England's Jadon Sancho and other youngsters to watch out for in the international break

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 11:34 22/03/2019
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  • Jadon Sancho has become one of Europe's rising stars.

    The international break is upon us and for those already pining for club football, there is at least the opportunity to see some of the most sought after young talents take the field in their national team’s colours.

    International friendlies and qualifiers for the Euro 2020 are now underway. While the Europe is kept busy with the qualifiers, the South Americans find themselves rehearsing for the Copa 2019.

    We take a look at some of the youngsters who could make an impact with their national teams after a promising season at club level.

    Jadon Sancho (England)

    Jadon Sancho has arguably been the best teenager to make a name for himself in the top five leagues this season. The Englishman has played a key role in providing Borussia Dortmund with a shot at the Bundesliga title.

    The 18-year-old has garnered 12 assists in the league so far this season. No player in the top five leagues has bettered this. In Sancho, England have a versatile winger who can take on opponents with ease, create chances and deliver quality cross.

    He is yet to start a competitive game for England, but has made two appearances off the bench in the Nations League last year.

    Oddly, part of the above description can also be used to describe yet another youngster who will be donning the jersey of the Three Lions – Callum Hudson-Odoi. Clearly, England’s matches are a must-watch during the break.

    They will be taking on Czech Republic (March 22) and Montenegro (March 25) before breaking off for club football.

    Jadon Sancho

    Jadon Sancho could enjoy his first start for England in a competitive game

    Diego Lainez (Mexico)

    On Sunday, Diego Lainez set up Loren Moron and earned an assist against Barcelona. On Thursday, he will take the field for Mexico in a friendly against Chile.

    The 18-year-old was signed by Real Betis in the winter transfer window after he impressed at his former club, Club America.

    Despite being a teenager, the diminutive midfielder has shown great maturity and warrants all the hype surrounding him.

    A winger who can also function as a number 10, Lainez uses his quick burst of pace to get past defenders.

    Keep an eye out for the 18-year-old as Mexico take on Chile (March 21) and Paraguay (March 25) in friendlies.

    Diego Lainez has shown promise of a high ceiling

    Diego Lainez has shown promise of a high ceiling

    Kai Havertz (Germany)

    The Germans have clearly not recovered from the World Cup 2018 trauma yet. Relegation in the UEFA Nations League and a draw against Serbia in a friendly is evidence.

    If youth and talent is what Joachim Low is looking for in his new wave Germany squad, Kai Havertz should be a crucial addition.

    The 19-year-old is yet to feature in a competitive game for country and could make his debut against the Netherlands in the Euro 2020 qualifiers on March 24.

    The technically gifted midfielder is seen as Mesut Ozil’s replacement in the national team, given he shares the same qualities and has the potential to become one of the best number 10s in the world.

    Kai Havertz will be crucial for Germany

    Kai Havertz will be crucial for Germany

    Joao Felix (Portugal)

    While Manchester United are still in search of the “next Cristiano Ronaldo,” Portugal could be close to finding someone who could replicate his attacking prowess.

    A central attacking midfielder by trade, 19-year-old Joao Felix is capable of playing on the wing or as a striker.

    The Benfica forward has scored 10 goals in 18 league appearances this season, justifying all the hype around him, including rumours that United are after him.

    Catch the youngster in action as Portugal take on Ukraine (March 22) and Serbia (March 25) in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.

    Joao Felix: The next Ronaldo?

    Joao Felix: The next Ronaldo?

    Donny Van de Beek (Netherlands)

    Three weeks after eliminating Real Madrid from the Champions League, Van de Beek will don the Dutch colours as he attempts to help his team past the Euro 2020 qualifiers.

    The Dutch are yet to qualify for a major tournament after the heartbreak in the 2014 World Cup. Having failed to qualify for Euro 2016 and World Cup 2018, the pressure on Ronald Koeman to achieve qualification is high.

    Van de Beek could play a crucial role as Netherlands aim to achieve European dominance. The midfielder loves to have the ball at his feet and dictate the tempo of the play. With Frenkie de Jong tucking into defence, Van de Beek will be more progressive with his game.

    The 21-year-old is just another youngster in the massive pool of talent that the Dutch national team has.

    Watch the midfielder in action as Netherlands take on Germany in the qualifiers on March 24.

    Donny van de Beek

    Donny van de Beek

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