5. Cristian Pavon (22, Argentina, Group D)
One of only two outfield players selected by Argentina who are currently plying their trade in the domestic league, Pavon is a highly-rated winger who can play on either side and chip in with the occasional goal. The youngster from Boca Juniors managed 17 assists this past season, including 6 in 6 Copa Libertadores matches. Pavon has already been linked with many of Europe’s big clubs and eye-catching performances in Russia could assure him of possibly lining up alongside some of his high-profile international teammates at club level as well.
4. Giovanni Lo Celso (22, Argentina, Group D)
Argentina is sending its oldest squad in history to a World Cup but one of the youngsters, alongside Pavon, on the plane to Russia is Paris-Saint Germain’s Giovani Lo Celso. After a successful first full season with PSG, winning Ligue 1 while contributing 4 goals and 5 assists, Lo Celso earned a place alongside Lionel Messi and co. at the World Cup. At a time of free spending at the club, Gio Lo Celso was a relatively cheaper arrival at PSG, costing the Parisians a mere £9m in 2016. An excellent supporting role from midfield to Argentina’s attacking armada in Russia could do wonders for the youngster’s fledgling European career.
3. Hakim Ziyech (25, Morocco, Group B)
Ajax’s set-piece specialist, Hakim Ziyech, has made quite a reputation for himself in Holland over the past few years. The Moroccan has a fantastic record of 67 assists in his last five seasons, playing for three different clubs in Holland during that period and showcasing his consistency. Perennially linked with big clubs, at 25, this could be his final chance to earn a move to one of Europe’s elite.
2. Goncalo Guedes (21, Portugal, Group B)
One of the many great talents on PSG’s books, Guedes had a breakout season on loan at Valencia this year, grabbing 6 goals and 11 assists in 40 games for Los Che. At his best, Guedes is an explosive and unstoppable winger. He will, without a doubt, be one of the most exciting players on show in Russia this summer, and has the potential to steal the show from Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal’s main man.
25 – Hirving Lozano (17 goals & 8 assists) has now been directly involved in 25 Eredivisie goals this season, at least seven more than any of his teammates at @PSV. Productive.
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) April 29, 2018
1. Hirving Lozano (22, Mexico, Group F)
Mexico’s not-so-secret weapon, Hirving Lozano, is now well-known and respected after an excellent first season in the Dutch Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven. 17 goals and 8 assists in 29 appearances, and the league title to go with it, elevated Lozano’s price tag – but it might reach new heights if he can help fire El Tri deep into the tournament in Russia. Lozano is an excellent dribbler who can score a goal from any angle, and is undoubtedly a player to watch out for next month.