French newspaper L'Equipe has released its list of the top 50 soccer players globally under 20, with the majority already on European soccer powerhouses. However, two names will raise an eyebrow or two for fans of North American soccer.
Coming in at No. 32 is Canada national team forward Jonathan David, while the No. 35 slot belongs to Atlanta United midfielder Ezequiel Barco.
David, 19, was originally born in Brooklyn, New York, only to move north of the border shortly thereafter. He now plays for Belgian side Gent, where he has 14 goals and five assists through 43 appearances. David also has four caps for the CanMNT, including a brace in their Gold Cup-opening, 4-0 win over Martinique last weekend.
Barco, 20, is coming into his own during his second season with the defending MLS Cup champions. He has four goals and an assist through eight games after posting four goals and three assists during all of 2018, moving from Independiente on Young Designated Player deal. Barco recently returned from the FIFA U-20 World Cup with Argentina, leading to transfer speculation that president Darren Eales quickly shot down.
The list is topped by Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt, with Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho closely behind in the No. 2 spot. They respectively play internationally for the Netherlands and England.
