They are still very young and the showcase is huge. They have gone from standing out at their club to experiencing the greatest possible international influence. Sometimes world cups can be misleading. There are players who had a great tournament and then were wasted. But if someone has been leading the way for a long time, the World Cup is just a showcase that serves as ‘selectivity’. In this issue are eight football players who not only do not have a bright future, but also show that they exist.
1. Lauren James (21), England
He took on the role of a clown at last Eurocup and this year has earned a permanent position in the starting lineup, both at Chelsea and with the English team. Technically talented, he stands out for his speed, dribbling ability and good shot. He scored a couple of great goals and an assist hat-trick against Vietnam. He is already more famous in England than his brother Reece.
2. Salma Paralluelo (19), Spain
Within a year, he went from playing with Villarreal to combining athletics, winning the Champions League with FC Barcelona and playing in the World Cup with the senior squad, starting in both competitions. There are very few different talents like him on the international stage, and some aspects of him will be unstoppable once he’s finished polishing.
3. Sophia Smith (23), United States
He was in all the pools to win the Breakthrough Player of the Tournament award, but in reality, he bore the brunt of the entire United States team going from favorite to disappointment. He is called to be the leader of a new generation who wants to repeat the achievements of the past decades.
4. Esmee Brugts (20), Netherlands
without making much noise and being ‘overshadowed’ by big names like marten, roord anyone Van de Donk, still having the best moment of his PSV footballer career and shining in the World Cup. In his home country he is known as ‘the next Lieke’.
5. Lina Caicedo (18), Colombia
Real Madrid were not wrong to bet on him. He is one of the players who can leave you breathless and make the whole country believe in the impossible. He radiates magic and looks like he’s been among the elite for years when he takes the field. He is writing the history of Colombia.
6. Giulia Dragoni (16), Italy
He is the youngest on this list and the second youngest in this World Cup. His presence in the Italian roster was a pleasant surprise and his starting position in all matches, and even more so. The best ‘azurri’ player, personality and maturity not matched to his age. Barça has a jewel in La Masia.
7. Aoba Fujino (19), Japan
The smallest of ‘Nadeshiko’, the surprise selection of the World Cup. He’s timid off the field, a completely different player on the field with his different character and quality. He’s earned a spot in eleven, and his teammates say he “just did things that ended in a foul”.
8. Melchie Dumornay (19), Haiti
It took only one match to break the door, where he was selected ‘MVP’ against England (despite losing 1-0). Things happen the moment he touches the ball. Agility, balance, game vision and decision making. Lyon got a ‘genius daughter’.
The future is bright.