The World Cup kicked off on Sunday with host nation Qatar losing 2 nil against Ecuador.
The competition has always provided a platform for rising stars down the years, thus, a host of young players will continue to be on show as the World Cup fixtures continue to roll out.
Here are 10 of the best young players to keep an eye on during the tournament.
Noah Okafor (Switzerland)
One of the surprise names on our list, Noah Okafor has been a revelation for the RB Salzburg team scoring 10 goals in 22 games in all competitions, he has been a strong performer for Switzerland. He is a versatile forward who can play through the middle and out wide.
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Jamal Musiala (Germany)
Jamal Musiala since moving to Bayern Munich has become a mainstay in the team, scoring goals for fun, the wonderkid has already scored or assisted 22 goals in all competitions this season and is ready to be on the world stage in Qatar
Gavi (Spain)
Gavi is an important player for Barcelona, racking up over 65 appearances despite just turning 18 last August He’s Spain’s youngest debutant and youngest goalscorer and is also currently the 2022 Golden Boy award winner. The Spanish midfielder will look to shoulder the burden for his national team during the World Cup.
Aurelien Tchouameni
Real Madrid signed Aurélien Tchouaméni from Monaco from Ligue one side Monaco for about €80 million in July 2022. The young star has been impressive in the Madrid shirt since moving to Spain. France will be looking to bolster their midfield, especially in the absence of N’golo Kante and Paul Pogba.
Pedri (Spain)
Pedro Gonzalez has been an established player in Barcelona closing in on his 100th appearance for the Spanish giant. He was part of Spain’s side which reached the semi-finals in the European championship as he was named young player of the tournament.
Rodrygo (Brazil)
The Brazilian is a star to look out for at the World Cup, He is just 21 years of age and has incurred a lot of experience in the Champions League wing and also playing alongside the world’s best players.
Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham has seen his stock rise in recent months after putting up top performances in the BVB shirt and also in his national team. His maturity, skill and physicality have played a key role in his rise to prominence, and at a young age, he has already amassed 17 international caps.
Vinicius Jnr
Vinicius Junior is an exciting player to watch out for, a Champions League winner with Real Madrid last season and also the Champions League Young Player of the year awardee. While the young Brazilian hasn’t yet had a strike of magic for his country, his current form and skill suggest he could be a big hit in Qatar.
Eduardo Camavinga
France will need the legs to replace the injured Paul Pogba and N’golo Kante and Eduardo Camavinga will provide the needed cover for the french national team
A Champions League winner with Real Madrid Eduardo Camavinga will be called upon for his experience at a very young age.
Bukayo Saka
A Premier League star with Arsenal, Bukayo Saka has made his mark as an established winger in the Premier League and has been instrumental in Gunner’s hunt for the league title this season. He will look to add a spark at the right side of the English attack.
Here are our top 10 young players to keep an eye on in Qatar, who would you have wanted on the list? Give us feedback!
