Europe’s top clubs have eye on Davies
MOSCOW There are rumblings at this World Cup that Vancouver’s Alphonso Davies might be the best 17-year-old prospect in the world.
The Ghana-born Canadian international tops the target lists of some of the top clubs in the world, all of which are looking to lure Davies away from Major League Soccer.
A source with knowledge of one UEFA Champions League club’s scouting list said Davies is the world’s most coveted player in his age group. B aye rn Munich, Real Madrid, Liverpool, PSV Eind- hoven and Manchester United all are interested.
This after Davies’ planned threeweek trial at United was called off last December when the Whitecaps grew wary of sending their star young player overseas.
The aforementioned clubs have been tracking Davies since he appeared for Canada at last summer’s Gold Cup, where he claimed the Golden Boot Award.
Davies boasts blistering pace combined with an ability to put defenders off balance.
His composure in and around the penalty area hasn’t gone unnoticed, either, as he continuously demonstrates an ability to play provider and scorer.
Whispers indicate it’s not a matter of if Davies will leave Vancouver. It’s just a matter of when.
TO BE YOUNG AGAIN
It has been 11 years since the FIFA U-20 World Cup was staged in Canada. An Argentina side led by Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero topped the Czech Republic in the final in 2007.
Thirty-two players who appeared at that youth tournament were rostered for this World Cup.
Some of the prominent names include Gerard Pique, Edinson Cavani, Luis Suarez, Chicharito, Carlos Vela, Giovani dos Santos, Rui Patricio, Marcelo, Willian and Wojciech Szczesny.
Argentina (5) retained the most players from that U-20 World Cup, while Mexico (4) is close behind.
KIDNAPPING
Nigerian captain John Obi Mikel revealed to the Guardian his father was kidnapped hours before a decisive group stage meeting with Argentina.
The ex-Chelsea midfielder played through the ordeal because he didn’t want to let down his countrymen.
The Guardian reports Mikel’s father has since been released and is receiving medical treatment.