The FIFA World Cup is a masterpiece viewed by millions of people every four years and features some of the best soccer talent in the world. Think of Pelé, Maradona, Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and, most recently, Kylian Mbappé.
The tournament can be a springboard for talented young players at the entry point of their careers. The FIFA Young Player Award for Under 21s has gone to some of the best young stars the game has seen.
For example, Pelé won the award in 1958, Franz Beckenbauer in 1966, Michael Owen in 1998 and Mbappé in 2018. The tournament can be a springboard for talented young players at the entry point of their careers.
But there are talented players who don’t win the coveted award but go on to have brilliant careers. Think of players like Mesut Ozil and Ángel Di María who shone in 2010.
Let’s take a look at some contenders for this year’s young talent.
Pedri and Gavi
What do they give you to eat at the Barcelona youth squad La Masia? The Spanish and Barca duo is like a clone of Xavi and Iniesta. With a penchant for possession and keeping the ball away from the opposition, the two have been tearing up the tournament with their movement, silky touches and passing range. To pair them up with the wily old fox that is Sergio Busquets, who must have been in the running for the young player award in 2010, is to see them flourish.
Watch them here against Germany.
Jude Bellingham
One of the hottest properties in the world, Jude Bellingham is coveted as a world-class box-to-box midfielder. The English central midfielder who plies his trade at Borussia Dortmund is apparently being watched by Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City. He started the tournament with a headed goal similar to that of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard in Istanbul in 2005. Having qualified for the round of 16, his maturity for such a young player will help the Three Lions achieve their goal of “leading the football home.”
jamal musiala
England will rue the day it let Musiala escape and pledged its international allegiance to Germany. The German wunderkind is full of energy, touching, passing, dribbling and big game temperament. Against Spain he looked like one of the few German players who was up to the task. Germany failed to qualify for the round of 16, but Musiala played excellently in all three group games. He also has a prosperous career at Bayern, where he has been flying this season with goals and assists.
Aurelien Tchouameni
The Frenchman in the middle of the park had huge shoes to fill. He needed to step up and play instead of Paul Pogba and Ngolo Kante, who are completely different beasts. And, boy, did he do it with aplomb. The Real Madrid star was one of the most sought after midfielders in this transfer window and it’s clear why. Tactically astute, technically brilliant, nipping attacks in the bud and an eye for goal, it’s no wonder Carlo Ancelotti let Casemiro go knowing who he had as a replacement. He will undoubtedly be crucial to France’s success in this tournament.
Vinicius Jr.
With his football resume you would swear that Vinicius has been playing for many years. The Brazilian winger is at the top of his game and is key to Brazil’s success, especially with Neymar injured. Playing on the left side of attack, his style and penchant for goals make him a thorn in any opponent’s side. He has been an important part of Brazil’s domination of the tournament so far. As is the case with Real Madrid, he improves in the last parts of the tournaments and will need a closed brand.
Mohamed Kudus
The Ghanaian leader joins a list of impressive African strikers. Having grabbed a double against Korea, Kudus left a score. He will have Ghana’s hopes on his shoulders when the Black Stars take on Uruguay on Friday night. With a left foot for a weapon, excellent ball retention, and beating-a-man skills, it’s no wonder the top European teams are looking for him. Kudus can really be a contender for the young player of the tournament if Ghana advances to the round of 16.
Of course, there are a host of other young players not mentioned here. These are the ones that have caught my attention so far. Let’s see who will shine brighter when we enter the knockout stages.
