortmund acknowledge the fans at the conclusion of a 2-2 (4-3 on Penalty Kicks) win by Benfica during the 2018 International Champions Cup match at Heinz Field on July 25, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 25: Dan-Axel Zagadou #2 of Borussia Dortmund acknowledge the fans at the conclusion of a 2-2 (4-3 on Penalty Kicks) win by Benfica during the 2018 International Champions Cup match at Heinz Field on July 25, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

5. CB – Dan-Axel Zagadou, France, 20.0, Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga)

Does this one count? I’m going to say this one counts.

We already know who Dan-Axel Zagadou is, evidenced by his 30+ appearances for Borussia Dortmund across two seasons. But this FIFA Under-20 World Cup reaffirmed his prodigious talent. Zagadou was a man amongst boys when he played for France during their early exit in the tournament. His ability to bully opposing attackers and midfielders off the ball is impressive. As is his aerial ability on set-pieces and ball-progression as a left-footed defender.

No doubt, he’s a special one, health permitting.

As with any tournament, it’s important to be cognizant of small sample size bias. We’re seeing these players for three, four, five games a piece. However, these are but five that caught my eye in a good way.

Home/Analysis