World Cup 2018: Top five young players of the tournament

The World Cup has always proved to be the biggest stage for some of the upcoming footballing talents to showcase their skills in the past. Many footballers have made the most of the opportunities in previous World Cups by announcing their arrival on the biggest stage possible, by helping their team to go deep into the tournament or to grab the attention of the scouts and managers of the top European clubs.

Last time out in 2014, it was 21-year-old Paul Pogba who won the award for the best young player, having helped France reach the quarter-finals before bowing out to the eventual champions Germany. The award has served as a great motivator as Pogba was instrumental in helping his then club side Juventus to the 2015 UEFA Champions League Final, their first in 12 years. Pogba's impressive performance allowed him to return to Manchester United in 2016 for a then world record transfer fee. The fee paid for him remains the highest paid by an English club.

Pogba is not the only recipient of this prestigious award who has gone onto achieve great things. Landon Donovan in 2002, Lukas Podolski in 2006 and Thomas Muller in 2010 all won the award, and all of them have had stellar careers.

So, needless to say that reputations are built and destroyed in an instance, especially for the younger players as the whole world is watching them. This edition of the World Cup, considered by many as the best ever, was no different. Many young players announced their arrival and enhanced their reputation by showcasing their talent and skills and they were the vital cog behind the success of their team in this edition of the World Cup.

So, let's look at the top five young players who have impressed one and all at this World Cup.

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#5 Hirving Lozano (Mexico- 22 years old)

Hirving Lozano

Lozano played on the left side for the vast majority of the time for the Mexican National Team.

Lozano is right-footed and has all the attributes of a classic inverted winger. He possesses great power in his right foot and he often proved dangerous when shooting after cutting in from the left hand side. He is quick with or without the ball and has a very powerful and accurate shot.

Lozano also possesses decent passing ability and vision to find his team mate with either short or long balls. He has also got blistering pace and good ball control which was quite evident in the goal he scored at the Luzhniki Stadium against defending champions Germany. The significance of that goal was immense, as it not only gave Mexico the belief to go far in the tournament, but also rattled Germany's self belief which ultimately led to their early exit from the tournament in the group stage itself.

In 2015, Lozano was named as one of the best players in the world born after 1994. Upon his arrival to PSV Eindhoven, he was named among the top Eredevisie young players to watch for the 2017–18 season.

It is being reported that many top Premier League clubs are pursuing his signature and rightly so.

#4 Aleksandr Golovin (Russia- 22 years old)

Aleksandr Golovin

Aleksandr Golovin is a footballer who played as a central midfielder for the Russia and was a prominent figure as the hosts reached the quarter final stage of the World Cup.

Golovin fulfilled his role with great aplomb as he provided 2 assists to his team-mates throughout the tournament and got himself on the score sheet in the opening match against Saudi Arabia. He controlled the midfield for Russia and was a key figure in the tournament.

His signature is being pursued by top clubs in England and France predominantly. It remains to be seen which route he takes.

#3 Benjamin Pavard (France- 22 years old)

Benjamin Pavard

Benjamin Pavard was deployed as a right back for the France during the World Cup, even though he can play as a centre back as well. Prior to the World Cup, many had never seen Pavard in action.

The French right-back actually plays at centre-back for his club side Stuttgart. Pavard scored one of the goals of the World Cup in the French win over Argentina in the last-16. The 22 year old was threatening in attack and stable and calm in defence. He was one of the driving forces behind France's success in the tournament. Incredibly, the 22-year-old has never lost a match while playing for his national team.

It is being reported that Tottenham have emerged as front runners to sign him. He will be a real asset for any team.

#2 Yerry Mina (Colombia- 23 years old)

Yerry Mina

23 year old Yerry Mina plays as a centre back for Spanish club Barcelona and the Colombian National Team. The centre-back scored three headers in four games and was a major reason behind Colombia's run to the round of 16. He was an imposing presence while attacking and defending set pieces and made the most of his physicality and aerial prowess to score three crucial goals. He certainly had an impressive World Cup and in all probability a move to the Premier League awaits the defender.

#1 Kylian Mbappe (France- 19 years old)

Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe is a French Footballer who plays as a forward for his club Paris Saint-Germain.

After a mediocre start, Mbappe really showcased his class against Argentinca in the round of 16 match, where he scored twice and earned the penalty which his teammate Antoine Griezmann scored. After that game, Mbappe looked a completely different player and showcased his full skill set to the World. His blistering runs and ability to get past defenders at ease on one hand and his composure and calmness in front of goal was truly a treat to watch.

He was rightly adjudged the best young player of tournament. If he keeps his feet on the ground and his eyes on the top, then he can certainly become a true great of the game.