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The FIFA World Cup is a celebration of culture and football, where players are given the opportunity to shine on the biggest stage. Some players can have their lives changed by their exploits in the tournament, and also have their market value sent through the roof.
Stars who have risen to prominence through the World Cup in the past, include James Rodriguez, Michael Owen and the great Pele.
James Rodriguez's six goals in the 2014 World Cup earned him the golden boot award for the tournament, as well as, a move to Real Madrid. Michael Owen's solo goal against Argentina at World Cup '98 remains one of English football's most iconic goals. Pele's World Cup victory at the age of 17 set him on his way for an extraordinary footballing career.
The transfer rumours surrounding certain players have started to come to the fore due to the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia. A couple of these players are still in with a chance of winning the biggest trophy in all of football; something which would propel their careers to an entirely different level.
Here are four players who will be on high-demand due to their strong performances in Russia:
#4 Xherdan Shaqiri
The former Bayern Munich midfielder confirmed his departure from Stoke City after the Potters’ ten-year stay in the Premier League came to end. The winger, who mainly operates from the right-hand side, has been linked with a move to Manchester United as well as Liverpool. The Swiss international will turn 27 later this year; an age where athletes generally perform at their peak, thus making him a tempting prospect for any big club.
He was one of the few Swiss players who carried a serious attacking threat in the World Cup, as his pace and trickery proved too much to handle for the opposition. Shaqiri's stand-out performance came against Serbia, where he ran the defence ragged and created several openings for his teammates through the game.
In Switzerland's final group game, the match looked to be heading for a draw, until Shaqiri popped up with a 90th-minute winner to guarantee his team a place in the last sixteen. There was also a moment of individual brilliance from the Swiss winger, as he burst past three defenders and sent a fearsome shot crashing against the crossbar in the game.
He would certainly be a great addition for Liverpool, as they aim to bolster their squad in pursuit of a major trophy next season. The Reds may decide, however, to make a U-turn on the Nabil Fekir deal and complete the signing of the Lyon forward.
With regards to Manchester United, Shaqiri will provide an extra option on the right wing: the area that has been of serious concern for the Red Devils after Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s departure.
#3 Ante Rebic
Ante Rebic may become a subject of imminent transfer saga this summer, as clubs are circling around him to add depth to their squad before the inception of the next season.
The Croatian winger, who has impressed in the WC so far, has been linked with the likes of Tottenham and Bayern Munich over the last month. Like Shaqiri, the Croat operates mainly on the right-hand flank, although his game is based more on physicality than raw pace. The winger will turn 25 in September and certainly has his best years ahead of him; a factor that might bump up his price tag in the coming weeks.
Rebic’s best performance of the tournament came against Argentina, as the Croats gave La Albiceleste a serious thrashing in the group game. Early in the second half, the match looked to be finely poised as both teams started to up the ante. However, a moment of madness from Willy Caballero and a moment of brilliance from Rebic gave Croatia a valuable lead in the game. The technique Rebic applied to pounce on that chance was truly sublime.
He is also a tenacious character and so far, has been involved in physical battles on the field and is not afraid to engage in duels. The links of his transfer to Bayern have arisen due to the departure of Eintracht Frankfurt manager Niko Kovac, who joined the Bavarians from Frankfurt this summer.
#2 Harry Maguire
The Leicester defender only joined the Foxes last summer, but his performances will certainly have England’s top clubs licking their lips for acquiring his services this summer.
The centre-back has been linked with moves to Liverpool and Arsenal, as the two sides aim to solidify their defence ahead of the 2018/2019 Premier League season. The commanding centre-half is certainly a hot prospect for any side that needs to tighten its spine going forward.
Maguire has been key to a backline which has guided the Three Lions all the way to the semi-final of the World Cup. There were doubts over England’s defence before the start of the tournament, with Kyle Walker and John Stones the main subject of discussion. However, over the course of the build-up games and in the actual tournament, England's back-three has grown into a perfectly compact and synchronised unit, capable of suffocating any team.
Maguire’s commanding presence and dominance have helped dig England out of their most vulnerable moments. His ability to surge powerfully and directly through the pitch also helps relieve the pressure on the team and also creates openings in attacking areas.
Just two years ago, Maguire was the one watching England from the stands at Euro 2016. Today, he is living the dream with his national side and that too, on the grandest of stages.
#1 Alexander Golovin
This Russian attacking midfielder first came to the attention of football masses in the first leg of the Europa League tie between CSKA Moscow and Arsenal. The Gunners took the lead within the first ten minutes of the game at the Emirates, but Alexander Golovin levelled the scores with a stunning free-kick.
Though Arsenal went on to win the game 4-1, Golovin’s technique and skill were there for all to see through the 90 minutes. The Russian played a huge role in the second leg, as CSKA quickly took a two-goal lead early on in the game.
Although CSKA failed to finish the job and knock Arsenal out of the tournament, Golovin went from being a young talent to a major transfer target over the course of the two weeks.
The Russian backed this up with great performances against Egypt and Saudi Arabia in the World Cup, as Russia coasted into the last sixteen, sending the home fans into absolute delirium.
Golovin’s father recently indicated that the forward is learning English currently, which points to a potential move to England. His mother, too, has openly discussed the possibility of a move away from Russia, with Chelsea reported to have an interest in acquiring the youngster's signature.
