Scout's Corner Edition #1: 5 Footballers on the Radar

I must admit that watching football in the luxury of my bedroom over a cup of coffee and an ensuing paycheck is pretty fun. It helps that I get to pick my matches as long as I win ‘fastest finger first’. In my brief stint thus far, I have witnessed talent from across European leagues and endeavor to bring to your notice some of the lesser obvious stars of tomorrow. And no, I’m not a scout and do not work for Opta!

Here goes….

1. Sofiane Feghouli (Club: Valencia, Country: Algeria, Age: 21, Position: Midfielder)

He’s a bald attacking midfielder of Algerian origin and has a trick or two up his sleeve, not least “the roulette”. If his performance in the 2-0 derby victory over Levante is anything to go by, this guy could yet deliver on the early promise and comparisons with the legendary Zinedine Zidane. Who needs the silky Silva, mesmerizing Mata and vivacious Villa at the Mestalla when you have someone jeopardizing defences like he does week after week? Critics point to a lack of finishing ability but at 21, he has age on his side to work through it. Predictably so, he may leave for a price tag between 20-30 million pounds considering the financial problems of the club, but not without memorable imprints on the domestic and the European stage for Los Ches. Certainly offers hope for his national team after the humiliation of losing out on a berth in the Africa Cup of Nations 2012.

2. Lars Stindl (Club: Hannover 96, Country: Germany, Age: 23, Position: Midfielder)

A beautiful touch to take out the defender followed by an unstoppable volley into the roof of the net. His winning goal for Hannover 96 against F C Copenhagen in the Europa League announced his arrival on the world front big time. He followed that up with an equally impressive display against Schalke 04 over the weekend showing great presence of mind and good skill on the ball. With so much competition for places in that German midfield, it may be a while before this man gets his chance but if he continues cracking it up for Hannover 96 then the inevitable may happen sooner rather than later.

3. Teemu Pukki (Club: Schalke 04, Country: Finland, Age : 21, Position: Forward)

In the same match (Hannover 96 v Schalke 04), a new star was born. A natural heir to a title conferred to Paavo Nurmi , Mika Hakkinen , Kimi Raikkonen and Shefki Kuqi over the years as the official “Flying Finn”. He looked so cool and composed on debut in slotting a brace past the keeper to silence the home crowd in what was an enthralling 2-2 draw. He has already raked up a few internationals for Finland and with his exceptional goal scoring prowess expect the rumour mill to work overtime come next year.

4. Jason Morrison (Club: Aalesund, Country: Jamaica, Age: 27, Position: Midfielder)

The Jamaican midfield general was instrumental in plotting the downfall of favourites Brann in the Norwegian Cup final last week. He stopped the creative tracks of the likes of Diego Guastavino and Kim Ojo with aplomb. Although Costa Rican Michael Barrantes stole the show with two scorchers, the grinding work and shift put in by the inexpensive Morrison deserves accolades and the attention of bigger clubs. He will be key to the “Reggae Boyz” journey to Samba Land in 2014 along with club mate Demar Phillips.

5. Aleksandr Kokorin (Club: Dynamo Moscow, Country: Russia, Age: 20, Position: Forward)

With an ageing squad at his disposal, Dick Advocaat may have his work cut out in taking Russia back to the giddy heights of Euro 2008 . Aleksandr Kokorin is one of the few sparkling gems coming out from Czar Land and can provide the much needed impetus and attacking thrust to a lumbering team. His performance in the derby against Spartak Moscow suggests that he is ready for action on the international stage provided he stays fit.