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A long and hectic football season came to an end with the culmination of the FIFA World Cup on 15th July. It was an exciting season, and we saw Manchester City, Barcelona and Juventus win the EPL, La Liga and Serie A titles respectively, whereas Real Madrid once again won the Champions’ League.
The World Cup was eventful as well, a number of traditional heavyweights were shown the door in the initial rounds of the tournament. A less fancied team like Croatia managed to reach the final and their talismanic captain Luka Modric managed to win the prestigious Golden Ball award.
World Cups have always given birth to stars who have gone on to become legends of the game. This year’s edition was no exception.
There were some young footballers who impressed at the quadrennial tournament, and should continue to be the players to watch out for in the upcoming season. Here we discuss 4 such players.
#4 Harry Maguire
Maguire towered over a lot of centre backs at the World Cup, both literally and figuratively. The 25 year old Englishman played in 44 matches for Leicester City last season and scored 2 goals. He also shone for England at the World Cup and scored 1 goal in 7 matches.
He is said to be a target for Manchester United, and should he end up at Old Trafford, United’s title challenge would depend upon him to a considerable extent.
Maguire's size and strength makes him a viable prospect in a physical league like the EPL. It also means that he would be a constant threat from the set-pieces as he has a fabulous header on him.
However, Maguire would have to improve his agility and speed to be counted amongst the best in the business. He would be continuously tested in a big team as the weight of expectation would increase.
It should not be a problem for him because he showed at the World Cup that he belonged with the very best in the game.
#3 Julian Brandt
Brandt is only 22 years old, but has already played 172 games in 5 seasons for Bayer Leverkusen. He has a mature head on a young shoulder and was one of the reasons behind Leverkusen’s resurgence last season, they finished 5th in the league.
Brandt prefers to play on the left wing, but can also play as a central attacking midfielder. He has consummate ball skills and speed.
At the World Cup he was used as a substitute only and did not get more than 10 minutes of game time in each of the 3 matches Germany played. Still, he was one of the most impressive performers for Germany in an otherwise forgettable campaign.
One can hope that he would start having a regular place in the starting line-up of his national team from next season and onward. He has already won 19 caps for his country and should go on to win many more in the future.
#2 Benjamin Pavard
The 22 year old VFB Stuttgart defender was not a regular for the French national team until this year’s World Cup when Didier Deschamps gave him an opportunity to play in the first team.
Pavard grabbed the opportunity with both hands and went on to become one of the most consistent performers in their World Cup campaign.
Pavard's breathtaking equaliser against Argentina in the second round match proved to be the turning point in France’s World Cup winning campaign. It also underlined Pavard’s attacking prowess.
Moreover, he safely dealt with attacking players like Lionel Messi, Kevin De Bruyne and Ante Rebic in the tournament.
Pavard might be targeted by bigger clubs like Bayern Munich, and it could prove to be an even bigger challenge if he ends up playing for them.
Even if he keeps playing for Stuttgart, he should try to help them improve upon their 7th place finish in the 2017-18 season, thereby ensuring participation in the UEFA Champions League.
#1 Kylian Mbappe
What can one say about a player who won the silver ball at the World Cup as a 19 year old and is already one of the most talked about players in world football? Mbappe scored 4 goals at the World Cup, including 1 in the final. He was one of the architects of France’s glorious triumph.
Mbappe’s fairy-tale might continue in the upcoming season as well, he has completed his move to PSG from Monaco. He has already played in 104 club matches in the top flight and scored 48 goals.
That is a remarkable record for a teenager by any standard. Mbappe’s outrageous speed, smooth dribbling and brilliant vision has already made him a force in the world of football. Clubs like Real Madrid have already shown their interest in him, and Mbappe has become one of the most valuable players on the transfer market.
He is unlikely to rest on his laurels, and would want to further contribute to PSG’s rise in European football by performing well in the UEFA Champions League. PSG will again strive to win the ultimate prize in club football, if they are to achieve that elusive dream, Mbappe must perform to his full potential.
All stats via transfermarkt
