WORLD CUP 2018: 5 youngsters who will steal the show

The World Cup 2018 will witness the best teams, along with some outstanding players fight it out to take home the glory. There are many world class players, who can lift their teams on their own.

The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Eden Hazard, Antoine Griezmann and Andres Iniesta are expected to light up the tournament with their brilliance. But the competition also provides young players the opportunity to shine, and make their name.

Ahead of the start of the World Cup, we take a look at five such youngsters who are sure to make an impact.

1. Kylian Mbappe: He's just 19, yet, the Frenchman has the world at his feet. The comparisons to Messi and Ronaldo have already started, and he is termed as the heir to Thierry Henry. Mbappe made his name with AS Monaco in 2016/17 season, scoring 26 goals in 44 matches. It earned him a 145 million euro move to Paris Saint-Germain, for whom he 21 goals last season. He has everything you need to succeed. Pace, quick feet and finishing, Mbappe has it all. It seems he is the missing piece for France in their quest to win a major trophy.

2. Marco Asensio: The Spaniard has been absolutely sensational for his club Real Madrid, and is earmarked as the next big thing in the nation. His ability of gliding past the opposition with one touch has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi. And well, the signs are there. He played an astonishing 53 matches in all competitions for Real Madrid last campaign. Asensio may not be a regular starter for Spain this tournament, but he will for sure be needed on the big occasions. 

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3. Gabriel Jesus: The growth of Brazilian at the club has been just amazing, which has seen him dispatch Sergio Aguero as the no.1 striker at Manchester City. The diminutive striker has the likes of Neymar and Phillipe Coutinho around him, yet, he will arguably be the most important for his nation. In just 17 national appearances, he already has 10 goals, and will be the biggest attacking threat to the opposition. 

4. Dele Alli: England are under-achievers at the international level, and if it has to change, then Alli needs to fire. The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has everything an attacking midfielder needs. His link-up play is excellent, he has a good range of passing, and he is a regular goal scorer at club level. The 22-year-old will have skipper and club teammate Harry Kane in front of him, and their partnership has been a major positive for Spurs. Expect Alli to be the key for England.

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5. Wilfred Ndidi: The 21-year-old Nigerian isn't the one who would score a wonder goal, or make a killer pass. Yet, he will be key for his nation to perform well with his tackling and tenacity. His first season in the Premier League with Leiceseter City let the world see a glimpse of his true talent. But the World Cup will allow him to showcase his talent to a wider audience.