DHAKA: French midfielder Paul Pagba has been selected the best young player in the Brazil World Cup.                         

The Juventus midfielder played a key role in les Bleus' run to the quarter-final, impressing in the group stages before putting in a man of the match performance in their 2-0 round-of-16 win over Nigeria.

The 21-year-old made five appearances at this summer's tournament, scoring once against the African side and providing an assist in the 5-2 win over Switzerland.                

Pogba previously won the Golden Ball award at the 2013 U-20 World Cup in Turkey and this time beat his compatriot Raphael Varane and Netherlands attacker Memphis Depay to the prestigious individual prize, reports goal.com.

Depay netted twice in four appearances for Oranje, while also setting up another in their 3-2 win over Australia.

Varane, meanwhile, featured in all five of France's matches and put in some strong performances in defence.

Candidates for the Young Player award had to be born on or after 1 January 1993.

BDST: 0954 HRS, JUL 14, 2014