A Great Big World Younger

[Dunstan Jomphe]

Theworld is vivid and unique. Some junior kidlit settle for a standard kind of world, I loved how Black added in extra details. There is excitement but no real fear factor, which makes it great for younger readers. And I like the addition of modern technology as Oscar checks his mobile for coverage in the Borderlands.

Former President Donald Trump, who is running for the White House again this year, is younger than Biden. But at 77, Trump also falls among the 20 oldest world leaders when compared with those currently in power.

This analysis also draws on Freedom House country rankings to determine whether countries are free, partly free or not free. These rankings are based on two numerical scores assigned to each country for its political rights and civil liberties.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark is the youngest female leader at 46, followed closely by fellow 46-year-old Kaja Kallas, the prime minister of Estonia. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh is the oldest female leader at 76.

In general, countries that Freedom House classifies as free are more likely than those classified as partly free or not free to have leaders who are closer in age to the median resident of the country.

Many of this year's crop have made their mark on the big stage already, but who has done enough to land a place on ESPN's list, what are their particular qualities and how can they get even better? Collating the list for the fourth year running is Tor-Kristian Karlsen, who has worked as a scout and executive for clubs across Europe, including Monaco, Zenit and Watford. He explains his methodology before revealing his picks.

For the past two years, 39 has worked well, and from an initial long list of 100 players, those remaining are the ones who best satisfied my main criteria: appearances at the highest level, consistent performance over a sustained period and the potential to develop into a future top-level footballer.

I used a sounding board consisting of professional scouts and sporting directors from several top European clubs before deciding on the final ranking, as well as some online scouting platforms. Personal preference also played a role.

Tor-Kristian Karlsen is a Norwegian football scout and executive and is the former chief executive and sporting director at AS Monaco. He will write regularly for ESPN on the business of soccer and the process of scouting.

In general, forwards get more playing time at a younger age than, say, central defenders, who tend to need more time to develop tactical awareness, positioning and understanding of the game. Beyond those who did make it, other defenders considered included Benfica's Antonio Silva, Atalanta's Giorgio Scalvini and soon-to-be Tottenham full-back Destiny Udogie.

One of the most rapidly improving midfielders in Portugal, Ugarte has seen his stock rise over recent months and was part of Uruguay's squad for the 2022 World Cup. Whereas the majority of up-and-coming South American talent habitually originate from prestigious academies, the 21-year-old has made it the hard way through smaller clubs (Uruguayan side Fenix and Famalicao in Portugal) before joining Sporting CP in August 2021.

Strengths: His career offers some clues about Ugarte's mentality: he's determined, hard-working and focused on improving the weaker aspects of his game. An irrepressible ball winner, he attempts a stunning seven tackles per 90 minutes (at a success rate of 55%) and swiftly looks to press opponents and close gaps. Technically he's a master of the basics with tidy control, a solid short-to-long passing range and an absence of anything flashy. He is intelligent, often finding the right option after regaining possession, and plays to his strengths.

How he can improve: Despite not being a natural playmaker, his passing in the face of a low block from the opposition can be on the predictable side. As a by-product of his tenacity, his frequent fouling (2.2 fouls per 90 minutes) leads to numerous bookings and he will need to curb that to avoid suspension.

Three years on from making his Bundesliga debut at the age of 17, many would have expected the American to be further down the line in terms of development. While injuries have played their part, lack of confidence and controversies over his standing for the USMNT may also explain Reyna's start-stop career trajectory.

Strengths: Before a drop in playing time in the middle of February, Reyna enjoyed an impactful spell in which his creativity in front of the opposing defensive line was in evidence. Along with his opportunism in the box and excellent right-footed shot when cutting in from the left, he is able to unlock defences and create chances for his teammates.

How he can improve: While Reyna's skill set hasn't evaporated, what was previously demonstrated on a weekly basis now tends only come in moments. The daring dribbles in the final third and sharp combination play that set him apart early in his career are yet to fully return. Whether it requires a lift in energy, attitude or self-belief, Reyna must regain the trust of his club head coach, Edin Terzic.

Strengths: Usually fielded as the more defensive-minded midfielder in a double pivot, Kone provides balance in the centre of the pitch. With his athleticism, work rate and discipline, he covers large areas, presses and protects his centre-backs. In possession, he is adept at advancing with the ball with both speed and dexterity. Hard to dispossess, he is also nimble and able to successfully negotiate his way out of congested areas.

It has taken Elliott -- one of the players most consistently featured by manager Jurgen Klopp this season -- some time to properly get going in a struggling Liverpool midfield. However, the signs are positive that the 19-year-old, who began his career as a winger, is adapting to his role as an attacking No. 8.

Strengths: Energetic, lively and light-footed, the England U21 international presses with intent and opens up space with his movement. On the ball he adds to the fluidity of the game by way of instinctive touches, directness in his passing and excellent dribbling abilities. His left foot -- though underused from set-pieces and long-distance shooting -- is of a high standard, too.

How he can improve: In addition to his inconsistent defensive contribution and his physical shortcomings in terms of strength and height, Elliott should be attempting to beat opponents in central areas to a higher degree -- especially since he's so good at it. Given his creativity and intelligence, one expects a higher input than his five goals and two assists from 40 games this season.

A key player for the USMNT at the 2022 World Cup, Musah has lacked consistency in a struggling Valencia side in LaLiga. On the whole, though, he's making progress: his playing time has been increasing and he recently put in one of his best performances of the season in a 1-0 home win against Osasuna.

Strengths: Often a victim of his own versatility, Musah has been assigned a more suitable No. 8 role in the centre of midfield for Valencia. Never short of application, his increased efficiency has been predominantly seen on the defensive side of his game (3-plus recoveries per 90 minutes.) His speed of dribbling with the ball and eagerness to press opponents are other attributes that keep Premier League clubs alert to his availability.

How he can improve: Being such an influential, progressive and active midfielder -- especially from his central position -- upping his attacking game would add another dimension, as he has yet to score in LaLiga this season.

The prodigal talent is experiencing his best run of form after breaking into the Lyon first team two years ago. Now, under Laurent Blanc's stewardship, Cherki tends to stay on the pitch for the duration of matches and has added maturity and consistency to his game.

Strengths: Technically superb with an array of footwork trickery, quick turns and body feints, Cherki has often been considered a player who can only express his skills in the final third. But this season there's a lot more end product to his game: he releases the ball to teammates quicker, his passing game has become more progressive and, with some extra muscle, appears harder to knock of the ball. Equally skilled with either foot, the playmaker (who manages 1.7 key passes per 90 minutes) can create things in any role behind the centre-forward.

How he can improve: Having made significant strides in his attacking output, the Frenchman will look to better his defensive contribution, too. Despite an increased determination to regain possession high up the pitch, he still has fewer ball recoveries than his teammate and striker Alexandre Lacazette.

Despite a slow start to his Premier League career, the Wales international is starting to answer his critics who doubted whether he'd be able to cut it at the highest level. While he initially struggled to get to grips with higher tactical demands and better defenders in the top flight, his upturn in performances for Forest has been impressive.

Strengths: With an outstanding ability to run with the ball at high speed, Johnson thrives in transition or when the game opens up. Regardless of his position wide right or as a central attacker, he prefers to drift and exploit the space between opposing centre-back and full-back. Though he is naturally right-footed, he is able to take on opponents with both feet and finish with power.

How he can improve: Johnson can opt for an individual move instead of taking an extra second to look for a better-placed teammate. In his enthusiasm to get things done quickly, the precision in his short passing and lay-offs also suffers.

Strengths: His goal against Chelsea in the Champions League showcased his strong points: Pace, dribbling and skill in one-vs.-one situations. Breaking from a defensive corner, Adeyemi set off on a run from the edge of his own box, picked up the ball with 65 meters left to cover before bursting past Enzo Fernandez with a quick change of pace and playing the ball calmly behind an outmanoeuvred Kepa in the Chelsea goal. In addition to the acceleration, effortless running style and fine technical ability, Adeyemi is also an instinctive finisher -- especially with his left foot -- with a penchant for improvisation (as proven a couple of days later with his backheeled opener against Hertha Berlin.)

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