FIFA World Cup 2018: 5 young stars poised to break out at Russia

#3 Hirving Lozano (Mexico)

Hirving Lozano is one of the brightest stars of Mexican football currently

Perhaps the biggest driving force behind PSV Eindhoven’s title-winning season, 22-year-old Mexican starlet Hirving Lozano grabbed eyeballs across the globe with his stunning performances this season.

An attacker who can play in both wide areas or even as an auxiliary striker, Lozano’s 17 goals and eight assists in his very first season in the Eredivisie have been instrumental in helping PSV clinch the title.

There was a lot of hype surrounding Lozano as he came up through the ranks at Mexican club Pachuca.

After a long time, Mexico has produced a player with the kind of qualities that Lozano possesses. Pacy, agile, with a great dribbling ability and a very good crosser from the wings, Lozano has been an elite attacking force this season.

He loves to cut inside and unleash shots but, he has also proven to be a clinical finisher in and around the box.

His explosiveness and turn of pace make him a nightmare to keep up with for defenders while also allowing him to create the extra yard or so he needs to get a shot off or pick a pass.

Luis Suarez recently said that he sees Lozano as the perfect replacement for himself at Barcelona, and if Lozano continues to perform at the high level he has this season, a move to Barcelona in the near future could very well materialise.

Mexico will feel confident about progressing from their group alongside defending champions Germany and if last year’s inspiring FIFA Confederations Cup run is anything to go by, they could emerge as one of the dark horses of the competition.

They will be hoping that Lozano is the catalyst in their aim to banish the memory of their controversial exit in Brazil four years ago.