4 lesser known players from World Cup favorites who can steal the spotlight

#1 Rodrigo Moreno

Rodrigo could play a very important role for Spain this summer

With the tournament about five days away, not all football fans would recognise who Rodrigo Moreno is. Especially if his popularity is compared to the likes of Sergio Ramos, David de Gea, Isco and Andres Iniesta. But the 27-year-old Rodrigo, who happens to be the cousin of Thiago and Rafinha Alcantara, could carry more of an important for Julen Lopetegui's side than most of the other players in the side.

While Diego Costa is heading to Russia, the former Chelsea man has never been a constant supplier of goals for Spain because of multiple tactical and temperament reasons. This could be another World Cup where Spain might have to rely on someone other than Costa to get them the goals that they need to go far in the tournament. And with Alvaro Morata not called-up, its Rodrigo's role that becomes vital.

A centre-forward by trade, Rodrigo can also play wide and behind the striker. But he probably goes into the tournament as Spain's second-choice striker behind Costa. The 27-year-old appeared 37 times in the La Liga for Valencia this season, scoring 16 times and assisting four times. He has previously appeared four times for Spain and has already scored twice for them. And the way Spain play seems to suit Rodrigo more than it suits Costa.

A more flexible forward, Moreno likes to drop deep and conduct play to get involved in it more often. That is the kind of striker that Spain might need in Russia and if there's anyone who fulfils that demand, then it is this man.