4 Standouts from the U-16 Val-de-Marne International Tournament
And a little bit more.. because why not!
Each year, the U16 Val-de-Marne Tournament brings together young talents from around the world for a unique showcase of international competition and it has become a must-watch event for anyone wanting to catch a glimpse of the future of football, as national teams unveil their top prospects.
This year, the U16 squads of France, Italy, Japan, and Switzerland faced off, offering a look at the 2009 generation and revealing some standout players. After observing each match, I’ve selected one player per nation who truly caught my attention.
🇯🇵 JAPAN: Takeshi Wada (2009/CM/Urawa Reds)
Takeshi Wada stood out as a central midfielder for Japan, playing 180 minutes over the tournament’s three matches and showcasing an interesting profile across multiple aspects of the game. Technically, he's remarkably comfortable on the ball, executing controlled first touches that effortlessly bypass opposition players. His quick decision-making and forward-thinking mindset drive his play, as he's constantly looking to progress upfield.
Tactically, his movement and positioning are spot-on, he actively seeks space to make himself available and frequently opts for one-touch passes to accelerate the pace of play.
However, his standout trait is arguably his mentality, his commitment shines both offensively and defensively, and he remains fully engaged and tireless, even in the closing minutes of the match. His determination and work rate make him a player I’ll definitely be keeping on my radar.
🇫🇷 FRANCE: Kenan Doganay (2009/DM/O. Lyonnais)
Kenan Doganay, a defensive midfielder for France. He played key roles in both the matches he played against Switzerland and Italy.
He's an impressive two-way player with a high work rate, making him effective on both sides of the pitch. Physically tall and solid, he is adept at intercepting passes thanks to his timing, anticipation and vision of the game. He’s also technically impressive by being able to showcase a wide variety of passes to accelerate the game and create opportunities.
Offensively, he’s a real threat on set pieces, showcased by his two goals against Switzerland. Although he missed a free-kick opportunity against Italy, he consistently maintains an edge over his markers. He's certainly a player to watch for the future.
🇮🇹 ITALY: Edoardo Rocchetti (2009/CB/Juventus)
For Italy, Edoardo Rocchetti, the centre-back played the full matches against Japan and France.
Defensively, he truly impressed me. His timing and anticipation, combined with his physical presence and determined, controlled aggression, make him a highly effective defender and a calming influence on his team. It’s no surprise he’s held the captain's armband for several months now. I really look forward to seeing his progression over the next years.
🇨🇭SWITZERLAND: Shedrach Ogbodu (2009/ST/FC Basel)
Shedrach Ogbodu logged 130 minutes across the three matches. His physical maturity stands out, as he appears to be ahead of his peers in terms of physicality. This physical advantage is a crucial element of his game, allowing him to shield the ball effectively with his back to goal and then swiftly turn to initiate his explosive runs.
What sets Shedrach apart tactically are his intelligent movements. His ability to exploit spaces between defenders at just the right moment makes him a reliable outlet for his teammates' passes. This tactical awareness, paired with his physical dominance, makes him a formidable presence up front.
It will be really interesting to track his progression as the early physical advantage he currently enjoys will slowly fade away when facing higher categories. His adaptability and development in other areas of his game will determine just how far he can go.
🇯🇵 Honourable Mention: Eito Takaki (2009/ST/Kashima Antlers)
Eito… what a striker. For Japan, I’ve hesitated a lot about who I’ll pick between him and Takeshi, but I couldn’t not talk about this player, so I’ll talk about him as an Honourable Mention.
The Japanese captain played 180 minutes across the three matches, scoring three goals. He embodies the tenacious mentality typical of Japanese players. Fully committed to the team, Eito excels at pressing opponents, often recovering the ball high up the pitch and immediately putting pressure on the defense in possession. Out of possession, he frequently drops deeper to seek the ball directly, and is able to run tirelessly to shake off his marker with ease.
Physically, he’s a powerhouse, strong, explosive, and skilled at shielding the ball with his back to goal. But beyond his physicality, he displays impressive finishing skills and a powerful shot that can leave goalkeepers stranded.
He’s a great prospect given his age, and I look forward to tracking his development, especially as he refines certain areas, like ball control in the box.
Thank you for reading until the end, I hope you enjoyed this piece because I personally really enjoyed watching and sharing these young talents!