World Cup 2018: 10 Potential Breakout Stars
1. Timo Werner (Germany)
Former VfB Stuttgart forward Timo Werner's surge to prominence started in 2016-17, when he spearheaded RB Leipzig's unlikely charge up the Bundesliga. He scored 21 goals that season, but like the club himself, Werner fell off in 2017-18, hitting the back of the net 13 times. Regardless, the 22-year-old will be charged with leading the German line in Russia, and while he enjoys a burgeoning reputation across Europe, he's yet to break out as a true global superstar.
Barring a complete disaster for Germany, Werner should do exactly that this summer. He's a frighteningly quick centre-forward prone to leaving opposing defenders in the dust, and he plays with great technique, the ball whizzing off his boot with power and precision. This makes him a nightmare to deal with, and his outstanding movement will open countless pockets of space for those around him to exploit.
Whatever Joachim Low's gameplan, Werner will play. He's a far more complete striker than the squad's other out-and-out centre-forward, Mario Gomez, and his 'Turbo Timo' nickname is well earned: the Leipzig man's 100 metre sprinting record clocks in at just 11.11 seconds.