SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE

Shortlisted for the 2019 Kopa Trophy – the Ballon d’Or spin-off for the world’s best under-21 player – the Nigerian winger managed just one vote in the final poll. But he need not be too disappointed, especially as his sole backer was Lionel Messi...

Messi knows an exciting, pulse-raising attacker when he sees one and the Villarreal star is most definitely that: lightning quick, an irresistible dribbler and able to effortlessly co-ordinate his upper body and lower limbs at high speed. A left-footed right-winger, he is a big fan of the Dutch flank-master Arjen Robben. And it shows.

Known as “Samu”’ in La Liga circles, he can score extraordinary goals too, the best example being a wonderful solo effort in a 3-0 Copa del Rey victory at Girona in January, taking on and beating a string of mystified defenders prior to firing home.

According to Liverpool made an abortive attempt to sign him in the last transfer window as back-up for Mohamed Salah. They apparently offered €35million but were turned down flat, with the Spanish club insisting they were looking for a figure much closer to his €65m release clause. Other suitors are thought to include Real Madrid, Chelsea and Arsenal.

A graduate of the Diamond Football Academy in his home town of Umuahia, he first made a ripple on the international pond when playing a key role in his country’s triumph at the 2015 World Under-17 finals, scoring three goals and creating another four.

Following that impressive showing he was contacted by clubs from England, Portugal and Austria before plumping for a place in the Villarreal youth ranks.

Liverpool apparently offered €35million, only for his Spanish club to turn it down flat, insisting they were looking for a figure much closer to his €65m release clause