With the elimination of Germany, Argentina, Portugal and now Spain, this World Cup represents a changing of the guard.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the two best players in the world, are now out of the tournament. Given their ages, it’s likely that they won’t play in another World Cup. If either of them do, it will be when they’re past their prime.
Ronaldo is a world class player who plays for a Portugal team that lacks the quality to deliver international honours. Conversely, Messi is the world’s best, playing in an Argentina team full of quality.
However, it is Messi who has, for one reason or another, failed to deliver for his national team.
Their respective eliminations are poignant. Both players have lit up football games consistently over the last decade. The fact that they are out has left a sizeable star-shaped hole in the 2018 World Cup.
With the Spanish and German footballing dynasties crumbling, and the traditional stars eliminated, fans are wondering who can take up that mantle.
There are a few players left in this World Cup who can reach that level. How they perform in the coming rounds will determine who goes on to be the world’s best player.
Kylian Mbappe
The 19-year old France forward’s blistering performance against Argentina was at odds with Messi’s tame offering. He tormented the Argentinian defense throughout the game, scoring two goals along the way.
Mbappe is widely tipped to become the world’s premier striker, and he has announced himself on the world stage now. If he can kick on in this World Cup, he has a future full of trophies and Ballon d’Ors.
Harry Kane
The England striker appears to have the same sort of drive and will to win as Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite playing for an underdog England team, he believes that he can win the Golden Boot.
England rely on him, just as much as he relies on his teammates to score goals. Kane’s fortunes are linked to that of his country, and if England progress, he will score goals. If Kane can do this, he goes from an already world-class striker to a global superstar and the leader of his country.
Neymar
Doubts persist over Neymar, but his talent is undeniable. On his day, he looks like the best in the world.
However, attitude problems continue to plague his game. Whether it is suffocating the team’s play by making it all about him, or arguing with his officials, his ego is dampening his talent.
Brazil, though, are building themselves into this tournament nicely. Neymar himself is recovering from an injury and going from strength to strength. Brazil have every chance to win the World Cup and if they do, Neymar will be central to it.
If he can lead Brazil to the World Cup title then he joins a legendary list of names like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Zico and Pelé.
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