World Cup 2018: 10 Potential Breakout Stars
8. Aleksandr Golovin (Russia)
It has been six years since a Russian player last turned heads at a major tournament. A 19-year-old Alan Dzagoev shone at Euro 2012, notching three goals in as many games, and his CSKA Moscow teammate Aleksandr Golovin will be out to make a similar impact this time around.
The 22-year-old is comfortably the most exciting player in the home nation's side. Linked with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain already this summer, he's as adept out wide as he is through the middle, and will likely play a variety of roles throughout the competition. Coach Stanislav Cherchesov frequently changes his system depending on the opposition. Thus, expect to see Golovin all over the park, with Russia's favourable draw offering ample opportunities to impress.
Though he's been one of the Russian league's most notable players for a couple of seasons, Golovin elevated his European reputation with several excellent shows in continental competition throughout 2017-18. He's raring for a bigger opportunity, and with his agent openly talking a major move up at seemingly every chance it looks like a dead cert. Expect his price to shoot way beyond the mooted £15 million if he excels this summer.