FIFA U17 World Cup: 5 stars who could be the next football legends

It has been a treat to watch young footballers of the different participating nations perform with freedom, passion, and aggression in the on-going FIFA U17 World Cup in India.

The kind of skills and maturity that they have displayed throughout the tournament are exceptional. If you have been to the stadium for a match then it is very well possible that you have witnessed a future football legend during the 90 minutes. After all, many players from Gianluigi Buffon to Neymar Jr were brought into the limelight by this tournament.

So, here we decode the next possible superstars.

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#5 Jann-Fiete Arp

The German captain has been phenomenal throughout the tournament. He was able to live up to the pre-tournament expectation of being the most promising German footballer in the team.

Currently, he is associated with Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga. His exploits in the U17 Euros did not go unnoticed, as Chelsea inquired about his availability after the tournament.

However, he was happy to stay back with Hamburg and was rewarded with a contract that is valid till 2019. He was also included in the first team squad by Markus Gisdol.

"In terms of his intellect and his character, he is very far ahead in comparison to others of the same age. He stands out in that way," said the Germany head coach Christian Wuck about his captain.

An admirer of Harry Kane of Tottenham, Arp is surely going to be one of the hottest properties for clubs few years down the line.

#4 Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem

The Indian goalkeeper was no less than any other keeper in the tournament

India's very own custodian has been a revelation in the tournament. According to Bhaichung Bhutia, he is the find of the tournament for the host country.

He has truly been the wall at the last line of defence. Without him, India could have definitely conceded more goals in the tournament. With the kind of exposure he has got in the recent past, it may well be possible to see him in the jersey of a top European club in the future.

Paulo Grilo, India's goalkeeping coach, was filled with joy to see his trainee perform like a pro throughout the tournament.

"I had 27 training sessions with him. But if I had this kid for one year, he would have been able to fight for a place in any team with any goalkeeper in his age group," he said.

#3 Paulinho

The goal-scoring machine for the Samba brigade

Paulo Henrique Sampaio Filho, commonly known as Paulinho, is surely a superstar in making. He has been most probably the best player of the Samba brigade.

It is no surprise to see top European clubs pay close attention to the Vasco da Gama player being.

With three goals and two assists in five appearances, he has impressed scouts and supporters alike. Every time his name is announced, the crowd welcomes him with a huge roar. The Indian crowd may well be witnessing a future legend take birth right in front of them at the moment.

#2 Phil Foden

Foden has been the engine of the team throughout the World Cup

Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, was amazed by this youngster to such an extent that he rewarded him with a senior team contract at the club. He also gave him the golden opportunity of making his first-team debut against arch-rivals Manchester United in a preseason friendly.

This youngster is referred to as the engine of the England team. Acting as a liaison between the defenders and the strikers, he has been marvellous throughout the tournament.

Guardiola himself is a fan of Foden and believes that he is matured beyond his years. The future of English football looks safe and secure, at least for now. Do not be surprised if, very soon, a top club breaks the bank to sign this promising youngster, although he is already at a top club in Manchester City.

#1 Jadon Sancho

A fiery teenager and potential legend of world football

Anyone who has watched the England U17 football team recently would vouch for this player's talent and skills. Jadon Sancho has wowed the whole footballing world with his skills in the tournament.

This is a man who was forced to let go of his national duty to go back to his club, Borussia Dortmund, for the Champions League. Even though he did not start in any matches thereafter, it is certain that the teenager is an important player for the club.

His previous team, Manchester City, sold him after a dispute between him and the club regarding assured playing time of his contract. He was brought by Dortmund for £8 million.

He recently made his debut in the Bundesliga against Eintracht Frankfurt, becoming the first Englishman to do so for Dortmund. He may well be the man for whom a club would break the highest-ever transfer fee record.