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18) Jonathan Tah
Who is he?: Tah is one of the younger players on our list, and at only 17 has a long career, and a big future ahead of him. The young defender is eligible to represent both Germany and Ivory Coast, and plays his club football for Hamburg. Tah is primarily a centre back, but can also fill in at right back if needed.
Back in 2013: Tah made his first team bow for Hamburg this season, coming off the bench late in the defeat to Hertha. He made his first start almost a month later, as Hamburg went down to Werder Bremen. Ever since that game, the 17 year old has been a fixture in the side, and has played out 90 minutes in every game. He’s played a vital role in their progression to the quarter finals of the Cup as well, playing the full 90 minutes the 2 previous round. He’s chalked up an assist while he’s been at his defensive duties too. He’s represented the German age group teams, most recently playing for the U17?s. He hasn’t seen action for the U19?s yet, but by the looks of things, it can’t be too far away.
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Looking to 2014: Tah has done very well to find a starting spot in the Hamburg side, and will do well to hold onto it. If he can, he’ll want to try and play for the German U19?s and possibly U21?s as well. Tah is still only 17, and can expect to achieve a lot in his career, which has miles to go.
17) Ali Adnan
Who is he?: Known as the Asian Gareth Bale, Adnan is an Iraqi left back, currently playing in Turkey for Caykur Rizespor. Adnan is only 20, but has already been capped 17 times by his national team. Generally a player who prefers to attack, he can also play on the left side of midfield.
Back in 2013: Ali Adnan had a fine U20 World Cup with Iraq in the summer, scoring twice in the tournament as the team went all the way to the semis, losing out to Uruguay on penalty kicks. For the senior team, he was a regular fixture in the side for their Asian Cup Qualifiers, getting sent off against China. In the summer, he made the move to Turkey to join Caykur Rizespor, and has done well in the Turkish Super Lig. In his 17 appearances this campaign, the left sided player has scored 2 goals, and managed to set up 2 as well. His best performance came in the game against Erciyesspor, where he scored one and set up one to lead his team to a 2-1 win.
Looking to 2014: Adnan had a good 2013, both domestically, and internationally. He’ll be looking to build on that in 2014. Having moved to Caykur in the summer, it is unlikely that he will be transferred again, and that’s a good thing, as he needs to grow a little more as a player before making the inevitable step up.
