THOSE WHO COULD LIGHT UP CONFEDERATIONS CUP

CRISTIANO RONALDO (Portugal)

Having won the first international title of his illustrious career with Portugal at Euro 2016, Ronaldo has a realistic chance of bringing the Confederations Cup home. The star attraction arrives in Russia looking to round off another stellar season after leading Real Madrid to a first La Liga title for five years. Ronaldo also became the first man to score more than 100 goals in Champions League, Europe’s premier club competition. He is in far better shape than he has been for recent international tournaments.

JAVIER HERNANDEZ (Mexico)

By his own high standards, the 2016-17 season was disappointing. He scored 11 league goals for Bayer Leverkusen as they finished 12th in Bundesliga. But the striker broke Jared Borgetti’s record as Mexico’s all-time leading scorer with 47 goals.

AARON MOOY (Australia)

Mooy is coming off a great season where he propelled Hudderfield Town to the Premier League. Mooy, 26, has a string of top clubs on his trail for next season. Mooy was in Championship team of the year.

TIMO WERNER (Germany)

With 21 goals in 31 games, Werner was the top-scoring German in the Bundesliga, spearheading RB Leipzig’s stunning first season in Germany’s top flight where they finished their debut campaign second only to Bayern Munich.

CHRISTIAN BASSOGOG (Cameroon)

The 21-year-old Bassogog was at the heart of Cameroon’s impressive run to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations title in February. Hugo Broos’ young squad qualified for the last eight and Bassogog was a lively presence throughout the group stage.