Under-20 World Cup: Ones to Watch – Includes current and former Manchester United men and Arsenal target

Whilst the Under 20 World Cup in Turkey may not be at the top of everyone’s viewing list, it should prove to be an interesting tournament with many high profile players taking part all looking to follow in the footsteps of Xavi, Juan Roman Riquelme, Oscar and Dani Alves in lifting the trophy this summer. Past Golden Ball winners for Player of the Tournament include Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Robert Prosinecki and Seydou Keita. But which players are in contention for the crown this year?

Paul Pogba – France: Easily the biggest name at the tournament, Les Bleus captain Pogba comes into the competition off the back of a breakout season for the 20 year-old having made 37 appearances in total with title winning Juventus. Considered one of the planet’s best youngsters can the midfielder cope with the pressure of the armband and the expectation of his country? He will have to keep his temper in check and not react to targeting like in Italy when he spat at an opponent after being hit in the face. With players like Kondogbia and Thauvin around him France have a real chance at the title this summer.

Gerard Deulofeu – Spain: Deulofeu is exciting. Combining pace and trickery to deadly effect, the Attacker netted 18 times for Barcelona B last season. Hailed as the new Messi by Los Culés the youngster won’t be starting for the first team next year with Neymar joining but he has been moved up to the first team. The Girona teenager does know how to win though already boasting 2 Euro Under-19 titles and the 2012 Golden Player Award.

Nicolás López – Uruguay: Despite wanting a move away from his club side AS Roma, López arrives in Turkey as a threat to all defences he will face. A tricky forward with a wondrous left foot, Nico has 7 goals in 10 appearances so far for Under-20 side and will be looking to impress watching scouts as he longs for more playing time than the 6 appearances he made for the Giallorossi in the 2012/13 Serie A season. Likely to be paired up front with Gonzalo Mastriani, Lopez should certainly end the competition with some goals and assists if Uruguay turn up in form.

Ángelo Henríquez – Chile: Staying with the South American theme, next on the list is the 5”10 Manchester United striker. Although he didn’t get much chance to show what he can do on loan at Wigan, Henríquez is a star man in this Chile side which also features Bryan Rabello of Sevilla and Chelsea’s Cristian Cuevas in midfield. Don’t be surprised to see him at the top of the scoring charts after group games against Iraq, Egypt and England.

Best of the rest:

Josip Radošević – Croatia: Signed by Napoli for a total of €3,000,000 the defensive midfielder will look to lead his side to the top of Group F.

Luis Gil – America: Livewire midfielder that will have a tough time in a group containing Spain and France but has experience belying his young age.

Yaya Sanogo – France: The Arsenal new boy will be the tip of France’s attack and has a great chance of being top scorer if the French manage to avoid implosion like previous tournaments.

James Ward-Prowse – England: Arguably the Three Lions most talented player in Turkey, Ward-Prowse will look to use his skills to dominate opposition midfields.

Bruma – Portugal: The lively winger will look to use his pace to exploit poor defending, though his Portugal side may struggle.

Mavroudis Bougaidis – Greece: Extremely athletic centre back, Bougaidis has a lot of experience of international football and this could prove important in the tournament.

By Alex Johnson