5 Teenagers who took the World Cup by storm

#4 Dmitri Sychev (2002)

Sychev: Russia's best player in 2002

Although USA’s Landon Donovan was named the best young player at the 2002 World cup finals but he wasn’t really a teenager. That accolade fell to Russia’s Dmitri Sychev who lit up the tournament co-hosted by Japan & Korea.

Nicknamed the ‘Russian Michael Owen’, the young forward was just 18 years of age when he arrived in Japan & Korea. Despite crashing out in the group stages, Sychev emerged with flying colours. The young forward scored one and set up another as the Russians endured a disappointing campaign.

As a result, Sychev became the 4th youngest goal scorer at the finals. His electric performances at the world cup earned him a move to French side Olympique Marseille where he was expected to form a formidable partnership with future Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.

However, the move did not go according to plan as he returned to Russia after two unsuccessful seasons at the Orange Velodrome.

The 34-year old, who once was Russia’s great hope, currently plies his trade in the 3rd tier of Russian football having made his last appearance for the National Team in 2010.