5 Players Who Can Salvage Their Season At The 2018 World Cup

In each World Cup season, the players slog it out for more than nine months in their respective leagues and then join their national sides for a month or so for the tournament. But such is the magnitude and weight of the World Cup that it often tends to shadow the preceding season, for better or worse.

Such is the competition in the top European leagues that it is natural that many teams and players go through a season devoid of trophies and individual honours. Injuries, bad form, managerial changes, and many other factors can pose problems during the club campaigns.

However, the grand stage of the World Cup gives these players to redeem themselves. On that note, here are 5 players who can salvage their season at the World Cup.

#5 Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona and France)

Dembele will hope to put his subpar season in Spain behind

Dembele was signed by Barcelona last August to replace departed star Neymar and he was the second costliest player ever at the time. However, the French youngster has had anything but a good start in Spain.

He made just 14 starts for Barcelona in all competitions and this was due to various reasons. Injuries have had their say as he endured a lengthy layoff due to a hamstring problem in 2017. Coach Ernesto Valverde has not favoured him either, using him as a substitute many times when fit.

Dembele has shown glimpses of his mercurial talent and he will hope to do the same in Russia. He has not fulfilled the lofty expectations in Catalonia but a stunning World Cup campaign could render that irrelevant.

#4 Paul Pogba (Manchester United and France)

Pogba will be a key component of France's aspirations

Pogba was named as Young Player of the tournament in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil but he has failed to exploit his full potential since. After his world record move to Manchester United, he has shown glimpses but has not delivered consistent performances week in week out.

The current season in England was a dour one for Pogba as injuries, tactical issues and bad form has smothered it. However, he can override all that if he shines in Russia. He is a vital cog in coach Didier Deschamps' midfield and he has the freedom to express himself.

The Les Blues need their man to shine and he can definitely do that with the array of traits he possesses. On his day he can be a one-man wrecking force and he needs those days to come more regularly. Expectations are sky-high for this young France team and Pogba can star for them if he shakes puts the domestic season behind him.

#3 Marcus Rashford (Manchester United and England)

Rashford can be deployed centrally or as a winger

Rashford came through as an exciting English youngster in 2016 but he his development has been stunted since. He has failed to impress club manager Jose Mourinho and regular starts have been hard to come by.

Hopefully England boss Gareth Southgate plans to use the youngster more. Rashford offers raw pace and skill and the ability to run at opposing defenders, which the Three Lions lack to a certain extent.

Rashford's club career appears to be at a standstill but performances at the World Cup could turn Mourinho's head and change his mind. Furthermore, the World Cup can enhance reputations like no other stage and Rashford has the ability to take advantage.

#2 Timo Werner (RB Leipzig and Germany)

Werner will be hoping to take the baton from Klose

Werner took the Bundesliga by storm last season, scoring 21 league goals to guide RB Leipzig to a surprise runners-up spot. His form has dipped this season, mustering on 13 goals in the league this term.

He is expected to lead the line for Germany this summer and he will hope to make an impact. His name has been swirling in transfer rumours for quite some time now an impressive tournament would help the cause greatly.

The quality of players around him is significantly better in the national setup and it will enable him to propel his burgeoning stock. Traditionally German strikers have excelled at the biggest stage and Werner's will love to emulate predecessors like Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski.

#1 Mesut Ozil (Arsenal and Germany)

Ozil has been sensational for Germany over the years

Ozil has had a disappointing campaign by his standards and Arsenal ended the season in a lowly sixth-place finish. He made just 26 league appearances for the Gunners due to illnesses and knocks but he will be hoping to be a key part of Germany's hopes in Russia.

Germany is one of the favourites to win it all and Ozil will be vital to coach Joachim Low's plans. The Arsenal man was brilliant in the two previous World Cup ventures and he will hope to continue his international form.

Ozil has always shined in his native colours however his club form has been inconsistent, though his ability has never been in doubt. Arsenal recently changed managers, as Unai Emery came in after stalwart Arsene Wenger's departure. Ozil will want to impress his new boss and an impressive showing in Russia will definitely enhance his reputation.