World Cup 2018: 10 Potential Breakout Stars
7. Lucas Torreira (Uruguay)
Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani make Uruguay a threat to any other team, but their depth extends way beyond its star men.
Coach Oscar Tabarez has an exciting squad at his disposal. Atletico Madrid's Jose Maria Gimenez is full of promise, the thrustful Nahitan Nandez is ready to make a mark on the right flank, and relative unknown Giorgian de Arrascaeta has impressed in Brazil's top flight. Despite all this, their most exciting prospect is a 22-year-old with just two senior international caps to his name.
Lucas Torreira is coming off a great season for Sampdoria. Now firmly established among Serie A's most dynamic midfielders, he's well versed in the destructive arts, but comfortable in possession too, having started his career as a more attacking player.
He made the squad at the expense of talented Real Madrid playmaker Federico Valverde in the last round of cuts, and although Lucas only made his Uruguayan debut in March, he's a huge part of the team's future. Torreira brings the balance that his likeliest partner, Matias Vecino, lacks. Expect Arsenal, Liverpool, and Juventus to step up their reported interest by the end.