World Cup 2018: 5 Players Whose Value Has Skyrocketed

Sime Vrsaljko

Croatia v England - FIFA World Cup 2018 - Semi Final - Luzhniki Stadium

Croatian full-back Sime Vrsaljko has been tipped to be one of European football’s hot young things for several years now. But before the 2018 World Cup, many weren’t sure if the right-back would ever manage to live up to the huge potential that he has so clearly had over the last few seasons.

It didn’t help that Vrsaljko has struggled to oust club legend Juanfran from Atletico Madrid’s right-back slot over the last two seasons, with the Croatia man having only made 54 appearances for Atletico in all competitions over those two campaigns.

Still, for those wondering whether Vrsaljko was the real deal, his performances in Russia this summer have shown that he can deliver on the big stage. Solid defensively and a constant threat going forward, the energetic former Sassuolo defender has his fair share of suitors, and the current speculation seems to indicate that his future could lie in England.

Reports earlier this year had the Croat linked to Manchester City, before the early goings of the World Cup saw Manchester United in the hunt for the full-back. Now, the latest news is that Chelsea and their new manager Maurizio Sarri are desperate to bring Vrsaljko to Stamford Bridge.

A World Cup that saw Sime Vrsaljko shine as arguably the best right-back in the entire competition will have done his value no harm, and it seems that the ball is firmly in Atletico Madrid’s court on this one; do they stick with 33-year-old stalwart Juanfran at right-back, or do they decide to keep hold of Vrsaljko and make him their first choice in that position?

Croatia may have been losing finalists, but Vrsaljko won many admirers in his six tournament appearances.