Goal takes a look at some of the young players who could be about to light up the tournament in Russia…
The 2018 World Cup is now very much on its way, with the final squads for Russia now having been finalised by the 32 national team managers.
Of the 736 players chosen to participate, there are a fair number of those aged 21 and under who will be looking to grab the opportunity to make a name for themselves on the national stage.
Goal has picked out 10 possible stars from that age group, some of whom you will know but others of whom you may know little…Getty/Goal composite10. Wilfred Ndidi – Nigeria (21)
It can’t have been easy arriving at Leicester City as the man to fill the gap left behind by N’Golo Kante, but Ndidi has fitted in superbly at the King Power Stadium over the last 18 months and continues to be a key part of Nigeria’s senior setup.
Not only does he break up play well in midfield but he also has a rangy attacking style to his play and should not be counted out for the odd key goal.9. Youri Tielemans – Belgium (21)
A real ‘box of tricks’ player, Tielemans has the weight of pass and perceptive footballing brain which could make him one of the game’s great stars in the years to come.
Having first made his name at Anderlecht playing largely from a deep midfield role, he has adapted superbly to the right side of Monaco’s midfield since his move last summer. And he could well prove to be one of Roberto Martinez’s go-to players for Belgium this month.Getty/Goal composite8. Albert Gudmundsson – Iceland (20)
Iceland are not done pulling up trees if Albert Gudmundsson is anything to go by. With great movement and the desire to play instinctively, the left winger has come on a huge amount as he’s risen through the ranks at PSV. He also happens to be a cool finisher when the opportunity arises.
There’s every chance he could play a part against Argentina in his side’s first Group D game just one day after he turns 21.
Getty/Goal composite7. Goncalo Guedes – Portugal (21)
With an ability to keep the ball under his spell thanks to his short-stepping style and being able to deliver the killer ball that can split a defence apart, it is easy to see that Goncalo Guedes takes his inspiration from national skipper Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese wide man has spent the past season collecting admirers on loan at Valencia from Paris Saint-Germain and the World Cup could be a significant shop window for the 21-year-old.