 Jozy Altidore of Villarreal |
"There's speed combined with his physical qualities and a very good sense for goal. When he's facing a defender, he's very good going at him, which is kind of unusual for a player that size. You don't see those kind of qualities often"
Bruce Arena, former USA coach
"He's gonna be unbelievable"
Mo Johnston, former Red Bulls coach
"He's still a kid. He has an enormous amount of talent. He can be as good as he wants. He's a big asset for MLS and American soccer"
Juan Pablo Ángel, Red Bulls player
A veteran of every level of his country's youth national team, Jozy Altidore is considered one of the hottest properties in U.S. football.
The Jersey-born powerhouse has bags of pace, power and a killer's eye for important goals.
Critics reel off the names of onetime MLS starlets who faded after making a good first impression. But there is reason to believe Altidore is different, for he has a lot more going for him than that instinctive scoring touch.
It's no secret that the best players in any sport are the ones who are strongest mentally. And despite his early success, Altidore apparently operates with a complete absence of ego.
His coach at Red Bulls, Bruce Arena, is understandably protective of the Haitian-American phenom as the club have a vested interest in keeping the young star grounded.
It is precisely this combination of skill, size, youth and attitude that makes Altidore such an alluring prospect for wealthy European clubs.
Altidore, who was attended the Adidas Elite Soccer Program in 2005 in order to further develop his playing skills, was drafted in the second round by MetroStars - the previous name of Red Bulls - with the 17th overall pick in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft.
He first stepped into an MLS match as a 16-year-old at New England on September 2006, coming on as a substitute in the 81st minute, while working towards his high school diploma in Florida.
A week later, just 18 minutes into his career, he scored his first professional goal in brilliant fashion, blasting a 30-yard match-winning screamer that sailed into the top right corner of stunned Columbus Crew goalkeeper Bill Gaudette's net.
He was the youngest player to start in an MLS playoff match on October 2006, against D.C. United in the Eastern Conference Semifinals Series at 16 years, 349 days. Eight days later, he scored Red Bulls' only goal of their 2-1 aggregate loss to D.C. United, making him the youngest player to score in the MLS playoffs at 16 years, 357 days - breaking DaMarcus Beasley's record by almost three years.
In the span of just nine months of his career, Altidore has emerged from intriguing prospect to the most talked-about U.S. football teenager not named Freddy Adu.
He helped pick up the struggling Red Bulls team and carry it to the playoffs. In all, he scored four times in just nine appearances.
Altidore started his international career with the United States U-17 team, and was part of the squad it the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship.
He has also participated in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada, where he scored four goals in three games, including two in a 2-1 win over Brazil - leading the U.S. to a quarterfinals berth. There they were defeated by Austria 2-1 after extra time with Altidore scoring a goal in the first half.
In 2007, Altidore was a candidate for ESPN The Magazine's 2007 NEXT issue, which highlights some of the top up-and-coming athletes across the nation. He is one of the stars featured in Adidas' Impossible is Nothing advertisements, and was also featured on the cover of the North American version of the EA Sports hit, FIFA 08, along with Brazilian star Ronaldinho and Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. Taking in this scene, it's hard to believe that a year earlier he hadn't played a minute of professional football.
Altidore received his first call up to the senior national team for a friendly game against South Africa on November 2007, just three days after his 18th birthday. He came in as a substitute for Clint Dempsey in the 65th minute. On February 2008, he made his first start for the national team in a friendly against Mexico, where he also scored his first goal in the 2-2 draw.
On June 4, 2008, La Liga outfit Villarreal splashed out $10 million to sign Altidore, who scored 15 times in 37 games for Red Bulls. The deal surpasses Fulham's $4 million fee for Clint Dempsey, and is now the largest fee paid for any MLS player.
But before he lines up for the Yellow Submarine, the teenager joined Piotr Nowak's U.S. roster that competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where they were eliminated in the first round.
Young Jozy made his La Liga debut when he came on as a second half substitute against Deportivo La Coruña on September 2008. He then became the first American international to score in La Liga when he scored against Athletic Bilbao on November 2008.
Football experts all agree that Jozy has everything a player needs to succeed on the highest level of football. He's a quality finisher, with immense size and strength for a kid his age. But he still has plenty of room to grow.
Full name: Josmer Volmy Altidore
Date of birth: November 6, 1989
Birthplace: Livingston, New Jersey, United States
Nationality: American
2nd nationality: Haitian
Height: 1.77 m
Weight: 79 kg
Club: Villarreal
Position: Striker
Number: 24
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Technorati tags: United States Villarreal Jozy Altidore
The Jersey-born powerhouse has bags of pace, power and a killer's eye for important goals.
Critics reel off the names of onetime MLS starlets who faded after making a good first impression. But there is reason to believe Altidore is different, for he has a lot more going for him than that instinctive scoring touch.
It's no secret that the best players in any sport are the ones who are strongest mentally. And despite his early success, Altidore apparently operates with a complete absence of ego.
It is precisely this combination of skill, size, youth and attitude that makes Altidore such an alluring prospect for wealthy European clubs.
Altidore, who was attended the Adidas Elite Soccer Program in 2005 in order to further develop his playing skills, was drafted in the second round by MetroStars - the previous name of Red Bulls - with the 17th overall pick in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft.
He first stepped into an MLS match as a 16-year-old at New England on September 2006, coming on as a substitute in the 81st minute, while working towards his high school diploma in Florida.
A week later, just 18 minutes into his career, he scored his first professional goal in brilliant fashion, blasting a 30-yard match-winning screamer that sailed into the top right corner of stunned Columbus Crew goalkeeper Bill Gaudette's net.
He was the youngest player to start in an MLS playoff match on October 2006, against D.C. United in the Eastern Conference Semifinals Series at 16 years, 349 days. Eight days later, he scored Red Bulls' only goal of their 2-1 aggregate loss to D.C. United, making him the youngest player to score in the MLS playoffs at 16 years, 357 days - breaking DaMarcus Beasley's record by almost three years.
He helped pick up the struggling Red Bulls team and carry it to the playoffs. In all, he scored four times in just nine appearances.
Altidore started his international career with the United States U-17 team, and was part of the squad it the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship.
He has also participated in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada, where he scored four goals in three games, including two in a 2-1 win over Brazil - leading the U.S. to a quarterfinals berth. There they were defeated by Austria 2-1 after extra time with Altidore scoring a goal in the first half.
In 2007, Altidore was a candidate for ESPN The Magazine's 2007 NEXT issue, which highlights some of the top up-and-coming athletes across the nation. He is one of the stars featured in Adidas' Impossible is Nothing advertisements, and was also featured on the cover of the North American version of the EA Sports hit, FIFA 08, along with Brazilian star Ronaldinho and Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. Taking in this scene, it's hard to believe that a year earlier he hadn't played a minute of professional football.
On June 4, 2008, La Liga outfit Villarreal splashed out $10 million to sign Altidore, who scored 15 times in 37 games for Red Bulls. The deal surpasses Fulham's $4 million fee for Clint Dempsey, and is now the largest fee paid for any MLS player.
But before he lines up for the Yellow Submarine, the teenager joined Piotr Nowak's U.S. roster that competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where they were eliminated in the first round.
Young Jozy made his La Liga debut when he came on as a second half substitute against Deportivo La Coruña on September 2008. He then became the first American international to score in La Liga when he scored against Athletic Bilbao on November 2008.
Football experts all agree that Jozy has everything a player needs to succeed on the highest level of football. He's a quality finisher, with immense size and strength for a kid his age. But he still has plenty of room to grow.
Full name: Josmer Volmy Altidore
Date of birth: November 6, 1989
Birthplace: Livingston, New Jersey, United States
Nationality: American
2nd nationality: Haitian
Height: 1.77 m
Weight: 79 kg
Club: Villarreal
Position: Striker
Number: 24
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 Ryan Babel of Liverpool |
"He has the body, speed and pace – everything he needs to develop his game. In fact, he could be the new Thierry Henry"
George Boateng, former Netherlands player
"He has all the potential to be the next Thierry Henry"
Marco van Basten, former Netherlands coach
"He's quick, strong and you can't guess what he's going to do next because he's a bag of tricks"
Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool legend
A tall, quick striker who can play on the wings or through the middle, Ryan Babel is one of the many players from the famous Ajax youth production line.
The right-footed Babel is predominantly a left winger but can also be employed as striker or on the opposite wing.
His speed and trickery equip him to cause defenders problems and, allied with his scoring threat, make him a real handful.
With awareness of the field, great vision, good first touch, and strength on the ball, he handles situations well.
Scouted by Ajax at the age of eleven, the Amsterdam-born forward played the 1998/99 season for their D1 team.
He then passed through the C1, B1 and A1 teams quickly, and, in January 2004, he signed his first professional contract.
On February 2004, Babel made his first team debut for Ajax as a 17-year-old in the 4-0 win against ADO Den Haag.
Nine months later, the youngster registered his first senior goal in a 5-0 league win against De Graafschap.
He played three seasons at the Amsterdam ArenA with a record of 14 goals in 73 Eredivisie outings, before moved to Liverpool in July 2007 in a five-year deal worth £11.5 million.
He was handed the number 19 shirt and made his Premier League debut as a second-half substitute at Aston Villa in the opening day of the 2007/08 season.
It wasn't long before he opened his goal account in a red shirt, defeating two Derby County defenders before lashing home in a 6-0 romp over newly-promoted Derby at Anfield.
Another nine goals followed in a satisfying first year, including his first Champions League goal for Liverpool in an 8-0 demolition of Beşiktaş. He netted twice in the game - one being a cheeky back-heel - and almost completed a hat-trick, from a header from a Harry Kewell cross, but was denied by the crossbar.
Babel has been part of the Netherlands national team since March 2005, when coach Marco van Basten sent him as a first-half substitute for the injured Arjen Robben in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Romania in Bucharest. He paid off van Basten's faith by scoring the second goal in a 2-0 win, making him the fourth-youngest goalscorer in the Dutch history and the youngest in 68 years at the age of 18 years and 97 days.
Despite featuring at senior level, Babel was still eligible for the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup, being held in the Netherlands. He scored two goals in four games as the Netherlands reached the quarter-finals. There they were defeated by Nigeria, 10–9 in a penalty shoot-out, at which Babel scored his penalty.
In 2006, van Basten included Babel in the Dutch 23-man squad for 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, though he only featured once, as a second-half substitute for Ruud van Nistelrooy in the group match against Argentina.
Babel was one of the stars as the Netherlands U-21 team won the European Championships on home soil. His two goals included one in the 4-1 victory over Serbia in the final, helping him scoop man of the match.
In May 2008, Babel was selected for the Dutch squad which will compete in the Euro 2008 Finals in Austria and Switzerland. Sadly, he was removed from the squad after sustaining an ankle ligament injury in training.
He was part of the Dutch team for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, which they were knocked out by Nigeria in the quarter-finals.
After being slowly blooded into the Liverpool side, Babel has became a more prominent figure in the Reds line-up and is being hotly tipped for this season to be his breakout season.
Full name: Ryan Guno Babel
Date of birth: December 19, 1986
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Nationality: Dutch
Height: 1.85 m
Weight: 78 kg
Club: Liverpool
Position: Forward
Number: 19
Honours:
UEFA U-21 European Championship (2007)
Dutch Johan Cruijff-schaal (2005, 2006)
Dutch KNVB Cup (2006, 2007)
Liverpool Young Player of the Season (2008)
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Technorati tags: Netherlands Liverpool Ryan Babel
The right-footed Babel is predominantly a left winger but can also be employed as striker or on the opposite wing.
His speed and trickery equip him to cause defenders problems and, allied with his scoring threat, make him a real handful.
With awareness of the field, great vision, good first touch, and strength on the ball, he handles situations well.
Scouted by Ajax at the age of eleven, the Amsterdam-born forward played the 1998/99 season for their D1 team.
On February 2004, Babel made his first team debut for Ajax as a 17-year-old in the 4-0 win against ADO Den Haag.
Nine months later, the youngster registered his first senior goal in a 5-0 league win against De Graafschap.
He played three seasons at the Amsterdam ArenA with a record of 14 goals in 73 Eredivisie outings, before moved to Liverpool in July 2007 in a five-year deal worth £11.5 million.
He was handed the number 19 shirt and made his Premier League debut as a second-half substitute at Aston Villa in the opening day of the 2007/08 season.
It wasn't long before he opened his goal account in a red shirt, defeating two Derby County defenders before lashing home in a 6-0 romp over newly-promoted Derby at Anfield.
Another nine goals followed in a satisfying first year, including his first Champions League goal for Liverpool in an 8-0 demolition of Beşiktaş. He netted twice in the game - one being a cheeky back-heel - and almost completed a hat-trick, from a header from a Harry Kewell cross, but was denied by the crossbar.
Babel has been part of the Netherlands national team since March 2005, when coach Marco van Basten sent him as a first-half substitute for the injured Arjen Robben in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Romania in Bucharest. He paid off van Basten's faith by scoring the second goal in a 2-0 win, making him the fourth-youngest goalscorer in the Dutch history and the youngest in 68 years at the age of 18 years and 97 days.
In 2006, van Basten included Babel in the Dutch 23-man squad for 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, though he only featured once, as a second-half substitute for Ruud van Nistelrooy in the group match against Argentina.
Babel was one of the stars as the Netherlands U-21 team won the European Championships on home soil. His two goals included one in the 4-1 victory over Serbia in the final, helping him scoop man of the match.
In May 2008, Babel was selected for the Dutch squad which will compete in the Euro 2008 Finals in Austria and Switzerland. Sadly, he was removed from the squad after sustaining an ankle ligament injury in training.
He was part of the Dutch team for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, which they were knocked out by Nigeria in the quarter-finals.
After being slowly blooded into the Liverpool side, Babel has became a more prominent figure in the Reds line-up and is being hotly tipped for this season to be his breakout season.
Full name: Ryan Guno Babel
Date of birth: December 19, 1986
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Nationality: Dutch
Height: 1.85 m
Weight: 78 kg
Club: Liverpool
Position: Forward
Number: 19
Honours:
UEFA U-21 European Championship (2007)
Dutch Johan Cruijff-schaal (2005, 2006)
Dutch KNVB Cup (2006, 2007)
Liverpool Young Player of the Season (2008)
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 Diego Buonanotte of River Plate |
"River might not have Messi, but we've got Buonanotte"
Héctor Pitarch, River Plate youth divisions co-ordinator
"Diego is a priceless talent"
José María Aguilar, River Plate president
Small in stature, technically gifted and a wonderful finisher, Diego Buonanotte is one of the most exciting talents to have emerged from Argentina in recent years.
At just 1.60m, Buonanotte is tiny figure but has the ability to get a hold of for any prolonged period of time.
His low of centre of gravity, combined with elusive movement and the customary Latin dribbling ability, allow him to ghost past defenders in a manner which at times defies logic.
The diminutive star shot to stardom when he was handed a shock full debut for River Plate in the Super Clásico against bitter rivals Boca Juniors, only one week after coming in as a substitute for the second time in his career and scoring his first goal at senior level.
River won 2-0, and it all started going right for Buonanotte as he was named man of the match in the biggest match in Argentina.
He didn't score, but his performance - which led to a standing ovation when Buonanotte was subbed late in the match - was the true arrival, demonstrating the youngster's ability.
Buonanotte, who was named by World Soccer Magazine as one of the '50 most exciting teenagers in the world, has since been included as a regular starter in the team.
Under new boss Diego Simeone in the first half of 2008, El Enano just kept getting better, finishing as club top scorer with nine goals in their march to the Clausura 2008 trophy.
River fans voted him their most important player, narrowly ahead of club legend Ariel Ortega, as Los Millonarios claimed their first league title in four years.
In a star-studded list of Argentina which won a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Buonanotte was the only home-based player apart from Boca playmaker Juan Román Riquelme.
He only played one full match, the final group game against Serbia, but scored the second in a 2-0 win from a far free kick.
His early adventures in the Albiceleste jersey, though, were less than satisfying as he was part of Argentina U-17 squad that failed to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Championship Peru 2005.
But still, the Estadio Monumental faithful see in Buonanotte a worthy successor to Millonarios legends such as Ortega, Hernán Crespo, Andrés D'Alessandro, Pablo Aimar and Javier Saviola.
Full name: Diego Mario Buonanotte Rende
Date of birth: April 19, 1988
Birthplace: Teodolina, Santa Fé, Argentina
Nationality: Argentinian
2nd nationality: Italian
Height: 1.60 m
Weight: 56 kg
Club: River Plate
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Number: 30
Honours:
Olympic Games (2008)
Argentinian Primera División (Clausura 2008)
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Technorati tags: Argentina River Plate Diego Buonanotte
At just 1.60m, Buonanotte is tiny figure but has the ability to get a hold of for any prolonged period of time.
His low of centre of gravity, combined with elusive movement and the customary Latin dribbling ability, allow him to ghost past defenders in a manner which at times defies logic.
The diminutive star shot to stardom when he was handed a shock full debut for River Plate in the Super Clásico against bitter rivals Boca Juniors, only one week after coming in as a substitute for the second time in his career and scoring his first goal at senior level.
River won 2-0, and it all started going right for Buonanotte as he was named man of the match in the biggest match in Argentina.
He didn't score, but his performance - which led to a standing ovation when Buonanotte was subbed late in the match - was the true arrival, demonstrating the youngster's ability.
Under new boss Diego Simeone in the first half of 2008, El Enano just kept getting better, finishing as club top scorer with nine goals in their march to the Clausura 2008 trophy.
River fans voted him their most important player, narrowly ahead of club legend Ariel Ortega, as Los Millonarios claimed their first league title in four years.
In a star-studded list of Argentina which won a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Buonanotte was the only home-based player apart from Boca playmaker Juan Román Riquelme.
He only played one full match, the final group game against Serbia, but scored the second in a 2-0 win from a far free kick.
His early adventures in the Albiceleste jersey, though, were less than satisfying as he was part of Argentina U-17 squad that failed to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Championship Peru 2005.
But still, the Estadio Monumental faithful see in Buonanotte a worthy successor to Millonarios legends such as Ortega, Hernán Crespo, Andrés D'Alessandro, Pablo Aimar and Javier Saviola.
Full name: Diego Mario Buonanotte Rende
Date of birth: April 19, 1988
Birthplace: Teodolina, Santa Fé, Argentina
Nationality: Argentinian
2nd nationality: Italian
Height: 1.60 m
Weight: 56 kg
Club: River Plate
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Number: 30
Honours:
Olympic Games (2008)
Argentinian Primera División (Clausura 2008)
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 Nicklas Bendtner of Arsenal |
"His speed and technique reminds me that of Thierry Henry but there is also a little bit of Zlatan Ibrahimović in his challenging and unpredictable style"
John Sivebæk, former Denmark international
"Nicklas is one of the most exciting young forwards in Denmark. He is the type of player who can single-handedly decide a match"
Flemming Serritslev, Denmark U-21 coach
"I think he is the one we are hanging our hopes on. I think he is going to be a sensational player for the future"
Former Danish international Jan Mølby
Regarded as one of Europe's top prospects, Nicklas Bendtner is learning from some of European football's finest coaches at Arsenal.
The striker had been rising through the ranks since moving from Copenhagen in the summer of 2004.
At 1.91m, Bendtner is tall and powerful, but the youngster has a deft touch on the floor.
Playing up front, his intelligent passing enticed midfield colleagues into attacking positions and his neat touches often worked space where there appeared none.
He has the ability to link midfield and attack with intelligence then finish off the move with precision.
Born in Danish capital, Copenhagen, Bendtner started playing football for Copenhagen club Kjøbenhavns Boldklub, where he scored four goals in six Danish national youth team matches before joining Arsenal.
On October 2005, Bendtner made his first team debut for the Gunners in a League Cup match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, entering the scene as a substitute for Quincy Owusu-Abeyie in the final minutes.
After scoring 18 goals in 24 matches for Arsenal's reserves in the 2005/06 season, Bendtner was loaned out to Championship side Birmingham City in August 2006, with the loan initially lasting until January 2007.
The loan to Birmingham was extended through the end of the 2006/07 season as Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger decided that the experience would be good for Bendtner.
The 2007/08 season saw the Dane finally begin his first-team career at Arsenal as he signed a new five-year contract after having a successful season on loan at Birmingham, helping Midlands club return to the Premier League.
Bendtner's first competitive goal for the Gunners came on September 2007, in a 2–0 home victory over Newcastle United in a Carling Cup match.
On December 2007, Arsenal had a major victory against arch-rivals Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium, Bendtner playing substitute, powered home the winner with his first touch. He took only 1.8 seconds to perform this winning feat, which is the fastest goal ever scored by a substitute.
A week later, he saw red on his first Premier League start as he was sent off for two bookable offences in the game against Everton at Goodison Park.
Part of an exciting new generation coming through for Denmark, Bendtner was the youngest player selected for the Danish U-21 national squad for the 2006 European U-21 Championship tournament.
He earned his U-21 debut against Spain in a friendly match on May 2006, scoring both goals in his side's 2–0 win.
Bendtner, still only 18 years old, then got his first senior cap for the Danish national team in a friendly match against Poland on August 2006, making him the seventh youngest player on the Danish senior national team ever.
Full name: Nicklas Bendtner
Date of birth: January 16, 1988
Birthplace: Copenhagen, Denmark
Nationality: Danish
Height: 1.91 m
Weight: 78 kg
Club: Arsenal
Position: Striker
Number: 26
Honours:
Danish U-17 Player of the Year (2004)
Danish Talent of the Year (2007)
Technorati tags: Denmark Arsenal Nicklas Bendtner
The striker had been rising through the ranks since moving from Copenhagen in the summer of 2004.
At 1.91m, Bendtner is tall and powerful, but the youngster has a deft touch on the floor.
Playing up front, his intelligent passing enticed midfield colleagues into attacking positions and his neat touches often worked space where there appeared none.
Born in Danish capital, Copenhagen, Bendtner started playing football for Copenhagen club Kjøbenhavns Boldklub, where he scored four goals in six Danish national youth team matches before joining Arsenal.
On October 2005, Bendtner made his first team debut for the Gunners in a League Cup match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, entering the scene as a substitute for Quincy Owusu-Abeyie in the final minutes.
After scoring 18 goals in 24 matches for Arsenal's reserves in the 2005/06 season, Bendtner was loaned out to Championship side Birmingham City in August 2006, with the loan initially lasting until January 2007.
The loan to Birmingham was extended through the end of the 2006/07 season as Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger decided that the experience would be good for Bendtner.
The 2007/08 season saw the Dane finally begin his first-team career at Arsenal as he signed a new five-year contract after having a successful season on loan at Birmingham, helping Midlands club return to the Premier League.
On December 2007, Arsenal had a major victory against arch-rivals Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium, Bendtner playing substitute, powered home the winner with his first touch. He took only 1.8 seconds to perform this winning feat, which is the fastest goal ever scored by a substitute.
A week later, he saw red on his first Premier League start as he was sent off for two bookable offences in the game against Everton at Goodison Park.
Part of an exciting new generation coming through for Denmark, Bendtner was the youngest player selected for the Danish U-21 national squad for the 2006 European U-21 Championship tournament.
He earned his U-21 debut against Spain in a friendly match on May 2006, scoring both goals in his side's 2–0 win.
Bendtner, still only 18 years old, then got his first senior cap for the Danish national team in a friendly match against Poland on August 2006, making him the seventh youngest player on the Danish senior national team ever.
Full name: Nicklas Bendtner
Date of birth: January 16, 1988
Birthplace: Copenhagen, Denmark
Nationality: Danish
Height: 1.91 m
Weight: 78 kg
Club: Arsenal
Position: Striker
Number: 26
Honours:
Danish U-17 Player of the Year (2004)
Danish Talent of the Year (2007)
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 Breno of Bayern Munich |
"He is a great footballer and played for my former team São Paulo. He is very talented and powerful"
Kaká, AC Milan player
"He tackled well, he boasts a lightning turn of pace, and he's collected on the ball, even when surrounded by three or four opponents. He's exceptionally mature for his age"
Jürgen Klinsmann, Bayern Munich coach
"Breno is a brilliant footballer, the best 18-year-old I've ever seen by a very long way"
Paul Breitner, Bayern Munich special advisor
A Brazil U-23 international and member of the Brazilian team that won the bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics, Breno was the third most expensive hiring for Bayern Munich last season.
The Bundesliga giants have landed the talented defender for a fee thought to be in the region of €12 million, such a big money for an 18-year-old.
Athletic, powerful and good on the ball, his movements on the pitch remind of compatriot Lúcio.
He was recommended to Bayern by former goal king Giovanne Élber, who played at the Säbener Strasse between 1997 and 2003 and is now working as one of their scouts in his native country, Brazil.
Breno, whose given name is Vinicius Rodrigues Borges, came through the São Paulo youth team and signed his first professional contract with the Brazilian outfit in July 2007.
The teenager, making his debut at just 17, was a rock at the heart of a São Paulo defence that won the league title with five games to spare and conceded just 19 goals in 38 matches, once keeping a clean sheet for 998 minutes.
This form did not go unnoticed as he was named 'Newcomer of the Season 2007' by Brazilian football journalists, and he came second in the race for Placar Magazine's Bola de Ouro, awarded to the player with the highest average match-rating in the Campeonato Brasileiro.
Following his exploits with São Paulo, Bayern were quick to move and fought off a host of big European clubs to sign the youngster, with AC Milan, Juventus, Fiorentina and Real Madrid all expressing interest.
But it was the Spanish powerhouse Real who almost swooped the versatile defender, equally comfortable at right-back or centre-half.
Faced with the possibility of a similar case to Leandro Lima at FC Porto, Los Blancos did not want to take a risk as they asked him to undergo a bone analysis to prove his young age.
Breno was stunned and told them in no uncertain terms what he thought of that idea.
In December 2007, Breno officially signed for Bayern on a four and a half year contract which will keep him at the Allianz Arena until June 2012.
And if Breno lives up to expectations, Real will soon look to Munich with jealousy and regret in their eyes.
Full name: Breno Vinicius Rodrigues Borges
Date of birth: October 13, 1989
Birthplace: Cruzeiro, São Paulo, Brazil
Nationality: Brazilian
Height: 1.87 m
Weight: 83 kg
Club: Bayern Munich
Position: Defender
Number: 35
Honours:
Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (2007)
German DFB-Pokal (2008)
German Bundesliga (2008)
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Technorati tags: Brazil Bayern Munich Breno
The Bundesliga giants have landed the talented defender for a fee thought to be in the region of €12 million, such a big money for an 18-year-old.
He was recommended to Bayern by former goal king Giovanne Élber, who played at the Säbener Strasse between 1997 and 2003 and is now working as one of their scouts in his native country, Brazil.
Breno, whose given name is Vinicius Rodrigues Borges, came through the São Paulo youth team and signed his first professional contract with the Brazilian outfit in July 2007.
The teenager, making his debut at just 17, was a rock at the heart of a São Paulo defence that won the league title with five games to spare and conceded just 19 goals in 38 matches, once keeping a clean sheet for 998 minutes.
This form did not go unnoticed as he was named 'Newcomer of the Season 2007' by Brazilian football journalists, and he came second in the race for Placar Magazine's Bola de Ouro, awarded to the player with the highest average match-rating in the Campeonato Brasileiro.
But it was the Spanish powerhouse Real who almost swooped the versatile defender, equally comfortable at right-back or centre-half.
Faced with the possibility of a similar case to Leandro Lima at FC Porto, Los Blancos did not want to take a risk as they asked him to undergo a bone analysis to prove his young age.
Breno was stunned and told them in no uncertain terms what he thought of that idea.
In December 2007, Breno officially signed for Bayern on a four and a half year contract which will keep him at the Allianz Arena until June 2012.
And if Breno lives up to expectations, Real will soon look to Munich with jealousy and regret in their eyes.
Full name: Breno Vinicius Rodrigues Borges
Date of birth: October 13, 1989
Birthplace: Cruzeiro, São Paulo, Brazil
Nationality: Brazilian
Height: 1.87 m
Weight: 83 kg
Club: Bayern Munich
Position: Defender
Number: 35
Honours:
Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (2007)
German DFB-Pokal (2008)
German Bundesliga (2008)
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Technorati tags: Brazil Bayern Munich Breno
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 Karim Benzema of Olympique Lyonnais |
"He understands the game, makes all the right runs and, importantly, he knows exactly where the goal is"
Bernard Lacombe, Olympique Lyon director of sport
"Karim has so much talent. I've been playing with him since he was 17 and he keeps getting better and better. So long as he keeps his humility he will become one of the very best"
Juninho, Olympique Lyon captain
"Benzema is an extraordinary talent, who is so young and has lots of personality"
Fabio Grosso, Olympique Lyon player
A pure product of the Olympique Lyon youth academy, Karim Benzema is recognised as one of Europe's hottest young strikers.
His speed, power-play and his style of dramatic finishes made him a superstar in the world of football.
There have been rumors linking Benzema to European top clubs like Real Madrid, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, Liverpool and Arsenal.
And in order to quell all the transfer rumors surrounding Benzema, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has placed a staggering €100 million price tag on the striker.
Benzema grew up playing football from an early age and perfected his skills as a complete striker, capable of holding up play, winning headers and scoring from a variety of positions.
Of Algerian-Kabyle descent, the 9 year old Benzema was spotted by Lyon's scouts and was quickly signed into their youth academy.
His childhood hero is Ronaldo as he cited the Phenomenon as a major influence on his desire to play football.
Benzema was hugely successful in the underage system, scoring 38 goals in one season for Lyon's U-16s and firing hosts France to glory at the UEFA U-17 European Championships in 2004.
He was capped internationally for France's U-16s,U-17s and U-18s, and his underage national scoring record was an impressive 20 goals from 35 starts.
Benzema, who is capable of playing as a striker and a winger, made his breakthrough to the senior Lyon squad at the tender age of 17 in a French Ligue 1 match against Metz in 2005.
In 2006, Benzema was asked to play for the Algerian national team. But he politely rejected the offer stating that he would prefer to play for French national team.
He then earned his first cap on March 2007 in a friendly match against Austria that ended in a 1-0 victory with Benzema scoring the lone goal.
Benzema thus cemented his place in the French national team as a regular.
The prolific striker was selected to represent France at Euro 2008, but could not help Les Bleus from a disastrous campaign as they were knocked out in the first round of competition, claiming only one point from three games.
On March 2008, Benzema, who was nominated alongside Franck Ribéry and Wayne Rooney to be featured on the cover of the game FIFA 09, extended his contract with Lyon until 2013 with a one year extension option, making him one of the highest paid footballers in France.
Full name: Karim Benzema
Date of birth: December 19, 1987
Birthplace: Lyon, France
Nationality: French
2nd nationality: Algerian
Height: 1.83 m
Weight: 73 kg
Club: Lyon
Position: Striker
Number: 10
Honours:
French Ligue 1 (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
French Trophée des champions (2006, 2007)
Coupe de France (2008)
French Ligue 1 Player of the Year (2008)
French Ligue 1 Top Scorer (2008)
Technorati tags: France Olympique Lyon Karim Benzema
His speed, power-play and his style of dramatic finishes made him a superstar in the world of football.
And in order to quell all the transfer rumors surrounding Benzema, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has placed a staggering €100 million price tag on the striker.
Benzema grew up playing football from an early age and perfected his skills as a complete striker, capable of holding up play, winning headers and scoring from a variety of positions.
Of Algerian-Kabyle descent, the 9 year old Benzema was spotted by Lyon's scouts and was quickly signed into their youth academy.
His childhood hero is Ronaldo as he cited the Phenomenon as a major influence on his desire to play football.
Benzema was hugely successful in the underage system, scoring 38 goals in one season for Lyon's U-16s and firing hosts France to glory at the UEFA U-17 European Championships in 2004.
He was capped internationally for France's U-16s,U-17s and U-18s, and his underage national scoring record was an impressive 20 goals from 35 starts.
In 2006, Benzema was asked to play for the Algerian national team. But he politely rejected the offer stating that he would prefer to play for French national team.
He then earned his first cap on March 2007 in a friendly match against Austria that ended in a 1-0 victory with Benzema scoring the lone goal.
Benzema thus cemented his place in the French national team as a regular.
The prolific striker was selected to represent France at Euro 2008, but could not help Les Bleus from a disastrous campaign as they were knocked out in the first round of competition, claiming only one point from three games.
On March 2008, Benzema, who was nominated alongside Franck Ribéry and Wayne Rooney to be featured on the cover of the game FIFA 09, extended his contract with Lyon until 2013 with a one year extension option, making him one of the highest paid footballers in France.
Full name: Karim Benzema
Date of birth: December 19, 1987
Birthplace: Lyon, France
Nationality: French
2nd nationality: Algerian
Height: 1.83 m
Weight: 73 kg
Club: Lyon
Position: Striker
Number: 10
Honours:
French Ligue 1 (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
French Trophée des champions (2006, 2007)
Coupe de France (2008)
French Ligue 1 Player of the Year (2008)
French Ligue 1 Top Scorer (2008)
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Technorati tags: France Olympique Lyon Karim Benzema
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