Top 5 breakout stars who emerged from the 2018 FIFA World Cup

The tournament threw up some of the brightest young stars to emerge from the event in recent memory.

The FIFA World Cup 2018 has provided some of the most exciting encounters in recent times, with many regarding this edition of the World Cup to be among the best in the modern era. There was even more thrill at the tournament thanks to the rise of the "minnows," with relatively "inferior" nations ousting some of the favourites.

As a result, there were a number of young stars who made quite an impact in the at the tournament introducing themselves to the footballing world in style. Let's take a look at some of them.

5. Aleksandr Golovin- Russia

The 22-year old lit up the World Cup with an amazing goal in the opening match for his country against Saudi Arabia. In total, he finished the tournament with a goal and two assists.

The CSKA Moscow midfielder was his country's shining light along with teammates Artem Dzyuba and Denis Cheryshev. Currently linked to the likes of  Chelsea and Monaco, if he makes the move it could be an amazing deal for either club, as they would add an adept technical midfielder to their ranks. The best thing about his performances was the ease with which he filled in the void left by injured talisman Alan Dzagoev.

4. Ante Rebic- Croatia

Croatia proved to be the biggest surprise package of the tournament and played better football than many of the so-called "favorites" to win the crown. But, what enabled them to take it up a notch, was there "new" players also excelling at this level.

Watch: Caballero's mistake, boon for Rebic

Ante Rebic was one who thrived playing in the World Cup and introduced himself in style by scoring a brilliant volley against Argentina. He was a persistent nag for Croatia's opponents throughout the tournament and absolutely bullied his way into attaining success for himself and his country.

3. Alireza Beiranvand- Iran

Alireza Beiranvand's story is quite an inspirational one as he was once homeless after running away from home to pursue his passion for football and is now a renowned star for his feats in the World Cup. Beiranvand was absolutely brilliant for the sturdy Iran throughout the World Cup and despite a few tense fumbles, he was rock-solid in between the posts.

He made some amazing saves throughout the tournament, but became famous by amazingly saving Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty in their final match. Beiranvand maintained a great defensive record and even got a clean-sheet in the World Cup, with his impressive outing raising his stock as a top goalkeeper.

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2. Denis Cheryshev- Russia

Russia proved themselves to be an able football nation in the course of the tournament, in which they absolutely thumped both Saudi Arabia and Egypt. One of the prime protagonists in the overwhelming success was midfielder Denis Cheryshev, who,  despite being on the bench in the first game, came on to absolutely terrorize Saudi Arabia.

Former Real Madrid player, still one of the best of the crop

He scored a brace against Saudi Arabia, before again scoring against Egypt as well. A sneaky, goalscoring midfielder, Cheryshev also impressed with his passing and ball-winning skills to inspire Russia to play such wonderful football.

1. Hirving Lozano- Mexico

Mexico dazzled everyone with some beautiful football in the group stages and produced one of the shocks of the tournament thanks to their win against Germany. But, someone who truly shone for them was young Hirvinv Lozano, who was an absolute nightmare for defenders.

Watch: The youngster who set the coffin for the German team in the very first match

Lozano scored a terrific goal against Germany and absolutely terrorized South Korea as well, assisting one in that game. Lozano's unpredictable movement and unmatched skill makes him a player to watch and he must've made many fall in love with his game because of his amazing outing.