The World Cup is notoriously a tournament in which new stars can often emerge or firmly establish themselves as someone deemed eligible for the upper echelons of world football.
With us on the brink of hitting the quarter finals of the tournament, we’ve taken the opportunity to look at some of those building a reputation in 2018
Whilst the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi failed to drag their sites through from the round of 16, Mbappe was the man of the hour when his side needed a star to save the day against Argentina.
The 19-year-old might well be considered the darling child of French football, having made one of the most expensive transfers of all time last season, but the continuation of his form into the later stages of the tournament could be huge for the PSG striker’s standing amongst fans the world over.
The Englishman just cannot stop scoring. Even when he doesn’t mean to score, as was the case with his fortunate hat-trick goal against Panama.
Kane has already saved his side with a late goal that was itself part of a brace against Tunisia in the opening round and the Three Lions will need him to be firing on all cylinders if they’re to overcome Colombia this evening.
Well rested and with five goals to his name, Kane could well have some of the owners of the world’s biggest clubs looking for a spare £200m down the back of their sofas.
The seemingly Arsenal bound midfielder with have had Gunners fans licking their lips at the prospect of signing the youngster.
His passing and technical ability have been on show at the heart of the Uruguayan midfield, whilst he has proven an excellent shield for the back four in the side’s midfield diamond.
At 22 years of age, the upside for the Sampdoria midfielder.
The 23-year-old arrived from his homeland at Barcelona with an expectation that he could have a bright future at the club.
Physically and technically gifted, the Colombian centre back has already netted twice for his nation at the tournament and he will be eager to progress in the tournament – this offering a prime opportunity for him to stake a claim as a starter for one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Mina comes up against another of the tournament’s superstars in Harry Kane this evening – it could be some battle.
Do you know your international players better than the next man? Prove it with World Cup fantasy football on www.fantasy-worldcup.com
To leave a comment, you must be logged into www.eurofantasyleague.com