WORLDWIDE U21 STs
Every fan dreams of a prolific, talismanic striker, something we've often lacked at West Ham.
Thankfully, there are plenty of young STs around the world for #WHUFC to monitor; this thread will highlight a few of them for you to keep an eye on in the future.
Every fan dreams of a prolific, talismanic striker, something we've often lacked at West Ham.
Thankfully, there are plenty of young STs around the world for #WHUFC to monitor; this thread will highlight a few of them for you to keep an eye on in the future.
Given that most of these are youth players, I figured comparing them to West Ham starters would be unsuitable.
Instead, I'll be doing individual radars where the edge of the graph represents peak performance in that metric, so the closer to the edge, the better the player.
Instead, I'll be doing individual radars where the edge of the graph represents peak performance in that metric, so the closer to the edge, the better the player.
As with any thread, it is always worth keeping in mind the level at which these players are performing at.
Nonetheless, the ability that these players have shown at their respective levels leads me to believe that most, if not all of them could play in Europe's Top 5 Leagues.
Nonetheless, the ability that these players have shown at their respective levels leads me to believe that most, if not all of them could play in Europe's Top 5 Leagues.
MAXIMILIAN BEIER
Starting things off is Hoffenheim's Beier, who finished last season with 11 goals and 5 assists in 29 games.
Not all of those goals were for Hoffenheim II though. He bagged 2 goals and an assist against Gent in the UEL, including the absolute screamer below.
Starting things off is Hoffenheim's Beier, who finished last season with 11 goals and 5 assists in 29 games.
Not all of those goals were for Hoffenheim II though. He bagged 2 goals and an assist against Gent in the UEL, including the absolute screamer below.
Not a bad strike for an 18-year-old making only his 2nd senior appearance for the team.
His confidence drifting out wide and driving back inside would make him a good fit at West Ham given our fluid approach in the final third and on the break.
Benny, Beier, Bowen sounds nice.
His confidence drifting out wide and driving back inside would make him a good fit at West Ham given our fluid approach in the final third and on the break.
Benny, Beier, Bowen sounds nice.
EREN DINKÇI
This young Turkish striker had a less prolific Regionalliga campaign than Beier, finishing with 8 goals and an assist, but he played far fewer minutes.
One thing Dinkçi has over Beier, however, is a Bundesliga goal, a last-minute winner on his senior debut (below).
This young Turkish striker had a less prolific Regionalliga campaign than Beier, finishing with 8 goals and an assist, but he played far fewer minutes.
One thing Dinkçi has over Beier, however, is a Bundesliga goal, a last-minute winner on his senior debut (below).
He came on as a sub in the 80th minute and he did not let the occasion get to him, showing great awareness in the box to find the space and score the winner.
Coufal whips balls like that into the box regularly, so one can only assume that Dinkçi could thrive here.
Coufal whips balls like that into the box regularly, so one can only assume that Dinkçi could thrive here.
RODRIGO MUNIZ
Over to Brazil, where this lad's been making a name for himself, so much so that Inter Milan are reportedly interested in him.
He's not a playmaker, but he's got a knack for getting in the right position and a real eye for goal, hitting the target 50% of the time.
Over to Brazil, where this lad's been making a name for himself, so much so that Inter Milan are reportedly interested in him.
He's not a playmaker, but he's got a knack for getting in the right position and a real eye for goal, hitting the target 50% of the time.
Any striker with the spatial awareness to get into this position, and then the ability to execute such a finish is surely worth keeping an eye on, even more so when the striker in question is only 20 years old.
BENJAMIN ŠEŠKO
This is a name that I expect we'll start to hear a lot of very soon, with many dubbing him the "next Haaland".
Having bagged 20 goals and 3 assists for FC Liefering last season, I imagine he'll be in Matthias Jaissle's Salzburg plans for the upcoming season.
This is a name that I expect we'll start to hear a lot of very soon, with many dubbing him the "next Haaland".
Having bagged 20 goals and 3 assists for FC Liefering last season, I imagine he'll be in Matthias Jaissle's Salzburg plans for the upcoming season.
During his spell at Salzburg's second team, Šeško proved that he's an all-round goal threat who can score with both feet, and his head.
For someone who is 6'4" he's surprisingly mobile, and it's only when he's bearing down on goal that you can see the similarities with Haaland.
For someone who is 6'4" he's surprisingly mobile, and it's only when he's bearing down on goal that you can see the similarities with Haaland.
JUNIOR ADAMU
One thing that might stand in Šeško's way is the abundance of attacking talent that Salzburg have on their books.
Having parted with Daka, Jaissle will be looking to these players to share the goal-scoring burden, and Adamu will be of those hoping to contribute.
One thing that might stand in Šeško's way is the abundance of attacking talent that Salzburg have on their books.
Having parted with Daka, Jaissle will be looking to these players to share the goal-scoring burden, and Adamu will be of those hoping to contribute.
Adamu also spent some time on loan at Liefering last season, where he notched 6 goals and 5 assists in just 12 games.
He then left Austria in February for a short loan stint in Switzerland with FC St. Gallen, where he managed to bag another 6 goals before returning to Salzburg.
He then left Austria in February for a short loan stint in Switzerland with FC St. Gallen, where he managed to bag another 6 goals before returning to Salzburg.
KARIM ADEYEMI
The last of the Salzburg players in this thread is arguably the most exciting, having already proven himself in the first team.
He finished last season with 8 goals and 9 assists for Die Rotten Bullen, despite largely being deployed as a sub by Jesse Marsch.
The last of the Salzburg players in this thread is arguably the most exciting, having already proven himself in the first team.
He finished last season with 8 goals and 9 assists for Die Rotten Bullen, despite largely being deployed as a sub by Jesse Marsch.
Given the form he showed last season, you can imagine that Adeyemi, alongside Koïta, will be entrusted to step up and play a much bigger role for Salzburg in Daka's absence.
What excites me about Adeyemi is his playmaking ability, regularly contributing assists as well as goals.
What excites me about Adeyemi is his playmaking ability, regularly contributing assists as well as goals.
JANIS ANTISTE
Over to France, and more specifically to Ligue 2, one of my favourite leagues to scout for hidden gems.
Among those gems is Antiste, who made a real impact from the bench for Toulouse during their unsuccessful promotion challenge, providing 8 goals and 3 assists.
Over to France, and more specifically to Ligue 2, one of my favourite leagues to scout for hidden gems.
Among those gems is Antiste, who made a real impact from the bench for Toulouse during their unsuccessful promotion challenge, providing 8 goals and 3 assists.
Two things that stood out to me when watching Antiste were his confidence cutting inside and his aerial ability, scoring 3 of his 8 goals with his head.
He's still young, but with two domestic cups and the Europa League this season he could still get some minutes under his belt.
He's still young, but with two domestic cups and the Europa League this season he could still get some minutes under his belt.
WILSON ISIDOR
Dropping down to the French third tier now to take a look at the league's second top goalscorer, despite playing for the third worst team.
His loan was a success, and whilst his future at Monaco is uncertain, they did reject a €2m offer from Ligue 1 club Angers.
Dropping down to the French third tier now to take a look at the league's second top goalscorer, despite playing for the third worst team.
His loan was a success, and whilst his future at Monaco is uncertain, they did reject a €2m offer from Ligue 1 club Angers.
The level of the Championnat National is not especially high, but scoring 16 goals in a poor team is testament to his eye for goal and general attacking instinct.
The attention he's attracted from Ligue 1 clubs is indicative of his potential - definitely one to keep an eye on.
The attention he's attracted from Ligue 1 clubs is indicative of his potential - definitely one to keep an eye on.
ARNAUD KALIMUENDO
RC Lens were a real surprise story in 20/21, narrowly missing out on the Europa League on their return to Ligue 1 after 5 seasons in Ligue 2.
Despite often starting on the bench, the PSG loanee shone when he was given the chance, with 8 goals and 4 assists.
RC Lens were a real surprise story in 20/21, narrowly missing out on the Europa League on their return to Ligue 1 after 5 seasons in Ligue 2.
Despite often starting on the bench, the PSG loanee shone when he was given the chance, with 8 goals and 4 assists.
He wouldn't come cheap, but he could contribute straight away, and his versatility allows him to play up top or on either flank.
Current reports suggest that PSG aren't willing to let him go this season though, seeing him as an alternative to M. Kean should he return to Everton.
Current reports suggest that PSG aren't willing to let him go this season though, seeing him as an alternative to M. Kean should he return to Everton.
YOUSSOUPH BADJI
Crossing the border into Belgium now, and you can call me Brendan Gleeson because I'm in Bruges scouting this Senegalese sensation.
7 goals and 1 assist is a decent return for a 19-year-old who was used primarily as a substitute in his first season at the club.
Crossing the border into Belgium now, and you can call me Brendan Gleeson because I'm in Bruges scouting this Senegalese sensation.
7 goals and 1 assist is a decent return for a 19-year-old who was used primarily as a substitute in his first season at the club.
He's still undoubtedly raw, and he will probably benefit from another season developing at Club Brugge under Clement.
At 6'4" it's no surprise that he scores a few goals with his head or in the six-yard box. He's also relatively pacey though, making him a handful for defenders.
At 6'4" it's no surprise that he scores a few goals with his head or in the six-yard box. He's also relatively pacey though, making him a handful for defenders.
ALI AKMAN
Back to Germany now, and more specifically to Frankfurt where there are two youngsters worth looking at, the first being this young Turk.
10 goals, 3 assists, and an expiring contract were enticing enough for Die Adler to prize Akman away from Bursaspor on a free.
Back to Germany now, and more specifically to Frankfurt where there are two youngsters worth looking at, the first being this young Turk.
10 goals, 3 assists, and an expiring contract were enticing enough for Die Adler to prize Akman away from Bursaspor on a free.
Akman is a player who I'm excited about, as his finishing, movement and composure in front of goal are all so impressive for someone so young.
Andre Silva, who had 29 goals and 4 assists for Frankfurt last season, has joined Leipzig, and so there will be chances to contribute.
Andre Silva, who had 29 goals and 4 assists for Frankfurt last season, has joined Leipzig, and so there will be chances to contribute.
DEJAN JOVELJIĆ
The second of Frankfurt's promising young strikers also spent last season away from the club, out on loan at Austrian outfit Wolfsberger AC.
The Serbian international scored 20 goals and provided 2 assists, form that Oliver Glasner will be hoping he can maintain.
The second of Frankfurt's promising young strikers also spent last season away from the club, out on loan at Austrian outfit Wolfsberger AC.
The Serbian international scored 20 goals and provided 2 assists, form that Oliver Glasner will be hoping he can maintain.
Having only made 4 senior appearances for Frankfurt since joining from Red Star Belgrade in 2019, Joveljić will be hoping for a chance to prove himself this season, and the fans will be hoping that he can live up to his potential and deliver in the German top flight.
SAMUELE MULATTIERI
Another youngster who enjoyed a prolific loan spell in 20/21, netting 19 times for FC Volendam in Netherlands' Eerste Divisie.
Inter have a number of strikers that are ahead of Mulattieri in the pecking order, and so it's likely he could be loaned out again.
Another youngster who enjoyed a prolific loan spell in 20/21, netting 19 times for FC Volendam in Netherlands' Eerste Divisie.
Inter have a number of strikers that are ahead of Mulattieri in the pecking order, and so it's likely he could be loaned out again.
His touch is exquisite, and he seems to be able to get the ball out from under his feet and fire a shot off in even the most congested of spaces.
His pace and movement on the break is also noteworthy, something that would serve him well playing for West Ham under Moyes.
His pace and movement on the break is also noteworthy, something that would serve him well playing for West Ham under Moyes.
GONÇALO RAMOS
Ramos scored 11 goals and 2 assists in 11 games for Benfica II last season, as well as netting 4 goals for the senior team.
Former Benfica manager Bruno Lage wants to bring the young striker to Wolves, but Benfica aren't keen to sell and are holding out for >£25m.
Ramos scored 11 goals and 2 assists in 11 games for Benfica II last season, as well as netting 4 goals for the senior team.
Former Benfica manager Bruno Lage wants to bring the young striker to Wolves, but Benfica aren't keen to sell and are holding out for >£25m.
He's got a £103m release clause in his contract, suggesting that he's been regarded as a future star by the club for a while.
Portugal have something of a golden generation breaking through at the minute, and Ramos will surely be an important player in the post-Ronaldo era.
Portugal have something of a golden generation breaking through at the minute, and Ramos will surely be an important player in the post-Ronaldo era.
DMITRI LATYKHOV
This is by far the most rogue shout in this thread, because 31 goals and 8 assists in the Belarusian Reserve League does not guarantee star potential.
That said, he is only 18, so bringing him in to the academy to see how he gets on in the PL2 could be worth it.
This is by far the most rogue shout in this thread, because 31 goals and 8 assists in the Belarusian Reserve League does not guarantee star potential.
That said, he is only 18, so bringing him in to the academy to see how he gets on in the PL2 could be worth it.
The standard of football in Belarus is akin to that of the National League or worse, but he does seem to have that natural striker's instinct.
Latykhov has proven he can do it against men too, despite only being 18 years old, bagging a brace in 33 minutes on his senior debut.
Latykhov has proven he can do it against men too, despite only being 18 years old, bagging a brace in 33 minutes on his senior debut.
IGOR JESUS
Extending our scope beyond Europe to the UAE Pro League now, where this young Brazilian was in scintillating form for Shabab Al Ahli last season.
19 goals and 9 assists in all competitions is a tidy return, and Everton are reportedly interested in him as a result.
Extending our scope beyond Europe to the UAE Pro League now, where this young Brazilian was in scintillating form for Shabab Al Ahli last season.
19 goals and 9 assists in all competitions is a tidy return, and Everton are reportedly interested in him as a result.
A few things that stood out were his pressing intensity, finishing ability, and the timing of his runs when sitting on the last man, frequently breaking through defences.
It's hard to say whether he's ready start for us, but he could certainly be a good squad player this season.
It's hard to say whether he's ready start for us, but he could certainly be a good squad player this season.
MATÍAS AREZO
Arezo is one of the most exciting young players in the world, and he's currently the 3rd top goalscorer in the Uruguayan Primera División at just 18.
Dubbed "the next Luis Suárez", Arezo was set to join Atletico Madrid, but the deal seems to have fallen through.
Arezo is one of the most exciting young players in the world, and he's currently the 3rd top goalscorer in the Uruguayan Primera División at just 18.
Dubbed "the next Luis Suárez", Arezo was set to join Atletico Madrid, but the deal seems to have fallen through.
Despite being 5'10", he's an incredibly physical striker whose tenacity and movement cause defenders serious problems.
With that in mind, I've no doubt that Arezo is heading straight for the top, and when he does leave Uruguay, I expect it to be for one of Europe's giants.
With that in mind, I've no doubt that Arezo is heading straight for the top, and when he does leave Uruguay, I expect it to be for one of Europe's giants.
AGUSTÍN ÁLVAREZ MARTÍNEZ
Another ST that's been tearing it up in Uruguay this season, with 5 league goals already and a further 8 goals and 2 assists in the Copa Sudamericana.
He's older than Arezo, perhaps why he hasn't attracted as much attention, but AAM looks mustard too.
Another ST that's been tearing it up in Uruguay this season, with 5 league goals already and a further 8 goals and 2 assists in the Copa Sudamericana.
He's older than Arezo, perhaps why he hasn't attracted as much attention, but AAM looks mustard too.
His finishing is lethal, and he's very well-acquainted with finding the top bin, even from outside the box.
He's also got a tasty free-kick in his locker too which is always a welcome bonus.
He's also got a tasty free-kick in his locker too which is always a welcome bonus.
That's a wrap, I hope you all enjoy it.
Annoyingly, I maxed out my video allowance on Wyscout watching footage while doing research, and so when I went back to download videos for each player I wasn't able to past the first three.
Let me know what you all think and please RT.
Annoyingly, I maxed out my video allowance on Wyscout watching footage while doing research, and so when I went back to download videos for each player I wasn't able to past the first three.
Let me know what you all think and please RT.
@UnrollHelper unroll this thread please.
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