Tor‑Kristian Karlsen Ranks Top 21 U21 World Cup Stars
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- Tor‑Kristian Karlsen compiled a ranking of the 21 best U21 players for the 2026 World Cup, using input from professional scouts, European club sporting directors, and online scouting platforms.
- Antonio Nusa is listed at #21 on the ranking; he is a 21‑year‑old forward for RB Leipzig with an estimated transfer value of €32 million.
- Jude Bellingham, Alejandro Balde, and Rayan Cherki are excluded because they are 22 years old, exceeding the U21 age limit.
- Estêvão (Brazil) and Geovany Quenda (Portugal) missed the list due to injuries.
- Gavi (Spain) made his final World Cup squad but was omitted because he hadn’t played enough for Barcelona that year.
Why it matters: European clubs and agents gain a concise scouting guide for the World Cup, boosting market interest in listed players like Antonio Nusa (€32 M), while excluded stars miss a platform that could raise their transfer value.
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