Paul Pogba – France
Last season’s European ‘Golden Boy’ award winner (meaning he was the best young player in Europe), 21 year old Pogba has just finished an incredible breakout season with Juventus. Nicknamed ‘Il Polpo Paul’ (The Octopus) by the Juventus fans, Pogba is a strong, technically gifted midfielder with an eye for goal and unending confidence in his own ability. He really is the most modern iteration of the term ‘all-round midfielder’. He could just prove to be the unexpected star of this World Cup.
After being let go by Manchester United, Pogba has been a revelation for Juventus, contributing to the Old Lady to their third domestic league title in a row. Pogba will always be talked about as possibly Sir Alex Ferguson’s biggest mistake in letting him go so young, he will use this tournament as a showcase for his considerable talents.