Bellingham, Gavi and the NXGN wonderkids set to light up the 2022 World Cup - World Cup Update
Bellingham, Gavi and the NXGN wonderkids set to light up the 2022 World Cup - World Cup Update
The World Cup is great for so many reasons, but perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of the tournament is the stage it provides for young or previously unheralded players to announce themselves to a global audience.
There are few bigger thrills as a football fan than falling in love with a player you previously knew little about, and that is multiplied when said player is only a teenager and still has their whole career in front of them.
The good news is that there will be plenty of starlets on show at Qatar 2022, and though some are more well-known than others, they are all capable of making a massive impact on the tournament.
So, let NXGN introduce you to the most promising youngsters at this year's World Cup...
Brandon Aguilera (Costa Rica)
Aguilera only made his international debut in March, but has done enough to earn a spot in Costa Rica's squad after impressing for Guanacasteca in his homeland.
The attacking midfielder is actually on loan there after completing a move to Premier League new boys Nottingham Forest over the summer, and the World Cup could give Forest fans a first proper glimpse at the 19-year-old in action.
Alejandro Balde (Spain)
A late call-up following Jose Gaya's injury on the eve of the tournament, Balde has been rewarded for the impressive way he has immersed himself into the Barcelona team this season.
The 19-year-old has become a regular at Camp Nou in 2022-23, and has shown his versatility by filling in at right-back while also playing on his more natural left-hand side.
Seen as a long-term successor to Jordi Alba at club level, he will now back-up the veteran defender in Qatar too.
Jude Bellingham (England)
The NXGN 2022 winner just keeps getting better and better for Borussia Dortmund, and it would now be a surprise if he does not start for England in Qatar.
Bellingham has even captained Dortmund this season, such is the 19-year-old's maturity, and he is unlikely to be fazed by playing on the biggest stage of them all over the next few weeks.
Jewison Bennette (Costa Rica)
The youngest player to ever represent Costa Rica having made his international debut in August 2021, Bennette has already earned himself a move to Europe after joining Championship side Sunderland in August.
The 18-year-old winger has made an encouraging start for the Black Cats, and his form for his country is good too.
He provided the assist for Joel Campbell to score the goal that sealed their place in Qatar during their play-off win over New Zealand, before bagging the first international goals of his career with a brace against South Korea in September.
Zeno Debast (Belgium)
Dubbed 'the new Vincent Kompany' in Belgium after emerging from the Anderlecht academy, centre-back Debast has seen his development accelerate since the start of the 2022-23 season.
The 19-year-old was rewarded for some fine club form with an international debut in September and, given his comfort in possession and experience of playing in a back three, could yet start for Roberto Martinez's side.
If he does, then reported interest from the likes of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund will likely only intensify.
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