Best Players to watch in FIFA 2018
Pemba Tshiring Sherpa
The world cup in Russia will be a host to the greatest players in world football. Veteran players who have been in the game for a long time along with the rising stars of the next generation. With prospects of seeing the next footballing sensation and the players at the top of the game, it is surely best to keep an eye out for the top performers.
Here is a list of players to watch out in this year’s world cup:
1. Lionel Messi (Attacker)
A household name in the world of football Lionel Messi is still looking for the title of being a world champion, the only thing that is keeping him from being the greatest the game has ever seen. Argentina has always been struggling to perform in the world cup even with the presence of their star-studded squad but having one of the best players in the world they definitely have a chance. Lionel Messi has won the league this season with Barcelona in stunning fashion. They have simply strolled through the league with just a single defeat against Levante, a match where Messi didn’t start. That in itself is a massive statement of the quality of the team and especially Lionel Messi.
Stats:
Age: 30
Games: 55
Goals: 47
Assists: 14
Strength: Dribbling, Finishing, Passing, Free kicks.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Attacker)
Another player who will be looking to have their hands on the world cup will be Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese have not had a stellar season as one would hope but his team Real Madrid has made it to the Champions League final. Hoping the domestic form won’t affect his international form he is surely going to be the top players to watch this year. One of the best players of Portugal Cristiano is certainly going to be a threat to every team.
Stats:
Age: 33
Games: 44
Goals: 44
Assists: 8
Strength: Finishing, Heading, Longshots, Speed.
3. Antoine Griezmann (Attacker)
Another player making our list is Griezmann of Athletico Madrid. The Frenchman is one of the best forwards in the French national team. Rumors of his transfer to Barcelona indicate how much he is valued. After winning the final of the Europa League against Marseille he will certainly be bringing the confidence needed for the world cup. The team also beat Real Madrid for the second spot in the La Liga all thanks to their French top scorer who also tops the charts for assists.
Stats:
Age: 27
Games: 54
Goals: 29
Assist: 13
Strength: Passing, long shots, finishing
4. Mohamed Salah (Attacker)
The Egyptian king as referred to by the fans in his club Liverpool, Salah has had a season that one can only describe as breathtaking. The forward burst onto the scene after his performance for his club Liverpool as well as his home country of Egypt. His penalty which helped Egypt qualify for the world cup has already set his status as a legend in his country. After allocating an accolade of awards this season including player of the season in the premier league, premier league golden boot winner, PFA Player of the year and many more Salah has his eyes set on more. He will still be having one eye on the champions league final in Kiev but whatever the result this year has surely been his year.
Stats:
Age: 25
Games: 54
Goals: 46
Assist: 14
Strength: finishing, dribbling, speed.
5. David De Gea (Goalkeeper)
The Golden glove winner this season, the Spaniard has arguably had his best season for his team Manchester United and he has certainly certified his no. 1 status as Spain’s goalkeeper. His performance will be key to Spain’s success. An athletically skilled player with cat-like reflexes, opponents will have to be at their best to get one past this keeper.
Stats:
Age: 27
Games: 37
Clean Sheets: 18
Penalties saved: 1
Saves: 115
6. Neymar (Attacker)
After what could only be described as the biggest transfer in football history to PSG from Barcelona for a reported 222 million Euros, Neymar definitely had a huge weight on his shoulder to perform. But this season has been a hit and miss for the Brazilian playmaker. His club performance has been fantastic with his team winning the French league in amazing fashion. The front three of Neymar, Cavani, and M’bappe has been lethal in front of goal. Their champions league campaign was stopped in the round of 16 as they were beaten by Real Madrid. But still this debut season in France has been a good one and certainly, the captain of the Brazilian national team will be looking to bring some Brazilian samba to the game.
Stats:
Age: 26
Games: 30
Goals: 28
Assist: 16
Strength: Dribbling, passing, free kicks.
7. Thomas Muller (Attacker)
One of the most versatile players in world football, Thomas Muller has the ability to play in a wide range of positions whether it be a striker, a winger for an attacking midfielder. Whatever his position he can certainly perform and be a threat to the opposition. His goals in the world cup have already made him a big name in international football and his hard-working performance for his team Bayern Munich has seen his team win the German league. Muller has already scored 38 goals for his national side being the top scored in the 2010 world cup too. He will have his eyes on the golden boot this year. With a strong and disciplined German side with playmakers such as Tony Kroos and Mesut Ozil, he will definitely have lots of scoring opportunities.
Stats:
Age: 28
Games: 47
Goals: 16
Assists: 16
Strength: Finishing, Positioning, passing
8. Kevin De Bruyne (Midfielder)
The Belgium national team is a side full of young rising stars and among them, one of the best playmakers in Europe is Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian has a keen eye for defense splitting passes and his supply will be key for Belgium in the attack.
Stats:
Age: 26
Games: 54
Goals: 13
Assists: 20
Strength: crossing, passing, long shots, free kicks.
9.Harry Kane (attacker)
England this year will be depending on Harry Kane to score as many goals as possible. The Englishman has been on fire this season scoring 30 goals in the league with Tottenham and his goals securing them a 3rd spot in the premier league. An out and out striker Kane is most effective when near the 18-yard box but he can also shoot one from outside the box as we have seen many times this season. Although he might not have gotten the praise this season because of the outstanding performance of Mo Salah, he is equally as deadly when it comes in front of goal.
Stats:
Age: 24
Games: 50
Goals: 43
Assist: 4
Strength: Finishing, heading, long shots