Ones to watch: Wilfred Ndidi - Nigeria
Age: 21Club: Leicester CityCaps: 19
A key part of the Nigeria lineup, Wilfred Ndidi brings defensive steel to the midfield and power from deep, often anchoring the centre of the park.
Ndidi broke into the team two years ago and has been a virtual ever-present since, giving his team protection for the defence and a platform from which to attack.
Mobile, physical and powerful in the air, Ndidi will look to control the space in front of Nigeria's defence but can also initiate attacks from deep.
His versatility has been an important factor too; at times Ndidi can cover either right-back or centre-back when required, which may be an option for late in matches during the finals in Russia.
It's in the centre of the park that he excels though, winning back possession with regularity and frustrating those who seek to find openings against his team.
Ndidi shone with Leicester in the Premier League this term, proving himself a tremendous competitor and someone who has already caught the eye of bigger clubs. Impress on the World Cup stage and that interest could quickly escalate.