With an enthralling World Cup 2018 now completed, we an Outside of the Boot recognise the best young players under our Talent Radar feature.
The team is dominated by three French players who made history as part of the young squad that were crowned champions. Both full-backs, Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez were the regular full-backs of the triumphant World Champions. Leading the line is the man with the world at his feet, Kylian Mbappe who struck four times, including the final.
Though Serbian and Nigeria were eliminated in the group stage, Nikola Milenkovic, Francis Uzoho and Wilfred Ndidi left enough of a mark on the tournament to be included. Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji who played a solid role in Switzerland’s group stage campaign completes the defence.
One only wonders what may have been of Uruguay had they been on the other side of the draw – the side had a flawless group stage campaign before knocking out Portugal rather comfortably, eventually falling prey to the French. Lucas Torreira and Rodrigo Bentancur were part of a youthful midfield and earn their place in this XI.
Golden boy of the host nation, and one may argue – the breakout star – Aleksandr Golovin is part of the front three. The youngster scored once, assisted a couple and put in an outstanding defensive display against the Spaniard. He’s supported by Hirving Lozano on the other side, who for many may take the breakout star mantle from Golovin, specifically for his historic goal against the Germans.
