canny piece in the mirror
The Under 17 World Cup has proved to be a playground for a number of promising young forwards, with the likes of Florent Sinama Pongolle, Carlos Vela and Macauley Chrisantus all securing transfers to top sides after winning the Golden Boot.
This years competition, held in Mexico, is approaching its climax, but the group stages have already proven to be some of the most goal laden in its history. Naturally, many have been scored by strikers, but who are the names the gathering of Premier League scouts might have their eyes on? Here's our top five.
5) Carlos Fierro, Mexico
Mexico have a fine record for developing young goal grabbers in recent years, with the aforementioned Vela and Manchester United's Javier Hernandez blazing a trial in Europe. Chivas kid Carlos Fierro has shown some real class for El Tri, scoring four in four in the build up, then two in three in the group stages. A typical poacher with superb composure, the future looks bright for this Mexican number nine.
4) Hallam Hope, England
Everton's record of talented strikers stands out, and their teenage goal machine Hallam Hope looks to be the next off the Finch Farm production line. Strong, powerful, pacy and able to find a finish from anywhere, Hope got England's campaign off and running against Rwanda, then layed on an assist for Max Clayton in a 2-0 win over Uruguay. Unlikely Everton would want to sell, but plenty will have their eye on the Young Lion.
3) Ademilson, Brazil
Wearing the famous Brazil number nine shirt brings pressure at any level, but the clinical Ademilson shows no signs of it with his finishing. A rugged front-man with two quick feet, the Sao Paulo youngster bagged three in three in the group stages, earning all the plaudits Chelsea's ã8 million new boy Lucas Piazon should have got.
2) Samed Yesil, Germany
Yesil had already been watched by scouts from Arsenal and Chelsea before the tournament even kicked off, and with some big clubs present at Germany's opening group game with Ecuador, he didn't disappoint. A slick brace and some excellent link up play left many impressed. Samed didn't scored in the final two matches, but he did show his pace, work rate, running off the ball and intelligence to pick a pass. It's no wonder he's attracted such attention.
1) Souleymane Coulibaly, Ivory Coast
The undoubted star of the tournament. Hardly anybody has heard of the Siena 16-year-old before the competition got underway, but his eight goals in three matches has catapulted the Ivorian to the lips of anybody who has seen him play. Coulibaly's blistering pace, agility and emphatic finishing have made him an instant hit, and a number of Premier League clubs have already been strongly linked.