Five danger men from Group D

Here are five that may be of particular interest in Russia.

1. Paulo Dybala

It won’t be easy for the Juventus striker to force his way into a star-studded Argentina attack.

However, after netting 22 goals in 33 Serie A appearances last campaign, Dybala, 24, has finally announced himself as one of the hottest strikers in European football.

Dybala hasn’t scored in any of his 12 appearances for the national side and was left on the bench for Argentina’s final two qualifiers against Peru and Ecuador.

Still, the forward’s agile runs with the ball, versatility and proven eye for goal could be a valuable option for Jorge Sampaoli’s side in Russia.

With Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and club teammate Gonzalo Higuain all in their thirties, Dybala represents La Albiceleste’s future following an exceptional generation of forwards.

2. Ivan Perisic

The tricky winger is no stranger to the international stage and has arguably been Croatia’s star player at the last three major tournaments.

Perisic, 29, scored twice at the 2014 World Cup, though it wasn’t enough to prevent a group stage exit for the Vatreni.

In 2012, Perisic played all three of Croatia’s games at the European Championships and in the same competition four years later, he recorded two goals and an assist.

After joining a struggling Inter Milan side in 2015, Perisic has also been consistent at club level, scoring 11 goals and registering 11 assists in 37 league appearances last campaign – stats which are almost identical to the 2016/17 season.

Croatia may have Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic to pull the strings from the middle of the park, however Perisic’s pace on the break, as well as his natural ability with both feet, will also be key in Russia.