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The FIFA World Cup 2018 starts in a couple of weeks in Russia, and national teams have begun to announce their final 23-man squads, with June 4th scheduled to be the last day to do so.
England’s squad announcement drew a mix of reactions, including bewilderment at the omissions of Jack Wilshere, Chris Smalling and of all people, Jonjo Shelvey. Even with them in the squad, they wouldn't have been anyone's favourites to win it, but they do have a group of young excitingly talented players who could spring a surprise or two.
The likes of Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard (to be honest he's 25 this year but he still seems like one of the young ones), Dele Alli and Trent Alexander-Arnold have shown their capacity to perform on the big stage with their respective clubs, so it should be interesting to see them in action in Russia.
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There have been some surprise omissions as well, especially with countries that are blessed with a multitude of talents like Belgium, Spain, France and Brazil. The likes of Radja Nainggolan, Alvaro Morata, Alexandre Lacazette and Alex Sandro have missed out on the trip to Russia.
Hopefully, this World Cup, like World Cups of the past, will see some players, players who are not household names yet, rise to the occasion, put in some fantastic performances, and make their countries proud, and possibly earn a big money move after the World Cup.
Javier Hernandez and James Rodriguez are some names that come to mind. There are rising talents in many of the squads heading to Russia who have performed well for their respective clubs this season, and these are a few who have caught my eye.
#5 Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Serbia, Lazio)
Age: 23
Position: Midfielder
He has been excelled in midfield for Lazio this season, where his dribbling, strength and eye for goal has earned him rave reviews. Tall and imposing in midfield, he dictates play and holds possession well, and boy, can he shoot.
After almost helping Lazio qualify for the UEFA Champions League, his performances have attracted the attention of the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Manchester United, who according to certain reports are looking to negotiate a deal said to be worth £80 million.
If the United deal goes through, he will unite with compatriot Nemanja Matic in United’s midfield. However, perhaps United should wait and see how they perform together in Russia before moving to buy him.
#4 Goncalo Guedes (Portugal, Valencia (on loan from PSG))
Age: 21
Position: Winger
Guedes was purchased by Paris Saint-Germain in January 2017 but was sent on loan to Valencia later in September the same year, and his performances have been top class. Making 39 appearances for Valencia, he has 5 goals and 11 assists mainly playing on the left wing.
His ability to play on either wing or as a second striker and his pace, dribbling and shooting will cause problems for any defence. Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly wanted Real Madrid to beat PSG to his signature from his previous club, Benfica, and that’s quite an endorsement.
#3 Hirving Lozano (Mexico, PSV Eindhoven)
Age: 22
Position: Winger
Players of FIFA 18 Ultimate Team have definitely heard of him. He’s either terrorized your defence or won you games. A winger blessed with blistering pace and great finishing, Lozano helped PSV beat Ajax to the Eredivisie title this season, becoming their top scorer with 17 goals in 28 appearances.
At his previous club, Pachuca, he won the CONCACAF Champions League, becoming the competition's top scorer. Only 22 years of age, the stage is set for Lozano in Mexico’s talented side.
Mexico play a similar system as PSV and this should bring the best out of him. Who knows, he may have the same impact Chicharito had in his first World Cup.
#2 Giovanni Lo Celso (Argentina, Paris Saint-Germain)
Age: 22
Position: Midfielder
Signed for only £eight million, 21-year-old Lo Celso has established himself as a regular in PSG’s star-studded side and has rarely looked out of place this season. Despite not playing much in the first half of the season, an injury to Thiago Motta allowed Lo Celso more opportunities to play, and he has certainly impressed.
He controls the midfield with flair and creativity, working well with the more physical and industrious Adrien Rabiot and Marco Verratti, sometimes even selected ahead of them for PSG.
Argentina’s relative lack of midfield options compared to the attack should see Lo Celso getting a starting spot, and you can expect him to put in some top quality performances to validate his presence.
#1 Rodrigo Bentancur (Uruguay, Juventus)
Age: 20
Position: Midfielder
Rodrigo Bentancur was a surprise inclusion in Juventus’ line-up in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash against Real Madrid, with Miralem Pjanic being unavailable for that game, but his performances prior to that merited him a spot.
Impressive in the Under-20 World Cup as well as for Boca Juniors, Juventus made him a part of the deal that saw Carlos Tevez head the other way. Tall and physical, yet graceful with the ball, Bentancur has shown glimpses of his talent, especially in the clash against Real, although the final product seems to be missing.
His experience at the top level this season in which he made 18 appearances for Juventus will certainly help in Uruguay’s cause.
Please feel free to let me know in the comments below if anyone else should be on the list, and why.
