World Cup 2018 : Who is the Best Young Player?
The World Cup has proved to be a grand stage for some budding footballers to showcase their talent on in the past. Many aspiring footballers have made the most of opportunities in previous World Cups to either announce their arrival in the big picture or to get much-needed transfers to European clubs.
Last time out in 2014, it was a 21-year-old Paul Pogba, who won the award for the best young player, having helped France reach the quarter-finals before bowing out to eventual champions Germany. The award for the best young player in a World Cup is a prestigious one, and its validity has been proved by the success attained by its recipients over the years. Almost always, the best young player in a World Cup has gone on to scale great heights. Lukas Podolski won it in 2006, and Thomas Muller in 2010, and both went on to become superstars of the game.
Even before the tag for the best young player was recognized with a trophy (since 2006), the youngsters who were named so never disappointed. In 1958, it was a merely 17 years old Pele who was voted the same. In 1966, it was 20 years old Franz Beckenbauer. In 1998, it was Michael Owen. Needless to say, they are all hailed as footballing greats today.
In the upcoming edition of the World Cup too, there are a number of hot prospects who would look to give their absolute best in the tournament in order to bag the accolade. Today we'll be looking at five such youngsters who might take the World Cup by storm.
#5 Hirving Lozano (Mexico)
Age: 22 International Caps : 25 Goals: 7
Hirving "Chucky" Lozano is surely one of the most exciting forwards in the world right now. Lozano started his professional career at Mexican club Pachuca in 2014, and received his first call-up in 2016, whilst still playing in Mexico. His fantastic performances for both club and country attracted the interest of top European clubs, including Manchester City, but he decided to move to Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven instead. That proved to be a massive step towards PSV's bid for the title, as Chucky scored an incredible 17 goals in just 29 league appearances, thereby helping Phillip Cocu's men seal the ultimate crown.
Lozano is an extremely skilful winger with an eye for goal. He first burst on to the scene when he made a mockery of defences at the Confederations Cup in 2017. He also played a vital role in Mexico's World Cup qualifiers, netting some hugely important goals. His goal tally despite playing out wide is incredible, and he seems destined for greatness. If Mexico are to impress in the World Cup, expect Lozano to be majorly involved.