The FIFA World Cup 2018’s Hidden Gems
- Bryan Medina
- @BryanMedinaJuve
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The World Cup 2018 took off in Russia this week and as the world stands still to gaze upon the many stars playing on the field, TNC dives in deep in search of spotting the next talents ready to go supernova. Clubs should keep their eyes peeled for these hungry young as they do their best to impress this summer. Many have been picked up by major associations but have yet to break into their respective senior teams.
With the likes of Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar and many others fighting for gold in Russia, many teammates and hidden gems will be outshined. Whether these youngsters walk up to the penalty spot or choke under pressure, the time is now. We will exercise our VAR skills and identify players you should definitely look out for!
Let’s get started! Keep in mind that we will keep away from talents many of us are already tracking.
Aleksandr Golovin - Russia
The hosts got off to a bang in their opener against Saudi Arabia. This crucial game brought even people of power to sit next to one another and enjoy the beautiful game. Aleksandr Golovin definitely impressed as he bagged a goal and tallied 2 assists in Russia’s opener. The CSKA Moscow talent has been a solid starter for the Russian side as he increasingly becomes Russia’s new golden boy. Juventus has already agreed personal terms with Golovin with Arsenal being heavily linked with him.
Age: 22
Position: Midfielder
Apps – 20 Goals – 3
Sardar Azmoun - Iran
Sardar Azmoun has been an interesting prospect for Iran. The forward has enjoyed successful spells at Russian clubs Rostov and Rubin Kazan, averaging 7 goals throughout his career in Russia. Putting him in pole position to impress in his side’s bid at the World Cup as he is right at home to show off his potential.
Age: 23
Position: Forward
Apps – 34 Goals – 23
Fahad Al-Muwallad - Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, as we all know, are huge football fans but have gone through a lengthy process just to get their national team where they are at now. Bringing in stars to their respective league has contributed to the development of stars like Fahad. He has had 46 apps for the Saudis and has already netted 10 goals, putting him on pace to be their all-time top goalscorer if he continues in his current form.
Age: 23
Position: Winger
Apps – 46 Goals – 10
José Giménez - Uruguay
Here is a familiar face. José Giménez is young but is quickly becoming a starter for Atlético de Madrid and Uruguay. Having to be more around more stars than anyone else on this list, Giménez already rescued his side from a near catastrophic start to the World Cup campaign, scoring a late winner and he’s a defender. Being in the spotlight, he has been heavily linked with a move to Italy and England because of his experience at such an early age.
Age: 23
Position: Centre Back
Apps – 43 Goals – 6
Ayoub El Kaabi - Morocco
This young man led his side to the CHAN finals. As simple as that. Morocco reached the finals for the first time, not only winning the tournament but also being the top goalscorer. With the momentum El Kaabi and Morocco have, do not be surprised if they stun early on in the competition. Atlético de Madrid have already made advances on him.
Age: 24
Position: Forward
Apps – 10 Goals – 11
Gonçalo Guedes - Portugal
The Portuguese are well known for young talent yet many reach their prime early. Whether that is a good thing or bad, Guedes is quickly flourishing into an important midfielder. Guedes recently got signed by PSG and got loaned out to Valencia, where he is quickly becoming a lethal midfielder out wide. At Valencia, he has netted 5 goals in 33 apps for the Spanish club. Already creating an assist in Portugal’s match against Spain, Guedes is a talent to keep an eye out.
Age: 21
Position: Winger
Apps – 10 Goals – 3
Andreas Christensen - Denmark
Andreas is Terry-esque. He plays for Chelsea, already having some starts in the premier league and quickly becoming a strong base for Denmark. Christensen has given many clubs in the Premier League some trouble being also an aerial threat. So you bet he will cause attacking teams some issues as they try to squeeze by him.
Age: 22
Position: Centre Back
Apps – 14 Goals – 1
Marko Pjaca - Croatia
Euro 2016, Marko Pjaca subbed in for Croatia in their final game of their close run in the that competition. Almost immediately, Pjaca caught fire. He was deadly in the flanks and looked perfect for a team desperate for a youthful burst of energy. 2018, now he is signed to Juventus and coming off a lengthy injury, expect him to be hungry and make up for lost time off of the pitch.
Age: 23
Position: Winger
Apps – 16 Goals – 1
Wilfred Ndidi - Nigeria
Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi has quickly become a rock at the middle of the team. Just recently joining from Genk, Ndidi has quickly become an underdog with great potential being compared to N’golo Kante nearly averaging as many tackles as the French midfielder. Nigeria already have many talents old and new but with this star in the rise, the Eagles look to surprise in the World Cup.
Age: 23
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Apps – 17 Goals – 0
Joel Campbell - Costa Rica
One of Costa Rica’s greatest potential legends, Campbell was part of the team that took Costa Rica close to gold in the World Cup 2014. Being part of Wenger’s Arsenal, Campbell struggled with the Frenchman’s constant merry go round. Joel and Costa Rica have already shown the world that they can cope with pressure, so they will be looking to give big teams some problems.
Age: 25
Position: Forward
Apps – 75 Goals – 15
Aleksandar Mitrović - Serbia
Having an already experienced career in England with clubs Fulham (loan) and Newcastle. Mitrović brings youth and goals up front for the Serbs. Serbia has a couple of experienced players that can supply the ball to him, giving the team a silent but lethal counter attack.
Age: 23
Position: Forward
Apps – 37 Goals – 16
Hirving Lozano - Mexico
Hirving “Chucky” Lozano is Mexico’s next Javier Hernandez. With Hernandez quickly fading out of the spotlight, Lozano will have eyes on him for sure. The Mexican people are passionate and push their talented youth from the stands. Recently joining PSV, he carries hot feet from his recent season and ready to show Mexico what he can really do on the great stage.
Age: 22
Position: Winger
Apps – 26 Goals – 7
Son Heung-min - South Korea
First Hotspur on the list, Son has been absolutely fantastic for Spurs since joining in 2015. Establishing himself as a favorite for Poch, Son will look to show his confidence on the ball in Russia. South Korea has many young stars on the team but none are more exciting to watch than Son. He shows how smart he is every match he plays and will strive to be the catalyst to push his team forward.
Age: 25
Position: Winger
Apps – 67 Goals – 21
Dávinson Sánchez - Colombia
Another Hotspur joining the list is Colombian defender Dávinson Sánchez. Just recently joining in 2017, he already has 31 apps for Tottenham and has become a trustworthy CB for Spurs. Colombia already has lethal wingers and with youth out back, there is little to worry about for this Colombian side.
Age: 22
Position: Centre Back
Apps – 9 Goals – 0
Keita Baldé Diao - Senegal
Probably the most lethal out one on this list, Keita Balde started his career in Lazio quickly becoming feared in the Serie A. He recently joined AS Monaco where he has struggled a bit but has had some results at the new club. He is a well sought-after winger which I am more than positive that big clubs will be watching him. Senegal have a strong ace in their ranks as they take on strong defences in their group.
Age: 23
Position: Winger
Apps – 17 Goals – 3