Serie A players are like rock musicians. They may burst onto the scene explosively as young, exciting talent; but they produce some of their best performances after 30. Italian football is very much an old man’s game, with the domestic scene stocked full of players excelling in the autumns of their careers. Many Italian footballers themselves reserve their purple patches for their late 20s and early 30s; aided no doubt by the continued faith of managers and the slower pace of the game; one that requires intelligence and a clever reading of the game more than raw pace, strength and pure talent.
Fitting then, that we pause to review some of Serie A’s relative toddlers, all under 22. Here are some of the youngest players in Serie A, who have established themselves in starting elevens and in some cases even stamped their mark on the division altogether. Meet the youngsters setting Serie A alight.
Javier Pastore – Palermo – Midfielder
One of the season’s revelations and a real star in the making Pastore has taken over the creative leadership at Palermo, no strangers to fielding young talent. Three substitute appearances for Argentina at the World Cup may have failed to showcase his talent but his second season at the club surely will, as he has stepped up to inherit the mantle of club talisman from elder statesman Fabrizio Miccoli. Seven goals, one assist and 22 shots on goal during 12 starts, are an impressive return so far.
Adem Ljajic – Fiorentina – Midfielder
The young winger had a bit of a nightmare at Manchester United as he flitted in and out of a bloated side. His class was never in doubt and this season at Fiorentina, he has shown just why. Speedy and tricky, one would be forgiven for terming him a Balkan version of Cristiano Ronaldo. In the absence of an injured Stevan Jovetic, Ljajic has made the most of six starts in nine appearances slotting in two goals and creating two more.
Armin Bacinovic – Palermo - Midfielder
Yet another young gun thrown in at the deep end by coach Delio Rossi at Palermo, the young Slovenian has flourished with an extended run in the first team, scoring twice and creating one in 12 appearances so far. His role is more of a spoiler as he complements the more attacking instincts of the Palermo midfield. With three yellow cards from 23 fouls committed, his grinding style has been effective as Palermo compete in both Europa League and Serie A campaigns.
Alexis Sanchez – Udinese – Midfielder
After a great World Cup in which both he and Chile acquitted themselves exceedingly well, Sanchez has continued his rapid rise to fame in the black and white stripes of Udinese. His natural poise on the ball at the right of the Udine midfield has converted many admirers, as he has impressed during nine starts and 13 appearances. Able to create as well as finish moves, he will no doubt add to his current tally of two goals and two assists.
Philippe Coutinho – Inter – Midfielder
Inter’s granddad army is notoriously hard to break into, for young players, especially with the defensive discipline preached by both Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez. How refreshing then to see young Brazilian Coutinho impress during 10 games for the Nerazzurri, in both Serie A and Champions’ League. Still wiry, with some work to do at the gym, his composure and forward passing have been rare, bright lights in a dark campaign for Inter.
Ezequiel Munoz – Palermo – Defender
The sole defender on this list, the prodigy is another young Argentine who is among the first names on the team sheet at Sicilian club, Palermo. His reading of the game and calmness under pressure has eased Palermo’s backline during tough passages of play this season. Starting all 13 games he has featured in, look to see him become a defensive colossus in Serie A over the coming decade. Only three other players have played more for the club this season.
Matias Schelotto – Cesena – Midfielder
Often identified by his given name of Ezequiel, the youngster has slotted in naturally at promoted Cesena. 12 appearances and nine starts have yielded a couple of assists during his stint as a regular starter. Ever present during an impressive shock win over Milan early in the season, his composure has justified the award of the number 7 shirt. Scheletto was also part of the Italian team that narrowly missed out on the Euro U21 finals next summer.
Vladimir Koman – Sampdoria – Midfielder
Another young Hungarian making a name for himself in one of Europe’s bigger leagues, Koman Junior has racked up eight starts and 10 appearances for the club from Genoa. Yet to score, his play so far is a welcome fillip to both Sampdoria and Hungary, for whom he has played a game during their European Qualifying run. Sampdoria’s average age is one of the youngest in the division and in Koman they have a possible midfield presence for years to come.
Pato – Milan – Forward
Something of a veteran having been blooded three seasons ago, one often forgets that he only turned 21 this year. Seen as the long term successor at the front of the park, to Kaka, Pato has move up a gear this season as he notched six goals in as many games before being sidelined with an injury. Despite competition from new arrivals Robinho and Zlatan, Pato still commands the respect and adoration of the Milanista faithful as his production continues apace.
Kwadwo Asamoah – Udinese – Midfielder
The lone African in our compilation, Asamoah is the latest exciting young prospect from Ghana, incidentally sharing the same name as his famous colleague Asamoah Gyan. Strong and physically developed, his style is reminiscent of Michael Essien. 13 games and 12 starts have made him into a key component of a Udinese midfield where he has dovetailed with Gokhan Inler to some effect. A guaranteed starter when fit, only Inler has featured more than him this season.
Frederico Casarini – Bologna – Midfielder
Bologna’s super sub is one of their youngest players. Five starts and six more appearances of the bench has made Casarini one of coach Alberto Malesani’s go to guys. Mostly brought on to shore up an overrun midfield, his tackling on the deck and strength have allowed him to make the most of limited time on the pitch. Something of a limited defensive midfielder in the mould of Massimo Ambrosini, Milan’s current captain; Casarini’s sophomore season is well underway.
No comments:
Post a Comment