As the ultimate mundial in Qatar draws ever closer, it becomes pertinent that we turn our attention to the actors that will be on display in the tournament.
The World Cup is the most viewed event in the football world and all eyes will be firmly fixed on the budding and established stars that will be on display in the Middle East.
A host of World Cup top favourites like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema and other established players will be looking to make expected impacts in the tournament. However, some others are still building budding careers and so will want to prove a point by delivering the performance of their lives on such a grand stage.
The World Cup this year looks set to be a very unique tournament in every area or facet. Asides the auspicious timing of the event this year, the world football governing body, FIFA has increased the number of player slots in a squad, due to the timing of the event and the tight schedules of these players.
This articles aims to highlight some of those names you probably already know but will be looking to make an impact at the global level in football’s biggest event.
Jude Bellingham
The nineteen year old midfielder is already a maestro at such a young age. The young lad that grew in the backwaters of Birmingham has now taken Europe and soon the world in extension by storm. His natural ability to find killer passes and his finishing instinct is such a rare mix that his presence in Qatar is almost inevitable. His performances for Borussia Dortmund have not gone unnoticed and this has promoted Gareth Southgate to earmark as a key player already.
Bellingham was recently the man of the match for England on two separate occasions; first in the 0-1 loss to Italy and in the 3-3 thrilling draw with Germany. He offers so much for England, attacking and defensive. England have got a mercurial talent on their hands, and if all goes to plan he could be another English icon in the coming years.
Eduardo Camavinga
The French midfielder is seen as an underdog in the race to star in Qatar. This assertion is by no means a slight downgrade to his very visible talent, it is so due to the squad depth in the French national team, such that if their injured players are available, he may even not get a start.
However, the 20 year old is visibly a mercurial talent and he can do great things in Qatar.
Ryan Gravenberch
The Dutch defender is one of the guarantees to make it to the Dutch national team. Though already at an established club in Ajax, his talents were too visible for Bayern Munich to even ignore. He is a player we have to look out for during the Mundial.
Antony
The Brazilian tricky winger recently got his big money move to Manchester United amidst controversial circumstances. The 22-year-old has all it takes to succeed both for his country and his club. However, a little tweaking to his game could do him a lot of good. His goal contributions have come under scrutiny and many have questioned his usefulness due to his showboating.
Moreover, if he makes the Brazilian team, he will need to prove his worth to the world, and show that there is more to him than the dribbles and flicks.
Vinicius Jr
The Real Madrid superstar has not been as impressive in a Brazil shirt, as he has been in club colours over the past year. His talent is nonetheless unquestionable, and he is expected to shine. Though he is not an underdog, he certainly has a lot to prove to show his international credentials. Like his compatriot Neymar, pressure will be on the young star to replicate his performances at club level on an international scale.
Pedri
The 19-year-old is a magical player by any standards. His rise has been immensely important in steadying the previously sinking ship at Barcelona. Pedri has been key for Barcelona, but he will have to shine in a very young Spanish team almost bereft on enough experience going to Qatar.
Going by his antecedence, Luis Enrique will need players like him and he will have to stand up and be counted.
The plethora of stars at the global showpiece are bound to express the quality they possess, but sometimes the load of expectations and the size of the stage could prove to be a problem. These players are just building a career and it will be wise and reasonable to give them the benefit of doubt.
