Ones to Watch: The most exciting player from each country at the World Cup

GROUP C

France – Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann proved his major tournament credentials two years ago, when his instrumental influence led France to the Euro 2016 final on their own turf.

That was the first glimpse of the Frenchman, and he has now unveiled his talent to the world. Speculation suggests his time at Atletico Madrid is coming to an end, with an announcement set to be made before the World Cup.

It would be no surprise to see him at one of Spain’s juggernauts, either, especially Barcelona who look most likely to secure his signature.

19 goals this season alone for Atleti makes him one of Les Blues’ most clinical outlets, and that is the fifth successive year he has managed over 15.

Amongst an astounding amount of talent in France squad which has seemingly never-ending depth, Griezmann certainly doesn’t have to worry about a lack of service.

But, even for a player of his calibre, the Atletico Madrid forward might not be a 90 minute in all three of France’s group matches.

Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud have both staked their claims to begin for the French, although Griezmann has exhibited a lethal touch unlike any other.

Winning the Europa League and helping Diego Simeone’s side clinch Champions League football yet again, the 27-year-old has had an illustrious term and the notion of World Cup success will fuel him further.

Australia – Aaron Mooy

Australian midfielder Aaron Mooy is probably the Socceroos’ best hope of creating the amalgam of creativity and resilience.

That is exactly what he has done all season for Huddersfield, and Mooy has been an essential part of their miraculous survival in the Premier League.

Alongside Peru, Denmark and France, Group C outfits Australia would do very well to get out the group.

Mooy is certainly a man who can make that happen, though, and his abilities at the nucleus of the field never go unnoticed.

A tireless workhorse as well as a vibrant creator, the Dutch-Australian possesses a spark the national side haven’t seen in years.

While Mark Schwarzer was a memorable player between the sticks, and Tim Cahill still remains Australia’s central source of goals, having someone in the middle that can dictate play like Aaron Mooy can has been sorely lacking for the Socceroos.

He can impact Australia in Russia, for definite, and hopefully we see the best from the Huddersfield man.

Peru – Pablo Guerrero

Younger candidates Jefferson Farfan and Watford’s Andre Carrillo made this a difficult pick, however veteran Pablo Guerrero edges it for Peru’s most exciting player.

A proven goalscorer, and one that focuses purely on the scoring business, Guerrero is a key focal point some nations are missing heading into the tournament.

And chalking up a brace on his return to action against Saudi Arabia in a recent friendly speaks volumes about his eagerness to affect the South Americans.

It is Peru’s first World Cup since 1982, making it a fresh experience for their players and many of their fans, and Guerrero can pose as national hero if he guides them out of an arduous group.

Originally set to miss the tournament because of a controversial drugs ban, the revoking of said prohibition will only stimulate a feverish Peru.

Denmark – Christian Eriksen

Christian Eriksen is looked upon as Denmark’s one and only world class player ahead of the World Cup.

Andreas Christensen, Yusuf Poulsen and Nicolai Jorgensen have all had strong seasons, however Eriksen is the man Denmark will look to for inspiration.

Already an established Tottenham starter, the attacking midfielder demonstrated his importance on a national level when he single-handedly dismantled Ireland in their playoff to get to the tournament.

It will undoubtedly be a different level for Eriksen here. Denmark have the pressure of being favourites to advance over Peru and Australia, alongside France, and having Eriksen in their squad contributes to their odds.

Another superb campaign in north London, which contained typical flashes of brilliance including a mesmerising goal against rivals Chelsea, means the Dane is in the star-studded lineup of the best players to watch in the whole tournament.

Can he produce?