Paolo Guerrero

In a massive boost for Peru, their talismanic captain has been cleared to play in the World Cup. The 34-year-old was set to miss the tournament after being banned for cocaine use. On appeal to FIFA, and with the help of letters from the captains of Australia, France and Denmark, he has been given the green light. Without him, Peru lack a lot of their cutting edge up front.

Guerrero had a very solid career in Germany starting with Bayern Munich where he scored 10 from 27 appearances. He then moved to Hamburger SV for six years before playing the last six in the Brazilian top flight. It’s this wealth of top flight experience that make him Peru’s danger man. He’s won a treasure trove of team and individual honours. Leading his team to their first World Cup finals in 36 years will be more than enough motivation for him to give his all in Russia.

Mathew Leckie

This is an Australian website so it’s only fitting that the Socceroos feature two danger men. And Leckie is dangerous both on and off the pitch. After an altercation with Dutchman Ron Vlaar at the 2014 World Cup, Leckie asked his opponent in no uncertain terms to… ahem… fight him. The footage has made him a favourite among football fans in Australia. In Russia he’ll become even more beloved if he can find his good club form for the national team. 

This season in the Bundesliga has been Leckie’s best. It also happens to be his first season at Hertha Berlin. He got off to a flying start, scoring twice on debut for his new club. He had a dip in form midseason, most of his Australian team mates did. It was a massive season of travel for the squad and niggling injuries popped up for many around Christmas. However, Leckie has ended the season in fine form again.

He’s considered one of the fastest men in Germany and this makes him a handful for any defence. He is also looking more dangerous in front of goal lately. Sheer pace has defined Leckie’s game for years but adding goals to that makes him a real threat. If you don’t think that’s enough to make him dangerous just see what he said to Ron Vlaar…