Ten years ago, the Guardian posted this list of the world’s most wanted young players. A decade on, we look back at their picks, and see how things have turned out.
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Wayne Rooney
Age 18 Club Everton Position Striker Nationality English
“Currently experiencing a difficult second season but a certain member of England’s team for Euro 2004.”
Wayne Rooney joined Manchester United in the summer and has just reached his 100th cap for England. An unqualified HIT.
Diego
Age 18 Club Santos Position Midfield Nationality Brazilian
“The creative spark in the Santos midfield which won the Brazilian league last year and has so far earned one senior cap as a substitute. Rated at £7m, he has attracted Internazionale’s interest but a prospective move to Tottenham foundered on work-permit concerns.”
Diego did indeed make the move to Europe, and has had a successful career at a variety of different clubs across the continent. A HIT.
Robinho
Age 19 Club Santos Position Forward Nationality Brazilian
“A stylish dribbler, he is rated, along with his team-mate Diego, as one of South America’s hottest properties. Bayern Munich, among others, have followed his progress closely.”
Robinho did become a star, but all too briefly, and he never really fulfilled his enormous potential. A MISS.
Valeri Bojinov
Age 17 Club Lecce Position Forward Nationality Bulgarian
“Has taken the step up to Serie A in his stride, scoring freely and attracting the attentions of Internazionale, Lazio and Arsenal.”
Injuries hampered Bojinov’s career, and his ill-fated spell at Manchester City saw him pick up devastating cruciate and achilles problems. A MISS, through no fault of his own.
Freddy Adu
Age 14 Club DC United Position Midfield Nationality American
“Even at his tender age Adu has already represented the US in the Under-17 World Cup, appeared for the U20s, secured a $1m Nike sponsorship and had the world’s top clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea, sniffing around. The Ghana-born prodigy was the first pick in this month’s Major League Soccer draft.”
A legendary flop, the pressure put on Adu at a young age was clearly damaging. A MISS, sadly.
Dennis Oliech
Age 19 Club Marseille Position Striker Nationality Kenyan
“Currently on duty in the African Nations Cup in Tunisia, the lively forward has recently moved to France but has made no secret of his desire to play in the Premiership.”
Oliech has carved out a solid career but never became world class. MISS.
Wesley Sneijder
Age 19 Club Ajax Position Midfield Nationality Dutch
“Made his club debut last February and has since distinguished himself in the Champions League. Has earned two caps, scoring against Scotland.”
Sneijder has had a glittering career at both club and international level. HIT.
Robin van Persie
Age 20 Club Feyenoord Position Forward Nationality Dutch
“The Arsenal target has had discipline problems but Feyenoord’s new coach Ruud Gullit is resigned to losing the man tipped as the new Dennis Bergkamp.”
Did make the move to Arsenal, and while he wasn’t quite the new Bergkamp, he came closer than most. Huge HIT.
Gonzalo Rodríguez
Age 19 Club San Lorenzo Position Defender Nationality Argentinian
“The defender formed part of Argentina’s Under-21 squad in the World Cup in Dubai last year and is expected to leave Buenos Aires for Juventus shortly.”
Never did make that move to Juventus, and while he’s been a rock for Villarreal and Fiorentina over the years, hasn’t made the cut at Champions League level. A reluctant MISS.