5 youngsters set to light up Rio

Four years ago in London, Neymar was a 20-year-old prodigy plying his trade with Santos, and on the verge of a blockbuster move.

While his three goals in the 2012 Games weren't the reason he made the Barcelona switch a year later, dozens of emerging footballers have arrived in Rio looking to replicate the Brazilian's meteoric rise with stellar Olympic performances.

With the Olympic men's football tournament set to kick off when Iraq and Denmark lock horns on Aug. 4 in Brasilia, here's a look at five youngsters set to explode on the international stage.

Gabriel Jesus - Brazil

Coined the "New Neymar" - not to be confused with the other "New Neymar" of a similar name, and fellow Olympian, Santos' Gabigol - Gabriel Jesus rose to fame playing domestically with Palmeiras.

Gabriel, 19, led the Sao Paulo side to the Copa do Brasil title last season, and was named the top flight's best newcomer. A reported blockbuster move to Manchester City awaits the forward, who rose to fame as part of the runner-up Brazil squad during the 2015 FIFA Under-20 World Cup.

Blessed with pace and finesse, Gabriel is a modern-day attacker that can play anywhere across the front three in a 4-3-3, or as the lone point man in a 4-2-3-1, boasting technical dexterity atypical of a player his age.

Angel Correa - Argentina

Atletico Madrid forward Angel Correa has been patiently waiting for his chance to blow, and Rio could provide that opportunity for the 21-year-old San Lorenzo product.

With club, Correa has been part of Diego Simeone's young attacking core, languishing behind the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Fernando Torres, and Luciano Vietto. Countryman Vietto is off for Sevilla on loan, but coming the other way is Kevin Gameiro, so Correa may struggle yet to improve on 26 appearances, only eight of which were starts.

League play aside, Correa has his chance to make a name for himself with Argentina's Olympic submission, with La Albiceleste's Under-23 side looking to better its country's run of defeats in three consecutive major tournament finals.

No pressure, but it's hard not to notice a little bit of Carlos Tevez in the lad.

Julian Brandt - Germany

Germany's seemingly never-ending supply of talent has produced its latest emerging stud.

Bayer Leverkusen's 20-year-old forward Julian Brandt is slated for breakthrough with the senior side, but first a starring role in Brazil awaits the Wolfsburg academy product, who scored nine goals in 29 Bundesliga appearances last season.

Typically positioned on the left side, Brandt became the youngest player since Gerd Muller to bag goals in six consecutive Bundesliga matches after vaulting to notoriety while starring in the European Under-19 Championship in 2014.

Capped once by Joachim Low and named to Germany's provisional 27-man squad for Euro 2016, it's only a matter of time before Brandt becomes a Die Mannschaft regular.

Takuma Asano - Japan

This one's for the Arsenal supporters who are talking themselves into the summer signing of the obscure Japanese youngster that has hardly satiated their desire for a blockbuster move.

That's not Takuma Asano's fault, but if he is looking to justify the switch from Japan's top flight to the Premier League, the Olympics in Rio is his showcase.

Asano, 21, is coming off a breakthrough campaign with Sanfrecce Hiroshima, earning him the J. League Rookie of the Year honour and the switch to the Emirates. Described as "one for the future" by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, Asano's pace and proficiency on the ball paired with his low centre of gravity may provide the perfect template for a starring role in Rio.

Ali Adnan - Iraq

The first Iraqi to play in Serie A, Udinese defender Ali Adnan, 22, is hoping to channel a strong season with I Zebrette into stardom on the international stage.

Already capped 40 times by Iraq's senior side, Adnan is both robust and pacey, possessing a penchant for thunderous set-piece deliveries. Most comfortable as a left-back, he is a threat in attack and should be brimming with confidence, having already appeared internationally in the Under-20 World Cup and AFC Under-19 Championship. 2013's Asian Young Footballer of the Year is poised for a breakthrough.