FIFA World Cup 2018: Most Important Players in Group A

Hosts Russia will play the curtain-raiser in FIFA World Cup 2018 against Saudi Arabia on the 14th of June, in the Luzhniki Stadium. Saudi Arabia might be underdogs in this group, but their attack is spear-headed by Mohammed Al-Sahlawi, who scored a record 16 goals during qualification.

Egypt and Uruguay are the other two teams in the group. Egypt take with them an in-form Mohamed Salah, to Russia. Uruguay will have to rely on the attacking talents of Cavani and Suarez.

Match to Watch: Egypt vs Uruguay (15th June, 1 PM GMT).

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#1 Russia - Igor Akinfeev

Russia v Portugal: Group A - FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017

Hosts Russia no longer look like the side that went to the semi-finals in 2008. Igor Akinfeev is the only remaining member from that squad, that lost out to eventual winners Spain.

Although looking at importance, Dzagoev might have been the most important to the Russians, Dzagoev has had an injury-plagued year and his form has dipped and inconsistency has crept into his game.

The next best pick would be Akinfeev. Akinfeev is capable of producing moments of magic, but can also add to the bloopers-reel in the same game. But his experience and quality have to shine through for the hosts to last in the tournament.

Notable Mention: Aleksandr Golovin

#2 Saudi Arabia - Mohammed Al-Sahlawi

Mohammed Al-Sahlawi

Mohammed Al-Sahlawi is a prolific and experienced goalscorer. He had an impressive record in the World Cup qualifying campaign, scoring 16 goals, a feat matched by only one other player, Robert Lewandowski.

Saudi Arabia has always had the problem of their players not having enough European experience, as they mostly decide to ply their trade in their own domestic league. Saudi Arabia has attempted to resolve this issue by sending a majority of their players to Spain on loan for the latter half of this season.

The move seemed to be logical, except that the players did not get too many minutes under their belt, which will bother their national coach Juan Antonio Pizzi.

Pizzi will be hoping that Al-Sahlawi can carry his form into the tournament and help his side out massively in Russia.

Notable Mention: Salem Al-Dawsari

#3 Egypt - Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah has elevated his game for Liverpool this season. He joins an elite class of players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez to have won both the FWA and PFA football player of the year in a single season, and is also the first African to win the FWA award.

Salah was crucial for Egypt's qualification, scoring the two goals against Congo, which led to Egypt going to their first World Cup in 28 years.

Salah's pace, trickery and goal-scoring prowess will be very important for Egypt to have a successful campaign in Russia. After the scintillating season that he has had for Liverpool, in which he will finish as the top scorer in the league, expect the winger to rise to the occasion.

Notable Mention: Ramadan Sobhi

#4 Uruguay - Edinson Cavani

Edinson Cavani

Edinson Cavani delivers what he promises: goals. He is often not given his share of the limelight, which is to be expected when you share a team with the likes of Neymar, or previously, Ibrahimović.

But he is a very consistent player with a very consistent goalscoring record.

Óscar Tabárez and Cavani will be hoping that Suárez can avoid any controversy at the World Cup, which has become a recurrent theme, as Cavani alongside Suárez will be a duo capable of unlocking any defense in Russia.

Notable Mention: Rodrigo Bentancur