5 superstars making their World Cup debut in Russia

France v England - International Friendly

The 2018 FIFA World Cup is just round the corner and the 32 teams destined to play in football's premier tournament have been confirmed.

While this World Cup may have lost some big names in Buffon, Sanchez, Robben, Chellini, Vidal and Bale due to their team's failure to qualify for the tournament.

But still there are some common household names who you won't believe are going to play in the World Cup for the first time in their career.

Here are 5 superstars who will make their World Cup debut in Russia:

#1 Kylian Mbappe (Forward, France):

Kylian Mbappe

The Golden Boy winner in 2017, Kylian Mbappe has become football's darling since his impressive display against Europe's elite in the Champions League.

Currently he is a part of a PSG side boasting of one of the most dangerous attacking frontline in world football consisting of Brazilian superstar Neymar and Uruguayan sniper Edison Cavani.

His stellar performances for both Monaco and PSG in Ligue 1 and the Champions League earned him a call up to the national team in March 2017. On March 25 2017, at just 18 years of age, he made his first appearance in Les Bleus colors.

A pacy winger who does not shy away from taking on defenders, Mbappe is in company of some immensely talented group of footballers in the French national team and boasts of a really impressive set of skills and tricks.

The 2018 World Cup in Russia will be his first major tournament with the French National team and with the whole world watching, Mbappe will be hoping to do something special.

#2 Robert Lewandowski (Striker, Poland):

Denmark v Poland - FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier
Robert Lewandowski

Poland's record goal scorer finally gets his chance to represent his nation at the biggest stage in football.

The polish legend who has over 50 goals for the 'Bia?o-czerwoni', was instrumental in their quest for qualification with 16 goals in 10 games during the World Cup qualifiers.

A deadly striker with an eye for goal, Lewandowki has over 300 goals for both club and country and is considered one of the best strikers in the modern game.

A goal poacher with positional sense, ability to shoot first time, strength in the air, quick feet, vision and physique, Lewandowski is an all-round center forward.

After 2 failed qualifying attempts for the 2010 and 2014 World Cup, Lewandowski will be raring to lead his team deep into the tournament.

#3 Harry Kane (Striker,England):

England v Portugal - International Friendly
Harry Kane

England's new poster boy Harry Kane has been tormenting Premier League defenses for the past few seasons with his goal scoring abilities. Now he is trying to bring his talents to the international level with the Three Lions.

He has had a smooth start to his international career with 12 goals in 23 appearances. Kane was superb in England's World Cup qualifying games with 5 goals in 6 games.

Kane will be filling the void left by Wayne Rooney's retirement, not an easy task but if his club form and stats are something to go by then this transition might go quite seamlessly.

Kane is an out and out striker with a rocket of a shot, his finishing is a class above the others while his movement is something that makes him the top tier striker he is.

After 2 disappointing World Cup campaigns, The Three Lions will be looking up to their new messiah Harry Kane for some goal scoring magic to fuel their hunger for a World Cup victory.

#4 Mohamed Salah (Midfielder, Egypt):

Olympics Day 2 - Men's Football - Egypt v New Zealand
Mohamed Salah

The Egyptian speedster will lead Egypt's charge in the upcoming World Cup in Russia after he scored an injury time penalty against Congo to win the match and secure Egypt's qualification to the World Cup after an 18 year long absence.

Currently plying his trade for Liverpool, he forms one of Premier League's most devastating attacking trio at the moment with Coutinho and Mane. He is Liverpool's leading scorer in the Premier League and Champions League as of now.

Salah was Egypt's main threat during their World Cup qualifying campaign with 5 goals and 2 assists in 5 games for the Pharaohs. With 32 goals in 56 games for the Egyptians, Salah is on track to become Egypt's leading goal scorer of all time.

Primarily a winger, Salah posses blistering speed and can beat any defender on his day, he also boasts of some amazing dribbling skills, his footwork is what makes him a tricky winger to deal with. His finishing is top notch and is also quite versatile with an ability to play on both the flanks, as a shadow striker or as a false nine.

Salah alongside his talented group of teammates will look to spring a surprise or two during their time in Russia.

#5 Gabriel Jesus (Striker, Brazil):

Brazil v Ecuador - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifier
Gabriel Jesus

One of Brazil's golden boys, Jesus goes into the 2018 World Cup with the reputation of a being a young world class striker, who has a starting place in Pep Guardiola's overly populated and overly talented Manchester City squad.

Jesus's talent spoke volumes when he joined Man City from Palmeiras for €32 million and instantly took over Sergio Aguero's starting spot. Till now he has 16 goals and 6 assists in 27 games for the Citizens.

He made his national team debut on 1st September 2016 against Ecuador and managed to get on the score sheet. Jesus was Brazil's highest scorer in the World Cup qualifiers alongside Paulinho and Neymar with 6 goals in 10 matches.

Jesus is a talented and versatile forward who is mainly deployed as an out and out striker but can play as a center forward or as a false 9. He is renowned for his pace, dribbling skills, finishing, movement and work ethic.

With Brazil being touted as the favourites for the title, Jesus will have his work cut off when the Selecao start their campaign in Russia come 2018.

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