World Cup 2018: 5 Premier League players from underdog nations who could become national heroes

Mohamed Salah is already a national hero in Egypt.
Mohamed Salah is already a national hero in Egypt.

#5 Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland)

Xherdan Shaqiri
Xherdan Shaqiri

Admittedly, Xherdan Shaqiri is technically not a Premier League player at the moment. But with a £12 million release clause, it is guaranteed that he will leave Stoke City and return to the Premier League in this transfer window. He is too good to be playing in the Championship, especially if he has a good World Cup for Switzerland. Similar to every player on this list, Shaqiri has tremendous pace and technical ability. He will be a big threat in Russia.

Switzerland have been drawn with Brazil, Costa Rica and Serbia. There should be no problems for Shaqiri and co. to comfortably advance to the Round of 16 along with Brazil. What the Swiss can come up with after that is down to their wizardly winger.

He has caused magic before in a major tournament as he scored an unbelievable bicycle kick against Poland at Euro 2016. A good run at the World Cup for Switzerland could make Shaqiri hot property in the transfer market if he isn't yet snapped up by Premier League rivals by then.

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Which of these players do you think will have the maximum impact at the World Cup? Tell us in the comments below!

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Edited by Raunak J
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