5 young players who could take next year's World Cup by storm

Every World Cup has invariably had one player step out into the limelight for his country. With the draw turning out to spread the balance of power quite evenly across the groups, the stage is set for a number of players from lesser covered provinces to make their mark.

The next summer has us all waiting in eager anticipation to see which team will surprise us.

Here we take a look at 5 youngsters who could take the FIFA World Cup 2018 by storm:

#5 Aleksandr Golovin

Golovin's stock has been steadily rising over the last couple of seasons, which is hard to imagine considering he's still only 21. He is a regular with the first team at CSKA Moscow and has impressed in the Champions League this season, despite CSKA underperforming as a team. His performances this season have carried on from last season and he has been linked with Arsenal and Barcelona.

He primarily plays as a "number 6", and is key to their build-up play, showing qualities similar to his idol, Zinedine Zidane. While hurdling both Egypt and Uruguay in the group will be tough, Golovin can use his canny dribbling skills on the field, which when combined with the raucous support that Russian fans are known for, could surge Russia past the first stages.

If Golovin takes this World Cup by storm, he could easily get his move to Arsenal and lead the post-Sanchez/Ozil era. Having already been called the "best young player in Russia" by club captain Vasily Berezutsky, the sky is the limit for this man.

#4 Rodrigo Bentancur

Bentancur has tons of potential

Rodrigo Bentancur is a name that probably not many people had heard of until this season, yet such is the quality of the 20-year old that he has had no problem waltzing into the Juventus starting line up.

Bentancur is a versatile player who can play as a number 10, but also in a deeper role. It is in this deeper role that his talent truly comes through. He is agile and strong, and his stamina and passing make him the ideal box to box midfielder.

Uruguay, while stacked in the forward department with two proven world class strikers, need a midfield to help support the front two. Bentancur could become that key figure. In a group that is easily winnable, Bentancur and Uruguay could shine and make a push to the quarterfinals and beyond.

#3 Andreas Christensen

Christensen has experience and maturity beyond his years

Fans will be forgiven for not knowing who Andreas Christensen was prior to this season, but his lack of prominence shouldn't take anything away from his talent and skill.

In many ways, he is the Danish John Stones, but labelling him that will conceal the fact that he is miles better than John Stones was at his age (he is 21, John Stones is 23 now). Before Chelsea, Christensen played for Borussia Monchengladbach for 2 years where he developed into the classy, ball-playing, composed centre back that he is today.

His years in the Champions League with Gladbach saw him play against many big guns like Barcelona and Manchester City, so in no way will he be fazed playing for the national team on the big stage.

Denmark have a favourable draw with France, Peru and Australia, and should be fancied to go through along with France. With players like Eriksen and Delaney in midfield and youth all around him in defence, Christensen can help form a strong spine for the Danish side next summer.

#2 Hirving Lozano

Lozano with Mexico this summer in the Confederations Cup

Hirving Lozano has been ripping apart trees in the Eredivisie this season with PSV Eindhoven.

Prior to his fiery start of 11 goals and 5 assists in 15 appearances this season - the best ever start a Mexican International has made outside of Mexico - Lozano shone brightly alongside his Mexican compatriots at the Confederations Cup.

This experience in Russia, a year before the World Cup Finals, could prove to be extremely valuable to him and his side this summer.

Lozano is a pacey and direct winger who plays on the left side with a talent for cutting in and striking with power. In a way, his ability can be compared to that of Arjen Robben, however, what Lozano lacks in terms of grace he makes up for in power.

His performances so far this season have helped his side to 13 wins in 14 games in the Eredivisie so far and has resulted in him being linked to Barcelona. There's nothing holding him back if he continues in this vein, and will be quite an exciting player to watch.

#1 Alex Iwobi

Iwobi was instrumental in Nigeria's qualifying campaign

Alex Iwobi is the most familiar name on this list and for good reason. There is absolutely no denying his talent and ability, and while his opportunities at Arsenal have been sporadic so far this season, the same cannot be said about his national side.

Iwobi is the centre of everything good that Nigeria does, and was key to their qualifying for next year's tournament scoring in the victory that clinched qualification.

He is surrounded by young, dynamic teammates, but is in a tough group alongside Iceland, Croatia and Argentina. Should Nigeria manage to qualify, you can expect Iwobi to play a big part, as he did in the recent victory over Argentina.

Despite the tough group, with Argentina's constant underperformance, it will be hard to choose a clear favourite from next year's group of death.

Iwobi will have the opportunity to show the world his quality and leadership if he pulls Nigeria out of the pit.