Benito’s Super STARRs
Welcome ladies and gentlemen to Benito’s Super STARRs where we take a look at who looks to be the most promising members of Cardiff City’s U21s.
With the recent release of FM26 we’ll use a rating system heavily based on its latest potential ability from a combination of its 2024 and 2026 editions where players are rated up to 200 (I personally consider 200 to be a peak Messi level talent e.g. 99 for context so anyone 190+ is truly potentially generational whereas 180+ is best of their age category in my head at least). Broadly speaking it works as follows.
- 180+ - Once in a generation talent (95+)
- 170+ - World-class - title winning potential (93/4)
- 160+ - Leading/Continental - starters for top clubs (91/2)
- 150+ - Good/Premier - stars for strong sides or key depth for giants (89/90)
- 145+ - Solid/Championship - reliable top flight or standout lower tier (R<88)
Cardiff FM26 “SuperSTARRs”
GK
Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro (21/84) - 163
I think RJOO is absolutely a top club starting potential GK but I personally find it impossible to predict exactly who will be a Neuer level one so I don’t think any U21 GK I would class at 170+ (although I would class Chevalier and Joan Garcia there). All I know is he’s got the most experience for his age in top 7 European football leagues and has performed across competitions consistently as well as winning at youth level. I’ll be amazed if he’s not at a top club by 23 or at very least starting in the top 5 leagues for a bigger club by next summer. A 90 seems all but certain at some point in his career maybe more.
RB
Michael Kayode (21/85) - 169
I think Kayode has every tool to be a potentially world class RB but I’m not ready to say 170s just yet. He’s taken the PL by storm so far and is so much more than a long throw. I think there will be serious interest from bigger clubs this summer but by 23 he’ll have moved as he’s got a superb blend of everything you’d want in a modern right back. I can see him hitting 88 this season maybe more but he certainly feels like he could hit 92 in his career with his chance creation maybe more.
CB
Ousmane Diomandé (21/89) - 179
Diomandé is the archetypal world class CB. I cannot envisage a future where he isn’t playing for a CL contender or league winner in a top 5 league. He’s got the physical and technical level of a top class defender with the only question mark his passing ability over longer ranges for me. He’s great at ball progression into midfield with a pass or carry and I can see him moving to play in the PL this summer coming. The only thing stopping him from being a 180+ contender for me (think Rio/Van Dijk levels) is taking the next step up in a more competitive league to showcase it on a bigger platform. This season a 90 rating looks a must and I’d expect him to at least be a 93+ at some point in his career and he’s definitely got the sort of Van Dijk potential.
Honest Ahanor (17/76) - 170
At 17 years old he’s starting in Serie A at LCB and is dominant. He literally has everything you’d want in an outside CB and looks lab grown for the role to the point where he was recently labelled the most valuable U17 in world football. He’s so good that the only thing holding up his full senior international debut is his age (once he hits 18 he’ll be able to get his updated passport but Italian authorities may grant it sooner). Not only this but he’s the youngest ever Italian to play CL football. Destined for the top. I can see him shooting straight to 87 come end of season if not higher and longer term I wouldn’t rule out 92/3 if he progresses as expected.
Kaden Braithwaite (17/70) - 165
He’ll be a slower burner than Ahanor but he’s every bit as talented if not more on the ball. The thing holding me back from giving him the coveted 170+ is purely lack of senior minutes. Once he gets some more under his belt it’ll be clear his potential final level but I’ll be stunned if he’s not at least a 90/91+ player.
Taras Mykhavko (20/84) - 160
I think he’s capable of starting for a big club in the future, his ball progression, aerial play and all round game are superb for his age and the last Ukrainian CB I was this excited by was Ilya Zabarnyi. Whether he has it in him to be a starter for a PSG level side remains in question but I absolutely believe he’s close to that potential hence the 160 Him dealing with Osimhen superbly has solidified this view and I can see him being a 90+ at a side in future.
Jair Cunha (20/85) - 159
I think unfortunately Jair moving to Nottingham will have stalled his development but he still has all the tools to be a 160-170 category player. Like anyone he’ll need regular games and experience to get there so for now I’ve dropped him down a bit. I still think he’ll be a player for Brazil as he’s got the passing, height and pace to be an excellent CB so 90+ is the minimum potential I see here.
LB
Jofre Torrents (18/70) 168
Torrents has it all, he’s composed in possession and has the pace and stamina needed to get up and down from LB. He’s already had a few appearances for Barca senior side and he’s not at all looked out of place and I can see him being a regular starter there in the next 2 seasons which naturally places him in the 165+ category and opens the door to 92 at some point.
DM
Chema Andrés (20/77) 168
On a per 90 basis Chema is 1st in Europe’s top 5 leagues (of all midfielders) for:
- Aerial Duels
- Aerial Duels won
- Interceptions
- Interceptions (possession adjusted)
- Possessions won (3rd)
- Possessions won-lost (3rd)
- Pass completion to penalty box (1st)
He looks destined for a Real Madrid return for a bargain fee and has developed already into a young Rodri-esque player. With this in mind I can’t see him not being a significant contributor to a title challenging side as his final potential and he’s already putting out world class ball winning numbers relative to open age midfielders. As a more defensive midfielder it usually caps you around 92 but we’ll see how he develops as at the moment he’s performing at world class levels out of possession.
Roméo Lavia (21/87) 166
I am fully convinced that Lavia is Chelsea’s most talented CM with the ball, his issue is of course injuries. A fully fit Lavia is a 170+ potential player so if he can be carefully managed I think we’ll see his unique blend of passing, composure and dribbling ability. He is arguably one of the most press resistant midfielders in the PL so I can see a 92 being possible further into his career. He’s definitely got the talent to go higher.
Elías Montiel (20/82) 160
Montiel stood out in the club World Cup as an outstanding prospect and has recently been rated amongst the top 10 prospects in world football by respected footballing outlets. My hesitation to put him further up the potential ratings comes from the lack of move this window, however he’s been so heavily linked with top European clubs that I can’t see him being outside of the top 5 leagues by next summer so at some point 90+ is on the cards.
CM
Ayyoub Bouaddi (18/83) 188
Bouaddi is quite simply a generational midfield talent. At 17 (now 18) to have played at the level he has in central midfield is absolutely mind boggling and every single outlet that I trust rates him as the best midfielder to come out of Lille, the best U18 prospect playing regular senior football and essentially a banker of a player. I initially didn’t want to over egg his potential and put him at 185 but it was more through modesty. I think he’s a future 94+ CM, I think he’ll hit 90 by the time he’s 20 maybe even higher and I’m incredibly excited about his future. For context when he was still 17 (back in Sept)
vs Ligue 1 Midfielders, per 90
◉ Duels won — 1st
◉ Defensive duels — 1st
◉ Offensive duels won — 1st
◎ Sliding tackles (PAdj) — 2nd
◎ Touches in box — 2nd
◎ Successful dribbles — 3rd
◎ Possessions won — 4th
Kiano Dyer (18/70) 167
Kiano is the most Spanish style midfielder England have produced since Wilshere (a bold claim I know) but it’s something many trusted scouts would stand on. In the right environment he’s a world class potential player and I expect his maturity with the ball will eventually see him capable of reaching 91+.
Jack Hinshelwood (20/87) 166
Hinshelwood is superb. Across RB, LB, DM, CM and even popping up at CF he’s tactically one of the smartest young players in the PL. His ability to work in all phases of play is unique and if Brighton keep a hold of him they would have a real gem. Unfortunately he sustained a serious injury which will halt his progress (he was well on track for 88/89 as he’s a first team player now) but 90+ seems all but guaranteed but he’d need to leave Brighton to move 91+.
Ezechiel Banzuzi (20/84) 165
Banzuzi is the archetypal modern CM, tall, strong, leggy and excellent in and out of possession in transitions. He’s slowly being blooded into the side at Leipzig but I can absolutely see him hitting 92+ at some point even at Leipzig. I’d expect by 22 he’ll be ~88/9.
Federico Coletta (18/67) 163
Coletta is a really tough one to place but I’ve seen enough of him at youth level to consider him very high potential (he was the best Roma academy player at U18 or below and superb at the U17 Euros). The issue will be that I think he might be a later bloomer so we’ll see what Benfica can do.
Noah Nartey (20/78) 163
I probably should bump him up a few points as he’s gotten 6 goals and 3 assists in his last 6 games. He’s superb under pressure which is one of the best indicators of a potential top player in the modern game and he has now shown he can use his composure at both ends of the pitch. 91+ looks likely but I’m increasingly liking what I’m seeing from him and I’m expecting a transfer next summer.
RM/RW
Roony Bardghji (19/82) 172
Had he not gotten injured I think we’d be looking at an already 87/88 rated forward. His technique, balance, finishing and dribbling ability are excellent and he’s a prefect understudy to Yamal (who has developed a groin issue) so will get plenty of game time. I really think he could hit 93+ as he’s a superb technical dribbler.
Jayden Addai (20/80) 169
I’m an AZ fan as well as United so when I say Jayden Addai is a special talent I mean it. He’s the best youth finisher (wide forward) I think I’ve ever seen at AZ and his pace and trickery are perfect for creating separation for offensive actions. A future Dutch NT starter and I’d expect him to be a mainstay on the wing there 92+ potential if he avoids injury.
Abdul Fatawu (21/83) 161
Having seen him several times now in the Championship he’s clearly too good for that level and offers immense threat from the left. I can see him hitting 91 in future and moving this summer as his ability to create separation and perform an offensive action reminds me a lot of Mbeumo (I think Fatawu is probably a better dribbler 1v1 mind).
Romain Esse (20/82) 156
I’ve dropped Esse down to the 150s for now (and he’s the lowest player in my youth squad at this level) as I need to see him getting the game time in the PL. He’s a tremendously fun player to watch but I think it’ll be hard for him to hit 91+ given the immense competition coming through at RW and CAM for England so he might reach a natural cap there.
AM
Dro Fernández (17/73) 170
17 and starting for Barcelona in the champions league including an assist too with a technical level and positional understanding of a much more mature player places Dro in the potentially higher bracket. I think, like Gavi, that a 91 is all but guaranteed in his future so really it depends on how his next 3 years of development go as to how high he can make it. It will all come down to his physical development now.
Isaque Silva (18/76) 168
I love watching Isaque play. He’s got an almost trademark pass and move run that is so delicious to watch as he really leans into his movement to burst past a man and receive the return pass. Not only that but he has superb ball control, a great appreciation for space and has well above average ball striking ability. He’s even shown top mentality in big pressure games so really is a complete package. His move to Shakhtar was perfect for him as he’ll get competitive European football before making a bigger move in a year or two.
Andrija Maksimović (18/82) 165
A winger/10 I think he lacks the top speed to make it as a pure wide man but his playmaking is already superb so an inside pitch role might suit him better longer term. Leipzig should also be the perfect place for him to work on his OOP intensity which if he can improve on I think will make him a deadly No10.
LM/LW
Yan Diomande (18/77) 189
Bold prediction time… think he can be a 95 winger if he can add a couple more goals to his game why I hear you ask? Allow me to present Yamal vs Diomande (as he blows every other U18 wingers out the water otherwise)
Yamal v Diomande (per 90)
Non-Penalty Goal 0.23 v 0.29
Assists 0.37 v 0.29
Shot Creating actions 6.0 v 5.17
SCA Live Ball Pass 3.42 v 3.71
SCA take ons 1.44 v 1.07
Goal creating actions 0.91 v 0.88
GCA live ball pass 0.55 v 0.49
GCA take ons 0.21 v 0.39
Progressive Carries 6.26 v 7.22
Carries into final 3rd 3.08 v 3.42
Carries into penalty area 3.60 v 4.00
Successful take ons 5.66 v 5.17
STO % 54.1 v 61.4
Touches Att Pen Area 7.80 v 7.91
Tackles made 1.15 v 1.66
Tackles won 0.76 v 1.07
Tackles mid 3rd 0.42 v 0.98
Tackles atk 3rd 0.42 v 0.59
Interceptions made 0.42 v 1.47
Blocks 0.44 v 1.66
He has absolutely everything you’d want from a modern winger, fast, agile, strong good in transition and direct. He’s two footed too and absolutely blows opponents away. I predict he’ll be 90 by Christmas 2026 but I could be wrong, it could be sooner. The fact he’s putting up better numbers than Yamal in a far inferior side shows the level of the player. I’m not exaggerating the data doesn’t lie, you’re looking at currently a top 1% winger.
TLDR: Diomande is already world class at 18
Robinho Jr (17/65) 170
Didn’t want to put him any lower because his technical level is superb but he’s somewhere between a CAM and a winger and it’s scary how effective he is on the dribble (he’s a joy to watch in flow) here’s a small sample from today.
Wesley Natã (17/70) 168
Explosive, mercurial and has one hell of a shot on him, he’s got all of the tools to be a world class wide forward it just depends on his mentality. 92+ possible here.
Ryan Roberto (17/65) 165
Another technical superb Brazilian, needs to bulk up a bit but 1v1 he is special and I can see a Europe move within the next year or 2. It’s easier to just show you what he’s been up to at up to U20s.
Prince Amoako Jr (18/65) 160
Ghost boy as he’s known is a graduate of the Right to Dream Academy who has a huge reputation in Ghana for being potentially their best ever export. Fast, tricky and with an eye for goal he’s the perfect build for a modern winger and has taken to Danish football superbly with 4 goals and 2 assists in 12 games at 18, he’s already a key player for FC Nordsjælland and someone I expect to hit 80 very soon.
Clement Bischoff (19/80) 160
Bischoff really impressed me at the recent U21 euros and is a perfect blend of creative passing and progressive running making him ideally suited to winger/wingback roles. He’s already gotten his first goal for his new club RB Salzburg let’s go back in time 1 year ago and this is who he was being mentioned alongside:
| U18 players with most successful dribbles per 90 / [ @DataMB_ ]
5. Franco Mastantuono (17) — 7.89
4. Clement Bischoff (18) — 8.07
3. Konstantinos Karetsas (17) — 8.25
2. Lamine Yamal (17) — 8.47
1. Estêvão (17) — 10.67
And…
| U18 players with most successful attacking actions per 90 [ @DataMB_ ]
5. Clement Bischoff (18) — 6.58
4. Lamine Yamal (17) — 7.03
3. Stefanos Tzimas (18) — 7.31
2. Estêvão (17) — 7.7
1. Ben Doak (18) — 7.71
I think he’ll do just fine.
Tidiam Gomis (19/78) 155
I feel so sorry for Tidiam Gomis because were it not for Yan Diomande he’d have significantly more games. Unfortunately a world class potential talent has stolen his minutes and I can’t see him displacing him anytime soon. He’s superbly talented in his own right and is someone I expect to play many games for Leipzig when they eventually sell on either Bakayoko or Nusa.
ST
Endrick (19/87) - 190
I stand by this. He’s potentially going to be better than Yamal because he’s a superb ball striker one of the best I’ve seen at U18 ever. Every sensible scout, data analytics team and even FM have backed Endrick once again to be a special player. Book it. 96+ potential. He’s just stuck behind a peak Mbappe at Madrid. I hope he gets his January loan to Lyon because wherever he goes he will score and his goals per game in the Copa del Rey (as well as his record in Brazil show this) I think he’ll hit 89 this season if he gets a loan. Maybe 90 if he makes the Brazil squad.
Shim Mheuka (18/75) 180
God I love this kid, such a shame he plays for Chelsea but if reports are to be believed he’ll go on loan to Strasbourg next season and if he does I expect him to light up Ligue 1 (he could probably do a job now with how he’s developing). He has everything you’d want in a modern forward and could be England’s future Kane replacement (he’s that good!) 94 potential for me.
Charalampos Kostoulas (18/80) 170
When Brighton, Brentford or Bournemouth sign a player you’ve scouted you know you’ve done a good job. The fact he scored against United was bittersweet but he’s someone with a perfect modern forward profile. He is an athletic machine and has the finishing ability to propel him to top ratings in future. I fully expect him to be leading the line at Brighton next season and launching himself to an 87/88 rating by 20.
Franculino Djú (21/84) 168
Wow, wow and wow. Franculino has 12 goals and 3 assists in 12 league games but across all competitions has 15 and 3 in 17 appearances. He’s absolutely destroyed the league and will move either in January or more likely in the summer.
Mikkel Bro Hansen(16/67) 166
MBH has already gotten a senior goal and assist at 16 years old in the Eliteserien. Now it did take him 5 appearances which doesn’t sound too impressive until I tell you that’s still only 59 mins of football. At youth level he’s been absolutely dominant and I fully expect him to develop into a top class striker.
Cardiff Best U21 Potential XI
Owusu-Oduro (163/91)
Kayode (169/92) Diomande (179/94) Ahanor (170/93) Torrents (168/92)
Chema (168/92) Bouaddi (188/95)
Bardghji (172/93) Dro (170/93) Diomande (189/95)
Endrick 
️ (190/96)
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