With the greatest sporting spectacle in the world just weeks away, official squads of almost all playing nations have been announced amidst great fanfare.There have been certain shocking exclusions from the squads such as Frances inexplicable decision to drop Samir Nasri or Argentinas shocking selection of Franco Di Santo ahead of veteran Carlos Tevez.But the most encouraging aspect of all the World Cup squads is the massive faith placed in the youth, with a number of star young players willing to prove their hunger and fulfill their potential at the grandest stage of them all.Managers and scouts of all leading European clubs will keep a keen eye on these future match winners in order to bag them before their market value inflates astronomically.This article takes a look at the top 5 young footballers aged 21 or below, who are expected to make a massive impactandlead their respective nations to World Cup glory. There may be better players than the ones on this list, but this has been formulated by solely taking into account the expected impact of the player on his team.
#6 Ross Barkley - Midfielder, England
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After a stellar season in the Barclays Premier League with Everton, 20 year old Ross Barkley is sure to turn quite a few heads in Brazil. A dynamic midfielder with pace in abundance, Barkley is one of the most complete players in Englands World Cup squad, despite his tender years.
Several man of the match performances this season have led to many plaudits for the prodigal scouser, with Everton manager Roberto Martinez going as far as saying that Barkley is a perfect mix of legendary midfielders Paul Gascoigne and Michael Ballack.
With complete box to box attributes like intense tackling ability, immense stamina, good shooting ability with both feet, great dribbling skills and an amazing vision to create precise chances for his teammates, Ross Barkley is surely one to look out for this summer. Alternative players in the same position : Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Adam Lallana, James MilnerQuotes : Hes very special, he's an incredible football diamond. Roberto Martinez
"Nothing fazes him. He has a hell of a lot of ability and is young. He will be a top player for the club. Leighton Baines
#5 Raphal Varane Centre Back, France
Talking about world class young defenders, one name is quite predominant. More than 70 appearances before turning 21 for a top club like Real Madrid proves that Raphal Varane is indeed the real deal, with great tackling technique as demonstrated in the videoas well as being one of the best headers of the ball, aided by a giant leap.
Regarded as being technically and tactically perfect, the in-demandboy from Lille is widely expected to be a pivotal member for Real Madrid as well as France in the next decade. Varane already has a Champions League trophy under his belt, with an immense performance over 120 minutes in the final against city rivals Atletico.
With a tough task ahead to displace Laureny Koscielny or Mangala from the starting 11, the prodigy will have to be at his absolute best in Brazil to prove he can cut it at the top level internationally while playing against the best players in the world.
Alternative players in the same position : Laurient Koscielny, Eliaquim Mangala
Quotes : Many compare him to Fernando Hierro due to his technique, but on the physical level he is stronger and he is much faster. Frank Leboeuf
It is quite impossible that Varane is just 19 and playing with such a great skill, strength and experience. He is one of the best defenders to have challenged me that way in all my career and I believe he will turn into a wonderful world player in the near future. Didier Drogba
#4 Thibaut Courtois - Goalkeeper, Belgium
It is quite rare for goalkeepers to feature in such lists usually, however Belgiums 21 year old keeper Courtois is actually considered as one of their biggest assets. Standing 199 cms tall, the young lad from Antwerp is truly unbeatable in goal and is often affectionately refered to as an Octopus Child by his fans for his tendency to stop everything and anything thrown at him between the posts.
The fact that, after the Champions League semi final draw in which 4 of the biggest clubs in the world had just known their fate, the biggest talking point was still whether Thibaut Courtois will be eligible to play against Chelsea or not, shows his standing in world football.
Courtois contributed immensely in Atletico Madrids recent title winning campaign complimenting their world class defence and giving them a huge sense of security at the back. Despite Belgiums defence regarded as their weak link, Courtois ensures their last line of defence is in extremely safe hands.
Alternative players in the same position : Simon Mignolet
Quotes : I think hes a fantastic young goalkeeper, great potential and I think his club has to decide his future and his club is Chelsea Jose Mourinho
Courtois is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and he knows it. With a keeper like him, we feel more secure. Diego Costa
#3 Paul Pogba Midfielder, France
One of the biggest transfer shockers in Manchester Uniteds history was letting Paul Pogba leave on a free transfer to Juventus, a move which they will probably regret for a long long time.
Awarded the Golden Boy award for being the best Under 21 footballer in Europe, the tenacious midfielder has been an integral part of Juventus title winning team, which is no mean feat considering they have accomplished midfielders like Pirlo, Marchisio and Vidal plying their trade in his position.
Currently one of the hardest tacklers in the game, Pogba is famous for his accurate long range shooting, scoring some absolute belters from outside the box last season with many of them goal of the season contenders. Displaying maturity way beyond his age, Pogba already possesses all the key attributes of a world class box to box midfielder.
A formidable and dominant partnership with Blaise Matuidi and Yohan Cabaye in the middle would make it extremely hard for Frances opponents to break them down. The future looks very bright for Pogba as long as he can keep his attitude and temper in check.
Alternative players in the same position : Blaise Matuidi, Yohan Cabaye, Moussa Sissoko
Quotes : Pogba is one of those players who leaves you speechless. Are they blind in Manchester to let him go away? - Buffon
#2 Romelu Lukaku Striker, Belgium
Belgium is one of the most promising teams in this summers World Cup, with high hopes from their Golden Generation of young stars. With an abundance of supremely talented midfielders and experienced defenders, as well as a world class goal keeper, the only position in which Belgium lacks numbers is the strike force.
With Cristian Benteke pulling out of the squad with a ruptured achilles, the entire nations hopes will rest on Romelu Lukakus shoulders. The Chelsea forward is every defenders nightmare and has proved his mettle in the Barclays Premier League by scoring 32 goals in the last 2 seasons.
With the perfect combination of strength and speed, combined with deadly finishing and aerial prowess, Lukaku is already one of the most feared strikers in the world at such a young age.
Should he be able to successfully handle the pressure of performing, he will surely become one of the most wanted players in world football after the tournament.
Alternative players in the same position : Divock Origi
Quotes : As a number nine he is as complete as you are going to get in world football. Something which is a rare breed - to have such a talented footballer having that target man role, Roberto Martinez.
"He will do big things and it has already started. His progression is better than mine. At the age of 19, he was at Chelsea. I was at Le Mans." Didier Drogba
#1 Honourable mentions
- Koke - Spain: A creative attacking midfielder who's had a superb season with Atletico Madrid but may struggle to displace the likes of David Silva and Andres Iniesta from the Spain starting 11.
- Julian Draxler – Germany: The German sensation is grabbing headlines worldwide with his attacking exploits, especially with his long range stunners. Though Germany have an abundance of attacking midfielders, he may still have a role to play as a 2nd striker to the veteran Miroslav Klose.
- Raheem Sterling – England: The teenage wonder from Liverpool has had an amazing season, forming a deadly trio with Suarez and Sturridge up front and almost leading Liverpool to the title, scoring crucial goals in the process.
- Marco Verratti – Italy: A revelation in the French League for PSG, this Italian defensive midfielder has a bright future ahead but Italy are already well stocked in his position, with the likes of Pirlo and Marchisio.
- Christian Atsu – Ghana: The exciting Ghanaian youngster is one of the fastest players in the world and recently won the club player of the year award at Vittesse, on loan from Chelsea.
- Bernard – Brazil: The pacey Brazilian youngster will be hoping to make an impression while playing on his home turf. The diminutive attacker has won rave reviews and a lot is expected of him in the future.
