Gallery: 10 young stars to watch at the World Cup

Jack Wilshere – England: Although Steven Gerrard will captain his team in Brazil, it will soon be time to pass the torch, and Wilshere could be the man to take it. The Arsenal midfielder is a great leader with spectacular vision and technique.

Thibaut Courtois – Belgium: At just 22 years old, Courtois is already one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Standing 6-foot-6, he will need to be on point if Belgium hopes to live up to their dark horse status in Brazil.
Thibaut Courtois – Belgium: At just 22 years old, Courtois is already one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Standing 6-foot-6, he will need to be on point if Belgium hopes to live up to their dark horse status in Brazil.
Oscar – Brazil: He may be living in Neymar’s shadow internationally, but Oscar shouldn’t be ignored. The 22-year-old winger is a superb playmaker with great vision, an attribute that makes him a great foil for his better-known countryman.
Oscar – Brazil: He may be living in Neymar’s shadow internationally, but Oscar shouldn’t be ignored. The 22-year-old winger is a superb playmaker with great vision, an attribute that makes him a great foil for his better-known countryman.
Alexis Sanchez – Chile: Sanchez is coming off a career-best season with Barcelona, racking up 21 goals. His nation enters the World Cup as a possible sleeper and upholding those expectations will be utterly impossible without some big production from Sanchez.
Alexis Sanchez – Chile: Sanchez is coming off a career-best season with Barcelona, racking up 21 goals. His nation enters the World Cup as a possible sleeper and upholding those expectations will be utterly impossible without some big production from Sanchez.
Koke – Spain: Spain enter the World Cup with plenty of know-how, but 22-year-old Koke comes into the tournament with just eight caps for his country. Don’t let his inexperience fool you; he earned his spot after a brilliant 2013-14 season after helping Atletico Madrid to a La Liga title.
Koke – Spain: Spain enter the World Cup with plenty of know-how, but 22-year-old Koke comes into the tournament with just eight caps for his country. Don’t let his inexperience fool you; he earned his spot after a brilliant 2013-14 season after helping Atletico Madrid to a La Liga title.
Jack Wilshere – England: Although Steven Gerrard will captain his team in Brazil, it will soon be time to pass the torch, and Wilshere could be the man to take it. The Arsenal midfielder is a great leader with spectacular vision and technique.
Jack Wilshere – England: Although Steven Gerrard will captain his team in Brazil, it will soon be time to pass the torch, and Wilshere could be the man to take it. The Arsenal midfielder is a great leader with spectacular vision and technique.
Mario Balotelli – Italy: At his best, Balotelli is one of the top strikers on the planet. If the 23-year-old can keep the antics and distractions to a minimum, he could be the difference-maker Italy needs to top Group D.
Mario Balotelli – Italy: At his best, Balotelli is one of the top strikers on the planet. If the 23-year-old can keep the antics and distractions to a minimum, he could be the difference-maker Italy needs to top Group D.
Paul Pogba – France: A year after captaining his country to a U-20 World Cup title, Pogba is headed to Brazil. Powerful and creative, the 21-year-old Juventus midfielder will play a major role for a French squad preparing for a tournament without Franck Ribery.
Paul Pogba – France: A year after captaining his country to a U-20 World Cup title, Pogba is headed to Brazil. Powerful and creative, the 21-year-old Juventus midfielder will play a major role for a French squad preparing for a tournament without Franck Ribery.
Xherdan Shaqiri – Switzerland: The Swiss have lost just one match in their last 18 and Shaqiri is a big reason why. At just 22 years of age, the Bayern Munich midfielder has established himself as Switzerland’s best offensive player. Look for Brazil to be a coming out party for the youngster.
Xherdan Shaqiri – Switzerland: The Swiss have lost just one match in their last 18 and Shaqiri is a big reason why. At just 22 years of age, the Bayern Munich midfielder has established himself as Switzerland’s best offensive player. Look for Brazil to be a coming out party for the youngster.
Mario Götze – Germany: Götze is just 22 but is already considered one of Germany’s best players, a tough accomplishment at any age. With Marco Reus ruled out of the World Cup, Götze will be relied on that much more to step up in a tough Group G.
Mario Götze – Germany: Götze is just 22 but is already considered one of Germany’s best players, a tough accomplishment at any age. With Marco Reus ruled out of the World Cup, Götze will be relied on that much more to step up in a tough Group G.
Jozy Altidore – USA: With Landon Donovan out, it’s time for Jozy Altidore to turn it on for his country. With Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey feeding him the ball, Altidore will need a finishing touch for his team to have any chance of escaping the “Group of Death.”
Jozy Altidore – USA: With Landon Donovan out, it’s time for Jozy Altidore to turn it on for his country. With Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey feeding him the ball, Altidore will need a finishing touch for his team to have any chance of escaping the “Group of Death.”

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