2018 FIFA World Cup: The 5 players who can rock the show on first appearance

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Suman Chakravorty: The FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia will no doubt be a sensational event for all the football lovers across the globe. Today, on the first day of 2018, www.xtratime.in football journalist Suman Chakravorty chooses his five horses who can make the World Cup of their own in their very first appearence in the biggest footballing extravaganza.

Paulo Dybala

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Paulo Dybala has 14 goals and three assists already in Serie A this season and undoubtedly the future of Argentine football. Like his senior Lionel Messi, Dybala too has a brilliant left foot. His outstanding performances for Juventus helped the Italian giants to reach the final of UEFA Champions League last season. His countrymen have always pleaded for an ideal support for Lionel Messi and Dybala has all the qualities to deliver a memorable World Cup this year. If Dybala can maintain his form, he can be a nightmare for all the teams in Russia.

Gabriel Jesus

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Gabriel Jesus will no doubt be one of the biggest hopes for Brazil in the World Cup in Russia. The Selecao has no replacement of Jesus on the upfront at the moment. Before getting injured in the last match day, Jesus had been scoring goals quite regularly and his combination with Aguero has made Manchester City a lethal force in the Premier League. After the era of Fabiano and Adriano, Jesus has been by far the best centre forward for Brazil and his presence alongside Neymar and Coutinho can run riot to any defence.

Harry Kane

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He has been in red-hot form for Tottenham Hotspur this season. With Wayne Rooney out of the mix in international football, Kane, who in all certainty will shoulder the skipper’s responsibilities, has to lead from the front. That shouldn’t be a problem for the ace striker Kane, who last year surpassed England legend Alan Shearer’s 22-year-old record to become the highest goal scorer in EPL in a calendar year.

Timo Werner

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At 21, Timo Werner has already proved his mettle for Germany, guiding them to the Confederations Cup win in June last year. As the defending champs visit Russia, the young striker, who won the Golden Boot award at the Confederations Cup, will be looking for another award.

Kylian Mbappe

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French kid Kylian Mbappe, who turned 19 last month, has captured the imagination of football enthusiasts from across the globe at such a tender age. The PSG star is considered to be the biggest rising sensation. After he won the French Young Player of the year award, Mbappe said that “a Champions League win and a World Cup success” would make 2018 superb. Fingers crossed.