Sports stars to watch in 2015

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EugenieBouchard

Eugenie Bouchard

Canadian rising star Bouchard enhanced her burgeoning reputation in 2014 by reaching her first grand slam final at Wimbledon, when she was beaten by Petra Kvitova, as well as the semi-finals of the Australian and French Open. The 20-year-old ended the year ranked number seven in the world, while she also won her first WTA singles title when she lifted the Nuremberg Cup, so big things are expected of her in 2015.

Brodie Retallick

Imposing lock Retallick was named IRB player of the year in 2014 as New Zealand won the Rugby Championship for a third successive year and the 23-year-old, who is outstanding in the lineout as well as having superb ball-carrying skills and being effective at the breakdown, will have a key role to play in the All Blacks' bid to retain the Rugby World Cup in England.

Mikaela Shiffrin

Teenager skier Shiffrin became the youngest Olympic slalom gold medallist in Sochi back in February and there is plenty more to come from the American. The 19-year-old already has 11 FIS World Cup victories to her name and has the ability to ensure 2015 is another stellar year.

Jordan Spieth

The Texan claimed emphatic back-to-back wins in the Australian Open and the World Challenge in December to end the year ranked ninth in the world. Spieth impressed in his Ryder Cup debut as he scored 2.5 points out of a possible four in the United States' defeat against Europe and it would be no surprise to see the 21-year-old kick on in 2015.

Paulo Dybala

Argentine striker Dybala has been dubbed 'the next Sergio Aguero' and Palermo face a battle to keep the 21-year-old in the January transfer window. Arsenal, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with the former Instituto man, who will be hoping to force his way into Argentina's Copa America squad.

Odell Beckham Jr

He's a YouTube sensation due to his physical feats and has played just 12 NFL games. Beckham Jr made an instant impact in his first season at the New York Giants with a string of incredible catches - and the 22-year-old wide receiver is being tipped to reinvigorate the beleaguered franchise as his relationship with star quarterback Eli Manning looks set to prosper.

Steven Smith

Smith looked out of his depth when he first featured on the international stage for Australia as a batsman who bowled leg-spin. The 25-year-old has matured into a mainstay in the middle-order and was recently installed as stand-in captain in the absence of the injured Michael Clarke. Smith will be expected to play a key role in 2015 as Australia attempt to win the Cricket World Cup and retain The Ashes.

Teddy Thomas

The winger made an immediate impact on his France debut by scoring a hat-trick against Fiji. The 21-year-old Racing Metro flyer then took centre stage with a stunning try in a victory over Australia and, despite being dropped for the Test against Argentina in November after missing a training session, Thomas looks set to be one to watch in the World Cup.

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