U20 Players to Watch at the 2022 World Cup

Jude Bellingham (England)

Bellingham is the most famous name on this list, and he has already become a highly sought after young talent in football. He plays for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, where he is a first team regular. He is a box to box midfielder who has also played for England despite his young age, and is a favourite of manager Gareth Southgate. If he gets more playing time during this competition, he may be able to change England's fortunes in international competitions and help inspire them to their first World Cup trophy since 1966.

Florian Wirtz (Germany)

Playing for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, this 18 year old attacking midfielder enjoyed his first full campaign with his boyhood club in 2020/21. He is already a full Germany international, and shows a potentially huge talent, even more than his former teammate Kai Havertz who was sold to Chelsea. With 16 goals in all competitions in his first senior campaign at club level, Wirtz will hope to showcase his skill at the World Cup and try to help Germany win their first World Cup since 2014.

Gavi (Spain)

Gavi is a lesser known footballer who is only 17 years old. Playing in Barcelona's youth team, he has already featured at senior level for his country. Spain's manager, Luis Enrique, who was once manager of Barcelona, has a special interest in Gavi, playing him in the Nations League final in October. The player has been kept out of the spotlight by La Masia for now, but if he features at the World Cup, he may be one of the best prospects to come out of the tournament.

Rayan Cherki (France)

An academy player from Lyon, Cherki is an exciting playmaker who has been attracting the attention of scouts from some of the top clubs in the world. He has played for France under 21s, and it remains to be seen whether he will be a part of the Didier Deschamps team for the upcoming competition, but he does have a good feel for attacking football.

Devyne Rensch (Netherlands)

Rensch is the latest youth talent to come from the Ajax academy. Ajax is famous for producing players who go on to play in the top clubs in the world and become huge stars. Rensch may be the next in line to become successful at the club, with the 19 year old having settled comfortably in his right back role. He has played at both full-back positions, as a centre back and also as a defensive midfielder, a versatility that will not go unnoticed if he makes the Dutch national team.

Matias Soule (Argentina)

Soule is an 18 year old forward who joined Juventus in 2020 and made his first team debut in November. He is reminiscent of a young Angel Di Maria, using his technical abilities to cut onto the inside of defenders near the box. He made his Argentina debut in the same year, although it remains to be seen if he will be part of the World Cup squad of 2022. If not, he is still a player who fans can keep their eye on for future tournaments.

Marcos Leonardo (Brazil)

Leonardo is turning heads because he came through the Santos academy just like Neymar, Gabigol and Rodrygo, but he scored far more goals for the Brazilian outfit at the youth level than any of the other players. He scored over 100 goals for the youth team before making his senior debut in 2020. If he gets some playing time at the upcoming World Cup, he will definitely be a player to watch, not only for football fans but also for international scouts.

Ilaix Moriba (Senegal)

Playing in RB Leipzig, this attacking midfielder has been likened to Paul Pogba. He previously played for Barcelona but following a contract disagreement, the Spanish side reluctantly agreed to sell him to RB Leipzig. He had a series of impressive displays for Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations and helped them win the trophy. The head coach will surely call upon Moriba to strengthen the midfield for the upcoming World Cup, where he will be one of the most exciting players to watch.

Romeo Lavia (Belgium)

Belgium has produced many talents over the years though the team has yet to win a World Cup. Lavia may bring the nation exactly what they need, as the defensive player is highly touted to become the main defensive midfielder at Manchester City. He was spotted by Pep Guardiola at the age of 14, and the manager of Manchester City has kept his eyes on him ever since, signing the young player in 2020. Lavia made his international senior debut in September, and is a reliable player who can boost the Belgian squad.

Felix Afena-Gyan (Ghana)

This 19 year old striker made a huge impact in the Serie A in 2021. Playing for AS Roma, he is fast, physical and shows a hunger for scoring goals. He can definitely pose a threat and if he gets playing time for Ghana in the upcoming World Cup, he will definitely try to score a few goals in the competition.