Eight youngsters to watch at the World Cup

Date: 12th June 2014 at 9:55pm
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The majority of the youngsters of the modern era are exciting to watch as their tempo, pace and aggression have been excellent and these names are just some of those to look out for in Brazil.

Many clubs and international teams have turned their approach to utilize the youngsters at the ultimate level in recent times.

Joachim Loew’s Germany reaching two semi-finals and a final in three major tournaments, Spain’s famous revolution and Uruguay’s dream run in 2010 world cup were some of the examples to highlight the capability of youngsters.

We, Forza Italian Football, have picked eight youngsters who can prospect the expectations in the World Cup.

1. Mario Balotelli (Milan, Italy)

Balotelli - Italy World Cup 2014 shirtAt the age of just 23, Mario Balotelli has often captured the headlines for his controversial statements and celebrations in addition to the striking ability as well.

Joining Milan from Manchester City in the January window of 2013, Balotelli, nicknamed, ‘Super Mario’ has scored 26 league goals in 43 appearances for the Rossoneri.

Tactician Cesare Prandelli is expected to play the 4-2-3-1 formation with Balotelli solely leading the striking department of the Azzurri.

Having possessed the ability to shoot from distance and the tendency to get in behind the defenders, a professional performance is expected from Balotelli, which remains vital for Italy’s progress.

Abel Hernandez Palermo2. Abel Hernandez (Palermo, Uruaguay)

Despite spending last season in the second division of Italian football, the technical abilities of Abel Hernandez have never been put into question.

Forming a deadly partnership with Paulo Dybala up front, Hernandez played a crucial role in Palermo’s promotion.

With Suarez is fighting over his fitness, Hernandez could earn a chance to start the games for Uruaguay, if the coach, Oscar Taberez prefers 4-3-3 formation similar to the approach he formulated in the last World Cup.

Paul Pogba France3. Paul Pogba (Juventus, France)

With two trophies in his two years at Juventus, Paul Pogba is considered as the French jewel of the next generation.

Despite being first team irregular in his debut season at Italy, the work rate of Pogba has reinforced him as the regular starter in his second season, taking the place of Claudio Marchisio.

In the absence of Yoan Gourcuff and Jeremy Toulalan, huge responsibility is mounted on the shoulders of Pogba in anchoring the midfield.

Victor Moses Nigeria4. Victor Moses (Chelsea, Nigeria)

Despite spending most of his time in the bench last season, Victor Moses has been a sparkle of light for Nigeria in recent days.

Moses’ two penalties against Ethiopia in the final crucial group game of African Cup last year paved the way for Nigeria to win the historic crown.

With the skill of dribbling and the vigorous intensity of pace, Moses could be a real threat for opponent defense.

Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain)5. Marco Verratti (PSG, Italy)

Though Marco Verratti chances in the World Cup will be limited because of veterans, Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi, the 21-year old has the important role to play as super sub.

Having almost played all the games for the big spending PSG last season, coach Laurent Blanc has groomed Verratti in a better way and the young Italian remains as one of the hottest properties available in Europe.

Raheem Sterling England6. Raheem Sterling (Liverpool, England)

Raheem Sterling’s hopes of making the starting XI for England in the World Cup has been boosted by Roy Hodgson’s press conference as the England boss hinted he would implement Liverpool style of game in Brazil.

Having played 30 league games for Liverpool last season, the 19-year-old has scored nine goals and put his name to six assists.

With rich amount of pace endorsed with him, Sterling will be a vital cog in English attack, making the opponent’s defense vulnerable.

Eden Hazard Belgium7. Eden Hazard (Chelsea, Belgium)

The 23-year-old Belgian winger has lived more than the expectations since arriving at Chelsea couple of years ago.

Hazard appeared in 35 league games for Chelsea last season, scoring 14 and enriched the side with pace and dribbling skills, Hazard’s role for Belgium will be crucial.

Hazard possesses the ability to play as a left winger or right winger or a centre attacking midfielder and the adaptability nature will be an extra asset for Marc Wilmots.

Belgium8. Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea, Belgium)

With Chrisitian Benteke sidelined for the World Cup, Lukaku’s role in Belgium attack remains as crucial as that of Hazard’s.

Spending two back-to back seasons on loan at West Bromwich Albion and Everton respectively, Lukaku remained highly successful on both the occasions.

Having scored 15 goals for Everton last season, Lukaku is expected to replicate his form in Brazil.

 

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