Recognizing the potential of young athletes is crucial, and one standout is Bouaddi from Morocco. In a squad adept at executing first-time passes, Bouaddi orchestrates play through swift decision-making. Positioned as the deepest midfielder among three, he not only plays quickly but frequently connects with teammates in advanced positions. His strength on the ball allows him to intercept effectively from his central role, and he actively seeks to maintain involvement after distributing the ball. Standing tall at 6 feet 1 inch, his technique and football intelligence suggest he won’t remain at Lille for long. To enhance his profile, he should aim to contribute goals, but his talent is undeniable.
Alex Freeman (USA, 21)
Mauricio Pochettino has enjoyed a remarkable start to the World Cup with the USA, as his squad plays with speed and positivity, restricting opponents’ chances. Freeman, the youngest member of the team, has particularly impressed with his performances from the right-back position. His standout moment came when he executed a superb last-minute challenge against Australia, intercepting a low cross. Notably calm under pressure, Freeman prefers to keep the ball moving with early passes rather than resorting to long clearances. After leaving Orlando for Villarreal in January, he has displayed remarkable maturity. Following a heavy clash of heads, he demonstrated resilience by scoring the USA’s second goal against Australia. His agility allows him to evade opponents, and he possesses commendable tackling ability and pace.
Tarik Muharemovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina, 23)
As a left centre-back in a four-man defense, Muharemovic has stood out alongside his more seasoned teammates. At 6 feet 4 inches tall, he is poised to embark on his second Serie A season with Sassuolo after contributing to their promotion in 2025 while on loan from Juventus. He draws comparisons to Luka Vuskovic, the Croatian who joined Tottenham last summer, but Muharemovic excels with his composed play under pressure, making critical interceptions and reading the game effectively. Always looking to advance the ball, he prioritizes forward passes and maintains high accuracy. Despite receiving a red card for a desperate challenge against Switzerland, he can hold his head high, having made significant contributions throughout the tournament.
Eli Just (New Zealand, 26)
Just’s performances in the World Cup have attracted more attention than his previous season in Scotland, where he consistently impressed fans of a resurgent Motherwell side. A clever forward capable of playing centrally, Just has developed later than most. Previously, he played in Denmark and Austria before returning to New Zealand, where he is now displaying a newfound confidence. His quick footwork has left larger defenders off-balance as he ventures into dangerous zones, particularly benefiting from the hold-up play of Chris Wood during the tournament. Against Iran, he showcased his ability to find space and scored two well-placed right-footed shots. Although he has the capability to score with both feet, Just should aim to increase his goal tally. His consistent high-level performances demonstrate his skill and humility, making him a player to watch for bigger clubs.
Johan Manzambi (Switzerland, 20)
The introduction of Manzambi late in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina proved pivotal. Within moments, this powerful and speedy forward dashed his opponents’ hopes of securing a draw. After the dismissal of Muharemovic, Manzambi capitalized on the extra space, netting two goals with impeccable timing. His first strike, a well-executed volley, underscored his potential and drew comparisons to Michael Owen’s memorable goal against Argentina in Saint-Étienne. Having begun his career with Servette before moving to Freiburg, Manzambi has demonstrated the pace and strength necessary to challenge defenders in the Bundesliga. With 16 goals and assists this season, he has earned the respect of his teammates and may soon find himself with new colleagues.
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