5 U-22 Players To Look Out For In The Confederations Cup

We take a look at the young guns to watch out for in the upcoming FIFA Confederations Cup....

The FIFA Confederations Cup has just kicked off and this warm up to the mega battle that is the World Cup next year is brimming with young talent. Most of the "big" teams participating have been forced to rest some of their key players because of a gruelling club campaign, opting to give opportunities to newer, younger talent who can make a statement in this competition.

There will be an influx of promising, young talent on display in the tournament taking place in Russia as many teams have opted to give some rather unknown players their chances to shine on the world stage. These players have had some very good seasons for the clubs and will look to take that form to the Confederations Cup and shine through for their respective teams.

The Confederations Cup has always been a perfect stage for unknown talent to breakthrough and these players will look to do so this year. So Let's have a look at the 5 Under-22 players to look out for at this year's competition.

5. Christian Bassogog

Cameroon booked their place in the Confederations Cup by winning the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year and they were helped by the stunning rise of young striker Christian Bassogog. He scored twice for the Indomitable Lions en route to their victory and was also named Best Player at AFCON 2017. Bassogog was the subject of much interest afterwards, opting to move to the Chinese Super League where he has performed really well and scored 4 goals in 10 games for Henan Jianye.

Bassogog will be Cameroon's Driving Force In The Confed Cup

The promising striker has an eye for goal, having the speed and power to burst through any defence which could catch many underestimating teams off guard. He can be the surprise package of the Confederations Cup and has the ability to take Cameroon far into the tournament with his deadly goal-scoring exploits.

4. Aleksandr Golovin

Russia has the hopes of an entire country on their shoulders in the Confederations Cup this time as hosts. Russia have proved to be a sturdy team over the years and have come up with some really good players. Aleksandr Golovin is among their budding young players, and the versatile midfielder has developed himself as an asset for the national team in the past year or so.

He can play anywhere in midfield from wing to defensive midfield as well as in an attacking role and will be pivotal for Russia’s success in attack. Golovin can influence the entire team with his energetic nature and turn out to be a star for the Russia in this tournament where Golovin and co have to perform well to be considered as a threat on the big occasions.

3. Hirving Lozano

Mexico go into the Confederations Cup as a really promising attacking side, but not many people know about their trump card which is the young Hirving Lozano.T he 21-year old winger has been terrorizing teams in the Mexican league for years now and has made 120 appearances for Pachuca in three years, scoring 31 goals as well. He has already made 15 appearances since his debut for the national team a year back and has been a real threat to oppositions because of his pace and trickery.

Lozano will look to bring his goal-scoring form for Mexico 

The winger loves to cut back and gives nightmares to defenders with his movement, as he also has a powerful right foot. Lozano is already being tracked by top European teams like Manchester City and he’ll look to break through to the world stage at this tournament.

2. Timo Werner

Joaquim Loew shocked many when he registered a rather young, “2nd string” German squad for the Confederations Cup, but it’s players like Timo Werner who will take them a long way into the tournament. Werner has been a revelation for Bundesliga side RB Leipzig this season, scoring an amazing 21 goals for them and getting the attention of his national team manager.

Werner’s selection has been criticised by some, but he’ll look to prove them wrong in the Confed Cup. His amazing eye for goal and clinical finishing will help the team on the attacking front and with them lacking a proper striker since the retirement of Miroslav Klose, Werner could solidify his chances of being Germany’s No. 9 in the long term.

1. Andre Silva

The Portuguese national team goes into the Confederations Cup as early favourites after their stunning Euro Cup victory last year and their striker problem also seems to be solved now. Andre Silva has been a revelation for the Portuguese team in the past year, scoring an incredible 7 goals in 8 appearances for Portugal including a 19 minute hat-trick against Faroe Island.  

Silva will look to prove a point in the Confed Cup

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The menacing striker had a great goal-scoring campaign for FC Porto as well, scoring 21 goals in all competitions and also impressing in the Champions League. Silva has the pace and strength to deliver at the highest level and compliments Portugal’s attack really well. He was recently snapped up by Italian giants A.C. Milan who paid a lot of money for him and he'll look to prove his worth by leading the line for his country and ushering Portugal to their 2nd trophy in as many years.