Finest Young Stars To Watch Out For During 2014 World Cup

Every World Cup is an opportunity for young stars to showcase their talents to the world and propel themselves into the league of legendary player status. Below is a list of talented youngster destined to become the next generation of superstars.

Moving to Bayern Munich this summer, Gotze continues his footballing education under the tutelage of ex-Barcelona legendary manager Pep Guardiola, who already hailed Gotze as “an unbelievable player”. An extremely gifted player who can practically play in every attacking role, his closed control, intelligence and link-up play are sights to behold despite his tender age. With 26 caps under his belt, Gotze is also one of the youngest Germany debutant as well as goalscorer.

How Manchester United had let Paul Pogba slip through their fingers is anyone’s guess. After Juventus signed him for free after his contracted ended, he marshalled Juventus’ midfield marvellously despite his tender age with fellow midfielders Pirlo and Vidal, playing a part in Juventus’ Italian Serie A title in 2012-2013 Strong and fast, Pogba has the ability to dribble out of tight spots. He is also capable of scoring stinging goals with both feet as well as headers. Should he continue his development, he will soon be mention in the same breath as previous French greats such as Patrick Vieira and Claude Makelele.

To be fighting for a first eleven place in a squad filled with Xavis and Iniestas, you have to be something special. Part of Spain’s Under-21 European Championship winning team, Koke has already contributed 2 goals and 8 assist for already for Atlético Madrid in this 2013-2014 season. A graduate from Atlético Madrid’s fame youth system which count Fernado Torres and David de Gea as alumnus, Koke will be out to show that the Spanish young talent conveyor belt just keeps going.

15 goals and 5 assists in 33 league appearances with Italian side Roma made Tottenham Hotspurs fork up thirty million pounds for the talented youngster. Despite struggling to cement a first team place due to cultural and language barrier, Lamela remained a highly effective attacking player who can slot into any of the three attacking positions with the ability to take players head on or crossing in from the wings.

It’s interesting that Lukaku isn’t appreciated by Chelsea despite having a consistent scoring record at every club he has been at. Since playing for Anderlecht while schooling, he was already the Belgium’s league top scorer in the 2009-2010 season. Currently on loan at Everton, Lukaku is scoring goals for fun, amassing 8 goals in just 11 games. An all-rounded striker who has the intelligence to run into space as well as someone who can score goals from headers and outside the box.

Skilful left Winger and forward who loves to dribble pass opponents with the ability to provide the killer pass. A prolific player at the Italy U21 level, Insigne score goals by planting them into the corners as he cuts in from the wings. His attitude and movement has been highly praised by coaches. A direct replacement for Ezequiel Lavezzi who has left for the French capital, Napoli‘s Insigne will use this upcoming World Cup to permanently cement his place in the Italian national team.

Despite the raise of Tottenham’s winger Andros Townsend, it is easy to forget off the currently injured “The Ox” Oxlade-Chamberlain. Second youngest English player after Wayne Rooney as well as the youngest English scorer in Europe’s elite Champions League, Chamberlain’s bulky frame makes his nimble feet and pace even more impressive. One of the best young talents to have emerged from England, Chamberlain will be hoping to put his injury problems behind him and dazzle at the world’s biggest footballing stage.

Critics said Mourinho was mad to have bench Chelsea’s player of last season Juan Mata in favour of Brazilian prodigy Oscar. A scintillating start to the current 2013-2014 showed the reasons why. Do not be deceived by his small frame, Oscar is already a regular with the Brazilian national squad as well as have plundered in 6 goals in 18 appearances with Chelsea this season, displaying a level of vision and understanding of the game far beyond his age.

A murading left-back in the mould of Roberto Carlos, 19 year old Jetro Willems is destined to remain as Holland’s first-choice left-back for years to come. A winner with Holland’s Under-17 at the UEFA European tournament in 2011, Willems is also the youngest player ever to play at the senior European Championship. Tactically astute with an astounding maturity, Willems will use this World Cup opportunity to cement his place as one of the best defenders around.

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