World Cup 2018: 10 Potential Breakout Stars
5. Goncalo Guedes (Portugal)
Portuguese expectations have cratered since their Euro 2016 triumph.
Key men Joao Mario, Adrien Silva, and Raphael Guerreiro are coming off meek seasons. Renato Sanches, once considered among world football's most exciting prospects, nosedived in the English Premier League. They're bringing a talented squad to Russia, but they have plenty of reasons to be trepidacious in spite of their outstanding qualifying campaign.
Cristiano Ronaldo will carry the attacking load, but while 21-year-old Goncalo Guedes isn't a guaranteed starter, he has plenty of avenues to the starting XI. Bruno Fernandes is far from established on the left, while striker Andre Silva may suffer for his poor AC Milan form, despite his profitable partnership with Ronaldo, though namesake Bernardo's right wing berth is all but guaranteed.
When he plays, expect Guedes to dazzle. Though he has barely played for parent club PSG, he's regarded among Europe's hottest prospects for his skill on the ball, with the Parisian side reportedly valuing him at €60 million. Will they get that after just a single season as a La Liga starter? They'll be lucky, but a strong World Cup will push Guedes towards