COUNTDOWN TO 2018 WORLD CUP
KYLIAN MBAPPE (France)
The sensational teenager brought the Ligue 1 title home tot Monaco before he joined Paris St Germain in June 2017 and continued to entice the hearts of French football fans.
The 19-year-old’s heroic during his full debut for France against Holland which saw him score in the 44-0 rout further enhanced his status of a player set to achieve greatness.
His appearance in the World Cup is not only a milestone for him but an opportunity to strut his stuuff on the world stage.
GABRIEL JESUS (Brazil)
Gabriel Jesus underlined his credential as one of the best rising stars and possibly the saviour too resurrect the Brazilian football team who were left in tatters afteer the 7-1 whacking by Germany in thee 2014 World Cup.
The 20-year old has already scored seven goals in jjust 10 games for the Selecao, all in the World Cup qualifiers.
Gabriel’s influence and versatility in attack is so immense that he is now considered a permanent entity in manager Tite’s lineup in Russia.
KEVIN DE BRUYNE (Belgium)
The midfield maestro will be the driving force for the tournament dark horses Belgium. De Bruyne had an astounding season at English Premier League champions Manchester City and rightfully was awarded the inaugural Premier League Playmaker of the Year award.
Belgium will definitely need De Bruyne’s passing visions and shooting prowess to progress beyond the quarter-finals stage, which was his country’s achievements in the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.
MOHAMMED SALAH (Egypt)
Egypt’s last appearance at the World Cup was in 1990 in Italy when they only managed a solitary goal but their return to the Russia edition will see them firing in more goals.
That’s because they have Mohamed Salah, the diminutive striker who has been ripping apart defences in the English Premier League, ready to stamp his mark at the world stage. Egypt have been drawn together with Saudi Arabia, Uruguay and hosts Russia. In a group without any favourites, Salah could just get it right for his country, just as he did for Liverpool.
TIMO WERNER (Germany)
The German striker is only 22-year-old but he has already proved his worth by guiding Germany to the Confederations Cup triumph with three goals in Russia last June.
Werner, the focal point of Germany’s attack, will be looking to challenge for another Golden Boot award as well.
The RB Leipzig hitman is expected to thrive with the Die Mannschaft who have the ability to create goal scoring chances for their main striker.