The greatest spectacle in the beautiful game, with millions watching as 32 teams create history and realise their dreams. We here at Outside of the Boot, as ever will focus our attention at the Young Players in this tournament. See all our 2018 World Cup coverage here.
Davinson Sanchez // Colombia // Defender // 22: The former Ajax man has had a very impressive debut season at Tottenham, and is sure to be the main defender for Colombia in Russia. Colombia have a very well balanced squad, but their defence is slightly inexperienced at this level. If Sanchez acquits himself as well as he did at Spurs, the teams facing Colombia might just be in for a really tough ride. The defender has shown pace, strength, and a rapidly improving reading ability to earn his place in the squad. Alongside fellow youngster Yerry Mina, Sanchez is the future of Colombian football.
Dawid Kownacki // Poland // Forward // 21: Kownacki will find it hard to get opportunities to shine in this tournament, considering he will be starting behind the well established duo of Lewandowski and Milik. The Sampdoria man shouldn’t be disillusioned though, as he’s done well to make it to Russia. He’s sure to have a role to play in future editions of this tournament, and off the bench over here too. He’s mostly been used off the bench for Sampdoria as well, scoring 5 times in his 6 starts.
Ismaila Sarr // Senegal // Forward // 20: Sarr will join the in-form Sadio Mane to make a very pacy forward line for Senegal. The African team are in the groupof dark horses and stand every chance of making it through ahead of the likes of Poland and Colombia if they have a good game or two. The versatile Sarr has been playing for Rennes in France, and though his end produt leaves much to be desired, there is no doubting the fact that the raw materials for him to succeed are very much present. For this particular World Cup, Senegal will need to ensure that can do enough to help his senior colleagues.
