The World Cup is the place where the best talent across the planet comes together to form one of the real occasions to savour.
Players rise to prominence that, perhaps, have never been properly recognised because of their location, or those who were slowly emerging and spiralled to stardom thanks to the competition.
In short, the World Cup is the place to get noticed.
And this piece will look at the 32 players (one from each country) worth their weight in gold to their sides.
From luminaries like Christian Eriksen and Mohamed Salah for Denmark and Egypt respectively, who add an injection of star quality, to Antoine Griezmann and Toni Kroos – both amongst star-studded squads and aspiring to be the beacon of light that catapults their team to ultimate glory.
Only a few days away, the World Cup anticipation is intensifying with each passing minute and this, I hope, will heighten the buzz ahead of the Christmas Day-equivalent of the footballing calendar.
We can hardly wait…
GROUP A
Russia – Aleksandr Golovin
22-year-old Aleksandr Golovin is the epitome of a fresh batch of Russian talent looking to illuminate the World Cup in front of their hopeful supporters.
The centre midfielder, who is fundamental to CSKA Moscow, has had a prosperous campaign, most notably making six Champions League appearances.
His acumen not only in the Russian Premier League, but on the European stage, makes him a prospect for the host nation.
Golovin chalked up five goals and four assists domestically this term, and has been on the radar of Arsenal and other European juggernauts hot on his case to prise him away from the Russian capital.
That is no surprise, either, as he has already made 81 senior appearances for CSKA – incredible for his young age.
To add to that, 19 caps for the national side indicates he is World Cup ready. He was only 18 when Russia appeared at the 2014 edition of the tournament, meaning it is a fresh experience.
That might be looked upon as immaturity on the biggest stage, however for Golovin – keen to impress on every level – should be eager to etch his name into Russia, and World Cup, folklore.
His stats certainly suggest he is more than capable of doing so. Russia’s Euro 2016 campaign highlighted their deteriorating team, but Golovin is the hallmark of hope and rejuvenation.
If Russia are to progress in only their second World Cup in twelve years, Golovin is likely to be at the heart of their success.
Saudi Arabia – Fahad Al-Muwallad
The Green Falcons are one of the lowest ranked nations in the tournament. Only Russia, their first opponents, are below them in the latest FIFA World Rankings.
It is admittedly difficult to find a wealth of talent in a squad that looks probable to struggle, however Al-Muwallad – a product of the bizarre Saudi Arabian/LaLiga loan agreement – is their stand-out man.
The right winger made just two appearances for Spanish club Levante this term (both from the bench) and cannot be judged over a pointless period in Iberia.
His impact for the national side, though, is much more profound. Racking up 45 caps already, Al-Muwallad also has ten Saudi Arabia goals to his name.
His breakthrough, and most prominent, season was in 2016/17, where he made 20 appearances for local club Al-Ittihad, scoring 11 goals.
If Saudi Arabia are to advance past the group stage which, admittedly, looks an arduous task, Al-Muwallad seems to be the man most likely to get the goals.
We will gauge his sort of influence from the very start, when the Saudis take on Russia in the World Cup opener.
Egypt – Mohamed Salah
Was there ever any doubt?
Though his fitness for their first game against Uruguay is still in the balance, Mohamed Salah is sure to grace the World Cup at least once for Egypt.
Already a recognised and useful player at Roma, the winger soared to eminence in a staggering season with Liverpool.
World fans would have seen him most often in the Champions League, however those close to the Merseyside club and the Premier League know he is much more than just the goals and the electrifying pace.
His openness to religion, enthusiasm for helping those less fortunate than himself and amicable character make Salah a truly special man, as well as a mesmerising footballer.
Hearts broke and fears emerged when he went off in the Champions League final, but a steady recovery means he will play some part for Egypt.
A focal point for the Reds in their sparkling front three, Salah has the astounding, and rare, ability to change any game.
He has been a joy to watch all season, and it would be apt for him to bring his vibrancy to Russia and cap off a marvellous year.
Uruguay – Luis Suarez
This time four years ago Suarez was involved in another biting incident – symptomatic of his tempestuous demeanour at that time.
He has since calmed down, and clinching the domestic double with Barcelona stands him in good stead ahead of the World Cup.
The Uruguayan is one of the most decorated players in the national side. Only rivalled by Edinson Cavani, Suarez has scooped nine accolades and four personal awards.
Top scorer for Ajax, Liverpool and Barcelona in three separate seasons, Suarez has also been an essential part of Barca’s 2015 Champions League victory, three LaLiga’s and four Copa del Rey’s since his switch from Anfield.
Despite making a sluggish start to this campaign, the former Liverpool man quietly put together another impressive run. 25 goals in 33 LaLiga matches put him up there with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the top scorer award.
He could prove pivotal for Uruguay, and in a relatively even group it might take the stardust of Suarez to break open cagey matches. La Celeste are favourites to win the section, and that is surely down to their talismanic striker being in the side.