The summer Olympics in Rio De Janeiro begins this weekend but for football, tomorrow is the day when everything kicks-off. Whilst it may not have the same pedigree as other international tournaments like the World Cup, Copa America and European Championships, the Olympics is a good chance to see the best of up and coming talents.
Those on display this year include a Portugal side who saw their senior squad win Euro 2016 and a Brazilian side fighting on home soil, looking to avenge the disappointing finish to the World Cup four years ago- when the hosts crashed out at the semi-finals stage following a 7-1 defeat to eventual champions Germany.
Some of the names on this list may be recognisable but the others won’t be so well-known, although they could be depending on how their career goes in the next few seasons!
Tiago Ilori (Portugal)
The 23-year-old Liverpool defender is yet to make his bow in the Premier League, spending time last season on-loan with relegated Aston Villa, but he’s been a mainstay of the Portuguese youth squads for a number of years now; featuring for his nation from U18 level. He earned his chance at Liverpool earlier this year, featuring in an FA Cup against Exeter City, and will look to find regular action with his club after his venture in South America.
Niklas Sule (Germany)
20-year-old Hoffenheim centre-back Niklas Sule is one of the best up-and-coming young defenders in the Bundesliga, already boasting 69 appearances having made his debut at the age of just 17. He’s represented his nation since U16 level and is expected to make the jump to the senior squad in the coming years.
Matthias Ginter (Germany)
At 22-years-old, and with nine caps for Germany’s senior squad, World Cup winner Mattias Ginter provides a wealth of experience to his nation. Ginter has played regular football with Borussia Dortmund since his move to the club from Freiburg in 2014 and his partnership with the aforementioned Sule could lead Germany a long way in this competition.
Max Meyer (Germany)
Another German youngster who has already been capped at senior level, 20-year-old Max Meyer is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in Germany. Set to hit 100 Bundesliga appearances with Schalke this campaign and took the number 7 shirt previously worn by Spanish icon Raul in 2013- which is a testament to his ability.
Gabriel Barbosa (Brazil)
Since the days when the original Ronaldo was in his prime, and supported by the likes of Adriano, Brazil have struggled to find a leading striker and it has been a notable absence in the recent international tournaments. However, they may have finally found their man in Gabriel Barbosa. Nicknamed ‘Gabigol’, the 19-year-old has been dubbed the next Neymar and has already scored two goals in four appearances for La Selecao’s senior squad.
Marquinhos (Brazil)
The Paris Saint-Germain defender is well-known across Europe despite struggling for playing time in Paris, due to competition with compatriots David Luiz and Thiago Silva. Just 22, Marquinhos is already destined for a great career and he’s featured 75 times for PSG in Ligue 1; winning ten trophies with Le Parisiens since moving to France from Roma.
Gabriel Jesus (Brazil)
Another young Brazilian who has been likened to Neymar, 19-year-old Gabriel Jesus has excelled with Palmeiras and won the best newcomer award for the 2015 Brasileiro Serie A. Having scored an astonishing 37 goals in 22 games during the 2014 edition of the youth state championship, big things are expected from the attacker and his partnership in Rio alongside Gabriel Barbosa could be sensational.
Neymar (Brazil)
A player that needs no introduction, Neymar has already won eight honours with Barcelona- including the Champions League. He finished 3rd in the Ballon D’Or nominations in 2015 and is widely expected to become the best player in the world in the coming years. Having seen his campaign at the 2014 World Cup ended prematurely by injury, the former Santos star will be determined to fire his nation to glory in this tournament.
Angel Correa (Argentina)
With Brazil’s attack boasting Neymar, Gabriel Barbosa and Gabriel Jesus, Argentina are in need of something special to match-up to their arch-rivals. Fortunately, Angel Correa can be one-half of an electric strike-force. The Atletico Madrid forward has earned plenty of playing time for Diego Simeone’s side and will look to be a key-part of the team next season, following his exploits in Brazil.
Jonathan Calleri (Argentina)
The other-half of an exciting strike-force, Jonathan Calleri is arguably the most exciting player to emerge from Argentina since a certain Lionel Messi. At 22, he has already played for three of South America’s biggest clubs, Newell’s Old Boys, Sao Paulo and Boca Juniors, and his next move is expected to take him to Europe. At the Olympics, he could put himself in the shop window.
Carli Lloyd (United States)
Switching from Men’s Football to the Women’s Tournament, Carli Lloyd is undoubtably the stand-out star of the event. Scoring six goals last summer, she helped the United States win the Women’s World Cup and ignite further soccer adoration Stateside. She’ll be aiming for her third Olympic Gold in a row, having scored the winning goals in her past two finals.
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