Who'll surprise all and star in Brazil?

Many of the greatest players that have ever lived have enjoyed success at no greater stage than the FIFA World Cup, and next year's competition may prove to be very similar. Icons who have played on the worlds biggest stage have taken the opportunity with open arms. From Ferenc Puskas' rise to fame with the Hungarian national team during the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland, Sir Geoff Hurst's display in front of his home crowd at Wembley in 1966 or maybe Diego Maradona's dreamy performances during Mexico 1986 have made these players icon figures in the world of Football. Next year's world cup maybe no different, especially in terms of youth. Like Michael Owen for England in France 1998 Brazil will prove to be an amazing opportunity for most of the world's most talented youngsters to proclaim their talent amongst thee very best in the game today. Will some of these youth stars go under the radar and rise to the top?

Isco celebrating with the under 21 side

Isco: 
The Spaniard made the jump to Galactico football last summer when he joined Real Madrid for a fee believed to be in the region of €30 after a successful time at his boyhood club Malaga. His dribbling ability, technique and speed along with his eye for goal mean that the 21-year old Isco could become a regular in this Spanish side for years to come.




Paul Pogba: 

Pogba with World Cup success

Dubbed as the next Patrick Vieira, Paul Pogba has had an eventful career and he isn't even 21 yet. The Frenchman had a public spat with former boss Sir Alex Ferguson whilst at Manchester United before rejecting an improved deal to sign for the old lady, Juventus in Italy. His strong physique, power and creativity mean that if his temperament remains in check the new Patrick Vieira (who this week expressed his sadness at not signing him for Manchester City in 2012) could really rally France to go far in next year's World Cup and possible glory.

Mangala whilst playing with Porto

Eliaquim Mangala: 
The 22 year old power house is causing a stir throughout Europe with his controlling performances. The Porto and France defender has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, Manchester City and PSG in recent times but remains committed to the cause at the Portuguese champions. Mangala could prove to be vital in France's aim to recover the trophy they successfully won in 1998.

Muriel during his loan at Lecce

Luis Muriel: 
The Colombian striker is in great form for club Udinese in Italy.
With youth on his side, he's shown some fantastic performances to prove that he really could be "one for the future". Colombia are heavily reliant on star man Radamel Falcao however, the form of Muriel could ease the worry should anything happen Falcao. Colombia are not being talked about to do well at the World Cup, but with players like Muriel, Falcao and Rodriguez lets watch this space.....

Neymar after Conderations Cup victory

Neymar: 
It's really hard to believe at times that Neymar is still only 20 years-old. The Brazilian made the move from hometown club Santos to Barcelona this summer and is proving many of his doubters wrong. Consistent performances during the Confederations Cup victory in Brazil have highlighted the talent of the ex-Santos man. Is the boy who was subject of a bid from West Ham in 2009 ready to bring the World Cup home to Brazil for a record sixth time?

Smiling Lukaku with Everton

Romelu Lukaku:
Like Neymar, Lukaku has been talked about and linked with almost every major club in Europe since he broke into the Anderlecht team at the age of just 16. Becoming the Belgian league's top scorer at the age of 17, Chelsea weren't long before snapping up the services of the giant Belgian. Loan deals to first West Brom and now Everton have shown what the future star can do. His power pace and finishing ability are likening to that of Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.  Will another major performance finally persuade Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho, that Lukaku is ready to step up to the big stage at Stamford Bridge.

A focued Draxler playing for Schalke

Julian Draxler: 
The recently turned 20 year old Schalke star is turning a lot of heads in Europe at the minute. Already being called up by the German national side, Draxler was subject of €40m bids from compatriots Borussia Dortmund, Spanish giants Real Madrid and Manchester City. The tricky winger has incredible technique for someone of his age and with the right players around him, Draxler could help Germany return to the glory days of "Kaiser" Franz Beckenbauer in the 1970s and possibly obtain a move to one of European football's major clubs?

Courtois after victory against Real

Thibaut Courtois: 
The Belgian is currently regarded as one of European football's finest between the posts. Loaned from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid in 2011 to replace Manchester United bound David De Gea, Courtois has established himself amongst the very best goalkeepers in the world. Sensational performances, none more so than Atletico's first win over Real since 1999 at the Bernabau this season. Having taken control of the number 1 spot in the national team, his saves and commanding ability could prove key should Belgium have ambitions of going the distance in Brazil.

Gundogan at Wembley last May

Íkay Gundogan: 
The Turkish born German's passing ability and midfield control helped his club Borussia Dortmund to get to the Champions League final last year against rivals Bayern Munich. Gundogan, who scored a penalty in Dortmund's 2-1 at Wembley, has gathered a reputation throughout Europe as one of the finest passers in the game. With the injury of Sami Khedira now long term, Gundogan now has the chance to cement his place in the German midfield alongside Bastien Schweinsteiger. His creativity and comfort in possession may be the needed acquisition Joachim Loew needs.

Thauvin playing for his national youth

Florian Thauvin: 
A player who less than two years ago wasn't even in the Bastia reserve team has now rose to fame incredibly fast. Majestic performances for Bastia in 2012-2013 seen the young Frenchman sign a contract with rivals Lille to join the northern team in the summer. Before even playing a game for the side, Thauvin transfered to Marseille for an estimated €14m. With already a FIFA under 20 World Cup medal to his name, the pacey winger will be keen to add another World Cup medal to his collection.