Pitch perfect

From seasoned veterans to new blood, a look at soccer superstars who may define the 2018 Cup

Antoine Griezmann, France

Position: Forward World Cup match appearances: 5 World Cup goals: 0 The diminutive frontman has been in fine form for Atletico Madrid this season and was even the star as they won the Europa League. His silky style of play and ability to find the back of the net regularly will see him spearhead France’s attack.

Lionel Messi, Argentina

Position: Forward World Cup match appearances: 15 World Cup goals: 5 If it wasn’t for Lionel Messi’s hat-trick against Ecuador in Quito, two-time champions Argentina probably wouldn’t be part of the FIFA World Cup in Russia. As important as he is to his club, FC Barcelona, with whom he won the Spanish League and the Copa Del Rey in the 2017-18 season, he is much more important to his country. He brings a calming influence to the team, which reflects in how the whole team plays when he is on the pitch. Starting out as an out-and-out striker, the 30-year-old now plays in a more withdrawn role for Argentina.

Harry Kane, England

Position: Forward World Cup match appearances: None

108 goals in 140 appearances — Harry Kane’s Premier League record speaks for itself. The Tottenham Hotspur striker has been in prolific goalscoring form in the last four seasons with the 24-year-old getting 20 or more on all four occasions. When it comes to the national side, his record (12 goals from 23 matches) is one of the best in recent times.

As a result, Kane has established himself as a firm fan favorite, and in Russia, he will be certainly be a key asset for an England team that is aiming to win the World Cup for the first time since 1966.

Neymar, Brazil

Position: Forward World Cup match appearances: 5 World Cup goals: 4 Neymar’s importance to Brazil cannot be understated: he is the glue that brings the whole team together, and his absence would affect the team greatly. Although Brazil has some great players, Neymar is someone who perhaps is the most important. He may be as important as Diego Maradona was to Argentina in 1986. He can single-handedly change the course of a game, and players like that are worth their weight in gold.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

Position: Forward World Cup match appearances: 13 World Cup goals: 3 There are few players in world soccer who are as influential as Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner guided Real Madrid to its third consecutive UEFA Champions League title this season, and now he will set his sights on the World Cup. But Ronaldo’s goal-scoring record in the competition thus far is not something that Portuguese fans will be happy with.

Other players to keep an eye on

Mohamed Salah, Egypt; Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium; Luis Suarez, Uruguay