World Cup 2018: Spain's 5 Key Players to Watch

#2 Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos will be playing in his fourth World Cup

Starting his career as Spain's right-back, Sergio Ramos has come a long way since making his debut as an 18-year-old. It really does seem like he has been there forever, considering he received his first cap in 2005.

Fast forward to 2018 and Ramos will be playing in his fourth World Cup for La Furia Roja. Just recently he was feted by the Spanish Football Federation when he made his 150th appearance for the national team.

That makes him the most experienced member of the squad even though he is not the oldest. Andres Iniesta and David Silva are older but have 125 and 119 caps respectively.

Following the amount of abuse that has come his way after his foul on Mohamed Salah saw the Egyptian injure his shoulder in the Champions League final, one must wonder if he will be in the right frame of mind for the World Cup.

Although not one to be perturbed by criticism, reports claim his family has been on the receiving end of death threats to their personal phone numbers. The entire family has reportedly had to change their numbers.

Nevertheless, Ramos (and Gerard Pique) will have to stand strong - especially when they face Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in the group stage. And don't forget, he can even make himself useful at the other end on set-pieces too. He is actually the third-highest goalscorer in this current squad with 13 goals.