5 young stars we’re tipping to shine at 2017 Confederations Cup

The 2017 Confederations Cup kicks off on Saturday, as forthcoming World Cup hosts Russia face the champions of each continent (well, except Antarctica!).

As usual there’s a host of exciting emerging talents on display, many of whom will be planning to impress ahead of WC 2018. So, here’s Ladbrokes News’ guide to the five rising stars to keep your eye on at the Confederations Cup.

Andre Silva (CF: Portugal)

The 21-year-old enjoyed an outstanding campaign for Porto in 2016-17, netting 21 times in all competitions as Dragoes reached the last 16 of the Champions League and finished second in the Portuguese top-flight.

Having agreed a move to AC Milan this summer, he’ll be desperate to show his new boss Vincenzo Montella just what he’s capable of in Russia.

A powerful player as impressive in the air as he is with a clinical strike, we think the 8/1 for him to be this tournament’s top scorer is good value, having already netted six WCQ goals in as many games.

Hirving Lozano (LW: Mexico)

A bonafide big game performer, Lozano netted eight times in as many games in the CONCACAF Champions League, as club side Pachuca lifted the trophy for the first time in seven years. Oh, and he set up the winning goal in the Final.

With a ruthless streak in front of goal, electric pace and an eye for an inch-perfect through ball, the Mexican is an absolute nightmare for opposition defenders. And having netted a stunning goal in last week’s 3-0 WCQ victory over Honduras, he – and Mexico – head into this tournament in sparkling form.

Joshua Kimmich (RB/CM, Germany)

With 132 club appearances and 16 international caps already under his belt, it’s easy to forget that the versatile Kimmich only turned 22 in February. Having begun his career with RB Leipzig – helping them to promotion from 3.Liga in his first season – it wasn’t long before the giants of Der FCB came knocking.

Having chalked up three major honours in two seasons with Bayern, he’s also been arguably the top performer in Germany’s WCQ 2018 campaign so far, chalking up seven assists, one goal, and playing in a defence which has conceded just one goal in half-a-dozen games. Die Mannschaft’s group opponents have much to fear…

Andre Zambo Aguissa (CM: Cameroon)

The 21-year-old has gone from decent prospect to key man for club side Marseille during the past 12 months, with the tough-tackling Cameroonian proving one of the most reliable performers in Ligue 1.

A player who does the unfashionable side of the game with a quiet brilliance, he’ll look to build on an impressive individual display in last week’s 1-0 victory over Morocco, to help the Africa Cup of Nations winners reach the latter stages of this tournament.

Dane Ingham (RB: New Zealand)

There aren’t many players who make the squad for a major international tournament having just turned 18 – but then again, there aren’t many teenage prospects who possess Ingham’s composure and creativity.

Having made his debut for the All Whites against Fiji back in March, the youngster has also begun to cement a spot in the first-team at club side Brisbane Roar in recent months. A classy and reliable performer, he’s also showed an eye for goal, netting an excellent strike against Perth Glory in just his third senior game.

Click here for the latest 2017 Confederations Cup odds.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing