With under two weeks to go until the start of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina, we took a look at the 23 players set to represent Aotearoa on the global stage.

Goalkeepers:

Henry Gray, Currently trialing in the UK
 

The 18-year-old former Wellington Phoenix Reserves keeper is currently trialing for clubs in England after impressive domestic performances. Gray was a crucial member of the OFC U-19 Championship squad, taking home the tournament’s golden gloves award.

Alby Kelly-Heald, Wellington Phoenix Reserves, New Zealand

Wellington Phoenix Reserves current No. 1, Kelly-Heald has turned in strong performances in the Central League this season. The 18-year-old has gone from strength to strength in his second full National League season, playing the full 90 mins in all but one of the Nix’s games.  

Kees Sims, Ljungskile SK, Sweden

Competing in the Swedish third division, 20-year-old Sims has started 4 out of a possible 5 games so far this season. He has previously played for Western Suburbs and Wellington Phoenix Reserves, as well as starting for New Zealand U-22 vs China U-24 at Sky Stadium in March.

Defenders:

Isaac Hughes, Wellington Phoenix Reserves, New Zealand

The Phoenix Reserves captain will be looking to show bring his leadership and seniority to Argentina. The 19-year-old has gelled well with fellow U-20 Lukas Kelly-Heald who he partners at Phoenix Reserves.

Jackson Jarvie, Eastern Suburbs, New Zealand

Jarvie has contributed to Eastern Suburbs superb Northern League start, conceding only 6 goals so far this season and sitting 2nd in the table. The 19-year-old will be looking to bring his domestic form to the international stage.

Lukas Kelly-Heald, Wellington Phoenix Reserves, New Zealand

Joining many other Phoenix Reserves players, Lukas Kelly-Heald, who played in the OFC U-19 Championship final victory, will be keen to continue his international form in Argentina.  

Finn Linder, Vancouver Whitecaps 2, Canada

One of two Canadian-based players, the 18-year-old Vancouver Whitecaps 2 centre back is part of the U-20 squad for the first time after his debut U-22 call up vs China in March.  

Everton O'Leary, Birkenhead United, New Zealand

The Birkenhead right back has turned in some great performances at National League level and as has been part of U-20 squads for the OFC U-19 Championship and warm-up tour in Indonesia.

Adam Supyk, Eastern Suburbs, New Zealand

Supyk has played a large role in Eastern Suburbs push to make it to the top of the Northern League table this season. The 19-year-old has scored 2 goals as part of the OFC U-19 Championship win.

Finn Surman, Wellington Phoenix Reserves, New Zealand

Surman has shown great form in recent matches for Wellington Phoenix Reserves, carrying on from his performances in the U-19 OFC Championship, captaining the team to the title. He has also featured in matches in the A-League in his preferred centre back position. 

Aaryan Raj, Eastern Suburbs, New Zealand

Another player that is a regular in the Eastern Suburbs backline, the 20-year-old was part of the team that won the OFC U-19 Championship tournament where he made four appearances.

Midfielders:

Fin Conchie, Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

The 19-year-old midfielder scored once, claimed one assist and made six appearances at the OFC U-19’s Championship. Conchie has been a consistent starter for the Phoenix Reserves so far this season.

Jay Herdman, Vancouver Whitecaps, Canada

Herdman has impressed so far this season for Vancouver Whitecaps with a goal and an assist in 6 MLS Next Pro games. He was also awarded the Golden Ball at the OFC U-19 Champions after dazzling performances and will be looking to impress in Argentina.

Noah Karunaratne, Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Karunaratne has played well with the Phoenix Reserves this season and has been on the cusp of making in A-League Men debut, being on the bench three times so far this season.

Jackson Manuel, Western Springs, New Zealand

The Western Springs midfielder scored a goal in his last international tournament for New Zealand and the former Wellington Phoenix player be looking to add to his tally as the in Argentina.

Dan McKay, Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

McKay produced 2 goals in 3 games from central midfield at the OFC U-19 Championship and has had a good start in the Central League season with 1 goal so far as part of a strong core of the Phoenix side.  


Forwards:

Oliver Colloty, On trial, England:

The striker had an incredible year in 2022 for club and country, netting 9 goals en-route to lifting the OFC U-19 Championship, meanwhile he also came 2nd in the 2022 Northern League scoring charts with 14 goals.

Kian Donkers, NEC Nijmegen, Netherlands

Similar to Colloty, Donkers had a break-out year both internationally and domestically, finishing the OFC U-19 Championship as the joint top scorer. He also turned in an impressive 11 goals in 14 games in the Southern League.

Oli Fay, Ljungskile SK, Sweden

Fay is currently playing his football for Swedish third division side Ljungskile SK, he also has a goal to his name at the OFC U-19 Championship before securing a move to Europe from Auckland United.

Norman Garbett, Potenza Calcio, Italy

Garbett is currently playing for 9th placed Serie C side Potenza Calcio. The 19-year-old, brother of All Whites Matt Garbett, previously played in the Central League for Western Suburbs.

Ben Wallace, Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Wallace is in fine form, with 3 goals so far in the Central League. The 19-year-old will be looking to bring his domestic form to Argentina.

Article added: Friday 12 May 2023