10 young players to watch

By Harvey Cruz | Jun 11, 2018

TOPSHOT - France's foward Ousmane Dembele celebrates after scoring a goal during the friendly football match between France and Italy at the Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice, southeastern France, on June 1, 2018. (Photo by VALERY HACHE / AFP) (Photo credit should read VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images) /

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20171110 – Brussels, Belgium / International Friendly Game : Belgium v Mexico / “nYouri TIELEMANS”nPicture by Vincent Van Doornick / Isosport /

8. Youri Tielemans

For years, Youri Tielemans was a FIFA wonderkid gamers would buy on Career Mode. His potential is just as high in real life. After playing for Anderlecht, rumors swirled of a move to Manchester United, but Monaco bought him and he’s shown the talent that makes him so highly-regarded.

Playing as a central midfield, he rarely wastes a pass when in possession. At times he’ll float around in the attacking third looking to shoot from distance. Tielemans has even featured as a winger, an example of the versatility in his game.

Tielemans won’t start for Belgium, but following the controversial exclusion of Radja Nainggolan from the squad, he could see some important minutes off the bench, or even start the last group game if the Red Devils have secured their spot in the last 16.

Belgium are facing serious pressure to win it all, but that pressure will fall primarily on their more established players, the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard, and the manager. That should give Tielemans, if he gets an opportunity, the freedom to show the world how good he is.