Italy’s Serie B is brimming with young talent, and the Comparisonator platform has identified four standout U23 rising stars who are proving their worth this season. These players, excelling in various aspects of the game, are setting themselves apart in their respective positions. Matteo Angeli, Filippo Ranocchia, Jayden Braaf, and Cristian Shpendi have demonstrated skills that not only put them on top of the league charts but also highlight them as future talents for Serie A and beyond. Here’s a closer look at their unique abilities and what makes each of them a rising star.
“Rising Star” 4 Best U23 Players Italy Serie B 2024/25 Season – So Far
Matteo Angeli (’02) (CB) – Cittadella
Matteo Angeli, a 2002-born center-back playing for Cittadella, has displayed immense defensive prowess this season. Known for his success in aerial and ground duels, Angeli ranks first in ‘Dribbles Against Won’ with an average of 1.2 per game and second in ‘Ball Recoveries’ at 13.1. His ability to thwart opponents on the ground with 8.8 successful defensive ground duels per match further emphasizes his presence on the field. Angeli’s skills in anticipating opponents’ moves and reclaiming possession make him an essential defensive asset and a promising future prospect.
Filippo Ranocchia (’01) (CMF) – Palermo
Filippo Ranocchia, the talented central midfielder for Palermo, showcases a balanced skill set that blends creativity with resilience. Born in 2001, he tops the ranks with 0.29 assists per game, 2.29 successful dribbles, and an impressive 2.14 accurate passes into the penalty box. His ability to retain control and initiate attacks is complemented by his strength in offensive ground duels, where he ranks second with 3.86 per game. Ranocchia’s consistent contributions in both playmaking and duel-winning make him a well-rounded midfielder with great potential.
Jayden Braaf (’02) (LW) – Salernitana
Left-winger Jayden Braaf, born in 2002 and representing Salernitana, is a dynamic force in Serie B’s final third. He leads the league in ‘Successful Dribbling in the Final 3rd’ with 2.1 per game and ‘Touches in Box’ with 2. Braaf also stands out in his crossing ability, ranking second with 0.4 successful crosses per game. His flair and control in the attacking zone, coupled with his tenacity in offensive ground duels (3.8 per game), make him a creative and relentless presence on the wing, ready to break defenses.
Cristian Shpendi (’03) (CF) – Cesena
Cristian Shpendi, a young center-forward born in 2003 and playing for Cesena, has showcased exceptional finishing skills this season. With a league-high 0.64 goals per game and an xG of 0.55, Shpendi’s scoring ability is matched by his intelligent movement, as reflected in his 3.27 touches in the box. Additionally, his 1.18 progressive runs per game underline his role as a proactive striker. Shpendi’s goal-scoring consistency and positional awareness highlight his potential as a future star striker.
Selected via Comparisonator machine learning index.
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