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#2 Benjamin Pavard (Stuttgart)
Every World Cup, a player who we really know very little about, comes from nowhere and makes their mark. This tournament, it has been Pavard, who has impressed for France in Russia. He is naturally a centre back, but has spent the tournament playing at right back, and despite an uncomfortable start, has been one of the surprise stars of the World Cup. He has played a crucial role in France’s run to the final, and will probably have a big role to play when they come up against Croatia on Sunday.
From what we have seen in the past few weeks in Russia, Pavard is a solid defender, but he has shown a bit of class on the ball as well. Nicolas Otamendi had an excellent season at the Etihad last season, but can be rash at times, and isn’t as accomplished with the ball as Pavard. He is only 22, and he will be under the watch of top European clubs this summer, so won’t come cheap. Everyone saw the sensational goal he scored against Argentina, and if City sign him, they will hope for more of the same.
