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

By Daniel Mercieca

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - MARCH 26: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks on during the International Friendly match between Portugal v Netherlands at Stade de Geneve on March 26, 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - MARCH 26: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks on during the International Friendly match between Portugal v Netherlands at Stade de Geneve on March 26, 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

GROUP H

Poland – Robert Lewandowski

Speculation about his next destination, after announcing he would leave Bayern Munich, has been intense.

Fingers crossed it hasn’t tainted his preparation for Poland’s first World Cup since 2006, because his lethal scoring ability could make a huge difference.

Bayern will have difficulty finding a replacement for Lewandowski, simply because his business is finding the back of the net. And he does so, magnificently.

In the World Cup he will pit against some of the most deadly strikers in the world, and if he wants the status as the best, he has to produce an eye-catching display in Russia.

Senegal – Sadio Mane

Part of Liverpool’s famous trio, which has been one of the most ravishing attacking forces to watch this season, Sadio Mane shifts to international duty.

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Among a Senegal side far less focused on bombing forward with innovation and intent, Mane’s duties might have to transform.

Still surrounded by quality options including Balde Keita, the Liverpool man can unleash devastation.

Colombia – James Rodriguez

The star of 2014, not least for a truly sumptuous goal against Uruguay that will go down in World Cup history, James Rodriguez is back.

Not quite the breakout name he was four years ago, stints at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have seen the Colombian settle down and, in truth, fail to reach the expectations attached after Brazil 2014.

For Colombia he is a dignitary, though, and the rest should point to him for inspiration.

Japan – Shinji Kagawa

This is the last of an extremely long list of players.

Shinji Kagawa, of Borussia Dortmund, has found it tough to break into the German club’s starting eleven this term.

He has made 97 appearances and scored 20 goals, exhibiting his ability, however a lack of experience might affect him in Russia.

Japan are the group underdogs, however Kagawa represents their creativity and chance to spring a surprise.

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Which player do you think will steal the show at Russia 2018?

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