Predicting 5 Stars of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

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The 2022 FIFA World Cup is nine years away, but that hasn't stopped us all from talking about it.

Rather than focus on the politics of the event, let's take a look at who the potential stars could be.

To be leading your nation to glory in nine years means you're gonna be a young'un at the moment, so in a way we're projecting promising careers to stardom.

Bare in mind there are bound to be several stars, but here's five we think could prosper.

Who would you choose?

Stephan El Shaarawy, Italy

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We can all see the raw ability Stephan El Shaarawy holds.

He's long been touted as the future of the Italian national team, and he's made his name as a left forward at AC Milan not just as an incredible offensive outlet, but a hardworking defensive presence too.

The big UEFA Champions League Round of 16 game at the Camp Nou came a few years too early, and Il Faraone choked a little due to the magnitude of the occasion.

That's fine, because the 20-year-old has years to round off his already impressive game.

Viktor Fischer, Denmark

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Frank de Boer is running out of excuses not to play this guy every single week now.

Despite taking a careful approach to how much first-team football Viktor Fischer is exposed to, the Dane has already been capped as a full international and excels every time he pulls on an Ajax shirt.

He's bagged eight goals and five assists despite being just 18 years of age, and he'll be leading Denmark from the front for years to come.

The Danes have enough young talent in the likes of Fischer, Christian Eriksen and Jores Okore to form a formidable, competitive squad in 2022.

Tonny Trindade De Vilhena, Netherlands

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Adam Maher's stock is rising fast thanks to some excellent performances in the Eredivisie, but someone who has a good two years on him is Tonny Trindade de Vilhena.

The 18-year-old has forced himself into the first-team picture the Dutch club Feyenoord and represents one of the many bright young talents the Rotterdam club has to offer.

He's capable at central midfield and at the No. 10 position, not to mention his excellent technical skills make up for a lack of physical ability at this stage.

M'Baye Niang, France

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When M'Baye Niang finally works out who he's going to represent at international level, he's going to make a big impact.

His ban for the French national team abuse is forgivable considering his age, and since the arrival of Mario Balotelli at AC Milan he's looked a hungry, explosive and promising young player.

The move was much-needed after going stale at Caen, and Niang is a player who can put together a decade at the San Siro if he keeps his head on straight.

Alex Grimaldo, Spain

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With Spain on top of the world, the emphasis will be on continuing this successful trend of winning everything in sight.

You can bet the footballing philosophy won't change so long as it works, and that means some of Spain's best club academies will be responsible for producing more of the same.

Alex Grimaldo of Barcelona is a 17-year-old left-back who looks to have a huge future in the game, and out of the many sublime La Masia products on show for us, he is one I am drawn to on a regular basis.

Spain have had issues at left-back for a while, and only very recently did Jordi Alba solve them.

The Federation will be trying to make sure there is no dearth of talent in that area ever again.

 

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