Universitatea Craiova, the reigning champions of Romania, has kicked off its preseason training session in Austria with a convincing 7-1 victory over amateur side FC Stubai. The match saw the introduction of three young talents, Denys Muntean, Florin Gașpăr, and Sebastian Șerban, who are expected to make a significant impact in the team’s future.
Young Guns on the Rise
Craiova boasts a strong contingent of players eligible for the U21 rule, and coach Filipe Coelho has been experimenting with new faces in the preseason. Among the trio of youngsters, Denys Muntean has caught the eye with his impressive performance, scoring two goals in the match. The 17-year-old winger has already made his mark in the senior team, making his debut last season at just 16 years old against Csikszereda.
Muntean’s rise to prominence began when he joined Inter Stars 2020 Sibiu’s junior team in 2023. Now, he has established himself as a potential regular in the first team, with his pace and skillset making him a valuable asset. The youngster has also represented Romania at the U17 level, showcasing his talent on the international stage.
A Look at the Emerging Stars
While Muntean has been the standout performer, his teammates Florin Gașpăr and Sebastian Șerban are also worth mentioning. Gașpăr, an 18-year-old right-back, has gained experience playing for CSM Reșița on loan, where he accumulated over 30 appearances in two seasons. His impressive résumé has drawn attention from scouts, with estimates suggesting he could fetch a significant transfer fee.
Șerban, a 19-year-old attacking midfielder, has been involved in several friendly matches for Craiova but has yet to make a significant impact in the first team. He has, however, shown promise playing for the team’s reserve side in Liga 3.
Craiova’s preseason campaign continues with a match against FK Sabah, the champions of Azerbaijan, on Wednesday, June 24, at 7:00 PM local time. As the team continues to build momentum, fans will be eager to see these young talents integrate into the first team and make their mark on the Romanian league.
With a strong squad and a talented crop of youngsters, Universitatea Craiova is poised to dominate the league once again. One to watch: Denys Muntean.