Football World XI: Players aged 21 or younger

Let’s take a look at the best players aged 21 or below, players who are expected to change the outlook of the modern football with their exceptional talents. These players are ready to take the footballing world by storm.

FORMATION : 4-3-3

GOALKEEPER: Thibaut Courtois (Age: 20)

Already into the Belgium National team, the shot-stopper of Atletico Madrid, on loan from Chelsea, has already taken the world by storm with the UEFA Super Cup under his belt. The Atletico Madrid No.1 is enjoying his ride in the Spanish top flight and has drawn comparisons with the top superstars like Petr Cech. Recently F.C.Barcelona had confirmed their interest in this young Belgian.

RIGHT BACK: Martin Montoya (Age: 21)

Martin Montoya is just 21 years of age and he is already in Vicente del Bosque’s plans. The quick and technically strong right back has impressed the world with his delightful performances and even posed a threat to Dani Alves’ playing spot. Montoya has one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey title and an U-21 European Championship with Spain.

CENTER BACK: Phil Jones (Age: 20)

The Manchester United and the former Blackburn player has earned the words of appreciation from many football pundits and legends. His fearless approach, strong aerial ability, marauding forward runs and his versatility have made him one of the best young defenders in the world, with Fabio Capello comparing him to the legendary Franco Baresi.

CENTER BACK: Matija Nastasic (Age: 19)

This former Partizan youth player, who possesses excellent passing, composure and tackling techniques, caught Roberto Mancini’s eyes and was added to the reigning English Champion’s artillery and didn’t disappoint. At the age of just 19, Nastasic is being compared to the Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic. An impressive debut against Real Madrid and particularly against the French star Karim Benzema made Mancini chuck Lescott out for this strong youngster.

LEFT BACK: David Alaba (Age: 20)

The Austrian-born David Alaba rapidly satisfied people’s expectation of being a perfect marauding full back. Alaba is rising as one of Bayern Munich’s finest assets, even challenging the best wingers. Primarily a left back, Alaba is also capable of functioning as a left midfielder or in the centre of the park.

CENTRAL DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER: Marco Verratti (Age:20)

The stylish Italian-born playmaker introduced his exceptional talents to the world in a friendly defeat to England. Thus Marco Verratti has been tipped as the next best thing in Italian Football. Currently playing under Carlo Ancelloti’s PSG, Marco Verratti has even earned comparisons to the legend Andrea Pirlo.

CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Christian Eriksen (Age:20)

With a current club career total of 24 goals and 47 assists, the Denmark international has confirmed himself as one of the leading young talents in Europe. Christian Eriksen is of the same mould as the legendary Micheal Laudrup. The former Ajax manager Martin Jol has tipped him to be one of the world’s best playmakers, even surpassing the brilliance of the Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder.

CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Jack Wilshere (Age: 21)

Tipped to be the next Steven Gerrard, Jack Wilshere is the next promising player for England after Wayne Rooney. A true Gunner who loves to dribble, dictate play and work tirelessly as an engine in the midfield, he is the the best youngster in England. With a breathtaking performance against Barcelona at the Emirates, Arsene Wenger was full of praise for him. His never give up attitude makes him a true star even at a young age.

RIGHT WINGER: James Rodriguez (Age: 21)

The FC Porto spearhead is known for his exceptional playmaking, dribbling and shooting qualities, and has made people compare this young Colombian to the Colombian legend Valderrema and the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo. Nicknamed as ‘El Nuevo Pibe’, James won the LPFP breakthrough player of the 2011-12 season. With managers like Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho chasing him, he is set to take the world by storm.

LEFT WINGER: Neymar (Age: 20)

The South American prodigy from Brazil is genuinely believed to be the world’s greatest. What else does a player need? Neymar possesses exemplary traits such as creativity, passing, clinical finishing, exceptional dribbling and technical ability and tricks which are electrifying. Neymar, who gains inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi, Iniesta and Wayne Rooney, has earned priceless praise from legends such as Pele, Zico and Ronaldo.

STRIKER: Stephan El Shaarawy (Age: 20)

The current AC Milan striker El Shaarawy has been nicknamed Il Faraone (The Pharaoh) by his fans. The Italian youngster who idolises Kaka is tipped to be a Rossoneri legend. Legendary striker Jose Altafini says “El Shaarawy and Neymar are the two best young players in the world of football”. El Shaarawy possesses clinical finishing and an outstanding dribbling ability and technical skill on the ball.

SUBSTITUTES: Bernd Leno, Rafael Varane, Luke Shaw, Iker Muniain, Lucas Paizon, Paul Pogba