The trend of international signings into the NCAA continues to gain momentum.

Several young players from Europeʼs third and second divisions could be intriguing recruits for U.S. colleges. These players often have high potential and their ability to adapt to different playing styles makes them excellent candidates for the NCAA.

Letʼs take a look at three players from Serie C (Italyʼs third division), the Pro League U21 (Belgiumʼs newer U21 league), and 3. Liga (Germanyʼs third division) who could stand out as future stars in college soccer.

Serie C

Javier Gil - Juventus Next Gen

Gil Puche is a vital figure for Juventus Next Gen, combining defensive grit with a commanding presence in possession. Gil Puche excels in physical duels, particularly one-on-one situations and aerial battles. But it is his involvement in the buildup that shines. Comfortable and confident on the ball, he plays a pivotal role in progressing play from the back. 

Per 90 minutes, Gil Puche consistently moves the ball into advanced areas, showcasing vision and accuracy with

longer passes that break lines, and initiating attacks deep from his own half.

Augusto Bando - Ascoli Calico 1898

Bando is a versatile midfielder who thrives more on the defensive side of the ball. While not the biggest player on the field, his proficiency in midfield battles is great.

Bandoʼs great defensive presence leads to him consistently breaking up opposition attacks and initiating attacking transitions. He is consistently selected for matches which shows him to be a reliable player for Ascoli.

Dominic Vavassori - Atalanta U23

Vavassoriʼs versatility as a forward and left winger highlights his attacking instinct and goal-scoring drive.

He ranks highly per 90 in link-up play, key passes, shots on target, and offsides. While his high offsides rate shows his eagerness to get in behind, it also reflects his active role in Atalanta U23ʼs build-up play.

Pro League U-21

Adrien Tilano Herron - Union Saint-Gilloise U21

Tilano Herron is a key transitional player for Union Saint-Gilloise U21. As a forward, he excels in pressing,

leading in pressing duels and counterpress recoveries.

His high energy and work rate drive the build-up and he offers top-tier stats in through passes, progressive passes, key passes, and entries into the final third. He also ranks at the top for successful link-up play per 90.

Kyan Himpe - KV Kortrijk U21

Himpe is a ball-hungry center forward whose strengths lie in his positioning and ability to create goal-scoring opportunities for Kortrijk U21.

His high offsides percentile reflects his relentless pursuit of goal. He ranks highly in expected goals and non-penalty expected goals, complemented by an impressive goal conversion rate. He additionally poses a strong aerial threat.

Niek Corthouts - KVC Westerlo U21

Corthouts is a confident, forward-thinking midfielder with a relentless drive to push play into the final third. His player profile highlights a strong presence in and around the penalty

area, leading in touches inside the box, xG per shot, and non-penalty xG.

A deeper look reveals that he is a key catalyst in Westerlo U21ʼs attacking play. Fearless in one-on-one

situations, Corthouts regularly takes on defenders and thrives in physical duels. When he isnʼt creating scoring opportunities for himself,heʼs looking to deliver dangerous balls into the box.

3. Liga

Said El Mala - FC Viktoria Koln

El Mala is a technically gifted central midfielder who thrives in possession and exudes confidence on the ball. His player profile shows a consistent presence in and around the box, not only contributing with a strong total goal count and good goal conversion rate.

What truly sets him apart, however, is his dribbling ability. El Mala ranks among the best in total dribbles, successful dribbles, and successful dribbles per 90 minutes—making him a constant threat when driving forward and breaking lines with progressive runs.

Christopher Olivier - VfB Stuttgart II

Olivier is a versatile asset for VfB Stuttgart II, shifting between midfield and defensive roles. His physical presence stands out, especially in 1v1 and aerial duels, where he consistently holds his own.

Comfortable in possession, Olivier plays a key role in dictating tempo, often resetting play with back passes while also making smart, simple forward passes. He will occasionally look to break lines with vertical balls as well showcasing his vision and tactical awareness.

Lukas Reich - 1860 Munchen

Reich is an offensive impact to the right flank for 1860 München. While he may not dominate defensively aside

from holding his own in aerial duels, his value lies in his offensive contributions. Reich is constantly looking to push play forward, both with the ball at his feet and through his positioning.

His progressive passing and entries into the final third are steady and effective, making him a dependable outlet in the build-up. Not one to shy away from a challenge, heʼs also willing to take on defenders in offensive duels.

Opportunities for NCAA Men's Soccer Programs

These young players from Serie C, Pro League U21, and 3. Liga represent some of the brightest up-and-coming talents in European football. Whether theyʼre creative midfielders, dynamic forwards, or solid defenders, each player has unique qualities that could make them standout recruits for NCAA programs. Their development in top European systems offers a solid foundation that would allow them to excel in the U.S. college soccer landscape, contributing to the growing trend of international talent in the NCAA.