Which team will win the Men’s VNL Finals? Men’s U21 World Championship players give their pick
Published 09:38, 11 Jul 2023
The world’s best young talents are in action at the 2023 FIVB Volleyball U21 Men’s World Championship in Manama, Bahrain.
We asked each star of the 16 competing teams in the U21 World Championship which of the eight Volleyball Nations League finalists will take home the crown this year.
Alexander Nikolov and Arthur Bento both played in the first two weeks of the 2023 VNL before coming to Manama to skipper their teams at the U21 World Championship.
Bulgaria captain and opposite Aleksandar Nikolov
Alexander Nikolov (BUL)
“I think USA is going to win. They play the highest level of volleyball. They came first in the preliminary round – their first 12 matches. They showed they have depth as well; they have a lot of players on the bench. I think it’s going to be the USA, but we will see. There could be some surprises.”
Arthur Bento Buczmiejuk (BRA)
“I am optimistic on what will happen here and in the VNL. We have a great chance in both competitions. I am very confident in our ability. It’s going to be a tough match against Poland (in the VNL). They’re probably going to watch some video on what went wrong against Poland during the regular season. They’ll try to fix their mistakes and go after the win.”
Argentina, Italy, Poland and the United States are in VNL Finals this year, let’s find out what their younger compatriots’ have to say.
Luca Martiniano Ovalles Alonso (ARG)
"I pick Argentina, of course. The team is playing very well, with young players and other experienced players like (Luciano) De Cecco. They had very good moments this year. They have a difficult match in the playoff (against Italy), but I want Argentina to win, and I think it is possible from what they have been showing in their other matches."
Federico Roberti (ITA)
"The VNL is a great tournament, with a lot of great players who play in Italy. Obviously, I support Italy. They are a strong team, and with the likes of Poland, Bulgaria, Japan, I think it will be a very spectacular Finals and it will be a show for everyone who loves volleyball."
Poland outside hitter Piotr Sliwka
Piotr Sliwka (POL)
“I pick Poland to win, of course. I think they are the best team. They have a lot of good players individually and they create chances to win. There is no secret, they play really well. They have good chemistry with each other and play well together.”
Andrew Rowan (USA)
“I strongly believe the United States have got it. They look good right now. I think they’re becoming more consistent as they play. We’ve seen them play some really high-level volleyball against some really good teams and they hold their own, if not come away with the win. I think they’re in a really good spot to take the VNL title.”
Canada and Iran also played at the VNL but did not advance to the Final 8, here are what their players think.
Josh Jehle (CAN)
“I think Japan have a good shot this year. What they’ve done in the first few rounds has been pretty cool. They’ve been playing really well every game and stayed pretty consistent. So I think they might take it home this year.”
Iran middle blocker Erfan Nourouzi
Erfan Nourouzi (IRI)
“I think USA can become champions. They have a strong team, and everybody plays at a high level. They are very good technically and have a good mentality.”
The other teams also gave their top picks and they had plenty of great things to say about the VNL finalists this year.
Sadeq Marhoon (BRN)
"I like Japan. They play with very good technique. They are also a very organised team, and I think they can win it all."
Ferre Reggers (BEL)
“I’m really a big fan of Argentina this year. I hope they win. Of course, the other teams are also very good, like Poland, with their full squad, and France, who made a good comeback. Italy also. There are a lot of big teams, but I pick Argentina. I like the way they play, and I hope they take home the title.”
David Kollator (CZE)
“I’m hoping for Italy to win because they are my favourite team in the VNL. The quality of the players is very high, and they have the best league in the world. I would like to say that I like (Alessandro) Michieletto because he’s left-handed like me.”
Yassin Eid (EGY)
“I am expecting Japan and Poland to reach the final. They have preserved the elements of their squad for more than five years and both teams have prepared themselves well.”
Dushyant Singh (IND)
"Japan are currently playing really great. I think between them and Poland, one of those teams will win the VNL. Japan’s bench is very strong. If some of their players are not performing, their substitutes can come and perform extraordinarily."
Angel Ivan Dominguez Carrillo (MEX)
“I think Poland will win the VNL. They have a great level in their matches. Watching them play in the VNL and being here in the World Championship and playing with their U21 team is inspiring for me.”
Thailand libero Phutidol Takabut
Phutidol Takabut (THA)
“I think Italy will win the VNL. They have a strong team. They have a good system for attack on both sides. They have good combination plays and their players play hard in each match.”
Ramzi Dhouibi (TUN)
“I think Italy could win the VNL. They have really good players, and they play and deliver their objective in every position.”
