World Cup 2018: Top Contenders for the Young Player Award

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The winner of the Young Player Award at the previous World Cup

The stage is set for the FIFA World Cup in Russia to take centre-stage. A galaxy of stars are expected to shine in this tournament and will look to inspire their nation to the coveted World Cup title. There will be a plethora of young talents will be expected to light up this tournament.

The World Cup is the best stage for these young players to come into limelight. James Rodriguez dazzled in the previous tournament and wowed fans around the world to secure a big-ticket move to Real Madrid. The young players of this tournament will expect to do the same.

The under-21 players will have their eyes set on taking home the 'Young Player Award', an award that recognizes the best young talent of the tournament. Global superstars like Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Michael Owen, Thomas Muller are some of the players to have grabbed this prestigious award. Paul Pogba was the one who took home this trophy the previous time with his inspirational performances for France.

We take a look at the most likely contenders to grab this coveted trophy-

[Note: Only players born on or after 1 Jan 1997 will be considered for this award.]

#5 Rodrigo Bentancur (Uruguay)

Juventus v Hellas Verona FC - Serie A

Bentancur is a product of the famed Boca Juniors youth academy. The 20-year old who only made his club debut in April 2015, became a part of Carlos Tevez's swap deal and the Uruguayan finally moved to Juventus in July 2017. He completed a successful debut campaign at Turin where he gained valuable experience of playing big matches on the European stage.

The midfielder already has 6 caps for his country and he will provide the dynamism from the centre of the pitch. The experience will prove vital in a stage as big as the World Cup and the young lad will be one of the players to watch in an exciting Uruguayan side.

#4 Ousmane Dembele (France)

Barcelona v Real Sociedad - La Liga

Ousmane Dembele was considered to be one of the stars for the future when he was at Rennes in 2016 and he made a move to Borussia Dortmund, where he had a fabulous first year for a big club. His performances grabbed the attention of the heavy-weights in European football, and FC Barcelona were quick to snap him up for a massive sum of €105 million, which made him the fourth costliest signing ever.

The Frenchman was signed to replace Neymar, who had left for Paris Saint Germain. Sadly though, the youngster had a slow start to the campaign as he was badly hampered by injuries. The 21-year old only returned to action in March and he's looked to make up for the lost time. Dembele has quickly established a good chemistry with Barcelona's attacking talents in Coutinho, Suarez and Messi.

Dembele is one of the most exciting prospects in the game and his direct running at pace and his dribbling skills make him a feared player for the opposition. He has already built up a good understanding with fellow youngster Kylian Mbappe and the talented winger will be expected to provide delicious balls for the likes of Griezmann and Giroud. If Dembele does get time to prove himself and showcase his talents, he will be among the front-runners to claim the 'Young Player Award'

#3 Marcus Rashford (England)

Chelsea v Manchester United - The Emirates FA Cup Final

Marcus Rashford has been breaking records ever since he made his debut for Manchester United as an 18-year-old. He scored twice in both his first-team debut in the UEFA Europa League and in his first Premier League match against Arsenal.

He also scored in his first UEFA Champions League match, his first League Cup match and in his first Manchester derby. All this instantly made him a fan favorite at Old Trafford.

The English forward also had a fast start to his international career. On his first start for the Three Lions, he scored just three minutes into the game, becoming the youngest Englishman to score on his international debut, and the third youngest overall.

The 20-year old had a difficult year at Old Trafford as his playing time was reduced due to the signing of Alexis Sanchez. However, the young lad is expected to be an integral part of Gareth Southgate's team and he will be looking to make an impact on what will be his second major tournament after the disappointing UEFA Euro 2016.

Rashford also finished third behind Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele in the Golden Boy award last season, for the best under-21 player in Europe. Along with the French duo, the Englishman will be one of the young stars to watch out for in 2018 FIFA World Cup.

#2 Kylian Mbappe (France)

France vs Ireland friendly match

Kylian Mbappe, at just 19 years of age is already considered as a future Ballon D'Or winner and he has established himself as one of the most lethal strikers in the world football. The French forward took the world by storm in a league winning campaign in AS Monaco and this saw Paris Saint Germain splash out an eye-popping €145 million to prize him out.

The reigning Golden Boy had a fantastic first season in Paris in the company of Neymar and Edinson Cavani and his showings have even led to comparisons with the legendary French forward Thierry Henry.

France head into this World Cup as one of the favorites and his understanding with fellow forwards Griezmann, Giroud and Dembele will be a treat to watch for spectators around the world. The Paris Saint-Germain attacker is set to star in his first major tournament and he will have a major role to play in France's quest for glory as he is likely to line up on the wing of a devastating attacking unit.

#1 Gabriel Jesus (Brazil)

Southampton v Manchester City - Premier League

Gabriel Jesus is one of the most incredible stories in world football. When the 2014 World Cup was hosted in Brazil, this young lad was one of the boys who was painting the streets prior to the World Cup. Just 4 years down the line, he's going to realize his dream of wearing the Brazilian yellow in the World Cup stage in Russia.

Gabriel Jesus was discovered at a very young age when he was still playing in his native Brazil. He was signed from Brazilian club Palmeiras for a massive fee and immediately went about justifying the transfer fee and the trust placed in him by his manager Pep Guardiola. The 21-year old is one of those rare young players who has set the world alight with his performances for both club and country.

When it comes to international football, it is hard to think of any other youngster who is as crucial for his nation as Jesus is. Jesus has already scored 9 goals in 15 appearances and contributed to 7 goals and 3 assists in his first 10 games for the Seleção, all in the South-American World Cup qualifiers.

The influence that Gabriel has had is just immense, and he is now considered an important entity in Tite's lineup. He is likely line up at the front of a scary Brazilian attack that comprises of Neymar, Coutinho, Firmino, Willian and Douglas Costa.

After recent disappointments in the World Cup, Brazil head into this tournament touted as one of the top three favourites, and this talented forward will have a major role to play in Brazil's success.

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Edited by Sripad