The five wonderkids to look out for at the 2018 World Cup

The World Cup always presents a chance for players to announce themselves as world stars.

Four years ago we saw James Rodríguez move to Real Madrid for €70m after he won the golden boot in Brazil.

So this year we’ve taken a look at the squads and picked out a few candidates to follow in his footsteps.

People are already familiar with the likes of Leroy Sané and Dele Alli so they aren’t included. Who else could become an absolute superstar at this World Cup?

Sergej Milinković-Savić (Serbia)

The 23-year-old has everything a midfielder needs. Despite his 6’3″ frame, the midfielder is brilliant on the ball. After winning possession, the Lazio man is comfortable launching attacks with quick short passing or raking balls to space out wide.

He’s dangerous on the end of moves too, as his nine Serie A goal this season demonstrate.

It’s no surprise that Lazio have already turned down a €70m offer for him. Nonetheless, he still isn’t too well known globally. He can change that this summer on the world’s biggest stage. Maybe his price tag will be higher still come July

Alex Iwobi(Nigeria)

Together with Kelechi Iheanacho, Nigeria’s great attacking hopes are young and already full of Premier League experience. Iwobi is already a regular starter at Arsenal at the age of 20 and his potential is in no doubt.

A terrific dribbler with decision-making on the ball beyond his years, Iwobi can knit attacks together seamlessly. He’s also better in front of goal for the Super Eagles than he has been in north London, scoring four times in 14 appearances. The most recent of those was an impressive brace against Argentina.

Away from the pressure and misery that is Arsenal, Iwobi can take on the responsibility resting on his shoulders and take a big to the next level.

Thomas Lemar(France)

The wide player who loves to drift inside and create, Lemar was one of the young stars who impressed so much at Monaco last season. Kylian Mbappé and Bernardo Silva left and the hype has died down somewhat but Lemar remains an enormous young talent.

Just 22, Arsenal and Liverpool have already launched enormous but unsuccessful bids to take him to the Premier League. Maybe this time around he can prove he’s worth a move.

After such a spectacular 2016/17, this season has been tricky. Lemar remained at Monaco and building on last season’s success was impossible. He does, though, remain an elegant dribbler and a perfectionist with a dead ball. If he has a strong World Cup, a big money move would be all but inevitable.

Youri Tielemans(Belguim)

The Belgian is a real outside tip for this summer as there’s just so much competition for places he may find himself edged out. Two years from now everyone will know the name, so why not this summer?

As a 20-year-old, Tielemans joined Monaco in the summer, having already starred in the Anderlecht first team for four years. A €25m move will prove to be good value.

If nothing else, his ability to rifle efforts in from distance will be a huge asset from the bench if Roberto Martínez’s men find themselves in a spot of bother.

Amine Harit(Morocco)

Bundesliga fans will already be well aware of Amine Harit, who has shone for Schalke since moving to the club in the summer. His natural flair has made him an overnight fan favourite there and we have no doubt his style will earn him a few more fans this summer.

Morocco will face Spain and Portugal in the group stage – Harit may not have long to make an impression but he will certainly leave a mark should he pull something off against a side of that stature.

It may only be a three game stay but it’s long enough for Harit to show exactly what he’s capable of.