FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023: Five players primed to light up the tournament in Argentina

The FIFA U-20 World Cup has been a launchpad for the careers of some of football’s greatest players, from Diego Maradona to Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba and Sergio Aguero.

Now with the 2023 tournament about to begin on 20 May, Olympics.com looks at the five young players who have the potential to light up the tournament and capture the attention of clubs and managers across the world.

Five players who could star at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023

Kendry Paez, 16, Ecuador

The youngest player on the list is also one of the most highly regarded. Selected as the most outstanding player at the 2022 Next Generation Trophy, Kendry Paez's dribbling skills have been likened to his idol Lionel Messi.

Paez has scored three times for Ecuador’s U17s in 10 appearances, including strikes against Argentina and Colombia.

English Premier League behemoths Chelsea had their head turned, with reports of a 20 million Euro fee being agreed for the 16-year-old. Much will be expected of Paez as the fulcrum of an exciting Ecuadorian team who will be hoping to go far in this year’s U-20 World Cup.

Alex Scott, 19, England

While the England squad has been left decimated by recent withdrawals for the U-20 World Cup, one player who is still available for selection is Bristol City’s Alex Scott.

The 19-year-old has already caught the attention of none other than Pep Guardiola, with the Manchester City manager calling him an “unbelievable player” following his side’s clash with Bristol in the FA Cup.

Scott, who has earned the nickname “the Guernsey Grealish” due to his similarities to the City star Jack Grealish, has represented his nation six times at U-20 level but has yet to register a goal. Argentina will give him the perfect opportunity to showcase his talents on one of the biggest stages in youth football.

Marcos Leonardo, 20, Brazil

With eight goals from 10 U-20 appearances for Brazil, Marcos Leonardo is one of the most prolific players at this year's tournament. The striker has also scored 23 times at club level where he turns out for Santos, the former club of Brazilian legend Pele.

While he is contracted to play for Santos until 2026, it would not be a surprise if one of Europe’s biggest clubs come knocking - especially if he stars in the upcoming U-20 World Cup.

Italian Serie A club Roma have already expressed an interest, as Jose Mourinho looks to add firepower to his attack in time for next season.

Quinn Sullivan, 19, USA

While top scorer in the 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship Paxten Aaronson hasn’t travelled with the USA squad to Argentina, the Americans still have the second-highest scorer in their ranks.

Quinn Sullivan has 10 goals in 13 appearances for the USA U-20s, including six in last year's continental tournament in Santo Domingo.

But goalscoring isn’t Sullivan’s only strength. With five assists, the young Philadelphia Union player has shown he is almost as much a provider as a scorer of goals.

He will be relied on more than ever as the USA seek to progress to the latter stages of the upcoming World Cup.

Luka Romero, 18, Argentina

Argentina have a wealth of talent at their disposal, including Manchester City’s Maximo Perrone, who has already been called up to the full national squad.

However, you should also watch out for 18-year-old Luka Romero, who has successfully broken into the Lazio team in Serie A making 14 appearances and scoring one goal.

As has become customary with outstanding young Argentine stars, Romero has been called “the new Messi”. He will be aiming to shine just as Messi did when he led his nation to victory in the U-20 World Cup in 2005.