10 young players to watch
By Harvey Cruz
Youth will be served in Russia this summer. Here are 10 young stars to watch at the World Cup.
The days when the World Cup served as the first opportunity for fans to watch stars playing on faraway continents have long since passed, but there remains no better platform on which to launch a career than FIFA’s showpiece tournament.
From James Rodriguez in 2014 to Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in 2006, every World Cup sees a few bright, young prospects burst onto the scene. It may be harder to fly under the radar than it used to be, but these 10 players are poised to shine in Russia this summer.
10. Hirving Lozano
The man they call “Chucky” is the man that’ll help Mexico go far in this tournament. There were rumors Manchester City wanted Lozano last summer, and you can see why. The 22-year-old is a pacy, direct winger who likes to attack opposing defenses.
He moved to PSV from Pachuca at the beginning of 2017-18 and got the playing time and exposure he wanted. With 17 goals and eight assists this season, he was an integral part in helping PSV win the Eredivisie title. If there’s a downside to his game, it’s his discipline, as he was sent off twice this season. But other than that, there’s a whole lot to like about the kid.
Lozano can play anywhere across a front three. He’s a dribbler first, which helps set up his shot, and his crossing ability his superb. He’ll line up alongside Javier Hernandez and Carlos Vela, and will need to maintain his club form if Mexico are to get through a difficult group containing Germany, Sweden and South Korea.
El Tri have another youngster going to Russia in 18-year-old Johnathan Gonzalez, but Lozano will get more playing time. Big things are expected of him now, and a big move could happen in the near future. Lozano’s performances in this World Cup will show how big of a star he can be.