World Cup 2018: 10 Potential Breakout Stars
Who'll be this year's James Rodriguez?
While James Rodriguez had already established himself as a thrilling attacking midfielder prior to the 2014 World Cup, his career didn't go supernova until his starring turn in Brazil.
His Colombia side went out in the quarter-finals, but Rodriguez lit the tournament up, his 6 goals and 2 assists earning him the Golden Boot award. The then 22-year-old built an incredible highlight reel, with that volley against Uruguay the undisputed apex. It was enough to earn a £63 million transfer to Real Madrid, and he remains on top of the world today, having just helped spur Bayern Munich to their 28th Bundesliga title in 2017-18.
Such breakout stories are a huge part of the World Cup's appeal. In 1998, it was Michael Owen. Lukas Podolski had his turn in 2006, and his countrymen Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil shone four years later. The list goes on, and with many a footballing reputation secured in previous tournaments, countless stars will be out to make a name for themselves in Russia this summer.
The players within aren't necessarily unknowns, but none have truly arrived as global superstars. That could all change by July 15th...
10. Pione Sisto (Denmark)
Although Christian Eriksen will carry most of Denmark's creative load in Russia, 23-year-old Pione Sisto is all set for a big tournament after an impressive season with Spain's Celta Vigo.
A jet-heeled winger whose flashy dribbling skills should immediately catch the eye, Sisto should line up on Denmark's left flank, where he'll be tasked with supporting striker Nicolai Jorgensen. Throw Eriksen into the mix with the right-sided Yussuf Poulsen, and the Danes have a dangerous attack that should deal real damage to the vulnerable Peruvian and Australian backlines.
Sisto will become the first player of Sudanese origin to play at a World Cup when he turns out for Denmark on June 16th. He's expected to be one of the main driving forces behind a team who thrive in transition, and the Danes will look to his dynamism to unsettle opponents on the break. His tournament run may not go particularly deep, though. If current betting odds prove accurate, Denmark will likely face Argentina in the second round, but Sisto has more than enough in his locker to send his reputation skyward even if he's limited to four games.