World Cup 2014: Top 5 U-21 Players

The World Cup has entered its final stage, where only one team will be called the victor and the other would just be called the team that stood second best on the day it mattered. The tournament was filled with excitement, with numerous mesmerizing goals, brilliant goal-keeping, late winners, shock results, extra time winners, penalties and a series of great performances from the youngsters.While many veterans used this as their swansong from international football, many new names emerged. They used this tournament as a springboard for their budding career and showed maturity beyond their years as they stepped up when their country needed them the most.Here are the top 5 U-21 players (Players born after June, 1992) from the World Cup:

#6 Honourable Mentions

• Nabil Bentaleb, Midfielder, Algeria
• Romelu Lukaku, Forward, Belgium,
• Divock Origi, Forward, Belgium,
• Muhamed Besic, Midfielder, Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Juan Fernando Quintero, Midfielder, Colombia
• Marco Verrati, Midfielder, Italy
• Kenneth Omeruo, Defender, Nigeria
• Granit Xhaka, Midfielder, Switzerland
• Josip Drmic, Forward, Switzerland
• Serge Aurier, Defender, Ivory Coast

#5 Raphael Varane, Defender, France

He is one of the most promising young defenders in the game today, having already proven his ability in top flight of the La Liga with Real Madrid. He earned his chance for his nation at the 2014 World Cup where he has been impressive at the back. He has become a cornerstone for the French defence and has been instrumental in keeping three clean sheets for Les Bleus in the tournament before bowing out to a close quarterfinal encounter against neighbours Germany.

#4 Joel Campbell, Forward, Costa Rica

Joel Campbell is one talented forward and also has the ability to play out wide when required. Costa Rica had been the Dark Horses in the tournament qualifying from the group of death by knocking out European powerhouses England and Italy before getting eliminated in the quarterfinals against an inform Dutch side in an exciting penalty shoot-out.

He came to the forefront after an amazing performance on loan for Greek side Olympiakos against Manchester United in the Champions league earlier in the season. His inspirational performance for the national team against Uruguay led the side to recovery; from being 1-0 down to a 3-1 victory. His performances for the game earned him the Man of the Match award.

#3 Paul Pogba, Midfielder, France

Pogba’s rise in footballing stature has been incredible. The Frenchman won the golden ball at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup with France and sealed his spot amongst midfielders like Pirlo, Vidal and Marchisio in the Juventus line-up after his move from Manchester United in 2012. He is sharp, strong, and tall. With an added venomous left foot, it makes him a bright prospect for his nation.

His performance early in the group stages was received with vast criticisms in the French media, but he had his way of silencing his critics when he managed to score against the Nigerians, inspiring French to victory after all their efforts were being neutralized by the Nigerian keeper Vincent Enyeama. The Juventus star was also awarded as the Man of the Match for the game.

#2 Ahmed Musa, Forward, Nigeria

Ahmed Musa is one Nigerian player who has a very bright future in the coming years. He’s got speed, adapted to fit in anywhere in the front line and has a nose for the goal. Musa has successfully established himself as a promising young player in Russia and with his performances in the World Cup it might not be too long before the top clubs from Europe come calling.

Musa’s had his best performance against the Albiceleste when he scored twice, bringing the Super Eagles back into the game on two different occasions. The goal that made the difference for Argentina was scored by Rojo ending in a clinch 3-2 victory. In the quarterfinal against France Musa looked dangerous as well with his runs towards the Les Bleus net but failed to convert any of his chances.

#1 Memphis Depay, Forward, Netherlands

He is one of the Dutch football’s rising stars. He is a tricky player with speed and a powerful right foot, leading him into the Dutch side for the 2014 World Cup.

He has not received the amount of chances to play with a strong forward line that the Dutch have in the form of Van Persie, Robben, Sneijder & Huntelaar, however, even with his limited playtime in the World Cup he has successfully made a major mark at the World Cup for his country scoring twice and assisting once.