9 must-watch players at the World Cup

32 different countries will come together to compete in the 2018 World Cup held in Russia. The likes of Germany, England, France and Spain are expected to advance with ease. When the knockout stages begin, it will be where the top players of each country make a difference in the result of the battle.

Prior to the start of the competition, there are some players who have entered the spotlight as everyone will closely monitor their performance this summer. Both very experienced and inexperienced players are set to be tested on the world stage.

Regardless of whether there will be a surprise winner of the Golden Boot or the Golden Glove, here is a list of 9 players everyone should keep a lookout for when they play in Russia 2018.

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#9 Mohammed Salah (Egypt)

Salah has been a regular scorer for his club and country

The Liverpool player was put to an early test when Egypt faced Euro 2016 champions Portugal. Salah opened the scoring for his country, but unfortunately for him and his team, Cristiano Ronaldo stole the headlines by scoring two goals in extra time.

Formerly from Roma, Salah joined Jurgen Klopp's team this season and has been ripping almost every Premier League team apart with his consistent goal scoring record. Currently, he leads the Premier League scoring chart and is in contention to win his first Golden Boot.

Egypt has been drawn to face Saudi Arabia, Uruguay and hosts Russia. In a group without any favourites to win the title, Salah can demonstrate his strengths in front of the world and that will give Egypt a good chance to progress to the round of 16.

#8 Harry Kane (England)

Kane injured himself in the match against Bournemouth

Vying for the Golden Boot in the World Cup too, Harry Kane will be a striker that England relies heavily upon. With a strong built, Kane is good with his feet and also in the air, posing a real threat in the penalty box.

In order to stop England, defenders will have to find a way to stop Kane from scoring as frequently as he does for Tottenham. Although there is some lingering doubt over his fitness ahead of the World Cup, Tottenham has stated that their striker is expected to be back in May.

The most likely scenario will see Gareth Southgate calling upon Harry Kane to represent England and build the team around him, providing chances for the Tottenham man to score. It will be a tough fight for the Golden Boot as contenders may include Salah, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

#7 Kylian Mbappe (France)

Mbappe is one of the most talented youngsters in world football at the moment

The sensational teenager brought the Ligue 1 title home to Monaco before he joined Paris Saint Germain in June 2017. Since joining the current Ligue 1 leaders, Mbappe has scored 13 times in 22 appearances.

His goalscoring record is not that spectacular when it comes to playing for the national team as he has netted only once in 11 games. The French international is highly regarded as one of the best young talents in the football world and is highly sought after.

While his primary position is playing as a forward, at times he is used as a winger to provide for his team-mates too. Mbappe is both fast and good with the ball, giving defenders a headache in trying to suppress his runs.

His potential appearance in the World Cup will be another milestone for him and will be influential in how the world rates him.

#6 Timo Werner (Germany)

Werner, who plays for RB Leipzig, was called into the national team in 2017

At the age of 21, Werner was given the chance to play for Germany in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. In that particular competition, the RB Leipzig forward won the Golden Boot award, having scored three goals and provided two assists.

Werner is capable of leading Germany's frontline and he is also the youngest player to have made 150 appearances in the Bundesliga, scoring 45 goals in the process.

A rising prospect, there is a chance for Joachim Low to bring Werner into the national squad. On this occasion, we can witness how he deals against other top-flight teams in the World Cup. Athletic and tall, his performance in the World Cup will certainly affect his future and Werner is gradually becoming a player in demand.

#5 Philippe Coutinho (Brazil)

Coutinho getting away from Russian defenders

Coutinho made a high profile move from Liverpool to Barcelona in January. Most recently, he played and scored in Brazil's friendly match against Russia.

Brazil has many talents in the attack, but whether the whole team can work together remains a question to be answered. The right-footed player is superb in his passing and set-pieces, which makes him a perfect attacking midfielder.

His dribbling pace and agility makes it difficult for defenders to mark him throughout the game as he moves the ball quickly from one position to another. Previously at Liverpool, Coutinho has been hailed a hero for many seasons.

For the upcoming World Cup, he may become Brazil's star player alongside Neymar.

#4 Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

De Bruyne has been used effectively in Manchester City's games

Currently, with the highest number of assists in the 2017/18 Premier League season, De Bruyne has further illustrated his talents in midfield.

Over the years, the Manchester City player has aided Belgium to the quarter-finals in both the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016. He has played almost every single game for the Premier League leaders and going into the World Cup, it is expected that he will need some time to regain his strength and put up a good showing for his country.

Nonetheless, there are high expectations on De Bruyne to transfer his good form in playing for Manchester City to playing for Belgium.

#3 Leroy Sane

Sane has really grown under Pep Guardiola this season

Even though Sane is just 22 years old, he has made 10 appearances for the Germany national team since 2015. Playing primarily as a winger for Manchester City, Premier League fans would have noticed his effectiveness in that position.

With good technique on the ball and great vision to see the runs of his fellow team-mates, Sane has often been providing for his peers. Hence, Sane now has the second highest number of assists in Premier League this season, behind De Bruyne.

Sane is definitely one hot prospect to be watched this summer as we look to see how he combines with his team-mates.

#2 Raphael Varane (France)

Varane is an excellent ball-playing center-back

Varane is now being seen as an all-round young defender for France. At just 21 years of age, he represented France in the 2014 World Cup. Four years later, he is expected to do the same with Didier Deschamps having great trust in him.

Physically strong and fast, Varane is suited to play as a center-back and partners well with Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti.

Given that he is just 24 years, he is still relatively inexperienced to other center-backs like Sergio Ramos and Laurent Koscielny on the world stage. At a club level, he has made over 130 appearances for Real Madrid thus far and is one of the most reliable defenders in La Liga.

He is one of the players to be watched over the summer as his professional career comes to a peak.

#1 David De Gea (Spain)

De Gea is arguably the world's best goalkeeper at the moment

Widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world, De Gea has faced many competitors before reaching his high ranking. In this World Cup, his skills will be put to a stern test as the world will look on to see if he is able to achieve the Golden Glove award.

Four years ago, Manuel Neuer from Germany stole the show after conceding the fewest number of goals in the competition. This time around, Neuer has been injured for the majority of the season and has hardly played for Bayern Munich.

It could well be De Gea's game to claim the Golden Glove award and be reassured of his status as one of the best keepers.