The Fifa World Cup has long been a platform for young stars to showcase their abilities on the biggest stage.

An 18-year-old Michael Owen took centre stage for England in 1998, the bright spot of a disappointing campaign which ended in a last-16 exit to Argentina on penalties.

James Rodriguez, the Golden Boot winner in 2014 at just 23 years old, scored six goals to guide Colombia to their first-ever quarter-final appearance; before earning a lucrative move to La Liga giants Real Madrid.

Four years later in Russia, Kylian Mbappe, 19, led France to their first World Cup triumph since 1998, netting four goals to bag the tournament’s Best Young Player award.

With the conclusion of the group stages, The Sunday Times looks at five Under-23 players who have impressed in Qatar.

Cody Gakpo, Netherlands

There is still one month before the January transfer window opens, but top Premier League clubs are already tussling to sign the mercurial Dutch talent.

Rumoured to have attracted the interest of English giants Manchester United and Liverpool, the in-demand star netted the opening goals against Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar.

He was the only player to score in all three group games.

Besides his goal threat, the 23-year-old has displayed a knack for creating chances for his teammates – racking up 12 assists for Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven this season – and is deceptively quick and agile for his 1.93m frame.

“He has everything it takes to become a star,” said Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal.

Gavi, Spain

While his Barcelona teammate Pedri took the plaudits pre-tournament, it was Gavi who shone in Spain’s 7-0 thumping of Costa Rica. The midfielder, 18, scored a contender for Goal of the Tournament with a half-volley taken on the run for Spain’s fifth goal.

Spain’s youngest-ever international drew praise from coach Luis Enrique following the victory.

“You have to look at the intelligence he has in his positioning, how he dominates the technical aspects of football, and his physical capacity despite being 18. He can define an era,” said Enrique.

Spain will have to count on Gavi’s innate ability to thread perfectly weighted passes to break down a resolute Morocco side – that conceded only once in their last seven matches – in the round of 16.

Mohammed Kudus, Ghana

When Ghana met Brazil in a friendly in September, Kudus controversially claimed Neymar was not better than him.

In Qatar, the 22-year-old has continued to show that he is no shrinking violet, scoring a brace as Ghana edged out South Korea 3-2. He was also a stand-out performer in Ghana’s earlier 3-2 defeat by Portugal, setting up teammate Andre Ayew’s opener.

Kudus allows Ghana to move the ball forward quickly with his dribbling ability.

His 1.77m frame naturally grants him a low centre of gravity to deftly manoeuvre his way past defenders.

Currently at Ajax, Kudus moved to Danish side FC Nordsjaelland in 2018 from Ghanaian academy Right to Dream. He has reportedly attracted interest from Liverpool – whom he scored against with Ajax in the Champions League.

Moises Caicedo, Ecuador

With the spotlight on the attackers, Ecuador’s central midfielder Caicedo has quietly impressed for La Tri despite their group-stage exit.

He began his career at the youth academy of Ecuadorian top division club Independiente del Valle, before he was poached by Brighton scouts in February 2021.

Since then, the 21-year-old’s rise has been meteoric, establishing himself in Brighton’s starting XI with matured performances earlier in the year against Manchester United and Liverpool.

A calming presence in Ecuador’s 4-4-2 midfield, Caicedo uses his football intellect to retain possession in high-tempo games. He helped them gain a foothold in their come-from-behind 1-1 draw with the Netherlands and 2-0 win over Qatar.

Although he was unable to prevent Ecuador’s early exit despite scoring in their 2-1 defeat by Senegal, he will be highly sought after in January’s transfer window.

Yunus Musah, USA

The 20-year-old Musah, part of the US’ young midfield trident with captain Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, has sparkled as they progressed unbeaten into the last 16.

A product of Arsenal’s youth academy, he caught the eye of US coach Gregg Berhalter with his consistent passes, astute decision-making, as well as speed.

Musah was eligible to represent four countries – including Italy, England and Ghana – but decided to play for his birth country though he had lived in the US only for a few months.

Currently plying his trade for La Liga side Valencia, he has the potential to become one of the world’s best midfielders.