With just four matches remaining at the , time is running out for the contenders in the , presented by Aramco race to state their final cases.
Among those who played key roles in their nations’ quarter-final success are England defender Nico O’Reilly, France forward Desire Doue and Spanish pair Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal.
Ahead of the upcoming semi-finals, where France face Spain and England clash with Argentina, FIFA spotlights the starlets that have been lighting up the North American showpiece.
The ball-playing central defender from the tiny town of Bescano has been a giant on the world stage. Having played every minute of his nation’s six matches, the 19-year-old has been an integral part of a Spanish defence that has conceded just a single goal across almost 600 minutes of action.
Even having split time with Bradley Barcola as the left winger in France’s 4-2-3-1, Desire Doue has still dazzled. A strike against Norway in his nation’s final group outing got his goal contributions up and running, before he carved out back-to-back assists in France's Round of 16 and quarter-final wins.
The versatile Manchester marvel has found a home as England’s left-back for the North American showpiece. Having started five of his nation’s six matches he offers attacking threat going forward, a 93% passing accuracy and the ability to make key defensive contributions.
A pre-tournament injury meant that the 18-year-old (who will turn 19 next week) didn’t start his nation’s opener but he has now dazzled in back-to-back 90-minute outings in Spain’s Round of 16 and quarter-final wins. Twice named the Michelob ULTRA Superior Player of the Match winner, he has the joint seventh-highest number of attempts on target (10).
Sources: FIFA Official
