With only a week to go for the FIFA World Cup, all eyes will be on the global extravaganza that will see 32 nations compete for the ultimate sporting prize. It will be one month of gripping football. It will be full of nerves, excitement, tears, joy, talent, and drama. It’s a stage where legends are born.
And this edition promises to be no different. All the players would be looking to make an impression and write their name in the history books. There will be incredible talent on display, and young players, many of whom will be playing their first World Cup, will be watched with keen interest. They would know it’s their time to show up and announce themselves on the global stage.
Let’s have a look at the young sensations to watch out for:
Gabriel Jesus, Brazil
Many are tipping Brazil to win their sixth World title in Russia. They have one of the best squads, with the likes of Neymar, Coutinho, Firmino, Marcelo, Casemiro, and Thiago Silva forming the core of the team. No doubt Neymar will headline the Seleção, going into the tournament, but they will know other attackers would have to chip in, if they are to conquer it all in Russia.
The player expected to lead the line for Brazil is 21 year old, Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus. At a very young age Jesus is a prolific goalscorer, both for his club and country. Although, his City career has so far been marred by injuries, he would look to put that behind and put in a good shift at the World Cup. Whenever he has been fit, he has shown glimpse of his talents that prompted Manchester City to pay £27 million to Palmeiras for his services.
He is a player with abundant pace, trickery and an eye for goal, and if he can bring all his attacking instincts to the fore, he will surely be key to Brazil doing all the way in the tournament.
Kylian Mbappé, France
There is no shortage of talent in the France National Team. It’s a team full of world-class players. One player who will have everyone excited, is Kylian Mbappe. The French sensation burst onto the scene with Monaco in the 2016-17 season, scoring 26 goals in total, which proved decisive as Les Monégasques won the French League and reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. He was prolific and deadly in front of the goal, and with his lighting pace, he gave defenders a very hard time. He was linked to Real Madrid, and was expected to make the move, but it never materialised. It was Paris Saint Germain who showed great amount of interest in his signature and eventually bought him for a whopping €145 million plus €35 million in add-ons.
In his first season with PSG, he has shown why many consider him to be the golden boy of French football, and also in the process earning comparisons to the great Thierry Henry. He will be carrying the expectations of a nation that hasn’t won a major tournament since 2000.
Still only 19, he has best years ahead of him. But he will know, a good World Cup showing will do his reputation a world of good.
Marcus Rashford, England
No one is giving England a chance at the World Cup. It might be a good thing – with nothing to lose, they can go out there, play with freedom and enjoy their football. The English have fluffed their lines in previous tournaments, but they would be looking to make amends. They have some real talent in their ranks, and one player that might turnout to be their wild card is Marcus Rashford. The Mancunian made headlines when he came as a replacement for Anthony Martial, who injured himself just before the Europa League game against FC Midtjylland, and scored a brace for Manchester United. Three days later, he repeated the feat as he scored twice in the Premier League against Arsenal. He has since been an important part of the first team squad.
He can play anywhere in the front three, and England Manager Gareth Southgate would know what Rashford brings to the table. He is pacy and good in one-v-one situations. He has had a topsy-turvy season, but if he comes to the party at the World Cup, it would only aid England’s bid to reach as far as possible in the tournament.
For a player, representing their country at the World Cup is a dream, and Rashford is realising that at just 20. But it will be his displays that will eventually count. With talent and potential all evident, it might be his tournament to shine and arrive on the international scene.
Davinson Sanchez, Colombia
Despite his youth Spurs’ record signing from Ajax has been quick to show his class and maturity and that fee of £42m is beginning to look like a bargain. The 21-year-old Colombian centre‑half has taken to the upper echelons of club football with an ease as graceful as his running style.
Sánchez combines imperious physicality with impeccable pace, but most striking is his composure. For someone so young, though the defender’s single previous season in European football was a marquee one at Ajax, he never seems ruffled. He is able to read a defensive situation effectively and choose the appropriate means to deal with it. His role model is Franco Baresi. You can understand why.
If Colombia are to progress further than the round of 16, he will be an important player. A mountain of a man, he will hold key and will be tasked to keep the opposition quiet.
Giovani Lo Celso, Argentina
Argentina would rely on one man – Messi. Yes, the magician! There forward line is as better as it can get. Sergio Aguero, Pablo Dybala, Gonzalo Hinguin, Angel Di Maria, are all in the 23-man squad. But it’s their midfield that has been their achilles heel, and in Russia it would need control.
The man who might be a surprise package and give added impetus in the middle of the park to the Argentinian side is 22 year old PSG midfielder Giovani Lo Celao. Amidst all the seasoned star power of PSG’s forward line and midfield, Argentinian Giovani Lo Celso has been able to force himself into consideration with a string of assured displays in the midfield. Many wondered if PSG would be too top-heavy this season, but Lo Celso has been instrumental in helping provide balance in the midfield.
The native of Rosario was handed his international debut last November in a friendly against Russia, and he’s certainly given Jorge Sampaoli something to think about with his performances over the last few months. He will be an important cog in that Argentina midfield at the World Cup.