William Carvalho, Portugal Age: 22Club: Sporting LisbonPosition: Midfielder
Ian Dennis: Along with Benfica’s Serbia forward Lazar Markovic, I would say William Carvalho is one of the brightest talents in Portugal’s domestic league at the moment. An imposing defensive midfielder, he is powerful, extremely athletic and has great awareness to spot danger as he helps protect his back four. Carvalho has been linked heavily with Manchester United this summer but could find other suitors if he impresses in Brazil.
Ricardo Rodriguez, Switzerland Age: 21Club: WolfsburgPosition: Left wing-back Simon Brotherton: When you look at Switzerland’s team, many people have heard of Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner, who plays at right wing-back, but it is worth looking at their left-hand side too. Ricardo Rodriguez first came to prominence at the Under-17 World Cup in 2009 where he scored three goals. He is a key player at set-pieces for Switzerland and he also pops up with some important goals himself.
Paul Pogba, France
Age: 21Club: Juventus
Position: MidfielderNickname: ‘Paul the Octopus’
Simon Brotherton: Paul Pogba was the best player at last summer’s Under-20 World Cup, which was won by France, and he has just secured his second Serie A title with Juventus. He has a great engine, can create goals, score goals and uses the ball well.
Steve Bower: Since Pogba left Manchester United to go to Italy in 2012, he has thrived and is a mainstay of the Juventus team, where he has earned the nickname ‘Paul the Octopus’ because of his long legs. He adds so much energy to the team and is good in the air too. He will thrive on the world stage. (BBC Sport)
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