OPINION
Leeds United scout Gaby Ruiz has delivered his list of standout talents from the FIFA U20 World Cup, and his club must pile into the transfer market off the back of his recommendations.
The tournament is currently being held in Poland, and Ruiz, who has been at Elland Road since 2017, has been quick to pick out his top tips from the competition.
Speaking to FIFA.com, he said: “Italy goalkeeper Alessandro Plizzari has been excellent, as have the defenders Davide Bettella and Raoul Bellanova. Gianluca Scamacca hasn’t scored yet but he’s had three good matches so far.
“As for Uruguay, I’ve been very impressed by Brian Rodriguez, who I think can look forward to a bright future, as can Nicolas Acevedo.
“The Ecuador midfield has been superb too, with Alexander Alvarado and Jordan Rezabala, while midfielder Alex Mendez and forward Sebastian Soto have done really well for USA. Not to be outdone, New Zealand players have done some interesting things, not least their left-back Liberato Cacace.
“I like Luis Sinisterra and Ivan Angulo of Colombia a lot. France’s Moussa Diaby and Amine Gouiri have shown that they have big futures ahead of them too.”
It should be pointed out that Ruiz isn’t really saying anything about his plans with Leeds United here.
The scout isn’t handing over some kind of clandestine list of his future targets that he wants to lure to Elland Road or anything, but that doesn’t make what he’s saying any less interesting.
Mainly, it will please Leeds fans to know that he has his finger on the pulse like this. Ruiz is clearly completely committed to finding the best talent for United, and the younger a world beater can be unearthed, the better.
Secondly, it shows just how well thought of Ruiz is. The fact that FIFA themselves are turning to him and asking who has caught the eye is really testament to just how good he is.
Ruiz might not be saying he’s after the players that he’s mentioned here, but certainly, he will know about them before most other people, and that can only be a good thing.
With a bit of cunning and some quick thinking, United could bag themselves a whole host of future stars.