Liverpool’s English wonderkid also scrapes in our top 10…
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The World Cup is a brilliant chance for young stars to announce themselves on the global stage.
For us, these ten players, ages under 22 or below, have outshone their rivals so far during Brazil 2014.
10) Mario Goetze – Germany
One of the most talented young players in world football, Goetze has helped the Germans tick over nicely in the final third so far. He’s scored once, and provided a consistent creative threat in the final third. Expect him to grow as the tournament progresses.
9) Serge Aurier – Ivory Coast
Aurier’s Ivory Coast were knocked out at the group stages, but the right-back did enough to show why why Arsene Wenger has earmarked him as Bacary Sagna’s replacement at Arsenal. Aurier registered two assists against Japan, and didn’t let himself down in the other matches either.
8) Raheem Sterling – England
Granted, Sterling’s England side did awfully – but the teenager’s performance against Italy in their opening match was simply outstanding. His dribbling through the centre caused the Italians countless problems, and he’ll be one of Roy Hodgson’s most important players in the build up to Euro 2016.
7) Divock Origi – Belgium
The only teenager to score a goal so far at the World Cup, Origi bagged the winner against Russia during Belgium’s second match of their group – and he’s pushing star striker Romelu Lukaku for a starting spot.
6) Ricardo Rodriguez – Switzerland
The Swiss left-back provide a consistently barnstorming presence down the flank, but doesn’t neglect his defensive duties either. His two assists already prove effective he is when he gets into the opposition half.
5) Memphis Depay – Holland
The Dutch flyer has done so well for Louis van Gaal’s side that he’s been dubbed ‘The Next Cristiano Ronaldo’, and earned himself strong links to Tottenham and Manchester United. This is mainly thanks to his two goals and an assist from the bench so far.
4) Oscar – Brazil
Oscar added a lovely third for Brazil during their opening night victory over Croatia, which capped off a superb individual performance. In the following two matches, he continued his strong form, and he’s assisted two goals so far for El Selecao.
3) Xherdan Shaqiri – Switzerland
The Liverpool target has probably added some serious value to his potential transfer fee, having bagged a hat-trick for his country against Honduras. Elsewhere, only Thomas Muller has scored a hat-trick so far – displaying the elite company the young Bayern Munich man is in.
2) James Rodriguez – Colombia
Just missing out on top spot, Colombia’s pivotal attacking midfielder makes it into no.2. Rodriguez has scored three times, and assisted two goals as well. His delicate chipped finish against Japan was Lionel Messi-esque.
1) Neymar – Brazil
The stage was set for Neymar, and so far – he’s delivered. Four goals in the three group stage matches for the brilliant 22-year-old Barcelona man. He has everything to go on to become the world’s very best player.
