Young Players to Watch in the World Cup: Group G

William Carvalho (DM, Portugal): 

The 22-year-old defensive midfielder is the second most important player for the Portugal national team, and that isn’t a knock on Portugal; it’s a testament to how talented William Carvalho is.

Carvalho has a wide area of vision and is developing a keen sense of reading the attack. Moreover, he has shown great control with the ball and is patient with his decisions in passing. It also helps that he is sneakily athletic and can leap great heights to finish off set pieces.

Considering his fine form as of late, Carvalho likely figures into head coach Paulo Bento’s plans for the World Cup. After playing a pivotal role for Sporting Lisbon, Carvalho will likely see himself with a major club like Manchester United this summer. – Young Kim 

Portugal has long since relied on Joao Moutinho, Raul Meireles and Miguel Veloso as their midfield trio, but the emergence of Carvalho throws a gigantic monkey wrench into the gears – in this instance, it is a very good thing.

Still only 22, he has become a vital component at Sporting Lisbon so much so that he is being linked with a host of massive clubs this summer, including Manchester United.  This is a massive summer for the youngster and given the preference of getting forward that Moutinho, Meireles and Veloso have, Carvalho may well be called upon to give Portugal a proper anchorman to aid their questionable back-line.

Apart from his excellent work rate and physical attributes, he is ruthless in the box on set pieces, added to the aerial ability of Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe, which gives Portugal a leg up on both Ghana and the United States.

He is still only valued at 8million pounds, but that is sure to skyrocket this summer.  As we all know, with Sporting being a selling club, it would not surprise me if he saw himself in Spain or England come the fall. – Drew Thompson