The Argentina 2023 graduates eyeing stateside success

• Abdukodir Khusanov signed for Manchester City this week
• The Uzbek defender dazzled at FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023
• We look at five players from that tournament who could shine at FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Less than two years ago, Abdukodir Khusanov was a late call-up to the Uzbekistan squad which won their maiden AFC U-20 Asian Cup to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023™. Now the centre-back has capped his remarkable rise by signing for reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, and will look to star for the Citizens at FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.

Here, FIFA looks at a handful of players who caught the eye at the most recent U-20 finals, and will now aim to showcase their talent to the world this June.

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Agustin Giay

Palmeiras

Giay captained Argentina at their home finals, playing in three of four matches as the Albiceleste were knocked out by Nigeria in the last 16.

Following the tournament, Giay, who can played as a right-back or in midfield, continued his development with boyhood club San Lorenzo before departing for Palmeiras for €7m last July. He played more than 600 league minutes in his first half-season in Brazil, and will be keen to add to those against FC Porto, Al Ahly and Inter Miami CF in Group A at the global showpiece.

Abdukodir Khusanov

Manchester City

Khusanov impressed at the U-20 finals, where he was watched by French club Lens' scouting manager, Baptiste Favier, who took a chance on the teenager.

He left a lasting impression in France, with former coach Will Still dubbing the defender "a tank" for his powerful nature both with and without the ball, as well as his strong aerial ability. He and City will face up against Wydad AC, Al Ain FC and Juventus FC in Group G at the Club World Cup.

Marcos Leonardo

Al Hilal

Goals have followed Marcos Leonardo wherever he has gone during his fledgling career, with Argentina 2023 proving no different. His five strikes in as many games saw him take the adidas Silver Boot, though he couldn't prevent a disappointing quarter-final exit for Brazil.

He continued to find the net for Santos before an €22m move to SL Benfica in January 2024. There, he added eight more goals to his career tally to catch the eye of Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal, who parted with €40m for his services. The 21-year-old will fancy his chances of showing his scoring touch against Real Madrid C.F., FC Salzburg and CF Pachuca in Group H.

David Ruiz

Inter Miami

Argentina 2023 was a mixed bag for Honduran midfielder Ruiz. After coming off the bench in the loss against The Gambia, he started the following match against Korea Republic and opened the scoring via the penalty spot. Just five minutes later, though, he was sent off and his tournament was over, as Honduras exited in the group stage.

Fast forward to the present day and Ruiz has matured into a first-team regular for Inter Miami, where he played more than 1,000 Major League Soccer minutes as the Herons set a record points total of 74 last term. He and coach Javier Mascherano, who led Argentina at their home finals, will be keen to make a similar splash at the Club World Cup in Group A.

Savinho

Manchester City

Khusanov will be joining a fellow Argentina 2023 alum in Savinho, with the flying winger impressing for Brazil during the tournament. The 20-year-old, who joined City for £31m last year, scored once and laid on three more at the finals, with the first of those assists for Marcos Leonardo against Italy.

Savinho has shown glimpses of his talent during his debut campaign in England, collecting eight assists and one goal in 27 outings at the time of writing, while particularly impressing in recent outings against Leicester and West Ham respectively.