Ranking the top 10 favourites to win best young player award at 2022 FIFA World Cup

These players are expected to have a breakout tournament on the global stage.

Football has offered an opportunity for many young players to demonstrate their talent and dedication to the sport. There are always benefits and downsides; some stand out while others experience failure. Every year, we see such young players make their imprint in football and become integral members of the team.

We've seen Pele as a 17-year-old, Toto Schillaci in 1990, Michael Owen in 1998 and Asamoah Gyan in 2010. They went on to emerge as one of the greatest players of all time. The 2022 World Cup will be loaded with young players, who will be ready to help their nation to the coveted prize. But, who will be chosen as the finest young player remains to be seen. Young players who could be prospective candidates for the award are listed below.

10. Ricardo Pepi

The United States missed out on the 2018 World Cup. But, with the talents of Christian Pulisic and Giovanni Reyna at their disposal, they are looking sharp once again. Keep tabs on Ricardo Pepi, a teenager who has been a revelation.

He joined the Bundesliga team Augsburg on loan, but failed to shine and was loaned to Groningen in the Netherlands. Now, he has rediscovered his stride and will be a crucial player for the USA at the World Cup 2022.

9. Antony 

Antony has always been a competent player who flourishes in any environment. Even at Ajax, his talent was overlooked. However, after arriving at Manchester United for such a high fee, he has been brilliant. He is less predictable, cutting onto his left foot before curling the ball into the far left corner.

Although he has competition because Brazil has numerous top players in right-flank, his current form could propel him into Brazil's World Cup roster.

8. Ibrahima Konate 

Konate is the ideal backup for Raphael Varane, who may be ruled out of the World Cup owing to injury. Konate has been absent due to injuries for the majority of the season. But, Jurgen Klopp has shown complete trust in him, and the 23-year-old has fulfilled it. He is now a decisive defender for Liverpool and was also called up for the Nations League.

Konate's speed, strength, and technique have been compared to his Liverpool teammate, Van Dijk. He is a threat in the air and with his crisp tackles and willingness to close down on defenders, he might be a candidate for the Young Player Award at the World Cup.

7. William Saliba 

Saliba joined Arsenal in 2019 but struggled to acclimate and only appeared in a few games. He was then loaned out to Nice, where he evolved into an efficient defender. The youngster returned to Arsenal and once again failed to demonstrate his qualities. He was again loaned to Marseille, where he developed into a sophisticated player and won numerous individual accolades.

He has now returned to Arsenal, where he is now the most important defender. Along with Martinez, he is now the Premier League's best defender. Saliba will surely be a bedrock for France in the 2022 World Cup.

6. Aurelien Tchouameni

When Casemiro joined Manchester United, the midfield trinity of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro ended, leaving Real Madrid in a quandary over who to replace him with. A player emerged named Aurelien Tchouameni, with several big clubs interested in the Monaco midfielder. Aurelien Tchouameni was on the radar of many European clubs, but he chose Real Madrid and it appears that Real's defensive midfield problem has been fixed for the next 10 years.

He now plays every match despite his young age, thanks to his tactical understanding, technical ability, and excellent positioning. He will be a vital player for the reigning World Cup champions.

5. Alphonso Davies 

His rise has been encouraging and the Canadian-born footballer had the world at his feet in the 2019-2020 season. He joined the MLS's Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency at the age of 14 and his development was so rapid that he was signed by Bayern Munich in 2015. He has been the club's regular left-back since then.

Davies is the first Canadian to win the Champions League and has been an inspiration for many of his nation's players. He was also a mainstay during Canada's first-ever qualification for the World Cup in 36 years. Davies is the player that can lead Canada out of a complex group that includes Belgium, Croatia and Morocco.

4. Jude Bellingham  

The England international has been on the radar of several European clubs. He is a wonderful midfielder and at the age of 19, he plays like he has experience of several years. Four goals in four Champions League matches for Bellingham is quite good for a midfielder who is set to substantiate distinctiveness at the World Cup.

He is a great ball carrier and dynamic midfielder who pushes the team forward and can disintegrate defences. He will undoubtedly be an essential player for Gareth Southgate at the World Cup.

3. Gavi 

Gavi, an aggressive player famed for his work rate, has already established a reputation after winning the Kopa trophy and Golden Boy award this season. At 17, he became Barcelona's dominant player and was called up to the Spanish national team for the Nations League, becoming Spain's youngest player in history.

Gavi has already shown his sincere commitment to the game. He plays with conviction and presses fiercely until he regains possession of the ball. Gavi's performance will undoubtedly light up the World Cup.

2. Pedri 

Pedri, like Gavi, was a kid who shone at Barcelona at the age of 17 and is now the club's important player. His brilliance at the club level is unrivalled and despite being only 19, he will momentously play for Enrique at the World Cup. He appeared in an incredible 73 games last season and was a regular starter for Spain at Euro 2020 and also competed in the Olympics last year.

Imagine how influential he was at 18 and how he can affect the game with his smooth passes. He will be one of the favourite candidates to take the award home.

1. Jamal Musiala 

Germany has never been shy of producing young talent and Musiala has shown signs of becoming a potential future star. The 19-year-old has been involved in nine goals in the first nine matches for Bayern this season - five goals and four assists - which underlines why he has sprung onto the scene this season and at such an opportune moment.

He is not afraid to take on defenders and can create chances for his teammates; he understands the game so well at the age of 19, and Germany is fortunate to have him at the World Cup.