The World Cup is just around the corner, and the biggest stage in world football will see a whole host of new stars burst onto the world scene.
Be it James Rodriguez in 2014, Aleksandr Golovin in 2018 or even Mesut Ozil in 2010, the World Cup is the grandest stage of them all, and it can propel a player from a relative unknown to a world superstar almost overnight.
With the groups now drawn, we’re taking a look at one player from each pot that could be a breakout star in Qatar.
Group A – Noa Lang – Netherlands & Club Brugge
The Netherlands are expected to cruise through Group A at a canter, and weak opposition could allow 22-year-old Noa Lang to showcase his immense talents.
Already compared to Neymar, the young Dutchman is a bag of tricks down the wing. A two-footed, speedy winger, Lang could light this tournament up.
Group B – Antonee Robinson – USA & Fulham
Group B is arguably the weakest group in the tournament, and with all of England’s players being well-known stars at this point, we’re heading across the Atlantic for this pick.
Antonee Robinson is the only defender in our list, and while he’s not the best player on the USMNT, he’s perhaps the most interesting to watch.
An incredible athlete who steps up on the big occasions for his national team, Robinson’s sheer pace is bound to catch the eye.
If anyone is going to cause England’s vast array of right-backs a problem in this tournament, it’s Robinson.
Group C – Marcelo Flores – Mexico & Arsenal
This 18-year-old has made his international debut before his club debut, and while we’re yet to see him play in the Premier League, he’s already looking very promising.
He’s already been strutting his stuff in the Mexico youth ranks, providing a ridiculous rabona cross against Uruguay last month, and at the age of just 18, he already has one cap to his name.
A quick-thinking midfielder with an eye for goal, Flores could follow in Hirving Lozano’s footsteps and be another Mexican breakout star.
Group D – Hannibal Mejbri – Tunisia & Manchester United
Manchester United fans will know all about Hannibal Mejbri from the youth team, but he could introduce himself to the wider footballing world in Qatar.
His hairstyle will make him standout on the pitch initially, but it won’t take long for his feet to take all the attention away from his curly locks.
A silky midfielder with incredible composure on the ball, Hannibal could pose problems for the likes of France and Denmark in this group.
Group E – Karim Adeyemi – Germany & RB Salzburg
Karim Adeyemi is already being linked to Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, but as an RB Salzburg player, he’s yet to really announce himself on the world stage.
Germany have a problem up front, but if they have faith in Adeyemi, goals shouldn’t be hard to come by.
The striker has 15 goals in 22 league appearances this season, while he’s also been a menace in the Champions League for Salzburg, winning four penalties in two games in the group stages.
At the age of just 20, this young man should only improve between now and the winter.
Group F – Jeremy Doku – Belgium & Rennes
Jeremy Doku caught the eye with his cameo appearances at Euro 2020, and 18 months on, he should have an even bigger role at the World Cup.
Fast, strong, tricky, Doku is exactly the type of player who will have everyone talking at the World Cup.
Whether he starts or comes off of the bench, Doku is a one-man highlight reel who could pose any team massive problems.
Group G – Gabriel Martinelli – Brazil & Arsenal
Gabriel Martinelli is probably the most established name on our list, but he could be propelled to absolute superstardom in Qatar.
Martinelli is the man for a big moment, he turns up in big games and there’s no bigger spotlight than a World Cup.
At the moment, he’s a star for Arsenal, but if he can guide Brazil to their sixth World Cup, he could quickly become one of the sport’s biggest names.
Group H Abdul Fatawu Issahaku – Ghana & Sporting
Ghana always have a trick or two up their sleeve at the World Cup, and this time, their secret weapon could be Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.
At the age of just 18, Issahaku has been described as ‘arguably the greatest African prospect of his generation’ and he’s already secured a move to Sporting. However, due to registration issues, he’s yet to make his debut.
Issahaku was one of the stars of Ghana’s U20 African Cup of Nations triumph, and he could repeat the trick on the biggest stage.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
