The World Cup is a great place for a young player to learn how to handle the pressure of the biggest tournament in football and show that he is the next big thing. Here is a run down the best 22 players age 22 or younger who will be appearing in Brazil.
Neymar – Brazil
If there is one player seemingly destined to be the face of the 2014 World Cup whatever the outcome, it would be Neymar. Brazilian superstars have long carried an almost mythical edge to their game, with their magical skills and ability to shine at World Cups captivating fans across the globe. Neymar is no different.
Times have changed since the days of Pele and Garrincha and a global audience is now fortunate enough to witness the skills of Neymar on a weekly basis at Barcelona, but Brazil’s leading talents continue to captivate supporters in their home country regardless of where they ply their trade.
Neymar is the best of those at present and Brazil’s standard-bearer at the age of 22. He may have yet to hit the heights expected of him with Barcelona, but with his tricks, flicks and incredible dribbling skills, he is the centrepiece of a Selecao aiming to conquer the world on home soil for the first time.
Joel Campbell – Costa Rica
After excellent displays at the 2011 Gold Cup and Copa America, Premier League giant Arsenal wasted no time in moving to secure the services of lightning fast Costa Rican forward Campbell.
While yet to appear for the Gunners, the 21-year-old is coming to the end of his third year on loan, having spent time with Lorient, Real Betis and Olympiakos, and his all-around game has undoubtedly improved since making the move, as he showed against Manchester United in the Champions League earlier this season.
A first-team regular with all three of his loan clubs, he has gained plentiful experience and now, courtesy of his latest European sojourn, is a Greek Super League champion to boot. Campbell has netted one goal every three games for his country and is seen as integral to its hopes of a successful campaign, with his pace likely to be key as it looks to counterattack against England, Uruguay and Italy.
Mateo Kovacic – Croatia
Midfielder Kovacic will play for Niko Kovac’s Croatia side at the coming World Cup, but the question is where? Croatia finished qualifying with a midfield trio of the Inter player, Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic. Against top opposition, though, it may be too open defensively.
It could be, then, that Kovacic is deployed from a wide berth instead. It is not his best position by any means, but he simply has to be squeezed into the starting XI somehow as one of Kovac’s brightest talents.
However, the youngster has had a tough time at Inter since the arrival of Walter Mazzarri last summer. Kovacic has been sparingly used, and when he has played, it has never been in a stable position. To succeed, Kovac must quickly restore his confidence in the coming weeks, for Kovacic can be a threat to any side with his dribbling skills and ability to read the game with a wisdom well beyond his years.
Son Heung-min – South Korea
After losing Andre Schuerrle to Chelsea last summer, Bayer Leverkusen moved quickly to snap up Son ahead of many supposedly interested European giants. The Korean has not disappointed.
Principally playing from the left of the Leverkusen attack, he is the club’s second top scorer with nine goals to his name and has been central to the South Korean unit formed under manager Hong Myung-bo over the same time period.
Five of Son’s six international goals have come since March 2013, making him Korea’s form man in front of goal. The Taeguk Warriors have a quick, technically gifted side that should not be underestimated and, in Son, have a talent of real note to find goals in big matches.
Christian Atsu – Ghana
Bought by Chelsea at the end of last summer, Atsu has shone for Eredivisie side Vitesse on loan this season, claiming the club’s player of the year award for his contributions.
The Ghanaian can either play as a left winger — as he will likely do for his country — or as an attack-minded option in the centre of the park. However, with the Black Stars piled deep with options centrally, they will look to use his pace and trickery in wide positions.
Ghana have not traditionally been a side renowned for skillful wingers but could have two excellent options in Andre Ayew and Atsu this summer. The draw has not been kind to Kwesi Appiah’s side with Germany, Portugal and the United States to come, but the conditions should suit Ghana well. With Atsu & Co. in attack, they have pace to burn.
Mario Goetze – Germany
Attacking midfielder Goetze caused a considerable fuss last summer when his controversial switch from Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich was announced in the run-up to a Champions League final between the pair. In his first season with the Bavarian giants, though, he has swiftly added a third Bundesliga title to his collection.
Germany are blessed with a number of extremely gifted young players, but few shine as brightly as Goetze. Despite injury concerns, he has already amassed 27 caps for his country and, in the process, scored seven international goals.
Part of a German front four — which will see him fight for playing time with Mesut Ozil, Marco Reus, Thomas Mueller and Lukas Podolski — that has the potential to set the World Cup alight, Goetze may still feel he has something to prove. Having missed that Champions League final through injury, then watching from the sideline as Bayern were knocked out this time around, he will be craving the chance to shine at football’s highest level.
Serge Aurier – Ivory Coast
Highly rated from an early age, Ivory Coast full-back Aurier has come of age over the past two years, developing into the undisputed full-back star of Ligue 1 with club side Toulouse.
For his country, luring him away from the clutches of France is a major coup in the long term. With Colombia, Japan and Greece in their group, Ivory Coast has reasonably strong chances of progression this time around.
What makes Aurier so useful is that, besides being a strong and proactive defender, he is wonderful in attack. His surges forward and crosses into the box are a feature of Toulouse’s game, where he generally plays as a right wing-back, and with Ivory Coast’s glittering strikers, he could be a major supply line for the Elephants also.
Ogenyi Onazi – Nigeria
Nigeria come into this summer’s World Cup as the reigning African Nations Cup champions, and while they are not widely tipped to make much of a splash this summer, the likes of Onazi will be keen to ensure the Super Eagles soar in Brazil.
Having played for Lazio since 2011, the 21-year-old is now one of the more experienced players in Stephen Keshi’s expected starting lineup. Indeed, alongside Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel, the energetic midfielder has struck up quite a partnership in the centre of the pitch.
Onazi’s work rate and tenacity are his most obvious strengths, but he is also an accomplished passer off both feet, is composed on the ball and possesses a fierce shot from range. The performances of Nigeria’s midfield pairing will determine their prospects of success in Brazil, and it will generally be Onazi who leads the way for his team in pressuring opponents.
Tom Rogic – Australia
Australian attacking midfielder Rogic is a difficult player to fathom. He has clear ability and talent yet failed to make an impact upon his move to Celtic and has been a disappointment since heading back to the A-League with Melbourne Victory on loan earlier this season.
In spite of the setbacks of the past 12 months, however, he remains the big hope of Australian football. Injuries have contributed to his malaise and his issues have not yet cleared up completely, but coach Ange Postecoglou will hope a few weeks of rest before the competition will see Rogic fit and firing.
The 21-year-old will likely need to be content with a substitute’s role, but he has the required creativity to influence the game if called upon. Given his lack of form and coming return to Celtic, it could be an important tournament for Rogic in determining his future direction.
Thibaut Courtois – Belgium
Ever since arriving at Atletico Madrid three seasons ago on loan from Chelsea, goalkeeper Courtois has been simply outstanding. In a season where the Rojiblancos could still win a historic double, he has possibly been the best goalkeeper European football has to offer.
In a position traditionally associated with players peaking as they enter their 30s, for the Belgian to reach such levels at just 21 is astonishing. Lightning-fast reactions are par for the course with top-level stoppers, but Courtois also exudes confidence and has command over all those around him within his penalty area.
Belgium are, for the first time in many years, entering this tournament as one of the favourites to impress, and Courtois’ emergence plays a large part in that billing. Nearly all successful sides are built upon a solid goalkeeper, and the youngster may just be the best around.
Diego Reyes – Mexico
Just a year ago, it seemed that central defender Reyes was a shoo-in for a berth in the Mexico starting lineup at the World Cup, impressing hugely in a fierce encounter with the U.S. while still a teenager.
A move to FC Porto followed in what was meant to be the next step of a glorious career, but until recent weeks, almost all his playing time has come with the club’s B side.
Reyes, though, will be part of the Mexico squad this summer and first in line to step up should either starting centre-back suffer an issue. Young he may be, but he has a refined sense of game awareness, which, when combined with decent technical ability, makes him an excellent defensive prospect.
Paul Pogba – France
Juventus star midfielder Pogba has an interesting opportunity to complete a double this summer, having run the show for his country’s under-20 side in sealing World Cup glory last summer. This time, he is playing with the big boys.
Pogba has shown himself fully capable of starring at senior level, though. While he was sent off in his France debut against Spain in qualification, he had been truly excellent up to that point against the reigning world champions. For his club side, he demonstrates his abilities week after week in Italy’s Serie A, having inexplicably been allowed to leave by Manchester United.
His combination of strength and finesse in nearly every aspect of his game makes him a difficult proposition for opponents to contain. Besides being a supreme athlete, he possesses wonderful technique whether passing or shooting and, although just 21, will sit right at the heart of Didier Deschamps’ France side this summer.
William Carvalho – Portugal
It has been a remarkable 12 months for Portuguese midfielder Carvalho, having returned from a loan spell with Cercle Bruggle to become Sporting Lisbon’s leading light in a season where they have strongly challenged for the Liga Sagres title.
From seemingly nowhere, Carvalho is now strongly tipped to start for his country in Brazil. He has won an incredible four player of the month awards this season and has reportedly been attracting heavy interest from Manchester United for some months.
Portugal have been a confused side in recent years, with some outstanding players combined with some who are well below par for a country of their standing. They have attacking talent but have needed a solid base to build on. In Carvalho, a powerful defender who has shown himself to be wonderfully intelligent with and without the ball, they may just have the ideal man to bear the load and free up their attacking jewels.
Granit Xhaka – Switzerland
Ottmar Hitzfeld’s Switzerland side will be out to shock a few people this summer. Among those leading the charge will be Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Xhaka. Used as the most attacking of a combative midfield trio, he will be vital to the Swiss cause.
Xhaka will be expected to lead the way for Switzerland as they continue their high pressure tactics. It will not be easy in the heat and humidity of Brazil, but as the tip of the midfield triangle, it will be his responsibility to set the tone while also tracking back to get behind the ball.
Besides his willingness to work hard, Xhaka is an excellent distributor of a football and will need to be at his best to bring teammates Valentin Stocker and Xherdan Shaqiri into play. After a much improved second Bundesliga season, he comes into the tournament in fine fettle.
Juan Fernando Quintero – Colombia
Having arrived at Porto on the crest of a wave last summer, following some stunning showings at the U-20 World Cup, Quintero struggled for playing time in a side that has been well below its normal standards this campaign.
The gloriously dexterous playmaker, though, is set to sneak into Colombia’s World Cup squad courtesy of his past performances and reputation. In Brazil, then, he will have a debt to repay coach Jose Pekerman.
One of the smaller players heading to the tournament, Quintero is a classic playmaker with terrific control off his left foot. He can split defences with a pass, dribble past opponents and produce game-winning shots, all with seemingly little effort expended. He will be largely restricted to cameo appearances, with James Rodriguez likely to play from the start, but could be an explosive match winner off the bench for Los Cafeteros.
Romelu Lukaku – Belgium
For the second season running, Belgian striker Lukaku has made his Chelsea owners look foolish by outscoring any of the Blues’ strikers while on loan. His tally of 14 this season may be more subdued than last year, but he has been highly influential in Everton’s rally to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League.
In the same manner that his idol Didier Drogba once terrified defences, Lukaku is a force of nature when at his best. His combination of power, pace and finishing technique can be devastating, while there is increasing intelligence to his game.
There had been criticism of his contributions at international level, where his goal-scoring record is far from that at club level. When the Red Devils needed him most, though, he stepped up with two goals in Croatia to seal qualification. With Christian Benteke injured, manager Marc Wilmots needs Lukaku to be at somewhere approaching his optimum form once more in Brazil.
Raphael Varane – France
If it weren’t for his horrendous injury concerns, Varane may already be a regular first choice at Real Madrid, having broken into the side and impressed under former manager Jose Mourinho.
The Frenchman is fragile, though, with chronic knee issues making it difficult for him to train properly or play two matches in the space of a few days. Make no mistake, the schedule of the World Cup will be a challenge for him.
As a result, France will have to use arguably their best defender sparingly, despite him starting their last two international fixtures. When it really matters, though, don’t be surprised to see Varane involved, with his sublime intelligence and technical quality beneficial to any side in which he features.
Julian Draxler – Germany
One of the members of this list most unlikely to start for his side, Draxler’s ability should not be underestimated. Unfortunately for him, he happens to be competing with some of the world’s best attacking midfielders for a place in Germany’s forward line.
Draxler is well-known to most European football fans, having been a leading light for Schalke over the past three seasons and been linked with many of Europe’s top sides. Indeed, any sign of excellence at the World Cup and that speculation will not take long to resurface.
There is a major issue, though. Draxler’s form has not been good since returning from injury in the second half of the season, and there has even been speculation that he will be one of seven players omitted once the preliminary squad is trimmed. He is, though, a talented midfielder, and Joachim Loew may decide him worth the risk in a 23-man touring party.
Raheem Sterling – England
An outside bet to make the England squad just a few months ago, Liverpool attacking midfielder Sterling now looks odds-on for a starting berth against Italy on June 14. Indeed, his form since Christmas has been simply sensational.
The 19-year-old has been carefully managed this year by Brendan Rodgers but has made himself an almost undroppable figure as part of the Reds’ much heralded attacking trio alongside Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.
What the QPR academy product possesses in abundance is raw pace and, in conjunction with the skill and composure Sterling has built up, it is a considerable asset. So raw upon his initial senior forays last season, he is increasingly refined in his decision-making and calm in the final third. He remains unproven internationally but could be England’s biggest threat this summer.
Bruno Martins Indi – Netherlands
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal is known for his faith in youngsters and has been no different in his management of the Dutch national team this time around. Among those to benefit most from his selection policy has been Feyenoord defender Martins Indi.
The tall centre-back is a strong, intelligent marker, combining his clear physical attributes with an ability to read the game quickly and deal with developing danger. Netherlands are blessed with a number of good centre-back options, but the maturity of Martins Indi’s game sets him apart from the crowd.
As is to be expected of someone who has, on occasion, played at full-back, the Dutchman is also comfortable on the ball and a competent distributor from the defensive line. A move from Feyenoord will not be long in coming, and a strong World Cup showing would speed up that process.
Cristian Ramirez – Ecuador
The most talked about Ecuadorian talent of recent years, left-back Ramirez was linked with the likes of Manchester United before joining Fortuna Dusseldorf in January 2013. At 19, he is already a regular in the second tier of German football.
Veteran full-back Walter Ayovi has the starting berth for the time being, but his time at international level will soon come to an end. Given Ramirez’s talent and growing experience, it will be little surprise to see him used in a bit-part role in Brazil.
Only a diminutive figure, Ramirez relies on his pace and ability with the ball at his feet to excel. He is combative and improving defensively but still lacks the frame of many adversaries. His development is pleasing, though, and he could be a surprise performer for Ecuador if given the chance.
Jose Maria Gimenez – Uruguay
Atletico Madrid defender Gimenez sprung to prominence as part of the Uruguay U-20 side that performed so well at both the South American Championship and World Cup last year. At the heart of the back four, he was simply outstanding throughout.
The 19-year-old has started just once in La Liga for his new side but has been a semi-regular on the bench under manager Diego Simeone. While not playing, he is gathering great experience from training alongside one of Europe’s best central defensive partnerships in Miranda and countryman Diego Godin on a daily basis.
Gimenez has amassed four caps for his nation over the past year acting as first reserve for Diego Lugano and Godin for La Celeste. If he does get to make a World Cup appearance, his performance will be well worth watching with a view to the years ahead.