Everyone is familiar with the well-established talents that will be gracing the pitches in Brazil this summer, but what about the young starlets ready to elevate their game? Who is in the best position to join the likes of Landon Donovan in 2002, Franz Beckenbauer in 1966, or even Pele in 1958?
Unlike other under-21 lists, this one is exclusive to players who are actually under the age of 21. The likes of Paul Pogba (21), Joel Campbell (21), Rafael Varane (21) and Romelu Lukaku (21) have been excluded due to age restrictions. All four have been tipped to enjoy stellar World Cup campaigns, but are officially legal enough to purchase alcohol in the United States.
So, who are the World Cup's five most promising prospects? Read on to find out.
5. Julian Draxler (20), Midfielder, Germany
The only thing preventing Draxler from finishing higher on this list is the precarious position he finds himself in. In 26 league appearances for Schalke 04 this past season, Draxler averaged a sultry 2.3 key passes per match and finished with six assists. Unfortunately, at least for him, Germany's World Cup roster reads like a "who's who" of midfielders, limiting his chances to make an impact in Brazil.
4. Ross Barkley (20), Midfielder, England
Barkley is benefitting from Roy Hodgson's choice to cultivate a youth movement for the England national team. That, however, doesn't guarantee extensive playing time for the 20-year-old in Brazil. Hodgson has publicly voiced his observations of Barkley, stating (via the Independent), "He's in a position where he plays on very small margins. Sometime the margins work, sometimes they don't. But we picked him because we think he's got potential to do some very exciting things during this World Cup." He'll just have to do them with limited playing time.
3. Memphis Depay (20), Forward, Netherlands
Another player benefitting from a youth movement on his national team is PSV Eindoven man Memphis Depay. The 20-year-old winger made 32 Eredivisie starts this past season, contributing 12 goals and seven assists. His talents have been linked with a transfer to Manchester United by Dutch Magazine IV (via Elko Born), where he would be reunited with his current national team head coach, Louis Van Gaal.
2. Raheem Sterling (19), Midfielder, England
Raheem Sterling doesn't just belong on the England national team, enough of an argument can be made for his inclusion in the starting XI. The 19-year-old proved his creative versatility under Liverpool's Brendan Rodgers, producing in both a wide role and behind the striker partnership of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge. If Hodgson is willing to unleash his talents in Brazil, England has the opportunity to be the surprise of the tournament.
1. Mateo Kovacic (20), Midfielder, Croatia
Unlike the others ranked behind him, playing time will not be an issue for Mateo Kovacic. At the club level, the 20-year-old made 32 appearances for Italian outfit Inter Milan. His prowess in individual battles allowed him to average 1.4 tackles and 2.2 dribbles per match. Opposing players were only able to dribble past him an average 0.4 times. He remained a staple during Croatia's World Cup qualifying cycle and will be relied upon to make an impact in Group A.
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