January U23 Players to Watch: Bradley, De Quetelaele among the stars

Welcome to the ESPN FC Hot List. Each month, this list features his best-in-form talent under the age of 23 from across Europe.

Generally, young but established stars such as Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Barcelona’s Gavi are not included – who would otherwise be on the monthly list. We’re sure there are — but we’re going to shine a light on some of those players. Their performances have been commendable and they have the potential to become the next big names in European football.

– Stream on ESPN+: La Liga, Bundesliga and more (US)

What a month it’s been for Liverpool’s young right-back. The standard mantra given by Premier League head coaches when young players make their debut is: “Go out and have fun and don’t be afraid to express yourself” and the Northern Ireland international does exactly what he says. did.

After an excellent year on loan at Bolton, Bradley missed the first few months of this season through injury, but when his chance presented itself in the UEFA Europa League in November, he grabbed it with both hands. Defensively sharp, quick to intercept the ball, and possessing unrelenting enthusiasm and stamina, his rise has led to questions about whether Trent Alexander-Arnold will eventually become a permanent fixture in midfield.

There is no way to keep Bradley away from the side in this form. He was perhaps the man of the match with two assists and one goal against Fulham, Norwich and Chelsea. It’s hard to believe that just a few months ago this unassuming 20-year-old signed a new three-and-a-half year contract and no one noticed. Jurgen Klopp has done it again.

Desiree Douet, 18, AM, Rennes

Rennes’ latest academy product has stepped up to make a real difference in the first team this season. Technically excellent, the French U19 international has incredible one-on-one ability (his 3.7 successful dribbles per 90 minutes), holds the ball well and often glides past opponents in crowded midfield areas. and pass by.

Although he is not yet an undisputed regular, he has proven to be very useful for tactical purposes as well, as he can fill a wealth of positions. This season, he played as a No. 8 on both wings and was also a dynamic centre-forward. His recent goal against Lyon in Ligue 1 also showcased his excellent ball-attacking skills.

Lucas Chevalier, 22, goalkeeper, Lille

Goalkeepers are rarely featured in this column, but the Lille star certainly deserves a mention due to the fact that very few Under-23s play regularly at the top level. Chevalier, seen by many as France’s future No. 1, ended January with a perfect performance in two Ligue 1 matches and one French Cup match.

Although only in his second season as a regular, the France Under-21 international continues to improve every month, adding authority to his already excellent positioning and lightning reflexes and adjusting his small technical deficiencies.

Additionally, as a goalkeeper in one of the most possession-heavy teams in Ligue 1, Chevalier is also good with the ball at his feet when playing from the back. His long passes are well executed and often delivered with pinpoint accuracy. He shows a confident first touch and takes good positions to give defenders options.

Samuel Omorodion, 19 years old, ST, Alaves

Omorodion (nicknamed ‘Sam’) signed for Atlético Madrid from Granada for €6 million in August last year, before moving on loan to Alaves this season. After showing promise in his first few months, he ended January with two excellent goals against Almeria. The first came after Alavés had won the ball high in their own half, swerving past the defenders and covering half the pitch, and the second was equally impressive, hitting from a sharp angle with his weak left foot. It was a great drive.

Born to Nigerian parents in the Spanish North African enclave of Melilla, the 19-year-old – who has established himself in the Spain Under-21 squad – has great athleticism and an ability to find space, making him look like a one-man attack at times. Sometimes it becomes difficult to restrain him. In fact, four of his six La Liga goals so far have been the result of smart moves.

Charles De Ketelaere, 22, AM, Atalanta

De Ketelare is well known for his talent, having previously been featured in the ESPN U21 rankings. However, the Belgian international has struggled to settle down since joining AC Milan from Club Brugge for €36.5 million in the summer of 2022, with just one assist in 32 appearances in Serie A, and his 6-ft. The 4-inch attacking midfielder was loaned to Atalanta.

But just six months into his stay in Bergamo, de Quetelaele says he is already making good progress. Primarily a ‘false number nine’ striker, he has shown himself to be more energetic, confident and, above all, more productive. With a style somewhat similar to Arsenal’s Kai Havertz, his best performance this season came when he scored both goals against Udinese in January. There is a good chance that Atalanta will exercise their €24 million option to sign him permanently in the summer.

Semih Kilicsoy, 18, AM, Besiktas

Opportunities are rarely given to teenagers in the Turkish league, but the 18-year-old winger burst onto the scene this season. Kiricisoy, who was a standout performer for the Turkish national team at Under-19 level, was handed his starting debut for the Istanbul giants just before Christmas amid an injury crisis, but his recent form (three league goals in January) He is included in the first eleven to remain.

Kirisoi mainly impresses with his good one-on-one ability and loves to beat his marker on the half-turn, but he also has a strong shot with his right foot. His intensity and aggression are also quite unusual for an 18-year-old who was just drafted into the first team.

His form has seen Beşiktaş bid a €20 million to €25 million price tag on his move, with him set to remain in Turkey at least until the summer, despite reported interest from several Premier League sides. It seems like it will happen.

Igor Thiago, 22, ST, Club Brugge

After a slow start to the season, his summer signing from Bulgarian side Ludogorets for €7.9m is starting to show real potential. The powerful centre-forward is currently tied at the top of the Belgian Pro League’s scoring list (alongside Kevin Denke of city rivals Cercle Brugge KSV) with 16 goals.

Igor Thiago has the perfect profile as a centre-forward, with strong aerial ability and excellent ball-keeping skills, making him a dominant presence up front, drawing fouls from opponents and creating space for his teammates. If his development continues, the Brazilian will face even bigger challenges in the coming years.