The XI of Prospects

A team (and Bench) of some of the biggest stars in world. Lining out in a 4-2-3-1 formation to best harness the talents of all players listed, expect some profiling and tactical talk to justify their selection. Upfront there are a few notable omissions, be that as they’re already stars, have waned a little in terms of promise or simply haven’t made enough of a name for themselves to my notice yet, the following are the ‘honourable mentions’: Kylian Mbappe, Reece James, Phil Foden, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, William Saliba, Victor Osimhen, Joe Gomez, Marcus Rashford, Marcus Thuram, Alban Lafont, Sander Berge & Adil Aouchiche

Goalkeeper - Gianluigi Donnarumma (Vice Captain)

‘Gigi’ on International Duty

One of few recent goalkeeping prospects that has managed to avoid becoming a ‘False Dawn’, Donnarumma has impressed from an early age and hasn’t looked back since. Now firmly in the ownership of the starting gloves and the proverbial ‘Number One Shirt’ at AC Milan, the Italian giant is a presence and then some between the sticks, and is exactly what the doctor ordered in terms of a solid base of the team. Outright the most impressive factor of Donnarumma’s game is his agility, a trait that belies his titanic size and frame, he makes a habit of being able to reach some impressive and likely goal destined shots which his peers might well struggle with. Though seemingly contradictory, his frame does help with his flight through the air with his long limbs getting in the way of shots when it comes to one on ones, turning shots round the posts, flapping at high balls etc. It’s an ability required from any ‘keeper worth his weight in salt but the young Italian stopper has honed his craft in this area. Equally as impressive and definitely linked to his shot stopping ability - whether its ‘incidental’, a proxy of his spanning limbs or something that’s routine, his positional awareness is really on lock and saves his team from many a certain goal. The amount of times Donnarumma has shut down an angle, caught a sweetly struck shot, or managed to get something on a dangerous is nothing short of remarkable and shows a mastering of positional fundamentals which sets him ahead of his peers on all levels of football and is likely key to to his success to date. The long term successor to Buffon isn’t however immune to flaws and has a few, the general consensus is his all distribution needs improving, especially seen as it is requirement of the modern day goalkeeper But I think the bigger issue comes with his pace, or more so, lack of. Unsurprisingly for such a sized human, the position which Donnarumma requires isn’t one that needs a sprinter’s build but nonetheless a natural speed is beneficial for a goalkeeper, it’s really what has made Dean Henderson (more on him later) a name in the English game and something that saw Iker Casillas through a glorious career, what I’m getting at is control over the body, a fastness in getting back to the feet, resetting position, flowing into a follow up save, covering ground to make an attempt on a shot etc. The speed in doing such actions is a trait that can’t be understated and worryingly Donnarumma is a little lacking in this area. To be honest, his shot stopping does balance out his slowness as he usually guides the ball to some kind of safety but it’s something to be weary of when it comes to certain in game situations that might prove a struggle for him. Overall though the ‘keeper has a rounded game, impressively for an infant in the position, he’s got a knack for marshalling a defence and communicates well with the men in front of him which include fellow Italian starlets: Davide Calabria and captain of the Rossoneri, Alessio Romagnoli. Touted as possible captain material for club and country it’s not surprising that his 178 appearances have honed a stellar goalkeeping prospect and a penalty killer. There is a conversation to be had however regarding the Italian’s future, contextually within the Serie A, Donnarumma has a relatively safe position within AC Milan, for now his gloves are unchallenged and the squad has a few stars throughout which make for an interesting prospect, however is it enough? With AC not likely to challenge anytime soon as the balance is a little off, could Donnarumma benefit from a move? Having been linked with a move to Paris Saint Germain, that transfer would suit both parties, allowing him a chance to become a solidified winner whilst they solve the Number 1 worries in return. So far his loyalty to his boyhood club has been paid off with a lot of game time and high ranking in the squad hierarchy but only time will tell whether the stopper is happy to stick it out with the Rossoneri’s long term project.

Right Back - Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent mid celebration

Liverpool’s most recent academy graduate success story, TAA as he’s initialised has perhaps become the worlds best right back. Lacking a little in the defensive department, this is really the one major flaw to the scouser’s game, with time he’ll naturally develop this area of his game but it is a large question mark hanging over his game and will only be answered by time - Will Klopp’s Liverpool commit to this wing back position that has revolutionised the position? Or revert to a conventional defensive line? Or even still, Will Trent move into midfield and if so, what role? Deep Lying Playmaker? Defensive Midfielder? Etc. With that in mind and the only flaw of his exposed, let’s look at his successes. What’s often overlooked when considering him is his overall athlete package, listed as only 5’9”, one suspects he is taller but regardless, he can sprint till the seas run dry. Don’t get me wrong, TAA’s no Usain Bolt like sprinter but has this persistent stamina, a characteristic key to the effectiveness of Liverpool’s “Gegenpress”. His relentless running is impressive though not quite as jaw dropping as his stellar passing range, made of part superhuman vision and refined technique, TAA has a confidence on both feet and the anticipation to make the right pass, to the right person, at the right time. His facilitator side is matched by an equally impressive, killer shot, it’s hammering, thunderous, and whatever other superlative you wish to insert. As a right full back, high value attacks don’t often come by him though when he does score, they last in the memory: take his free kicks, Crystal Palace or Chelsea during the restart mini season or the Blues at the start of the year. As an asset, Liverpool have none more valuable, a homegrown product, nearly a century of games under his belt and a driving force behind recent success, he’s an irreplaceable cog in the best Defence that Jürgen Klopp has ever assembled. Providing versatility in this squad, his runs and assists will serve the forwards a treat, and not to mention his complimentary the full backs will be.

Centre Back (Right) - Dayot Upamecano

Upamecano (Left, No.5) flexing in celebration with Konaté

First up in the central defender position is the Évreux born, Leipzig operator: Dayot Upamecano. A word on the defence before moving along, there’s a mix of new wave and traditional, with marauding full backs and capable ball playing brutes, it’s a prospect to salivate at, now to analysis. One half of an all French pairing at the heart of Leipzig’s defence, Upamecano is the more attractive prospect comparatively to Ibrahima Konaté. Standing at 6’1”, Upamecano has a presence that’s twice his size, part of a high line at Nagelsmann’s RB Leipzig, there’s a lot asked from the Frenchman in terms of athleticism and Dayot is more than up to the task, the high line force opposition to sit deeper, he’s a quick burst of pace when it’s needed in the case of amending a defensive error, making a surge forward or tracking the pitch and is also no stranger to employing his colossus strength to seal out attackers or hastily snuff out an attack with a well timed shoulder barge. An assured defender who’s shown he is capable of dealing with any breed of striker from pace merchant to target man, Upamecano has a solid vision on him as well, clipping balls smoothly into attackers to advance play or making his own runs to impact upon attacks. Part of a new breed of central defender, the France U21 international of 14 caps is yet another A List defender produced by the French and does no help for Deschamps, perpetuating this significant selection dilemma. That in mind though, Dayot could opt for Guinea-Bissau if the France seniors neglect his talents, though that’s a decision which may have already been made as in the time since writing, Dayot has made the Seniors squad along with Aouar and Camavinga

Centre Back (Left) - Matthijs De Ligt (Captain)

De Ligt in action at Juventus

High up in the squad as far as experience counts, comes Dutch star Matthijs De Ligt. The 6’2” blonde defender is a rising star, slightly stumped by a niggling injury and the required operation to solve it. Nonetheless, De Ligt has clear star qualities, whilst bearing some similarities to his partner - Upamecano - De Ligt is more of a ‘traditional’ central defender and could be seen as reactionary to the Frenchman’s pro active nature. Elite in the box when it comes to defending his goal, his willingness to give everything to the cause is admirable and really shows, from last ditch blocks and clearances to perfectly time slide challenges, Matthijs’ defensive qualities have been apparent and world class from a young age. The partnership here is almost perfect, De Ligt is an ace in the box, his strength, anticipation and commitment show best within 18 yards, he’s the wall you have to get through to reach the ‘keeper where Upamecano could play more of what is considered a ‘sweeper’ role, the dynamic is a terror to opposition. Though I have praised his ’old school’ genetics, De Ligt does have a grasp of how to be an effective ball player and boy does it show. With a few neat evasive tricks to avoid the forward press, the Dutchman’s eye for a pass is respectable and has really stood out in the competitions he’s featured in, particularly in a domestic sense as both former club Ajax and current employers Juventus have a near monopoly on league proceedings - as such De Ligt is allowed to build from the back and when looking at the wider context of this defence, makes for a solid foundation of capable, of not world class defenders and effective ball players. Side note: De Ligt dons the armband as proxy to his exposure of that role in his early years at Ajax, making him arguably more qualified than his peers.

Left Back - Alphonso Davies

Davies hurdling a tackle vs. Chelsea in the Champions League

Recently converted to left back, Ghanaian born Davies has left his mark in world football recently as his Munich side romped their way to European glory, with highlights against Chelsea and during the dismantling of Barcelona. In what’s been a defining year for the Canadian, he’s taken to the left back spot like a duck to water, assisting in the Bundesliga and Champions League a combined total of 8 times whilst netting on 4 occasions in domestic competition. Davies is the ‘Neymar of Left Backs’ a skilful and tricky player with a refined end product that makes him a magnet for fouls. The team lacks a comfortable defender in either full back slot but should make up for the space left by the free flowing, attack-minded full backs with a strong spine of players. I’d argue Davies former winger status is more evident than TAA’s position change, perhaps coming more naturally as a defensive midfielder isn’t a million miles away from a full back but Davies’ current defensive worries will eventually be ironed out as he gains experience in the role and to be honest he might start his own, mini positional revolution, opting to not really make the conventional defensive fundamentals a part of his game but rather use his attacking mind, in conjunction with his pace to knick the ball away from the holder in a sort of pre-empted interception that he can quickly then exploit for the better of his team. Speaking generally, the fullback pairing offers a lot, like his Scouse partner Davies has a respectably strong shot on him and is really effective on both feet when it comes to attacking situations. A large personality off the pitch as well as demonstrating exceptional talent, Davies is a shoe in for starting.

Central Midfield - Jude Bellingham

Bellingham tussling in Midfield

Having recently burst into the scene and now the name on everybody’s lips having moved to Borussia Dortmund, linking up with fellow Englishman Jadon Sancho, is Jude Bellingham. An odd, hard case to analyse as his time at Birmingham is a lot deeper than what’s been seen during Dortmund’s pre season which has seen him be a more advanced operator with a knack for connecting attack to midfield, as shown in his lovely chipped finish recently. Recently called up to England’s U21 level, Bellingham is something special and his style is frightening. A mix of pretty much everything from box to box, to destroyer and a dash of playmaker, it’s almost a Frankenstein of Iniesta and Viera - and such talents for a 17 year-old suggests his ceiling as a player is sky high. Playing that destroyer role in this squad would suit him perfectly, giving him the freedom to ball carry and roam to a degree as well. Whilst on his play style, the midfielder, along with his partner Zaniolo, are capable of providing some much needed cover to plug the gaps left by the attacking full backs with the Birmingham native unafraid of challenging. Bellingham forms part of a solid anchor in midfield and can ground the team so the forward thinkers can operate almost autonomously. Dynamism is key to the squad and it begins to show clearly here as the duo at the base can form a pivot in an attacking sense as well as provide extra defensive aid when the time comes.

Central Midfield - Nicolo Zaniolo

Zaniolo signalling Mid-Game

Somewhat susceptible to injury is Bellingham's midfield partner, the Italian, Nicolo Zaniolo. Recently recovering from two severe Knee injuries, his return is one that should bring a smile to the face of any football fan as his talent once more graces the pitch. Another who’s far more technical than his size might suggest, Zaniolo has a knack for cropping up in the box and scoring some majestic goals. Holding a trademark first touch and a lightning burst of pace, he’s shown on many occasions this almost sprinter‘s speed. On top of that quick out the blocks start, his finishing is something that‘d make a striker blush and hang their head in shame, for a midfielder capable of playing a few roles - far deeper than his current Roma gig in this context - one wonders whether his size is an asset and this is a Kristaps Porzingis situation, he’s almost underestimated for being such a physically large individual and such, seeing him humiliate a gaggle of defenders before lifting the ball over the ‘keeper feels even more sweet to see. Alongside the English midfielder he’s partnered with, we can see the core of a spine starting to form and is effectively the second wall of defence ahead of the goalkeeper and his centre backs, it also marks and interchangeable and fluid midfield/forward line that is nightmare fuel for a defence.

Right Wing - Jadon Sancho

Sancho in Action

A far from shocking inclusion, we see the new Nike poster boy occupy the right wing. A mercurial, tricky winger with the output of a star in the calibre of Messi and Ronaldo, Sancho is a future winner of the Ballon D’Or without a shadow of a doubt in my mind. The players appeal comes from this fine balance of both facilitator of attacking play and equal parts stone cold finisher, he’s got jaw dropping assists and world class finishing in his locker. Our first in the more fluid attacking line, the experienced youngster is the pinnacle of this new generation of English stars. Adept on the wing/wide midfield it would be interesting to see him play in the number 10 slot to gauge whether he can be effective. In terms of this fantasy eleven, Sancho would have every last drop of output milked from him, his selfless play would benefit many of his teammates who like himself are more disposed to forward play, but he could just as easily bare the weight and drag our attack to success via one of his darting runs and assured finishes.

Central Attacking Midfield - Kai Havertz

Captain Kai

There‘s little new to say about Leverkusen star Havertz, over 140 appearances to his name in all competitions at the Age of 21, he’s hands down one of the more experienced heads in the squad and has an incredible output of 77 goal contributions across his men’s football outings for Leverkusen. Seemingly bound for the Premier League, one could make the case go Havertz being overqualified ok account if his 10,000 minutes of play. Concerning his game and possible new club Chelsea, Havertz seems to be what Ross Barkley was once lauded as being, though not as muscular, he’s of similar height (6’2”), has impressive control over the ball for such a gangly player and promises to only get better. This auxiliary forward line, comprised of these 3 has the same confidence shared by his peers on the wing and has stepped up on a consistent basis for Leverkusen, slotting sway penalties, popping up with a finish or turning provider too. A technical dribbler who occupies an almost ‘false 9’ role one would imagine his premier league duties might be a little more reserved considering he has Mason Mount to compete with/play with. Rising up Germany’s ranks on top of his 7 current caps, his most admirable trait is his demeanour, cool under pressure and a leader of the team, his highlight reel is in competition with Lionel Messi and the man could grow into a stellar captain. Having a trademark clipped ball into the box, the teams play-style of overlapping wide players, fronted by a conventional number 9, Havertz is the maestro in midfield and can grow in comfort pulling the strings of attacking moves.

Left Wing - Houssem Aouar

Aouar playing for France at Youth Level

Complimenting Sancho on the wing is Lyon product: Houssem Aouar. The French-Algerian midfielder has the on field presence of a god, his physical attributes perhaps leave a lot to be desired but the technique he possesses clearly puts him high in the rankings of the Lyon squad. Sancho and Aouar have the similar, perfect ratio of attacking player and facilitator with high footballing IQ To know what to use and when, leaving players in his wake with clever dribbling and has a killer penalty/lethal shot. Pacey, Skilful, High IQ etc. The opposition defence has little chance against This team and their offerings. With Velcro like dribbling and and the audacity to shoot from an angle he‘s a key star in the squad. One would liken him to Marco Reus, a key forward with refined technique and a drawer of fouls. Aouar is more of the playmaker than the relentless Sancho, they’re physically two different specimens with the Englishman a lot more of a runner, almost making a bit of a pivot themselves.

Striker - Erling Håland

Håland Celebrating

Final name in the starting eleven goes to the Norwegian giant of a man. Similar to Havertz, there’s little new to be said but still let’s continue. His height is the most obvious trait about Håland, the squad is by no means small when it comes to height but Håland is something else of a beast, somehow only 6’4”, the Leeds born striker possesses this aura and build that just looms over the pitch. As a proxy of his frame, Håland is an asset when defending and a lethal threat when attacking and linking plays. Elsewhere, is his remarkable pace, demonstrated in a number of counter breaks for Dortmund in the 19/20 season, he has a stride bigger than most small towns and has a number of killer finishes, see vs FC Koln after he dropped Timo Horn and clipped home from a stunningly tight angle. Though Dortmund have described him as a ‘conventional forward’, such a tag feels a little reductive as he is a blend of both the ‘Target Man’ & ‘Fox in the Box’ and is certainly able of carrying the team on his back. Dortmund’s legs against PSG exemplify his strengths, throwing himself fully onto a loose ball to tuck home whilst also lifting the net clean off its stanchion with a rifling shot. He links the team perfectly, giving the forward line some autonomy with 4 men who are interchangeable and lethal in front of goal, Håland is the much required spearhead.

The Bench:

Dean Henderson - Part of England’s ‘keeping next generation who all seem to have come at once, the Utd star has a lot to admire, Hendo is the modern sense and provides good back up to Donnarumma. Eric García - Possibly undersized, the seemingly Barcelona bound star gives us a more ball playing option at centre back and gives a somewhat more mobile option at the heart of defence.

Boubacar Kamara - French youth star, Kamara offers a vast amount of versatility and dynamism in a squad that’s built off the ‘Total Football‘ concept. Kamara is a willing player and good on the ball which is key in the modern age Of defending.

Eljif Elmas - a more attack minded man than his midfield peers, and would certainly occupy a far more advanced role allowing for the midfield to be either attack minded or more flat and expansive.

Eduardo Camavinga - still quite underrated and recipient of a call up to the France senior squad, he’s unphased by the prospect of playing men twice his age and it’s an impressive fearlessness. The man can play a number of positions and with potential to do the Leon Goretzka ‘bulk up’ he could become a midfield destroyer for a generation of French dominance.

Johnathan David - The squad‘s second Canadian, the recently acquired Lille player is something different to the starting eleven. A shorter forward who is more focused on speed in his attacking, he offers an alternative string to the bow.

Joao Felix - An exciting prospect who’s unlucky to not make the first eleven. Moving to Atletico for over £100 million, he’s an elite dribbler and future Portugal star with a finishing ability that rivals compatriot Ronaldo, he’s destined to be a world beater.