The World Cup is football’s grandest stage and draws the best players, nations and skillsets every four years.
Plenty has been made of names like Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar in the lead-up to the tournament, but it will also be the first time that we’ll see the next generation of stars step out for their respective nations at a World Cup
Australia will blood the 2018 World Cup’s youngest player in the form of nineteen-year-old Daniel Arzani, who looks likely to secure a starting spot in the Socceroos framework after an outstanding performance against Hungary.
Before a ball is kicked, we’ve taken a look at the best young players at the 2018 World Cup!
Daniel Arzani – Australia – 19 Years Old
The Socceroos-own Daniel Arzani is officially the youngest player at the 2018 World Cup, having been born in 1999 (deary me). The Aussie winger who plies his trade for Melbourne City in the A-League, has notched only a handful of games at international level but has already displayed a keen ability and plenty of confidence. An inspired decision from manager Bert van Marwijk to blood a player of Arzani’s potential on the game’s grandest stage.
Kylian Mbappe – France – 19 Years Old
Kylian Mbappe has been outstanding for club side PSG and will make his World Cup debut for France in Russia. The nineteen-year-old has made a habit of terrorising defences at club level and has already made an impact for France; netting four goals in only fifteen appearances for Les Bleus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saY4nIDrLJ4
Trent Alexander-Arnold – England – 19 Years Old
England have rolled the dice on nineteen-year-old Trent Alexander-Arnold, but he has been outstanding for Liverpool this season and it could prove to be an inspired selection from Gareth Southgate. Having only made his debut for the Three Lions last week, Alexander-Arnold looks to have a glittering England career ahead of him.
Marcus Rashford – England – 20 Years Old
Marcus Rashford announced himself as a player to watch from literally his first game for Manchester United and he is sure to play a key role in England’s chances at the 2018 World Cup. Rashford plays with the confidence of a footballer ten years his senior and has found particularly devastating form on the road to Russia.
Gabriel Jesus – Brazil – 21 Years Old
Not only will Gabriel Jesus make his World Cup debut in Russia, he’s also a live chance of lifting the trophy as part of the tournament-favourite Brazil squad. Jesus has continued to light up world football, particularly since joining Manchester City where he has been mentored on the pitch by Sergio Aguero and off by Pep Guardiola.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeyLKngjHHU
Marco Asensio – Spain – 22 Years Old
Real Madrid midfielder Marco Asensio has been included in a stacked Spanish squad at the 2018 World Cup and is an absolute world-beater in the making. There’s been plenty of interest shown for the twenty-two-year-old from major European clubs and a big tournament would likely lead to an even bigger pay day.
Kelechi Iheanacho – Nigeria – 22 Years Old
Kelechi Iheanacho has become a Premier League stalwart since debuting for Manchester City in 2015 and will lead the line for Nigeria at the World Cup. He’s knocked in eight from only eighteen appearances in a Super Eagles jersey and if Nigeria are to make it out of Group D, Iheanacho is sure to star.