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Cape Town - Sport24's Wade Pretorius has scouted the best young talent ahead of the 2014 Soccer World Cup kicking off on June 12.
Players like Thomas Muller (2010), Lukas Podolski (2006) even Michael Owen (1998) either kick-started their careers or cemented their place in stardom at the World Cup.
Here's six of the world's bright young talent who will be looking to make their mark at the Brazil showpiece.
Paul Pogba - France
Pogba made the headlines when sealing a free transfer from Manchester United to Juventus. Frustrated at the lack of game time in the United first team, Pogba made the move the Italian giants where his career has gone from strength to strength and he is now one of the most sought after players in world football. Pogba will look to shine in the Brazil showpiece and help the star-studded French team secure a second FIFA Soccer World Cup title.
Oscar - Brazil
Oscar has become a household name since joining English giants Chelsea in 2012. Oscar's place in the Brazilian team has been fairly secure since making his debut for the national side in 2011, he has scored 8 goals in 28 goals and Brazil will be hoping he makes a similar impression at this year's tournament. A versatile attacking midfield player, Oscar will be joining Neymar, Hulk and Fred in a front-line that coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will using to keep the trophy in Brazil for four more years.
Thibaut Courtois - Belgium
Many people's favourites to cause a few upsets at the FIFA Soccer World Cup, Belgium have an abundance of stars. 22 year old goalkeeper Courtois has had a phenomenal season in La Liga where he collected a winner's medal after helping Atletico Madrid secure the La Liga crown. Courtois averaged a clean sheet every second game and Belgium's Red Devils will be hoping he can transfer club form into the national team as Belgium aim to go all the way.
Christian Atsu - Ghana
The young pacey Ghanaian winger caught the eye of Chelsea at the end of the 2013 summer. Atsu was sent on loan to Eredivisie side Vitesse. Accolades duly followed where Atsu won the club's player of the year award. Ghana have an extremely tough group where they face Germany, Portugal and the United States and Atsu will have to be at his best in order for the Black Stars to progress out of this "Group of Death". Atsu can play on either wing and will use his abundant pace and trickery to cause defenders problems.
Mario Goetze - Germany
Mario Goetze despite being only 21, has been on the centre stage of European football for three years after some dazzling performances with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. After making the controversial switch to Bayern Munich, Goetze has already netted a third Bundesliga title in his short career. Goetze has 20+ caps for his country with seven goals scored in the process. Germany have plenty of attacking options so beware when Goetze gets his chance because he is likely to take it.
Serge Aurier – Ivory Coast
After turning down the advances of France, Serge Aurier is beginning to make a name for himself in the Ivory Coast national team. Glittering performances for Toulouse in Ligue 1, earned Aurier the call up with the Elephants and Aurier will be confident that he could be the danger-man for Colombia, Japan and Greece in the group stages of the Soccer World Cup. A more than capable right back, Aurier enjoys storming forward in attack and providing crosses for the likes of Drogba, Bony and Gervinho to slot home. Aurier is a bright young African starlet is certainly one to watch.
Have we got it spot? Have we missed out on another talented young star? Let us know in the comments section below.
Follow Wade Pretorius on twitter: @wadepretorius
