The World Cup often presents itself as an opportunity for the next crop of young players to make a name for themselves and this year is no different.
As of writing, as many as 14 teenagers have featured in the World Cup so far. Several of them have already had a huge impact on the tournament so far.
We’ve gathered the data and compiled a list of the top 10 youngest players to have played at the 2022 World Cup. As a point to note, the likes of Jamal Musiala and Pedri just miss out on the list by a matter of months.
10. Xavi Simons
The Dutch playmaker had been in fine form for PSV in the build-up to the World Cup with eight goals and three assists in 14 Eredivisie appearances.
Simons is the youngest player in the Netherlands squad and was just 19 years, seven months, and 12 days old when he featured in their 3-1 win against the USA.
PSV are flying in Zurich! 😮💨
Xavi Simons makes it 4-0 after 35 minutes ⚽️#UEL pic.twitter.com/AX4kpByoZX
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 6, 2022
9. Brandon Aguilera
Costa Rica had quite the mix of youth and experience within their squad this year. Aguilera was only 19 years, four months and 26 days old when he made his first appearance against Spain.
The young midfielder played a total of 89 minutes throughout the tournament and started in their 4-2 loss against Germany.
8. Jude Bellingham
Bellingham was one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe before the tournament began, but now the hype has reached a totally new level.
The Borussia Dortmund was only 19 years, four months and 23 days old when he starred against Iran during England’s 6-2 opening victory.
READ: Comparing Jude Bellingham’s stats to Liverpool’s current midfielders
7. Alejandro Balde
The Barcelona full-back is the understudy to his fellow teammate Jordi Albia in the Spanish national side and he has been given plenty of opportunities by Luis Enrique.
Balde was 19 years, one month and five days old when he played against Costa Rica and he has since featured in all three of Spain’s group-stage matches, as well as their first knockout clash against Morocco
6. Antonio Silva
Portugal have both the youngest and oldest centre-half at the World Cup this year which is some achievement. There was a 20-year age gap between Silva and Pepe when they both started for Portugal against South Korea.
Silva was just 19 years, one month and two days old when he made his World Cup debut, making him the youngest…
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