Sport
Ten possible Olympic football stars of Tokyo 2020
Olympic football has always been an underrated tournament, falling into the shadows of the World Cup and European Championships, the latter of which usually take place in the same summer.
However, Olympic football has proven to be a surprisingly successful platform for young stars to showcase their skills in the past, with the likes of Carlos Tevez and Neymar making big impacts. Tokyo 2020 was supposed to begin this week but, with the Olympics games postponed until next summer, we have a chance to see who might shine in Japan. Here is our list of ten possible Olympics football stars of Tokyo 2020.
Ten possible Olympic football stars at Tokyo 2020
Eduardo Camavinga (France)
At just 17 years old, the footballing world is already buzzing at the prospect of what Eduard Camavinga could achieve. The Rennes midfielder is very much a midfield general, built in the same mould as Claude Makelele and Patrick Vieira, with a strong physical presence and a good eye for a pass.
With the likes of PSG and Real Madrid already interested in his services, the 17-year-old could use the Olympic stage to really showcase his talent to the world.
Florinel Coman (Romania)
Romania were the surprise package at the 2019 Euro U21 Championships and their run to the semi-finals secured their place in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The standout performer in the current squad looks to be Steaua Bucharest winger Florinel Coman, whose pace and finishing make him a handful to deal with for any defence.
Having hit double figures in Liga I the past two seasons, he could well be the difference maker for Romania in 12 months’ time.
Ansu Fati (Spain)
One of the hottest young talents in world football, Ansu Fati could steal the spotlight when the Olympics roll around. The 17-year-old is extremely quick and has tricks and scoring ability have already seen him break into the Barcelona squad and score 7 times in 24 appearances.
Having opted to represent Spain instead of Guinea-Bissau, Fati could set the world alight playing Olympic football if he doesn’t make their European Championships squad and lead Spain to their first gold medal since 1992.
Arne Maier (Germany)
Germany have produced some of the best attacking midfielder of the last generation and Arne Maier could be the next one off the conveyer belt. The Hertha Berlin midfielder is quick and good with the ball at his feet, helping to transition play from defence to attack.
With two Bundesliga campaigns already under his belt and other big names busy with the European Championships, Maier is the type of player Germany will need to help lead their quest for Olympic gold.
Gabriel Martinelli (Brazil)
Seemingly plucked from obscurity, Martinelli has shown that he has what it takes to shine at the highest level. Since joining Arsenal a year ago, the Brazilian’s speed and finishing ability have proven a silver lining during a difficult season for The Gunners.
Martinelli will look to impress in a frontline that could also contain the likes of Paulinho and Vinicius Junior, as Brazil look to defend their gold medal from Rio four years ago.
Adolfo Gaich (Argentina)
No country has dominated Olympic football more in recent games than Argentina, who will arrive at Tokyo 2020 with another promising squad looking for success.
The pick of their current team looks set to be Adolfo Gaich who has had a breakthrough season. The San Lorenzo forward scored six goals in five games for the Argentine U23 in 2019 and could prove a nightmare for defences if that form continues in Japan.
Ramadan Sobhi (Egypt)
With three Premier League campaigns under his belt, Egypt’s Ramadan Sobhi will be one of the more experienced campaigners heading into the tournament. Deadly from set-pieces and comfortable anywhere within the final third, Sobhi will no doubt want to lead Egypt to success in Japan.
Fresh from winning Player of the Tournament at the African U23 Cup of Nations, it will be up to Sobhi to lead by example and help Egypt to capitalise on their strong form.
Zach Duncan (Australia)
The Socceroos are a team in transition at this time, although they do possess some extremely talented players, but their midfield could be sparked to life by the arrival of Zach Duncan. The 20-year-old has enjoyed a strong season with AGF Aarhus in the Danish Superliga breaking into their first team and has a calm presence on the ball.
His awareness and positioning are strong facets of his game and he could help Australia become a surprise package in the competition.
Liberato Cacace (New Zealand)
At just 19 years of age, Liberato Cacace has already enjoyed a lot of first team experience at domestic level. He has regularly been a part of an improving Wellington Phoenix side in the A-League and is as adept at preventing attacking movements as he is being part of them.
The youngster will need to draw on all of this experience and showcase why he has become a mainstay of both the Phoenix and the All-Whites line-ups over the past 12 months.
Takefusa Kubo (Japan)
On home soil, Japan will be determinded to perform at one of the world’s biggest sporting events. In terms of their Olympic football campaign, many hopes will rest of the shoulders of young winger Takefusa Kubo, who is one of the eight best Japanese players in the world at the moment.
He has lots of pace, good finishing ability and has gained vital senior experience in La Liga with Real Mallorca. A good run in the Olympics will help him become the next big Japanese superstar and could provide an opportunity to break into the Real Madrid team once he returns from his loan.
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