A number of teams have a star player in the ranks that have the hopes of a nation resting on their shoulders at the World Cup.
There’ll be plenty of focus on some big name performers in Russia next month, but that’ll only allow those out of the spotlight to shine.
Sardar Azmoun, the man dubbed ‘The Iranian Messi’, endured a difficult start to life upon his return Rubin Kazan last summer, yet ended the campaign strongly, thesportsman.com reported.
Indeed, his five goals and three assists came in his final eight league appearances of the Russian Premier League season as he helped his team stave off relegation.
He also boasts an immense record on the international stage having scored 23 goals in 31 appearances - that’s Ali Daei levels of consistency. His fine record for Iran is a cause for optimism in arguably the toughest group at the World Cup and if left to his own devices, could be a thorn in the side of opponents next month.