Players who could spring a surprise in Russia.
1 Wissam BEN YEDDER
FRANCE
Awarded his first cap in a friendly against Colombia in March, the 27-year-old Sevilla striker is in the form of his life at the moment.
A prolific marksman for his club in this season’s Champions League – and especially impressive when scoring both his side’s goals in their win away at Manchester United – the Paris-born front runner could be the ideal impact sub for France this summer. Quick to adjust to the rhythm of a game, he is mobile, sharp, good in restricted spaces and a natural finisher, averaging more than 18 goals a season over the last five campaigns with Sevilla and former club Toulouse.
“In the box, he’s the best in France,” ex-Toulouse boss Pascal Dupraz once declared. “In fact, there are few in Europe as good at putting the ball in the net as him.”
He honed his skills playing futsal and was good enough to represent France. Although he qualifies to play for Tunisia through his parents, he chose Les Bleus instead.
2‹ Yohan BENALOUANE
TUNISIA
The centre-back might be out of favour at Leicester City, playing only a handful of competitive games this season, but he remains very much in contention for a piece of the World Cup action.
After years of refusing a call-up to the Tunisian set-up, he changed his mind in March and duly made his debut in a friendly win against Iran.
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