Six new names expected to light up the World Cup in Russia

Four years since Neymar, eight years since Asamoah Gyan, and twelve years since Rooney and Ronaldo, which new stars can we expect to light up Russia 2018?

Four years sounds like a long time, but you know that it is not when you realize that the World Cup is upon us again! Just a few moments ago Germany was handing a star-studded Brazil a home whipping in 2014.

And few moments before that, Iniesta sunk the hopes of the Oranje nation with that late strike in South Africa amid the unforgettable buzz of Vuvuzelas. Not long before that, France had their best tournament so far with a home win in 1998. Okay, that was 20 years ago!

What a beauty the World Cup can be.

It is made even more beautiful by the opportunity granted to see new stars on the big stage in every edition. We have seen the likes of Ronaldo, Messi, Ronaldinho, Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas and many others revealed before our eyes during the world cup.

The 2018 edition looks even more promising on this front going by league performances and new entrants in the competition. Here are some new exciting names to look out for:

6. Hwang Hee-Chan ( 22, South Korea)

While Asia is far from full acknowledgment as a football Powerhouse, the continent has every once in a while produced stars who have shaken the world. Park Ji Sung in the last decade and Shinji Okazaki more are fine examples of the same.

South Korea v Iran: The youngster is ready to rep Asia on the big stage

The continent looks set to make another statement in the form of Salzburg striker Hwang Hee Chan. The forward has helped them grab two Austrian league titles and has been quite impressive in continental competitions.

This season, he has four goals and an assist in 16 league games and one goal and two assists in the Europa League.

He will have the weight of the country on his shoulders in Russia, but it doesn't look like it will weigh him down.

5. Dele Alli (21 y/o, England)

Dele has developed monumentally over a few quiet years at Tottenham and is definitely going to be a big factor if England is to break the World Cup curse. Dele has made 28 starts and one substitute appearance for Spurs this season, scoring six goals in the process. He had 18 goals in the previous season and 10 in the one before that. It has been three years of consistency which will make him valuable for the Three Lions.

There are rumours that Real Madrid is eyeing him. He has been outstanding in Gareth Southgate's midfield during qualifying and will again be heavily involved in Russia.

Alli in action for Tottenham Hotspur against Watford

4. Kylian Mbappe (19 y/o France)

Mbappe shone at Monaco last season the result of which was PSG coming along with a giant loan deal. He has not appeared to enjoy the huge limelight among the likes of Neymar and Edinson Cavani but has continued to produce consistently high-quality performances in the French cup.

He already has 13 goals and eight assists in the Ligue 1 and has scored once for the national team.

He will have little pressure in the presence of talented players like Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba but he won't be lost among them either!

Mbappe appearing for France against Spain in a friendly

3. Gabriel Jesus ( 20 y/o, Brazil)

The Manchester City youngster has announced his arrival at the big stage in a big way- unsettling goal-machine Sergio Aguero. That alone should show he is prepared to get into heavyweight duels.

Eight goals and four assists in the Premier League and another three goals and one assist in the Champions League make him just about the perfect youngster to lead Selecao's attack.

Brazil's new poster boy in action for City in the Carabao Cup

He is coach Tite's- and the nation's- favorite, taking over from Neymar. He is less flashy as a poster boy but highly efficient in delivering the required goods.

2. Ousmane Dembele (20 y/o, France)

The young playmaker captured the world's attention with mercurial displays for Borussia Dortmund in 2016-17. His role in Les Bleus' qualification was, however, bit part given the immense talent, squad rotation, and his tender age. He has had an injury setback since a big money move to Barcelona but appears to be buzzing again and ready to hit his best form before June.

In the short time since returning from injury, he has made four La Liga assists in nine appearances for Barcelona. He also has one goal in two Champions League appearances.

Total Focus: Dembele is eyeing a strong Barca run ahead of Russia 2018

1.Mohamed Salah (25 y/o, Egypt)

Who is not excited to have Mohamed Salah at the World Cup. The diminutive striker was instrumental in securing The Pharaohs a spot in the last 32 across the globe and is such a big deal in his home country.

He is an even greater deal in England where he is banging goals for fun in the premier league. He is already the leading striker in Europe with 28 goals, four more than any other player in Europe's top leagues.

Salah in action for Liverpool against Tottenham

A four-goal haul as they went for the break saw him surpass Luis Suarez as the highest scorer in a debut season. Salah's staggering stats also include ten Premier League assists, plus six goals and two assists in the Champions League. The former Chelsea man has a creativity that has people comparing him to Leo Messi.