Striker Leeds very nearly signed ranked as the fifth-most promising on the planet

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CIES have released their latest report, and this time they’ve been looking at who are the most promising young players on the planet.

Using their advanced data analysis and analytics, The Football Observatory have ranked the most promising players in the world in their respective roles, and there were some very interesting findings.

Of course, the likes of Pedri, Jude Bellingham and Gavi all made the cut in their respective roles, and there was one finding that Leeds United fans may find rather intriguing.

Indeed, just months after Leeds missed out on signing him, Arnaud Kalimuendo has been ranked as the fifth-most promising shot-oriented centre-forward on the planet.

Kalimuendo was ranked level with Benjamin Sesko on CIES’ ranking system, and with Sesko being rated as one of the best young players in the world, it looks like Leeds missed out on a gem here.

However, there is an argument to be made that these rankings aren’t too accurate.

Indeed, with Fabio Silva being ranked higher than both Sesko and Kalimuendo after his torrid spell at Wolves, you have to question just how accurate this data is.

Kalimuendo certainly looks a talent though. He netted 12 Ligue 1 goals last season, and he’s managed to grab a further three this term – and that’s despite the fact he’s only 20 years old.

If he continues to develop as he reaches his prime years, he could become an absolute star.

Unfortunately, Leeds United missed out here, and given that Kalimuendo has now been ranked as the fifth-most promising attacker on the planet, the Whites may well live to regret this transfer blunder for years to come.