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#1 Denis Cheryshev
The home nation was the lowest-ranked nation in the competition, and yet Russia managed to defy the odds and reach the quarter-finals before being knocked out on penalties by Croatia. None of that would have been possible without the outstanding performances of Denis Cheryshev.
Before the tournament, the most notable moment in his career was getting Real Madrid knocked out of the 2015/16 Copa Del Rey after being fielded, while being ineligible to play. But now, after multiple incredible goals, Cheryshev will go down as a Russian hero. Currently positioned second in the golden boot with four goals to his name, it is incredible to think that he was only a substitute in Russia's first game against Saudi Arabia, coming on due to the injury of Dzagoev in the first half.
With many wonder goals to his name, the Villarreal winger can expect many suitors to come knocking on his door about potential transfers before the 2018/19 season begins.
