Five Spain stars to watch at India's FIFA Under-17 World Cup

Spain arrives in India as one of the favourites to lift the Under-17 World Cup, and it's not difficult to see why. Holders of the Under-17 European Championships they are backed by one of their strongest generations in some time, featuring many players born in the year 2000. Here are the five players you MUST watch out for at the tournament in India.

#5 Mateu Morey (FC Barcelona Juvenil A)

In recent years, Mateu Morey was one of the players to cause the most conflict between Barcelona and Real Madrid. After coming through the Real Mallorca youth setup, Morey emerged to be one of the best players in his age group, regarded so highly that he was mentioned in the same breath as Marco Asensio in terms of youngsters to come through.

After reportedly having an agreement to leave for Madrid, a last-minute change of heart saw Morey head instead for Barça.

It’s not difficult to see why the two great rivals fought for his services either, with Morey packing a well-rounded game from full-back. Not only is he adept in his defensive work, boasting excellent recovery pace and focus when standing up to opponents, but he’s prolific in attack too.

His incredible solo run and strike against France emphasized these qualities, as he showed excellent dribbling ability and eye for goal. He finished up with three goals in the May tournament.

Spain comes into the FIFA Under-17 World Cup as one of the favourites to lift the trophy, having won the Under-17 European Championships back in May and also boasting a strong squad from their impressive 'Generation 2000' ranks.

#4 Moha (Real Madrid Juvenil A)

Moha will play a crucial role for Spain in the upcoming U-17 World Cup

Like Achraf Hakimi who recently made his debut for Real Madrid, Moha is of Moroccan descent but was born in Madrid. He has been plugging away successfully in the youth academy at the club for several years now, and is known for the balance he offers to the team.

Moha is viewed as a key tactical piece for Spain, and his performances at the U-17 European Championships in May emphasised his maturity despite still being very young, and coach Santi Denia rates the player extremely highly in this regard.

He’ll be the important midfield axis in India, and will be required to hold everything together for Spain U-17.

Moha’s a strong presence in defensive aspects, and looks to shut out opponent attacks with smart positioning, holding the ability to shut out danger before it reaches his defenders.

His passing is short, sharp and there is always a view to releasing the more attacking minded players from his defensive position.

#3 Sergio Gomez (FC Barcelona Juvenil A)

If it wasn’t for the heavy number of in’s and out’s, then Juvenil level player Sergio Gómez would’ve surely done pre-season with Barcelona B. Often Gomez has been situated in a wide role, either as an out and out winger due to his speed and on the ball ability, or as an interior. In some quarters there was a feeling he would move to central midfield given his quality when in possession, but thus far he’s stayed in a wide position. His versatility is often flagged up, and he can even play along the attacking line.

As well as his aforementioned qualities, Sergio is a strong dribbler and quite powerful when running. He doesn’t ignore his defensive duties either, and you can always see him looking to track back and help the team. Andres Iniesta is his idol and it’s no surprise to see that Sergio has modelled his game on the Barça legend, especially in the way he moves about the field.

#2 Ferran Torres (Valencia B)

Some are starting to call him ‘the new Asensio’ and it’s not difficult to see why. Ferran Torres is one of the players you can watch regardless of his age and boasts of qualities that get you on your feet and makes you wonder what will happen next.

The Valencia winger is an explosive, dynamic presence from wide areas who loves to dribble and show his skill against opponents. Few players possess the confidence that Ferran has in abundance, and his desire to determine the outcome of games is an outstanding trait to have.

He’s particularly strong in 1v1 situations, on the counter attack, and when there is space ahead of him. His crossing is also impressive, and while as a young player his end product needs some work there is a potential star of the future here who could go all the way.

Despite his 17-years, he’s with Valencia’s B team as opposed to one of their youth teams, such is the quality already at his disposal. The club are doing their best to protect the player but it’s difficult when the potential is so high, and new boss Marcelino is apparently already taken with Ferran’s ability.

#1 Abel Ruiz (FC Barcelona B)

Spain's cap — Spain's U-17 captain will have to step up and take charge

The captain and along with Ferran Torres, the headline act in India. There’s a good chance that Abel Ruiz could show himself to be player of the tournament and top scorer. He’s one of the most promising players in world football at his age and his shoulders seem wide enough to carry that tag.

Spotted at a youth tournament while playing for Valencia, he became an obsession of the Barcelona recruitment department who did not hesitate to snap the player up.

Since then he’s progressed through La Masia and has been rewarded with a place in Barcelona B. Impressive for a player of just 17-years-old, who even made his debut with Spain U-17 while just 15-years-old.

Abel’s a powerful, hulking presence in attack who is a mix of physical strength and pure striking ability. He can hold the ball up, play with his back to goal and associate with teammates. Where he comes alive though is when facing the goal, where he can quickly shift his body and unleash rasping shots.

He’s a pure number 9, a dying breed in Spain, and will be looking to showcase his talent once more on the International stage. He’s also captain of this team and boasts immense leadership qualities.

Edited by Nived Zenith