Andreas Christensen, centre-back – Denmark (Chelsea)
Here’s an eye-catching statistic about Andreas Christensen: This past season, the 22-year-old Dane became the first Chelsea academy player to start three consecutive Premier League matches since John Terry did so in 2000
Kylian Mbappe, forward – France (Paris Saint-Germain)
Kylian Mbappe, 19, heads to Russia with his future every bit as bright as it was a summer ago when he became the world’s most expensive teenager, but it’s a much murkier one when it comes to where he might be plying his trade after the World Cup.
Hirving Lozano, winger – Mexico (PSV)
Hirving Lozano didn’t take long to announce his presence in the Netherlands.
The 22-year-old Mexico City native was a revelation in his first season in the Eredivisie. He scored 17 times and added eight assists en route to helping PSV capture its third title in four seasons. The man nicknamed “Chucky” was a terror on the left, averaging 3.4 shots and 2.6 key passes a match in the league.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, right-back – England (Liverpool)
In a matter of a single season, Trent Alexander-Arnold has gone from bit-part player on the senior team to an indispensable part of Jürgen Klopp’s squad, the youngest player to start a Champions League Final in over 40 years and a likely starter for Gareth Southgate in Russia, even though he was uncapped when named to the England squad.
Not bad for a 19-year-old dude who still lives with his mom.
Gabriel Jesus, forward – Brazil (Manchester City)
When Brazil was eliminated on home soil from the 2014 World Cup in humiliating fashion via a 7-1 thrashing by Germany in the semifinals, Gabriel Jesus was 17 and still playing for Palmeiras’s youth side.
Now 21 and a bona fide Premier League star, the Sao Paulo native is tasked with helping out a Selecao attack that is looking for redemption in Russia.