World Cup 2018: 5 Premier League players from underdog nations who could become national heroes

Every four years, the world sees the advent of a few stars as they propel their team and a country's dreams to soaring heights. The FIFA World Cup always provides us with individual brilliance from a whole host of players. Be it a world-class champion, a young up-and-comer, or a new superstar from out of the blue, the World Cup is a platform which creates stars for life like no other platform.

Over the course of a month, a nation could have their entire fortunes being turned around. Players become stars and are forever remembered in football history. The unfancied countries usually have some stellar talent within their team. It is up to what those stellar talents can pull off for their nations. Sometimes, they do incredibly well and go far. However, there are times where it could all fall flat and go wrong. It is the opportunity to become a national icon.

Mohamed Salah is already hailed as a national hero after his last-minute penalty sent Egypt to the World Cup. He will not be completely fit throughout the tournament but is expected to light Russia up with his brilliance.

There are a few other Premier League stars who are in charge of their nation's chances in Russia, with the chance to be hailed in greatness on the line. These five attacking-minded players could score some important goals and make it big for their countries in their quest for immortality.

#1 Sadio Mane (Senegal)

Salah's winged partner-in-crime at Liverpool, Sadio Mane, could write his name in African football history. Africa has done averagely at World Cups, with Ghana's quarter-final finish in 2010 being the best performance by an African team at a World Cup. If Mane could reproduce some of the excellent form he has shown at Liverpool this season, Senegal would benefit a great deal from it.

Despite having a decent squad, Senegal will most certainly rely on the pacy winger if they are to do well in Russia. They are part of a pretty evenly matched group along with Colombia, Poland and Japan. A Mane masterclass or two could be all it takes to send the Lions of Teranga to the last 16 or maybe even further, in a repeat of 2002. This Senegal team has goals in them and they will be threats in Group H, with their speedy Sadio leading the line.

#2 Son Heung-Min (South Korea)

South Korea always seems to have that one excellent player who leads the way for the entire team during massive occasions. It used to be Park Ji-Sung, now it is Son Heung-Min. The Asian country has all of their hopes resting on the Tottenham man's shoulders. He has been consistently brilliant all season for the North London side and will want to continue his fine form into the World Cup for his nation.

Placed in a tricky group with Germany, Mexico and Sweden, the South Koreans have their work cut out for them. It will be a tough battle to advance from this group, but Son holds the key to doing so. This is a chance for him to transform from a good, efficient attacker into a world-class superstar. A continent's hopes could be lying with Son, as he is currently the best footballer in Asia.

#3 Christian Eriksen (Denmark)

Just like his Tottenham teammate Son, Christian Eriksen is the star man of his national team. He will be relied upon to provide the goods for Denmark at the World Cup. His hat-trick in the qualifying playoffs against Ireland proved just how important he is to his country. Eriksen has also been remarkably consistent throughout the season for Spurs and will hope that he remains on top of his game in Russia.

Denmark are in a decent group with France, Peru and Australia. They would be likely to advance from the group along with France and Eriksen could prove to be the difference. His technical ability is excellent and could be spotlighted during the World Cup. He is in the prime of his career and will hope that he can lead his team to a successful World Cup campaign.

#4 Alex Iwobi (Nigeria)

Alex Iwobi might not be a crowd favourite at Arsenal, but he certainly is one with his country. He is a widely important figure in Nigeria's attack and will look to star for them in Russia. He has got tremendous ability and could play a bigger part for the Gunners in the seasons to come. But for now, Iwobi's focus is with Nigeria and doing the best he possibly can for them. His pace can cause problems for opposing defences in Russia.

The Super Eagles have a bunch of Premier League talent but it is Iwobi who could make things happen. He had a blinder of a game and destroyed Argentina in a friendly not so long ago, and will hope to repeat the feat when Nigeria meet them again in Russia. Croatia and Iceland round off a tough group for Nigeria, but the pace and experience in attack could be crucial for them. Iwobi will have a chip on his shoulder to go and perform his best for his country.

#5 Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland)

Admittedly, Xherdan Shaqiri is technically not a Premier League player at the moment. But with a £12 million release clause, it is guaranteed that he will leave Stoke City and return to the Premier League in this transfer window. He is too good to be playing in the Championship, especially if he has a good World Cup for Switzerland. Similar to every player on this list, Shaqiri has tremendous pace and technical ability. He will be a big threat in Russia.

Switzerland have been drawn with Brazil, Costa Rica and Serbia. There should be no problems for Shaqiri and co. to comfortably advance to the Round of 16 along with Brazil. What the Swiss can come up with after that is down to their wizardly winger.

He has caused magic before in a major tournament as he scored an unbelievable bicycle kick against Poland at Euro 2016. A good run at the World Cup for Switzerland could make Shaqiri hot property in the transfer market if he isn't yet snapped up by Premier League rivals by then.

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Which of these players do you think will have the maximum impact at the World Cup? Tell us in the comments below!