The Under-20 World Cup is starting this Saturday, and FC Barcelona would be among the clubs who are sending their scouts to Argentina to keep a close eye on the best performers in the tournament.
According to Mundo Deportivo, there are a number of players that the club is expected to monitor closely. These include:
Fabricio Diaz: Uruguay
Diaz has also been linked with FC Barcelona for some time now, and is likely to be signed by the club in the upcoming transfer window. He will be captaining the Uruguay side, and the Catalan scouts will get another opportunity to see him perform in a high-pressure environment before actually signing him.
Oscar Gloukh: Israel
FC Barcelona had been interested in the Israeli midfielder last summer, but he ended up with RB Salzburg. At the German club, the midfielder has scored two goals and provided another 2 assists in 15 appearances for the club. He will be leading the Israeli side in this World Cup.
Caden Clark: USA
The young striker from USA had been a part of FC Barcelona Residency Academy in Arizona for three years, after which he joined New York Red Bulls, and later the German side RB Leipzig. He will be the focal point of attack for this USA team.
Marcos Leonardo: Brasil
With Vitor Roque and Endrick having graduated to higher levels, it will be upon the shoulder of Leonardo to lead the Brazilian attack in this tournament. He scored 4 goals in the South American U-20, and the Catalans will be keeping a close eye on him.
Matias Soule: Argentina
The 20-year-old Argentinean will be the spark on the wing for the side led by Javier Mascherano. The youngster has already made 19 appearances with Juventus’ first team, scoring one goal, and now he will be looking for glory with his national team.
Yaser Asprilla: Colombia
The Colombian will be one of the most important players for his team in the tournament, as he has been at Watford, where he has scored 1 goal and given 2 assists in his 37 games. He has already made his senior debut with Colombia and has already scored for them.
Samba Diallo: Senegal
The heir apparent to Sadio Mane, the young Senegalese has been shining at Dynamo Kyiv this season, in addition to helping his national team win the U-20 Africa Cup. He also scored 2 goals against Barcelona in the youth league.
Matthew Joseph: England
Born in Spain and trained at the Espanyol academy, Joseph is emerging as one of the most dangerous midfielders this season. Currently playing for Leeds United, where he has scored 15 goals in 18 games in the B team, he has already made his England debut.
Naoki Kumata: Japan
The Tokyo FC striker came out as the highest scorer in the U-20 Asian Cup with 5 goals last year, despite his country losing out in the final. He has already scored a goal with his club in 6 appearances.
Soumaila Coulibaly: France
The young, but strong, central defender graduated from the PSG academy, and is emerging as one of the leaders of the defense for his national side. His left foot and excellent passing will be a key strength for France in this tournament.
