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The World Cup has proved to be a grand stage for some budding footballers to showcase their talent on in the past. Many aspiring footballers have made the most of opportunities in previous World Cups to either announce their arrival in the big picture or to get much-needed transfers to European clubs.
Last time out in 2014, it was a 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 eventual champions Germany. The award for the best young player in a World Cup is a prestigious one, and its validity has been proved by the success attained by its recipients over the years. Almost always, the best young player in a World Cup has gone on to scale great heights. Lukas Podolski won it in 2006, and Thomas Muller in 2010, and both went on to become superstars of the game.
Even before the tag for the best young player was recognized with a trophy (since 2006), the youngsters who were named so never disappointed. In 1958, it was a merely 17 years old Pele who was voted the same. In 1966, it was 20 years old Franz Beckenbauer. In 1998, it was Michael Owen. Needless to say, they are all hailed as footballing greats today.
In the upcoming edition of the World Cup too, there are a number of hot prospects who would look to give their absolute best in the tournament in order to bag the accolade. Today we'll be looking at five such youngsters who might take the World Cup by storm.
#5 Hirving Lozano (Mexico)
Age: 22 International Caps : 25 Goals: 7
Hirving "Chucky" Lozano is surely one of the most exciting forwards in the world right now. Lozano started his professional career at Mexican club Pachuca in 2014, and received his first call-up in 2016, whilst still playing in Mexico. His fantastic performances for both club and country attracted the interest of top European clubs, including Manchester City, but he decided to move to Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven instead. That proved to be a massive step towards PSV's bid for the title, as Chucky scored an incredible 17 goals in just 29 league appearances, thereby helping Phillip Cocu's men seal the ultimate crown.
Lozano is an extremely skilful winger with an eye for goal. He first burst on to the scene when he made a mockery of defences at the Confederations Cup in 2017. He also played a vital role in Mexico's World Cup qualifiers, netting some hugely important goals. His goal tally despite playing out wide is incredible, and he seems destined for greatness. If Mexico are to impress in the World Cup, expect Lozano to be majorly involved.
#4 Davinson Sanchez (Colombia)
Age: 21 International Caps: 8 Clean Sheets: 1 Goals : 0
We knew Davinson Sanchez was a player to observe closely when he was named Ajax's Best Player of the 2016-17 season. What made the feat so special was the fact that he was then just 20, and was playing his very first season in Europe. It was always going to be tough for Ajax to hold on to their young star, and understandably enough, they accepted Tottenham Hotspur's €38 million bid for the Colombian - a massive €33 million profit. Sanchez quickly adapted to English football and slotted in comfortably in the Spurs backline, in the absence of Toby Alderweireld.
He enjoyed a fantastic debut season in London, despite failing to win any trophies. Sanchez has featured eight times for Jose Peckerman's Colombian side and is expected to be a mainstay in their defence this coming World Cup. Colombia, led by James Rodriguez, impressed one and all by their performances in the previous edition and would look to do the same this time. They boast arguably an even stronger side, with Davinson Sanchez at their helm alongside Radamel Falcao, who missed the 2014 event due to an injury.
Colombia have been drawn in a fairly comfortable group which will see them face-off against Japan, Poland, and Senegal. However, if they are to progress further, they will need to be defensively solid, and Sanchez's contribution will be vital to that. He will need to be at his absolute best to win the Best Young Player award, and if he does so, he'll be the first defender since Manuel Amoros (1982) to win it. An exciting tournament awaits the 21-year-old...
#3 Alexander Iwobi (Nigeria)
Age: 22 International Caps: 15 Goals: 4
Being the nephew of legendary footballer Jay-Jay Okocha, it is understandable that the entire nation of Nigeria pins its hopes on Arsenal's Alex Iwobi. Interestingly, Iwobi represented the Three Lions of England at all youth levels before opting to play for Nigeria's senior team. At just 22, Iwobi has a mature head on young shoulders. He has played extremely well in the World Cup qualifiers and would hope to carry the momentum to Russia.
He will need it desperately too, as the Super Eagles face a daunting task of qualifying from a group which houses nations like Croatia, Iceland, and Argentina. While one can expect Argentina to make it through, the battle for the other spot is bound to be fierce as all the other three teams are equally matched. In such a situation, players like Alex Iwobi will be expected to make a difference in tight matches. If he succeeds in doing so, he will have a good chance of becoming the first African to be tagged the Best Young Player in a World Cup.
#2 Kylian Mbappe (France)
Age: 19 International Caps: 12 Goals : 3
At the age of 19, Kylian Mbappe has 12 caps for a nation like France already. The French have probably the greatest depth we have seen for a long, long time and they have at least three very good players in every position. One has to be a great player to even get on the plane to Russia, let alone play in the competition. The fact that players like Anthony Martial, Alexandre Lacazette, and Aymeric Laporte have been left out is proof enough.
Having said that, Mbappe is a different thing altogether. He might be just 19, but is already one of the best forwards in the world, and was recently named Ligue 1's best youngster for the second time in a row. His agility, trickery with the ball and eye for goal allow him to play anywhere in the front three. This adds to his utility and means that he can also function as a player to cover up for any forward if injuries hamper the French.
Didier Deschamps shows a lot of faith in the teenager and Mbappe would be rearing to repay it in the World Cup. He is the bookmakers' favourite to win the Best Young Player award and with France expected to go deep into the tournament, it is likely that Mbappe will get plenty of opportunities to show his calibre. He is a special player and the World Cup is a special occasion. Perhaps, it is all written in the stars...
#1 Gabriel Jesus (Brazil)
Age: 21 International Caps: 15 Goals: 9
If anyone can steal Mbappe's limelight, it is Gabriel Jesus in the Selecao colours.
Jesus is a proven goalscorer at the age of only 21. He has 20 league goals in just 39 appearances for Manchester City. There is no doubting that Jesus knows how to find the back of the net, but there is a lot more to his game. He is a fabulous athlete who will press the opposition from the first to the final minute tirelessly. On top of that, his movement is extremely tricky, and that makes him a defender's nightmare.
He has also formed a devastating trio for Brazil with Neymar and Coutinho. His pace helps him shift to the wings as and when required, which allows the trio to interchange positions, making it extremely difficult for the opposition to deploy proper marking systems, be it man-to-man or zonal. Gabriel is extremely loved by the Brazilians, and they expect a Ronaldo-like performance from the youngster in the coming World Cup. While that may sound too tough an ask, Jesus surely knows what it takes to succeed in the famous yellow of Brazil. After all, there is a reason why Tite continues to prefer Jesus upfront despite competitor Roberto Firmino's brilliant form of late.
Jesus can score tonnes of goals, and create them just as frequently. Brazil are aiming for the ultimate prize and it won't be possible without a huge contribution from Gabriel Jesus. If things go according to plan, he might race to the Best Young Player without much competition at all. However, no Brazilian has won the award since Pele won the inaugural one in 1958. 60 years on, Jesus would love to change that...
