Ones to Watch: The most exciting player from each country at the World Cup
GROUP F
Germany – Toni Kroos
World champions Germany head into the tournament with a squad that can certainly triumph if they hit their peak.
Players such as Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer all came close, however Toni Kroos is the man I believe is the key to Die Mannschaft in this competition.
A star performer in the Champions League final – including the impressive statistic of 50 out of his 51 first half passes reaching their targets – Kroos can materialise the side. He brings the rest of the team together, and is a useful gel at the heart of midfield.
Perhaps he might not be the most exhilarating player to grace the field in Russia, however his importance to Germany shouldn’t be overlooked.
Mexico – Javier Hernandez
Hernandez surprisingly struggled for minutes at West Ham, but still remains a household name as far as Mexico go.
Mexico’s ageing squad, with Hirving Lozano one of their only fresh names, might struggle, but the goalscoring prowess of Chicarito is something that could take them a long way.
A proven scorer at Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen, despite his difficulties in east London, Hernandez should certainly be a starter for El Tri. If so, Mexico have a man with an ice-cool nature, and composure we have seen in European football for a while now.
Somehow it is still up for question whether he will start against Germany in their opener, although influencing as an impact substitute wouldn’t be a terrible situation either.
Sweden – Emil Forsberg
Emil Forsberg has been at the centre of RB Leipzig’s recent rise to Bundesliga prominence.
And another fruitful season gives him the prestigious status of being Sweden’s potential inspiration, after the retirement of notorious egotist Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Forsberg managed two goals and two assists this term, a more modest return than his debut Bundesliga season, which saw him rack up a breathtaking eight goals and 22 assists.
That was by far the campaign he was considered one of Sweden’s most dangerous outlets, and his ability to create could be key for the Europeans who need an attacking craft to break down the compact rearguards of Germany, South Korea and Mexico.
South Korea – Heung-min Son
Who else would it have been?
South Korea’s most influential, esteemed player since Manchester United midfielder Ji-Sung Park, Son represents the Asians’ best chance of going beyond the group stage.
The Koreans have quietly put together an astonishing run of World Cup success for their nation. This year is their ninth consecutive appearance at a Finals, however in that stretch they have only managed to get out the group twice.
Son hopes to rewrite the memorable success of 2002, when they progressed to the semis and were voted the ‘Most Entertaining Team’.
The Tottenham winger has the ability to penetrate defences and that will be handy at the World Cup.