Every 4 years the FIFA World Cup brings us the best players and young players on show. Some of them shine bright under the bright lights, some disappear.
Lionel Messi – I think it’s fair to begin with the top 2 player in the world alongside Ronaldo. Lionel Messi is looking to cement his legacy as the greatest player ever by taking Argentina to the world cup success. Messi hasn’t really had a great career at the world cups before even in 2014 when Argentina made the final, he didn’t really do much in the knockouts and disappeared in the final and I know for sure that there’s nothing more that Messi wants other than redemption. Messi is an all time top scorer for Argentina with 64 and has absolutely carried them during the qualifiers to put them in this world cup. Messi has not won an international competition yet, but there’s always a first time. I think we may be in for one of the greatest single world cup performances of all time by Messi this year.
Cristiano Ronaldo – The greatest Portuguese player, the most capped, the top goal scorer and most likely his final world cup while still in his prime. Cristiano Ronaldo is an absolute football legend, his number of accomplishments are unbelievable, but there’s one thing that he still need to achieve and that’s to win the world cup. Ronaldo has been just like Messi at the world cups, he’s underperformed for some weird reason, however when it comes to Ronaldo we can forget all that because he’s the type of player that can go into the world cup and completely go off. Ronaldo is a top 2 player in the world I mean that alone is enough reason for people to watch out for him. Ronaldo will be coming into this world cup looking to lead Portugal into achieving something they’ve never done before which is to win the world cup and after taking Real Madrid to another UCL title, you wouldn’t bet against him to dominate the world cup? Ronaldo is definitely a player we can all get excited about.
Eden Hazard – Now let’s move on from Messi and Ronaldo. Eden Hazard is going to be a player we can all get excited about. The Belgian is one of the best players and on his day you could argue he’s the 3rd best in the world. Eden has been great for Belgium over the years, really ever since that world cup in 2014 where he didn’t shine, he bounced back with a top class Euros in 2016 and consistent great performances for Belgium in the qualifiers scoring goals and getting assists. Eden is a great big game player as we’ve seen in the Premier League and he’ll be looking to carry Belgium to the promised land. Eden is one of the best dribblers of the ball and on his day one of the most exciting players to watch. Definitely gotta tune in to watch him whenever Belgium are one. A serial winner with Chelsea looking to add more awards to his career. Can’t wait to watch the mighty Belgian.
Neymar JR – 4 Years ago as a 22 year old, Neymar took Brazil to the semi finals at their home world cup, dealing with pressure without any problem until he got the tournament ending injury which killed Brazil’s chances to win the world cup. Neymar is easily a top 5 player in the world and the skilful Brazilian is one of the most exciting players to watch. Neymar was in danger of missing the world cup this year, but made it in time and looked great in the preparation games, the guy will be fully motivated to bounce back from what happened in 2014 and the end of the season with PSG. A fired up Neymar is going to be a scary sight for opposing defenders, I’m honestly expecting him to be the player of the tournament and to take Brazil all the way. Neymar is already a top 4 all time scorer for Brazil at his young age of 26. Unbelievable talent, can make you fall in love with football for sure.
Kylian Mbappe – the youthful 19 year old first burst on the scene with Monaco in the 2016-17 season scoring goals for fun helping them win the French league and taking them to the champions league semis. Then he moved to PSG for an incredible 160 million and continued to show his greatness at an incredible young age. A future worlds best for sure, but he’s already one of the best players in the world. A quick, skilful exciting Frenchman will be on many people’s radars during this world cup and this will be his first major international tournament. Kylian has shown that he can deal with pressure on club level so it shouldn’t be anything new to him. I believe Kylian will continue to gain fans during this world cup and many more casual type fans will get to see how great this youngster is. I honestly cannot wait to watch this guy play because he has so many exciting aspects of his game. A 19 year old taking his country to the world cup title would be an incredible story wouldn’t it?
Mohammed Salah – Salah has always been a good player, but this season he really elevated his game like crazy. Salah is coming off of a season what we could call one of the greatest seasons in football history by a single player and crazily he didn’t win any trophies for his club. Salah broke the Premier League record for goals in a season with 32, he took Liverpool to the UCL Final where he had a heart breaking injury and Liverpool followed up with a loss. Salah’s Egypt had one of the most dramatic qualifying campaign ends when Salah scored a 95th minute penalty to take them through. The whole of Egypt will be hoping that their hero Salah will do something incredible and take them as far as possible. After seeing the things he’s done with Liverpool this season, surely everyone gotta be looking forward to see what Salah can do with his nation at the world cup. It’s been said that Salah should return from injury once the world cup stars and hopefully we get to see him at his absolute best carrying the nation of Egypt.
Luis Suarez – A goal scoring machine is probably the best way to describe Suarez although this season he slightly slacked but never the less he’s still a player to watch. Suarez and Cavani will a partnership I’m definitely excited because we didn’t really get to see it in 2014 due to Suarez being hurt then the biting accident. Suarez has definitely had his world cup moments in his career whether they’re controversial or great such as scoring a brace against England while not being fully fit. We can definitely expect Luis to score quite a few goals especially in the group stages when they face weaker opposition, he may bang a hattrick or something like that. Suarez will be one of the top contenders to win the golden boot, he’s Uruguay’s all time top scorer, tends to show up in big games and I think he’ll be one of the biggest stars at the world cup. Expect goals from this deadly striker.
Marco Asensio – Just like Mbappe, Marco Asensio burst on the scene in the 2016-17 season playing for Real Madrid. Now Asensio is probably gonna start the tournament on the bench, but as it goes on, I’m pretty sure he’ll get his game time coming off the bench or maybe even starting at some games. Asensio is one of the most exciting young talents in the world who’s already done great things on the big stage such as scoring a goal against Bayern in the champions league semi final or scoring in the UCL final in 2017 against Juventus. Asensio has many great aspects to his game and something we can look forward to is his long shot taking because he’s scored some of the most unbelievable goals I’ve seen. It’s a player not many casuals may know, but when he gets to play for Spain, we can definitely expect something great from this youngster. He’ll be an amazing game changer if they need him.
Antoine Griezmann – One of the best big game players in the world is definitely a way to describe Griezmann. A French international has already taken his club and his country to European cup finals, but haven’t really won the major trophy yet. He finished the season with Atletico in a tremendous form leading them to a lower European trophy the Europa League. Griezmann always seems to score whenever a big game occurs, you can just look at what he done at the euros scoring 5 goals in the knockouts including a brace against Germany and winning the golden boot. When France gets to play a big nation, we can all expect Griezmann to show and that’s what’s great about him, he’s not scared of the moment. I think he’ll be one of the main contenders to player of the tournament and has a great chance to take France to the top as he’s a trustworthy player on the big stage. It’s prime for Griezmann to deliver a major trophy.
Ousmane Dembele – Another French youngster. Ousmane Dembele is one of the most talented youngsters in the world who brings pace, skill, goal scoring, playmaking and can play with both feet, his goals and assists stats are literally the same with his right and left foot. Ousmane has a slight injury hit season with Barcelona which is why we didn’t see the best of him, however he’s finally healthy again and from what I’ve seen during France’s friendly against Italy he looks absolutely ready and has hit top form just in time for the world cup. Ousmane is definitely one of the most exciting young talents in the world and I think this world cup is the perfect opportunity for him to show everyone around the world what he truly is capable of and certify himself as one of the best players in the world right now. A player to watch for sure.
N’Golo Kante – N’Golo Kante has had one of the quickest growths I’ve ever seen by a player. A player who 3 years ago nobody knew, but turned himself into one of the best midfielders in the world, an unbelievable defensive midfielder who’s game seems to drastically improve year after year. After first bursting on to the scene at Leicester in 2015, N’Golo has won 2 BPL titles, took part in France’s euro 2016 campaign starting for them on the way to the final and is now playing for one of the best clubs in the world Chelsea being their POTY this year. You could say Kante is France’s best midfielder, he seems to be tireless on the pitch, never stops running around wins the ball back what seems all the time which leads into counter attacks by his teams. I think N’Golo will be one of the better players of the tournament, he has a fantastic all around game and people who love defensive players will enjoy watching him for sure.
Christian Eriksen – The Danish international has grown into one of the best midfielders in the world over the years and is going to be trying to carry Denmark as far as possible at the world cup. Eriksen has an unreal range of passing, he’s literally up there with one of the best passers in the world, he also has a great long shot on him, he’s just a fantastic all around Attacking mid who runs things perfectly for his team as seen for Tottenham and even Denmark in the qualifiers. Eriksen can provide both goals and assists, his goalscoring ratio for Denmark is actually unbelievable. If you love midfielders who can run dominate a game with their passing then Eriksen is definitely one to watch plus Denmark will get to play France so we’ll get to see him against one of the best nations in the world. I’d definitely recommend people to watch Eriksen play and I think he’ll do good things for Denmark.
Paulo Dybala – Many people are unsure about who’s going to help Messi at the world cup, and here’s one player that I think we should look out for at Argentina other than Messi. The 24 year old is one of the best young players in the world and although many see him as a sub for Argentina, I have no doubt in my mind that a talent like Dybala will get playing time at this world cup. He’s coming off of his best season of his career so far at Juventus, he’s already had some great big game performances in his young career and Argentina will need that at some point during the world cup. Dybala brings great pace, technique, a creative style of play and he’s also a fantastic goal scorer as proven for Juventus this season scoring 26. I think Dybala has a great chance here to prove himself on the brightest lights and I definitely have huge expectations for this talent, him and Messi could be an immense link up at Argentina.
Luka Modric – Just gonna say it like it is. Luka Modric is a top 3 midfielder in the world. The Croatian magician has everything you want in a midfielder. An amazing technique, incredible creativity, he’s got skills, passing is out of this world and he can bang one from long range, I mean he’s a perfect midfielder. He’s a Croatian but plays like a Brazilian that’s how exciting Luka Modric is. He’s one of the best players at the best club in the world and this is his second world cup. Modric just keeps improving as a player and now being one of the worlds best, we can definitely expect him to put on a show for Croatia. Croatia in general has one of the best midfields in the world and Modric linking up with everyone in that midfield and creating chances should make it very exciting for Croatian players. Any football fan would definitely enjoy watching this little magician play.
Marquinhos – It’s still questionable whether Marquinhos will get to start for Brazil, but I’ll put his name in here. Marquinhos is a very underrated defender, still young. Anyway Marquinhos would definitely start for most nations, but because in Brazil there’s so much competition it will be hard for him to get in, however I definitely expect him to get game time during this world cup and I think he could get himself into the first team for the big games. He is a versatile CB because he can also play RB and If Danilo cant be trusted then Marquinhos can slot in there. He’s one of the best young defenders and I think we’ll see him be solid at the back during the world cup.
Philippe Coutinho – Coutinho is literally entering his prime and after a move to Barcelona, he’s really inserting himself as one of the worlds best. Coutinho has pretty much everything in his game, great skill, dribbling, passing, unreal at free kicks and can score some of the most amazing long range goals. What I’m looking forward to is the link up between Coutinho and Neymar as it should be very exciting to see them rip defences apart. This is Coutinho’s first world cup and after missing out in 2014 wrongly, I can definitely see him putting on a show. Many people think Neymar is the main face on Brazil and he is, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Coutinho was the one who stole the show for Brazil. Immense talent.
Xherdan Shaqiri – Shaqiri has really seemed to go under the radar as a footballer in recent years and its understandable when you look at who he plays for. He plays for Stoke who just got relegated, but Shaqiri himself is a top player and should be playing for someone bigger. When it comes to international football Shaqiri always does some great things for Switzerland, whether scoring a hattrick at the world cup 4 years ago or scoring that incredible goal against Poland in the Euros two years ago. Shaqiri will be eager to bounce back from that horrible club season and I think he’ll have himself a decent world cup, should get a few goals, we can definitely expect something special from this guy. He definitely has the ability to carry the Swiss in a tournament.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – the Serbian international has really burst on to the scene recently and the 23 year old will be looking to make his mark here at the world cup. Milinkovic-Savic is a complete midfielder who is physical, knows how to win the ball back, but hes not one dimensional player as he can also go forward and score goals plus he’s also a good passer of the ball. During this summer many big clubs are interested in signing this player and I think what other stage other than the world cup would be for him to show everyone what he truly is capable of as lets be honest not many football fans watch him play for Lazio, only glimpses or youtube compilations of Savic. I think during this world cup many people who haven’t got to see him will understand the hype around him as hopefully he puts on a good showing and proves everyone why he’s rated so highly at the young age.
Marco Reus – Over the past 4 years, as a footballer Marco Reus has probably had about as tough a few seasons as anyone. Reus has been hit with so many injuries, yet he consistently bounced back returned, got hurt again, returned again and the cycle kept on going like that for 4 years. This season he was finally able to be much healthier and finished the season for Dortmund without any injuries and he played good enough to get into the German team for the world cup which is absolutely great after the struggles he had over the years. I’m putting him as the player to watch because I just think Reus will have that edge to him to prove the world that he isn’t done yet. This is Marco’s first world cup as in 2014 his chance was snatched by a brutal injury which is just added motivation for Reus. Reus will most likely start for Germany at the world cup, I mean he has the chance to prove himself again and I think a player who’s bounced back so many times will not let go of that chance. I think Reus will score goals and have a great world cup overall.
Joshua Kimmich – The 23 year old German will be playing his first world cup, taking up a position previously occupated by the legendary Lahm. The pressure will be huge on Kimmich to perform, but he’s shown that he’s a fantastic RB for Germany and Bayern. He is really good going forward, loves to put a ball in the box, he tends to get quite a few assists and might pop in with a goal. Kimmich is already known as one of the best right backs in the world cup, he already played for Germany in the Euros and did well, but this is the world cup, he has to deal with the pressure of taking up Philipp Lahm’s spot and I think he’ll cope well. He’ll be an interesting player to watch during the world cup.
Kevin de Bruyne – Kevin has established himself as one of the worlds best midfielders, maybe even top 3 during this season. He played an unbelievable season for Man City, being the leading assist man in the Premier League, while scoring some amazing goals too. The talented Belgian will be one of the biggest keys in Belgium succeeding at the world cup and when you’re a top 3 player on a team that can win the world cup that definitely shows how good of a player he is. For people who love to watch players pass the ball, this is definitely the player that they will enjoy, he is unbelievable at setting up his teammates and unlocking defences. Definitely one of the best players at the tournament.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – A name that not many football fans may have heard of, but Ruben Loftus-Cheek has really started to burst on to the scene this season playing for Crystal Palace on loan and getting to play for England too. He might be on the bench to start the world cup, but when he gets his chances watch out. He’s only 22 years old and he has a lot of great aspects to his game. A powerful midfielder who can go on darting runs to collapse defenders, he’s really good at creating chances, got skill on him and may pop in with a goal once in a while. Having that type of midfielder in your team is definitely a good thing to have and with the world cup coming up to prove himself to everyone especially his club Chelsea where he may become a starter is a great opportunity for RLC. He’s had a MOTM performance against Germany in a friendlies a few months ago. I think Ruben will get playing time and more people will learn how good of a midfielder he is.
Harry Kane – Harry Kane has grown up to be one of the best strikers over the recent years and is playing his absolute best football of his career so far right now. A player who had a terrible euros 2 years ago and will want to bounce back in his first world cup. Kane has been Premier League’s highest scorer over the past 3 seasons altogether alongside being England’s top scorer over the past couple years. The guy is an absolute goal scoring machine and if he does what he’s capable of then he could very well be the top scorer at the world cup. With all that being said he hasn’t won a major trophy in his career yet, but it is coming eventually and how amazing would it be if he won his first major trophy at the world cup? Kane will definitely have a point to prove here and show everyone why he’s one of the worlds best.
Raheem Sterling – Raheem Sterling has really rejuvenated this season, having his best season of his career and bouncing back after a few quite below par seasons for him. Raheem first burst on the scene with Liverpool in 2012 and made it into the world cup in 2014 as a 19 year old playing really well, but since then he hasn’t really done much, including flopping at the euros, but since then he’s really done great playing under Pep just having a season where he scored 18 goals and got 11 assists in the Prem. Obviously playing for a great system helps, but Raheem showed out in England’s friendly against Nigeria too which shows that he is full of confidence right now playing top football. Raheem has been scrutinized quite a lot during his young career, especially by the English media, but hey this is his chance to shut all his critics up especially the ones trying to constantly bring him down for the stupidest reasons by showing out at the world cup. Raheem definitely has an exciting game to him with immense speed, top creativity and goal scoring. He’ll be a huge key for England and a player to watch because I think there’s a great world cup coming for Sterling.
Robert Lewandowski – What is there to say about Robert Lewandowski? An unbelievably clinical finisher and one of the best strikers in the world. Robert is an all time top scorer for Poland with 53 in 94 caps and he’s been absolutely unbelievable for them with 16 goals in 10 qualifying games carrying them to the World Cup. However Lewandowski hasn’t really had a signature major tournament moment throughout his career, didn’t really show up in 2012 or 2016 scoring 1 goal each at the Euros, he hasn’t played in a world before. Lewandowski is coming off another great season for Bayern scoring a bunch of goals. Goal scoring is literally what sums up Lewandowski, I think it’s time for him to do something special at a major tournament. It’s his first world cup as mentioned. Got to show the world why he’s known as a top 5 striker in the world.
Sadio Mane – Sadio Mane is one of the most exciting footballers to watch in the world. He’s a part of that famous trio of Salah Firmino and Mane at Liverpool and has improved every year and has turned himself into a pretty class player nowadays. Mane was one of the 4 players to finish in double figures in scoring in the champions league including scoring in the Final. What’s exciting about Mane at this world cup is we’ll get to see him as a leader on the big stage which is something we haven’t got to see from him. He has been the best player on a team at Southampton, but never really got to show out on a big stage like the world cup. Mane is a quick, dangerous, skilful, creative and a goal scoring attacking player. I can’t wait to see him be the best player on a team on a big stage. Many people sleep on Mane and Senegal and will be in for a surprise.
James Rodriguez – One of the best players in the world, has everything you want in his game, creativity, technique, goal scoring, just a top notch all around attacking midfielder. James has stole the show in the previous world cup in Brazil scoring 6 goals and taking Colombia to the quarters and arguably being robbed of being the player of the tournament, so why not do it again? For someone whose tasted success on this stage, I doubt he’s going to feel any pressure or underperform. James is now an even better player than he was 4 years ago and I think he’ll continue on from his success at the world cup 4 years ago. The link up between James and Falcao will be the one to look forward to. He’ll steal the show once again this year.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – Another English youngster. Now Alexander-Arnold may not be favoured over Trippier to play RB, but I’m sure we’ll get to see him at some point. The 19 wonder kid started for a Liverpool team who made the UCL Final this season playing great football himself at the knockouts and at that age it’s simply sensational what hes already accomplished. Arnold is a fantastic all around player who can also play in Midfield, he can pass a ball and he can defend. Not many people may know his name yet, but I’m sure he’ll be known more after this world cup. If given a chance by England, he’ll take it.
Dele Alli – Still a very young player, just like most of the English team if we’re honest. Dele Alli did not have the best of seasons, but still contributed nicely. Now overall Dele is a really good player, has creativity on him, loves to pop in with a goal kinda like Lampard and Gerrard used to back in the days. Dele and Kane will be a intriguing partnership to watch because they’ve been very successful on club level playing together and yeah I think Alli can be a player that can steal the show and take England far, just like every other English player mentioned. They all stand out in a way and they can all have that type of ability to take a team far. Dele is one to watch for sure at his first world cup.
Paul Pogba – Pogba is a top player, but has had his struggles recently and has been scrutinized by pretty much everyone for his inconsistency, even got booed off by the French fans. I think a player of Pogba’s calibre is definitely one to watch out especially when there’s so much that he has to prove to his doubters because there’s more and more of those creeping in. Pogba has everything you want in a midfielder, can get a way from players with his strength and dribbling, launch a long range pass or a shot, had great technique but he doesn’t seem to know how to use it at Man Utd as he tends to disappear. However what other stage than the world cup would be better for Pogba to show the world that he is one of worlds best and people shouldn’t write him off just yet. A player with that talent and with a lot of prove definitely has to be on people’s radars. Time is ticking for Pogba.
Gabriel Jesus – 4 years ago Gabriel Jesus was painting on the streets in his hometown when the world cup was held in Brazil. Now he’s the starting striker for his international team. Unreal story. Gabriel Jesus has come along as one of the best young strikers in the world. Jesus was Brazil’s top scorer in the qualifiers which shows that he’s done relatively good on the international level so far, however this is his first major tournament and it’ll be the perfect time to make his mark on the footballing world. I think the expectations are huge for Jesus, especially filling the void that brazil had in strikers position 4 years ago with a horrible Fred and we’ll have to wait and see if the pressure gets too big for Jesus. Jesus Neymar Coutinho link up will be one of the more exciting ones at the world cup and we just can’t wait to see how the youngster responds on the biggest stage of them all.
Marcus Rashford – Final player on this list. Another English youngster. It seems like these young stars are never ending for England and Marcus Rashford is just another one of those. Bursting on the scene as an 18 year old for Man Utd scoring a brace in his debut, then following that up with another brace against Arsenal, Rashford instantly became popular with Man Utd fans and England fans. Rashford has everything you want in a young attacking player. He’s got pace skill great shooting technique, creativity and is still incredibly young. He’s scored some amazing goals this season including the one against Costa Rica in a friendly recently. I think Rashford will get himself into the starting lineup and will show the whole world how good he is. I think he could be England’s best player, that’s how good the kid is. Don’t think the pressure will get to him and he has that confidence with him.
