EUROPE'S HIDDEN GEMS - RUSSIA 2018
Yes, the thought of Iceland playing Nigeria in Russia this summer may not be everyone's opinion of a mouth-watering fixture. But, it's how I began to really educate myself on the players we never knew existed. We often forget that there are more to teams than their 'superhero'. Iceland at Euro 2016 for example. Everybody knew of Gylfi Sigurdsson coming into the tournament, but it was really Iceland's other 10 players who shocked us the most. Just from their success two years ago, a lot of those players' lives changed instantly. Their names plastered across the scouting list of some of the worlds biggest clubs. Some doubled their value, others increased theirs tenfold. I thought I'd give an insight into who I'll be keeping an eye on this tournament, a handful of Europe's hidden gems, expected to feature at Russia 2018...Alireza Jahanbakhsh - FORWARD - IRAN - Currently playing for AZ
The 24-year-old winger has had an outstanding year playing for AZ in the Eredivisie. A fast, dymanic forward, the Iranian is the Asian top-scorer playing in Europe for the 2017-2018 season. A fan-favourite for the Dutch club, Jahanbakhsh offers a very direct, potent attack. Scoring 21 times in 33 appearances for Alkmaar in the Eredivisie this year, he has more than definitely caught the eye of Europe's elite. Iran may not have the most complete team heading into Russia this summer, but a mouthwatering attack consisting of some of Europe's hidden stars will definitely give them some hope.
Hakim Ziyech - MIDFIELDER - MOROCCO - Currently playing for Ajax
Another one from the Eredivisie. A well-rounded and experienced Moroccan international, Ziyech made a name for himself whilst playing for FC Twente. Ajax signed the now 25-year-old who had developed quite a name for himself by his free-kick ability and all-round technique. More of an attacking midfielder, Ziyech assisted an impressive 17 times in just 34 league games last season, including 9 goals. Dutch born, but now playing internationally for Morocco, Ziyech will be looking to continue his club form at the World Cup. A lot of Morocco's success will surely be down to how this ever-growing maestro will perform. Consistent as well as gifted, he will be one of the less-recognised stars of the tournament.
Hwang Hee-Chan - FORWARD - SOUTH KOREA - Currently playing for RB Salzburg
At just 22 years of age the South Korean prospect has already had an outstanding career. Winning 3 Austrian Bundesliga titles, as well as 2 Austrian cups. He began his professional career at FC Liefering, a feeder club for the controversial 'Red Bull' franchise. The centre-forward adopts a non-traditional style of play, venturing all-across the pitch with his neat footwork and dazzling trickery. The prodigy has got a lot to prove and with a South Korean team inconsistent in quality, we may not see him at his full potential. Keep an eye out for this youngster, he has nothing to lose. Hee-Chan has scored in the Europa League, Champions League qualifiers as well as the domestic league this year, proving he can keep up with demand at RB Salzburg.
Salif Sane - CENTRE-BACK - SENEGAL - Currently Playing for Hannover (Agreed to join Schalke for the 2018-2019 campaign)
One of the more experienced players on this list is the French-born Senegalese international. Sane has had a exceptional year for club, helping the club finish in a more than respectible 13th place in the Bundesliga. Not bad for a club with a budget much less than its competitors. The 27-year-old is a crucial part of the squad. Sane was credited with the most aerial duels won in the Bundesliga for the 2017-2018 season, a truly remarkable statistic. The towering defender is a massive threat from set-pieces, strong and fearless. Senegal have a very competitive set of centre-backs to chose from, all equally experienced and similar in physicality, but for me Sane is the one who stands out. A really impressive Bundesliga campaign means he is one to keep an eye on this summer.
Pione Sisto - FORWARD - DENMARK - Currently Playing for Celta Vigo
The Ugandan-born left-winger is currently on the books of Celta Vigo following a move from FC Midtjylland in 2016. At just 23 years of age, the Danish winger is an athletic and exciting prospect. Assisting an impressive 10 times and adding 4 goals in 34 La Liga appearances last season means that he will be gaining a lot of attention heading into the tournament in Russia. Sisto will be looking to cut inside onto his deadly left-foot in most games. Denmark, on paper are definitely a team lacking in pace, but will be looking at him for a change of style, when their centre-forwards are struggling to get into the game.
Nicolas Tagliafico - FULL-BACK - ARGENTINA - Currently playing for Ajax
With only 3 international caps for Argentina, Tagliafico is somewhat of a mystery to most. Those who follow Ajax have been impressed with what they've seen of the left-back so far, since joining from Independiente in January of this year. An apparent steal for the price of just £4m. Very confident venturing forward, but also just as reliable defensively, the 25-year-old is a well-rounded asset to his national squad. Yet to prove himself for his country, Tagliafico should be looking to make a name for himself on the left, especially seeing just how narrow and ageing the Argentinian squad appears. With plenty to aim for up front, the full-back can certainly look to deliver on the big stage in Russia this June.
Benjamin Pavard - CENTRE-BACK - FRANCE - Currently playing for Stuttgart
Having such an impressive season for the Bundesliga outfit, the talented French defender received a call-up to the provisional 23-man-squad for the upcoming World Cup. Although competing for a place alongside players such as Raphael Varane, Presnel Kimpembe and Samuel Umtiti, the 22-year-old will surely see some game-time this competition. A composed and confident centre-back, Pavard will sit nicely with any partner at the back. Having already gained notoriety amongst those who have been following the Bundesliga recently, the French defender will surely be looking to be first pick for Didier Deschamps, if not in Russia, then in the near future. Definitely one to watch. Pavard can also feature at right-back, a less-contested position for 'Les Bleus'.
Renato Tapia - MIDFIELDER - PERU - Currently playing for Feyenoord
One of Peru's hidden gems. A cultured midfielder, another who can be found playing in the Eredivisie. Transferring from Twente in 2016, the Peruvian hasn't seen a lot of play-time since the move to Feyenoord. However, the recent 2017-2018 season has allowed Tapia to progress. Featuring only a handful of times in his first season for 'De club aan de Maas', the 22-year-old is now starting to improve his game. A crucial part of the national squad, Tapia will be galvanizing the midfield, knitting together passes and retaining Peru's control of the ball. Not the most dynamic player, but one of the most consistent performers for his country, the Feyenoord player will be hoping to drag Peru through a really tough and heavily competitive Group C.
