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World Cup: Five overlooked under-23 players to look out for

By Benjamin Barkworth

BRAGA, PORTUGAL - MAY 28: Andre Silva of Portugal celebrates after scoring the first goal during the international friendly football match against Portugal and Tunisia at the Municipal stadium de Braga on May 28, 2018 in Braga, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
BRAGA, PORTUGAL - MAY 28: Andre Silva of Portugal celebrates after scoring the first goal during the international friendly football match against Portugal and Tunisia at the Municipal stadium de Braga on May 28, 2018 in Braga, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images.
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images. /

Trent Alexander-Arnold

The 19-year-old is yet to make an international appearance, although Gareth Southgate could play him in the last pre-tournament friendly against Costa Rica.

His domestic form has rightfully seen him rewarded with a place in the World Cup squad as his career continues to progress at a staggering rate. Although he has worked his way up through the England set-up as well.

He has adapted to Liverpool’s first-team demands very quickly, with Jurgen Klopp opting to start him in the Champions League final against Real Madrid. Alexander-Arnold ended up benefiting from Nathaniel Clyne’s injury lay-off, and has made the right-back position his own.

However, Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker will provide strong competition for the role. Walker is currently being used as the right centre-back in England’s 3-5-2 formation, though.

Alexander-Arnold is a modern full-back in the truest sense because he is very attack-minded. This is supported by his two goals and two assists in 2397 minutes across the league and Champions League.

Crossing is one of his strongest attributes, which is why he would be suited to a wing-back role. He could be vital in stretching the opposition as they sit in a low block defensive shape. However, he has to work on beating Trippier for the starting role.

Thee main issues with his play are that he is weak in the air, so the opposition could use diagonal long balls to his area.

He has also struggled in defensive 1v1 against tricky wingers at times; although his performance against Leroy Sane in the Champions League quarter-final first leg was excellent. These are areas he will progress in over time, though.

Next: The most prestigious under-23 talent to look out for this summer

Which young players stick out to you the most as we head towards the World Cup?

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