Exclusive: Seven top talents Liverpool scouts are set to watch at the U20 World Cup in Chile this weekend
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Liverpool scouts will travel to Chile as they keep watch over the U20 World Cup, Rousing The Kop understands.
The tournament is set to begin on Friday, with talent-spotters from all across the world descending on South America.
RTK understands Liverpool scouts will be present as they look to identify and track the next top talents from across the planet.
And as the countdown to the tournament enters its final stages, journalist Graeme Bailey has exclusively told RTK which players the Reds are likely to be keeping the closest watch over.
With 24 nations participating in the competition this year, the U20 World Cup is a dream for any scout of a club like Liverpool.
In the world of data and analytics there are little surprises in youth football anymore, but it is still a good chance to watch big prospects in the flesh.
Photo by Sara Cavallini/Getty Images
And according to Bailey, Liverpool are likely to have a particularly close eye on several youngsters from two tournament favourites: Brazil and Italy.
“I hear that Liverpool do like a couple of young Brazilians, both players at Palmeiras,” says the transfer expert.
“The main one is a forward called Erick Bele who they’ll be looking at during the tournament and Rafael Coutinho, who is a defensive midfielder – unlike his Liverpool namesake.”
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“There’s a couple of Italians as well,” Bailey adds.
Given Liverpool and Richard Hughes’ knowledge of the Italian market, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they were keeping an eye on them.”
Bailey also says Liverpool are one of the teams tracking Nigeria goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.
NameAgePositionNationClubErick Bele18Centre forwardBrazilPalmeirasRafael Coutinho19Defensive midfieldBrazilPalmeirasEmanuele Sala17Centre midfieldItalyAC MilanCristian Cama18Left-backItalyRomaEbenezer Harcourt15GoalkeeperNigeriaSporting Lagos Football AcademyGilberto Mora16Attacking midfielderMexicoTijuanaNeiser Villarreal20ForwardColombiaMillonarios
“I do know that Liverpool are one of the teams looking at a 15-year-old with Nigeria, a goalkeeper called Ebenezer Harcourt,” he says.
Keep an eye on him.”
Another full international, 16-year-old Mexican Gilberto Mora, is also understood to be on Liverpool’s radar and is seen as being one of the potential stars of the tournament.
Back during the South American U20 Championships in February, RTK exclusively revealed that Liverpool had been impressed with Neiser Villarreal of Colombia.
However, Bailey claims that Villarreal has since come to an agreement to join Brazilian side Cruzeiro, but is likely to remain in Liverpool’s sights nonetheless.
“Liverpool fans should know all about Neiser Villarreal,” he says.
But he’s still of interest, he’s one for fans to follow.”
The journalist finishes by saying that supporters would potentially be wise to keep an eye on players from Japan and South Korea, as Liverpool certainly will be.
“Liverpool are definitely going, they’re definitely having a look out there,” Bailey insists.
“I know they are taking a close look at the Japanese and South Korean teams in particular as well.”