'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
While football is certainly a beautiful game, it can be a cruel one at times. We may end up looking at all the bright spots that exist on the surface, but we often fail to dig deep and know about the individual situation of players in a side. Their dilemmas, decisions and performances are often stripped down to the bare, but few empathise with them properly.
And one such situation arises when the prestigious FIFA World Cup approaches. Players try to make a mark in the year preceding the World Cup so that they get to represent their nation in the tournament. Quite often though, the World Cup plays on their mind and lack of game time for their club forces them into switching teams.
We run the rule over players who could need to switch clubs, if they want to represent their nations in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
#5 Ross Barkley
It's high time we stop calling Everton's Ross Barkley a 'young' player. The Englishman is now 23 and needs to start representing England on a regular basis, something that was expected out of him three or four years ago.
The Evertonian has long been linked with a move to last season's runners up Tottenham Hotspur, but a hamstring injury that he suffered could well scupper any hopes of a move. And a move is something he is in desperate need of, if he wants to play in the World Cup.
Ronald Koeman was open about not being able to trust him completely last season and Barkley himself hasn't been performing too consistently for the Toffees. While his goals and assists stats are good, Barkley has a habit of disappearing in important games and is hardly seen working hard enough. He still has the talent, but needs a manager who can bring the best out of his abilities.
And Mauricio Pochettino could be the manager who revitalises his career. Staying at Everton spells danger for Barkley and with just one more year left on his deal, moving makes a lot of sense.
#4 Moussa Sissoko
The fact that Moussa Sissoko was one of the leading lights for France during the Euro 2016 seems like a far-fetched reality now. His form has dipped terribly since he joined Tottenham for a big money move from Newcastle.
Rumours have been strife about Sissoko moving away from the North London giants, but with the window now nearing its closure, a move seems unlikely. Sissoko was probably the Premier League's worst signing last summer and would need to improve a lot, if he wants to repeat his performances for France next year.
He has been dropped from Les Blues squad for the upcoming qualifiers, which is clearly suggestive of how his career could be screaming out for a change.
Didier Deschamps would love to have someone like him firing on all cylinders, but it can't happen unless he sorts out his club future.
#3 Diego Costa
There has hardly been a day in the ongoing summer transfer window when the rumour mill hasn't been rumbling about the mercurial Diego Costa, who wants to leave Chelsea. Amidst all the controversy that is brewing, Costa's international future is in danger.
He hasn't played since quite a few months now and lack of action for him has played a part in sliding him down the pecking order for Julen Lopetegui's side. David Villa has earned himself a call up for the upcoming qualifiers and Costa has missed out, probably due to a lack of fitness and the very fact that his career is at a point of stagnation. With only days remaining for the window to close, a move needs materialise or Costa's international future could be in jeopardy.
He is undoubtedly one of the best strikers in the world, but he desperately needs a move away from Chelsea.
#2 Olivier Giroud
It would be fair to say that Olivier Giroud is one of the most underrated strikers in the Premier League right now. He hasn’t been a regular at the Emirates for a season now and would need to play regularly, if he wants to feature for France next year.
He came up with a vital winner for Arsenal on the opening day win over Leicester and has this knack for scoring vital goals every time he comes on. Despite that, he never really starts for Arsene Wenger up front, with Alexis Sanchez preferred as the striker.
He isn’t the kind of player that the Chilean is, but he is very effective when his side needs something. And while his goal-scoring prowess is enough to prove people of his quality, he can certainly make do of more time on the pitch.
France do have players like Alexandre Lacazette up front, but they would need Olivier Giroud for Russia.
#1 Michy Batshuayi
Michy Batshuayi, around a year ago, was one of the most promising young strikers in Europe. After his move to Chelsea though, things have gone rather downhill for the Belgian.
His goal did win the Blues the Premier League title last season, but that was only his fifth strike of the previous season and Diego Costa’s presence had made him a second-fiddle at the club.
He was relegated to the bench consistently throughout the campaign and struggled for game time and made only one appearance for the Belgium national side after the season ended.
He has been called up for the qualifying games against Greece and Belgium, but with Alvaro Morata now at Stamford Bridge, Batshuayi will find it tough to break into the side.
He is just 23 and needs to play more often, be it for club or country.
