FIFA World Cup 2018: Most Important Players in Group A
Hosts Russia will play the curtain-raiser in FIFA World Cup 2018 against Saudi Arabia on the 14th of June, in the Luzhniki Stadium. Saudi Arabia might be underdogs in this group, but their attack is spear-headed by Mohammed Al-Sahlawi, who scored a record 16 goals during qualification.
Egypt and Uruguay are the other two teams in the group. Egypt take with them an in-form Mohamed Salah, to Russia. Uruguay will have to rely on the attacking talents of Cavani and Suarez.
Match to Watch: Egypt vs Uruguay (15th June, 1 PM GMT).
#1 Russia - Igor Akinfeev
Hosts Russia no longer look like the side that went to the semi-finals in 2008. Igor Akinfeev is the only remaining member from that squad, that lost out to eventual winners Spain.
Although looking at importance, Dzagoev might have been the most important to the Russians, Dzagoev has had an injury-plagued year and his form has dipped and inconsistency has crept into his game.
The next best pick would be Akinfeev. Akinfeev is capable of producing moments of magic, but can also add to the bloopers-reel in the same game. But his experience and quality have to shine through for the hosts to last in the tournament.
Notable Mention: Aleksandr Golovin