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Three weeks in and what entertainment has this World Cup been. With the Group stages over, one can safely say, that this has been the most interesting and unpredictable one in this century. (2002 being second). From goals galore ( especially penalties), to late VAR controversies, to big teams getting a sock to their nose (looking at you Germany) and the "lesser teams" showing their mettle. We have had it all. But who made the best impact. You know the famous ones. The Ronaldos, Modrics, Kanes, Hazards. This article here is an effort to bring to fore the individuals who have had just as great a World Cup but wouldn't have registered on most radars.
First on my list
Ever Banega - What a difference one man can make, especially if he is the last missing piece of a cog in a machine. Everything that Banega has done till now, suggests what a tactical mistake it was on Sampaoli's part to not have included him in the starting line up in the first two games. He was the best man on the field against Nigeria ( sorry Messi fans). With a pass completion rate of 88%, 5 Accurate long balls (100% completion incidentally), winning 4 out 4 tackles and 2 out of 2 Aerial Duels, he was the player that Argentina was looking for. And all this was nothing on the assist for Messi's goals, he gave. Sublime! It would be a surprise to not see him included in Argentina's Knockout matches.
Alexander Golovin - For many, Cheryshev's been the standout player for Russia. And he has been good, but the one guy who has had his demand in the European market Skyrocket, this World Cup has been Alexander Golovin. He grabbed quite a few eyeballs, during the Europa League matches against Arsenal and has only gotten better since. In the two matches he has played, he has had 2 assists and a goal. That's really good, in itself. On top, it's his movement off the ball looking for space in the Half-spaces, the vision to spot his teammates runs and especially his ability over Dead balls that have had people sit up and take notice. Given how young he is, he has quite the future. We might be onto something big with him here.
Juan Quintero : Given how Colombia's Playmaker-in-chief James, been plagued with injury, many wondered how would Colombia deal with the issue. In stepped Quintero. Playing for River Plate (On loan) many wouldn't have given him much of a shot, ( You guys should start paying South American club football a bit more attention :D ). Despite a loss against Japan he was excellent with a cheeky Free Kick goal the high-point. With one goal, two solid assists, three big chances created and 5 key passes, he would already have had a great World Cup but no. His game goes beyond. Its his excellent vision, defense-splitting passes, great timings on runs and good dribbling ability that have lit up his and Colombia's game (seriously, you should go watch some of his highlights). Given how James participation in further games remain a doubt, how he does as the creative force, will go a long way in ensuring Colombia does well this World Cup. He could be this year's breakout star- No kidding.
Ivan Rakitic : We have had rumours, of how disappointed Messi was with Rakitic when he first arrived in Barcelona, of him not being upto the standards. Its a testament to the hard work he has put in, that not only have the rumours stopped but even his value in the market has increased. His standards have risen (whose wouldn't, playing at Barcelona) and that has been on show in this World Cup. His knack of being at the right place at the right time, great positioning skill relieving pressure off his defence and linking up with his team's creative force and his ability to deliver the right pass at the right time has been really good, if not phenomenal. With 5 key passes in this World Cup, his best performance this World Cup came in the thrashing of the Argentinians 3-0. While his country's more illustrious player, Luka Modric may have stolen the show that day, he was the heartbeat of the Croatian midfield. With a goal, and duels won percentage of 77% and not being disposed off the ball even once (WOW!) during the game, it was a performance par none.
N Golo Kante : What a revelation has he been since the year Leceister won the Premier League. And boy, he has only gotten better. If you have been following him since his breakout year, you would have noticed how much better his Reading of game, Anticipation, Interceptions and Ball Distributions have gotten. He didn't disappoint in the Euros, being instrumental in France's progress to the Final and has been their lynchpin this World Cup too. So many of France's attacks start with him stealing the ball from the opponent with a quick transition to his teammates. His best performance came against the Peruvians, where despite the South Americans heroics, he stole the show and didnt give as many chances as Peru's performance deserved.( Yes, Peru were pretty good). With a Pass completion of 91% (highest is 94.5%), Success in tackles 75%, 8 Clearances, 10 Interceptions, he has been one of the best midfield players in this World Cup.
