FIFA World Cup: Who will win Best Young Player Award?
We have seen some exciting talent at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Even though, the likes of Messi and Ronaldo have been knocked out of the tournament but young lads are creating waves in their absence. Among these young guns, Kylian Mbappe has been cut above the rest, this term. Here we take a look at top contenders for the Best Young Player award.
What is the Best Young Player award?
Best Young Player is awarded to the top performing youngster at the World Cup. Only players born after January 1, 1997 are eligible for this edition's award. It was awarded for the first time, three terms back, in 2006. Germany's Lukas Podolski won it in 2006. His countryman Thomas Muller followed suit in the next edition. In 2014, Paul Pogba had clinched this award.
France's Kylian Mbappe
19-year-old Kylian Mbappe is the favorite to win this award in 2018. The French striker is the hottest property in football right now. He became his nation's youngest goal-scorer at a major tournament when he scored his first World Cup goal against Peru. Till now, he has scored 3 goals and with France going strong, we expect him to score plenty more.
Brazil's Gabriel Jesus
21-year-old Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus had a prolific season for Manchester City in 2017/18. But, he has been lacklustre in front of goal, for Brazil, at the 2018 World Cup. Despite starting all the four games for Brazil, he is yet to score a goal. However, it's never too late and he still has games to keep himself in contention.
England's Marcus Rashford
20-year-old English striker Marcus Rashford is also eyeing the Best Young Player award. He is yet to score or lay assists but he has dazzled with the minimum chances, he has received. Under the shadow of Harry Kane, Marcus has made 3 appearances and has managed only 119 minutes of football till now. However, one good game could help him stake a claim.
