All rise: 8 young guns set to become household names

The World Cup is one of sport’s largest platforms; maximum exposure of football’s best talent.

It’s a chance for rising stars to become household names in the blink of an eye.

In 1958 it was 17-year-old Pele. Eight years later it was legendary centre-back Franz Beckenbauer. In the 1990s, Marc Overmars and Michael Owen emerged at back-to-back World Cups. And more recently, World Cup champions Thomas Muller and Kylian Mbappe have aligned themselves in this prestigious group.

Who will be the next young player to make a name for themselves?

These are the top players to watch from every group in the FIFA World Cup who are either 21 or under the age of 21.

The Only Sports Show | Latest episode:

Find us on Apple or Spotify

Group A | Xavi Simons (Netherlands)

Xavi Simons has been one of the most talked about prospects of the past few years. Having begun his career at the age of five, he spent nine years at the Barcelona youth academy before moving to Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint Germain. After not receiving a ton of game time in France, he transferred over to PSV Eindhoven where he has been a mainstay in the starting line-up.

Starting in every game, he has eight goals and three assists to his name, leading them to third on the Eredivisie table. While short in stature, he is consistently tenacious in defence; in attack, he finds the gaps to deliver nicely played-through balls. His positioning is almost always on point.

Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong is the only Dutch midfielder who has cemented his spot in the national team. This means Simons will have to contend with Steven Berguis, Teun Koopmeiners, and Davy Klassen for the remaining spots. Even if he isn’t guaranteed a starting spot, Simons will play a vital role providing impact off the bench in second halves.

Group B | Jude Bellingham (England)

Only 19, Bellingham has already made 17 appearances for England in the lead-up to the World Cup. Beginning his career at Birmingham City, he moved to Germany to play with Borussia Dortmund, allowing him exposure to better talent. He is expected to garner the biggest transfer fee for an England player once his contract expires.

In his 15 appearances for Dortmund this season, Bellingham has controlled the game as a box-to-box midfielder. He has excelled in a variety of different facets, whether that be his dribbling, passing, or intensity in duels with opposition players. Likened to England legend Frank Lampard, his composure with the ball has made him the go-to guy when under pressure.

Bellingham has cemented his spot in the England starting team and will shirt-up alongside West Ham’s Declan Rice. The two young players will control the England midfield and play a big part if the Three Lions are to go far in the tournament. Veteran Jordan Henderson and new Manchester City player Kalvin Phillips will be hot on their tails, also in the mix for midfield starting spots.

Group C | Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)

The next best Argentinian player, Fernandez has not only secured a place in the World Cup squad but is about to join Premier League powerhouse Liverpool once the transfer period re-opens. After graduating from the River Plate academy in 2019, he then moved to Benfica earlier this season.

The prodigy can be seen playing in the midfield with his style likened to World Cup and France icon Zinedine Zidane. In a deep-seated playmaking role, Fernandez uses his vision to make the right pass, his tenacity to be competitive in midfield duels, and his flexibility to move up the ground. Due to Argentina’s attacking tactics, he is no stranger to playing as an attacking midfielder and won’t have trouble fitting into the role.

Due to Argentina’s long list of elite midfielders, Fernandez will mainly come off the interchange bench. Substituting for Angel Di Maria, Rodrigo De Paul, or Paulo Dybala, he will ensure the tempo stays hot. However, if he continues his season form at Benfica, he could be pushing for a starting spot against the easier opposition.

Group D | Eduardo Camavinga (France)

Nominated as one of the players with high potential before joining Real Madrid, Eduardo Camavinga has continued his form with the reigning Champions League winners. Beginning his skill at the Rennes youth academy in France, he became the youngest ever professional player for the club at 16 years old.

Camavinga has appeared in all games this season for Real Madrid but has only started in five of those games. Labelled as a ‘dream midfielder for any coach’, he is valuable in all areas of the pitch. He can progress the ball up the field with his elite passing and dribbling ability and is unafraid to take on the opposing defenders in the midfield. Considered defensive-minded, he is reliable in taking down other players, plus an asset in transition.

The injuries of World Cup winners N’golo Kante and Paul Pogba have allowed a new breed of French midfielders to take their place. Real Madrid teammate Aurelien Tchouameni has been considered a lock by manager Didier Deschamps. Camavinga is likely to take one of the remaining midfield spots but will have to contend with other young midfielders Youssouf Fofana, Matteo Guendouzi, and Adrien Rabiot.

Group E | Gavi (Spain)

Compared to Spain and Barcelona legends Xavi and Andres Iniesta, the promising 18-year-old has so far lived up to his potential. Signed to Barcelona at the age of 11, he has already competed for Spain at the Under 15s, Under 16s, and Under 18s levels. This World Cup he will join the long list of icons to have represented Barcelona and the Spain national team at a World Cup.

The La Masia graduate is extremely talented with the ball and can get through the opposition’s midfield with ease. His football IQ and vision cannot be underestimated, as he always seems to find the free man and get them the ball. Through his passing ability, he has become the main force when launching counter-attacks – at both club and national levels. In defence, he can anticipate what the opposition does, which has made him a skilful player to have.

As Spain primarily plays in a 4-3-3 line-up, Gavi will need to contend with Atletico Madrid players Koke and Marcos Llorente, as well as Manchester City starter Rodri for a spot in the starting team. His Barcelona teammates, Sergio Busquets and Pedri have cemented the other two remaining spots. Gavi will get the first chance to play as a starter but will need to perform under the pressure of a World Cup.

Group F | Charles de Ketlaere (Belgium)

Growing up in the Club Brugge system in both his youth and senior career, Charles de Ketlaere is the future of the Belgian national team. After a promising season domestically, he has struggled in the Serie A more recently. Emerging initially as a winger, he has transitioned into a central attacking midfielder for AC Milan.

The 21-year-old uses his tall frame to burst past the defenders. Playing as an attacking midfielder or centre-forward, his dribbling is crucial when faced with the opposition backline. He can also find the right free spaces on the field; crucial when the opposition gets tired. Coming off the bench for AC Milan, he has continually shown his tactical intelligence to make the right decision.

Unfortunately, de Ketlaere will be unable to solidify a spot in the starting team, due to Belgium’s long list of superstar players. Playing in the 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3 formation the starting attacking midfielder spots will be taken by Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Dries Mertens or Leandro Trossard. But he is expected to play a vital role late in second halves. He will provide quickness and constant pressure when he gets his chance.

Group G- Gabriel Martinelli (Brazil)

An Olympic gold medalist, Gabriel Martinelli is currently in career-best form with Arsenal, contributing to their Premier League ladder-leading run so far this season. Starting his career in Brazil with Ituano and Corinthians, he has gone on to play 71 times and score 16 goals with Arsenal since 2019.

Only 21 years old, he has started every game for the Gunners this season, providing them with five goals and two assists. He has created a good combination with Brazilian teammate Gabriel Jesus and English Bukayo Sako in the attack. Known for explosiveness, he tends to create opportunities while on the wide end of the pitch. His technical ability with the ball has caused issues for opposition defenders, possessing a range of skill moves and quick feet.

Brazil’s plethora of attacking options means Martinelli will have to contend with La Liga players Raphinha and Rodrygo, along with star players Neymar and Vinicius Jr. Despite this, Martinelli’s good form with Arsenal means he will be called upon, even if it’s as a substitute. Whenever he gets time on the field, he will take full advantage.

Group H- Nuno Mendes (Portugal)

Beginning his career at Despertar and then Sporting CP, Nuno Mendes has gained recognition in the last two years as one of the best young defending prospects in the world. Now at Paris Saint Germain, he was voted the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year last season, selected into the Ligue 1 Team of the Year. He helped PSG win the Ligue 1 title back from LOSC Lille.

Mendes grew up in the Sporting academy as an attacking midfielder. Idolising Marcelo and David Alaba when he was younger, he converted to the left-back position whilst in the youth academy. Playing on the left side of the field, he plays full-back or wing-back. He is known for his ability to cross the ball in the box and his dribbling prowess is also a string to his attacking bow. In defence, he easily anticipates the opposition’s movements with speed and agility.

Alongside Joao Cancelo, Mendes will support him on the other side of the field. Already playing 16 games for the national team, his skill has cemented him a spot in the starting team. Borussia Dortmund’s Raphael Guerreiro and Manchester United’s Diego Dalot will provide back-up in the full-back positions if Cancelo or Mendes are to get injured.

WHEN IS THE 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP? It will begin on Monday, November 21, with Qatar taking on Ecuador at 3:00 am AEDT. All games will be live on SBS.