This World Cup has had everything. Entertaining fixtures, quality football and upsets galore, the tournament has provided a multitude of things to enjoy. But one thing that has been intriguing to see is the young players that stepped up and shone on the biggest stage, the young players that have shown their ability under pressure, the players who have put their name in the hat for Young Player of the Tournament. With the group stages complete and the knockouts well and truly underway, here are ten shouts for who could earn the prestigious award this year in Qatar.
To qualify the this, award the player must have been 21 or under at the start of the calendar year.
10. Azzedine Ounahi
One of the biggest shocks this World Cup was the Group F. And after the dust settled on a group with a pretty unanimous opinion on who would get out several were proven wrong. African outfit Morocco left top of the table above Canada, Croatia and Belgium, sending the latter home early and being 1 of only 5 teams to not lose a game during the group stages. Someone who started in the midfield in this undefeated effort was 22-year-old Angers player Azzedine Ounahi. A stand out player for a lacklustre Ligue 1 season for the French side has seen him go under the radar dishing out solid performances in all of Morocco games so far. With a mixed squad of experienced veterans and up and up and comers Morocco have the potential to keep surprising people and the consistency of Ounahi is not only a reason for this but also a reason for his chances at the award.
9. Iliman Ndiaye
Senegal is an extremely dangerous international side, following their AFCON win people have underestimated them since there main threat Sadio Mane has been out with injury and this is what has made them a dark horse. Their opening day defeat to Netherlands was followed up by 2 excellent performances against Qatar and Ecuador which saw the qualify in second in Group A. And a player whose looked the part in both victories was Sheffield United’s own Iliman Ndiaye. Managing an assist off the bench in his international debut and a lively outing in his first official start he has many believing he first team quality as the competition continues. Turning 22 in March so just qualifies, he has scored 9 goals in the Championship already this season joint first in the league and in Qatar has shown ability far beyond his years already making him an outside shout for the award.
8. Enzo Fernandez
Although Argentina are heavy favourites for the whole competition, 21-year-old Enzo Fernandez wasn’t a regular name on the team sheet heading into this World Cup which could have hinder his chances. However, taking every opportunity he was given off the bench the Benfica midfielder shone bagging a marvellous goal against Mexico and working his way into the first team since. Argentina is a threat when facing anyone, so goals are on the cards at all times especially with a player like Fernandez who can create and provide. So, if Argentina continues to prove they are worth the hype Enzo could easily make himself a contender for the award.
7. Nuno Mendes
Much like Argentina, Portugal headed into this World Cup with their star man desperate to add the trophy to their legacy. This additional desire paired with their deep and high-quality squad is reason to believe they will get far. And one player for the Portuguese I am a big fan of is 20-year-old left back Nuno Mendes. The defender burst on the big scene after his transfer to French superpower PSG making his way into their first team. He is the textbook modern day full back, carrying strength, speed, defensive relatability, and the skill to stay full energy for the whole 90. If he can get into the team and show leave it all out on the pitch during the knockouts he could also leave with the award.
6. Jamal Musiala
Germany’s campaign was disappointing. After opening day defeat at the hands of Japan and stalemate with Spain Germany currently sat bottom of the group with everything to play for in their last game. Most people assumed they wouldn’t repeat the same embarrassment they endured at Russia 2018 but a Japan comeback against Spain cast out European giants in the group stages once again. Despite this it isn’t how long you spend in the tournament that matters it is the impact you make. And a player who most certainly made an impact was 19-year-old attacker Jamal Musiala. The young man from Bayern Munich has enjoyed a fruitful year scoring 9 goals and assisting 6 in the German top flight as well as being crucial in gaining a point against Spain thanks to his inspired performance and subsequent assist. Easily Germany’s best player this World Cup and he could easily be the winner of this award.
5. Aurelien Tchouameni
Reigning world champions France had a little injury crisis heading into this year’s proceedings particularly in midfield. Due to Pogba and Kante being out of the team there was an open spot for opportunity. And Aurelien Tchouameni has filled it. The 22-year-old from Real Madrid has been played all of the games for France so far helping them secure their place in the knockouts. He has been displaying his capabilities as a box to box but also shone in more of a defensive role. And it is exactly that versatility that could benefit France’s title defence but also his chance of winning this award.
4. Bukayo Saka
England’s World Cup journey is never an easy one. But with the amount of quality players the Three Lions possess fans are getting more confident by the tournament. One of those players being 20-year-old right winger Bukayo Saka. After being a huge reason for Arsenal’s success in the Premier League so far this season netting 4 goals and providing 6 assists on their way to the top of the table, Saka continued that scoring form in Qatar during England’s scintillating 6-2 victory over Iran. The flat 0-0 draw to the USA that followed threw some supporter’s minds in doubt of Gareth Southgate’s managerial ability to utilise these players to their best. The fact he was rested against Wales just shows how important he is to this team and his stellar shot at winning this award.
3. Gavi
Spain started their World Cup this year in pure style not only referring to the 7-0 score line over Costa Rica but the way they played their football was direct, easy on the eye and quite frankly a joy to watch. One of the goal scorers in that match was the 18-year-old Barcelona midfielder Gavi. The youngest player senior international for Spain simply had to make this list and since he stepped into La Roja’s first team he has won the Golden Boy award which is the young player equivalent of the Ballon d’Or. The two games that followed for Spain didn’t match that of their opener but if they can fix up and Gavi can continue playing his best in this Spanish system, It would not be a shock to see this award added to his trophy cabinet.
2. Jude Bellingham
The first and only team with two names on this list is simply because you cannot leave both these off. The Three Lions youth is vast and exciting from the likes of Saka to one of the best midfielders in the world today age aside. Jude Bellingham has been one to watch since Borussia Dortmund bought him from Birmingham City in 2020. And since that move his rise has been nothing short of astronomical. With 7 goals and 3 assists in all competitions this season at only 19 years of age Jude has been Dortmund’s star man with a price tag of 120 million floating around for his signature. With a goal already in Qatar Bellingham’s outrageous on and off the ball play will come to England’s benefit so much as the tournament continues and makes him a heavy favourite to return to Germany with the award.
1. Vinicius Jr
Before this tournament started everyone has their picks for who was going to win the whole thing. But overwhelmingly the nation backed the most was of course South American superstars Brazil. Getting off to a great start in group G with a tidy victory over Serbia, they look like a team that a nailed on for the latter stages. And with Neymar dominating headlines for them over the years, the recently turned 22-year-old left winger Vinicius Jr appears so be the next Brazilian world beater. Already proving his name on the grandest of stages, scoring the winning goal for Real Madrid in the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League final and sitting on a pretty tally of 10 goals in all competitions already this season. Now although he is yet to score in Qatar, Vinicius Jr has flair, pace and a knack for putting the ball in the back of the net. Something that is as good as guaranteed to come at some point and the reason he is my favourite to win the Young Player of the Tournament award when everything is said and done.
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