With just 21 days left for the most awaited tournament of the year to kick off, we take a look at some young superstars who are likely to impress you in Russia
1] Kylian Mbappe, France
France have a ridiculously formidable squad, with the best players available on every position at the pitch. A key member of their squad is Kylian Mbappe, who can be easily hailed as the young sensation of the season. At the age of 18, his performance guided AS Monaco to the Champions League semifinals in 2017. Wasting no time, Paris Saint-Germain snatched the rising star for a mind boggling EUR 180 million, instantly turning heads all around him. He also impressed everyone in the international friendlies and the World Cup qualifiers for France. A lot is yet to be seen from him, and he will definitely be among the ones to watch in Russia.
2] Marcus Rashford, England
Marcus Rashford is currently one of the hottest prospects in England. He leads the line both for Manchester United and the England national team. The talented forward has netted 15 goals and bagged 6 assists across all competitions this season. He's blessed with pace and surgical finishing, which can produce good results for the team. The only problem he faces now is England's poor performance in the World Cup. Despite doing very well in the qualifiers and the international friendlies, England starts to buckle as the competition gets tougher and the pressure rises. Will Rashford be able to turn things around for the 3 lions? Time will tell. But yes, the kid definitely has the skills and the ability to live up to the expectations of the fans.
3] Joshua Kimmich, Germany
After Phillip Lahm's retirement from all forms of football last season, the question everybody was asking, was that will any footballer be able to ever fill the legend's shoes. Looks like we have an answer! Joshua Kimmich, only 23 years of age, has given stunning performances all year round for Bayern Munich and the German national team, almost seamlessly slipping into Lahm's right back role. The perfect mix of offense and defense, Kimmich is always ready to cross the ball in or fall back to defend at a moment's notice. Did we mention he also loves to score? Kimmich scored the opening goals on both legs of the UEFA Champions League semifinals against Real Madrid. He's bagged 6 goals and 13 assists across all competitions this season. Spotlight's on you, Kimmich!
4] Paulo Dybala, Argentina
The Argentine forward has been one of the best performers in the Serie A this season. Combining extremely well with fellow compatriot Gonzalo Higuain, he has become the top scorer for Juventus this season, hitting the back of the net 22 times. He also has 5 assists to his name. His effortless dribbling and the ability to score from long ranges has everyone looking up to him to perform for the Argentine national team. He's often compared to fellow Argentine team mate Lionel Messi, and although he says he doesn't deserve it, performances like these will surely get the people talking. Apart from Lionel Messi, Argentina are in desperate need of a superhero to come and save the day for them. Argentina suffered a heartbreaking 1:0 loss to the mighty Germans in 2014, despite having countless great chances to score. Dybala can come vey handy in such situations. He certainly carries a heavy weight of expectations on his shoulders.
5] Marco Asensio, Spain
The 22 year old Spanish midfielder has 9 goals and 7 assists for his name at all competitions this season. What makes Asensio one of Spain's strongest assets is his ability to perform excellent long balls, holding on to the ball and making key passes. He's already shone in Real Madrid, coming on as a substitute and scoring against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League Final 2017. Clubs all across Europe are after him, including Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal. Asensio scored an incredible hat trick against Macedonia, and 2 long ranged rockets against Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey. Already a key part of Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid squad, Asensio, combined with fellow Madrid and Spain teammate Isco, are expected to light up the 2018 World Cup in Russia, leading them to international glory for the 2nd time.
6] Gabiel Jesus, Brazil
Just 21 years old, the Brazilian striker has become the talk of the season after a breakout season in the Premier League for Manchester City, grabbing 19 goals and 3 assists across all competitions. He scored 5 goals and got 3 assists for the Brazilian national team in the World Cup qualifiers. Jesus has a deadly eye for goal, and with the ability to cut inside, make key passes and holding very well on the ball makes him one of the most complete striker around. Blessed with teammates like Phillipe Countinho and Neymar Jr, Brazil are one of the strongest World Cup contenders this year. If anyone has given the best performance for his country as a youngster, Gabriel's name stands out instantly. He admires Ronaldo, who scored a brace in the 2002 World Cup against Germany, and dreams of becoming a national hero like him. He definitely has what it takes to shine for his country. He scored the goal that defeated Germany in the international friendlies this year, a thumping header against Barcelona's Marc Andre Ter Stegen. Undoubtedly, Gabriel will be the most favorite youngster this year at the 2018 World Cup in Russia!
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