World Cup 2018: 5 Egyptian players to watch out for

October 8, 2017, was like Christmas for the Egyptians as they qualified for the FIFA World Cup. In the closely contested match against Congo, Mohamed Salah scored the winner in 94th-minute after converting a penalty in front of 75000 people at Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria. By doing so, Egypt became the second African nation after Nigeria to book their ticket to Russia.

The Egyptians failed to make it past the group stage in their previous entry at 1990. This year, they will have the task cut out against hosts Russia, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. Despite being ranked above Russia and Saudi Arabia in the FIFA rankings, Egypt's ambitions to make it to the next round won't be easy to fulfil.

However, if these five players deliver, their chances would be multiplied. Here are 5 Egyptian players to look forward at FIFA World Cup 2018.

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#5 Essam El-Hadary

On 15th June 2018, history could be written if Essam El-Hadary starts under the bar. The Egyptian would be 45 years and 151 days old that day, overtaking Faryd Mondragon's earlier record of being the oldest footballer to play in the World Cup. Moreover, he already has a staggering 156 appearances to his name.

The goalkeeper plied his trade for the Saudi club Al-Taawoun FC making 25 league appearances. On top of it, he had made 292 saves and finished the season with 6 clean sheets.

The veteran might have played only one season in Europe, but his credibility can't be subverted. The "High Dam" is regarded as one of the finest players in African football history, having won the African Cup of Nations four times.

He is one of those rare players whom we would witness for the first and the last time in this World Cup. Essam El-Hadary knows it better and will be looking forward to captivating us with his performance.

#4 Ahmed Fathy

Ahmed Fathy is a versatile player able to play both as a right back and a defensive midfielder

You might be hearing his name for the first time, but the Egyptian has already inscribed his names in the history books. In 2001, at the age of 17, he became Egypt's youngest ever player to be capped. Since then, he has never looked back and made 124 appearances for his nation, scoring three goals.

The 33-year-old has the versatility to play in both the right back and defensive midfield positions. In the World Cup where almost every match is a must-win one, his ability to play in both the positions can prove to be a valuable asset.

Not every player gets the opportunity to be a part of the nation's U-17, U-20, and the senior team simultaneously. But, Ahmed Fathy has achieved this rare distinction.

Having 15 years of experience under his belt, the Pharaohs will be banking on him to make it through to the knockouts.

#3 Ahmed Elmohammady

The Aston Villa player will be looking forward to proving his worth

Making it third on our list is the 6 feet tall Aston Villa player, Ahmed Elmohammady. Unlike the previous names, he has been playing in England for the last eight years. The Aston Villa right-back has the ability to play even in the right midfield position, and his solid build can be a threat to the opposition.

The 30-year-old has represented the nation 76 times scoring 2 goals in the process. The Brazilians might remember him as the guy who deliberately handled Lucio's goal-bound effort in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. But he has improved a lot and recovered 177 balls for the Villans in 36 appearances this season.

So, when the Uruguayans attack through the left flank, the Egyptians will look to Ahmed Fathy to stop them.

#2 Mohamed Elneny

Another defensive midfielder to watch out for is Mohamed Elneny

The previous name might have played only a couple of seasons in the Premier League, but this guy has been playing in Europe's top division for the last six years. Meet Arsenal's defensive midfielder, Mohamed Elneny.

The Egyptian played 12 out of the 14 matches for the Gunners at UEFA Europa league with a passing accuracy of 91%. Moreover, in the 839 minutes played, he has 1 goal and 2 assists to his name. On top of it, recovering 47 balls as a midfielder speak volumes about his defensive abilities as well.

Mohamed Elneny is the first Egyptian to don Arsenal's journey. And, this summer, he will show the world what he has learned from Arsene Wenger.

#1 Mohamed Salah

Mo Salah is the man the Egyptians will put their money on.

Mohammed Salah had a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious season this year for Liverpool. After a memorable season for AS Roma last year, the Pharaoh travelled across the Mediterranean and signed for the Reds.

He wasn't welcomed with bushes, but with thorns. The pundits scratched their heads thinking where he would fit at Liverpool's starting eleven. At the end of the season, he appeared 36 times at all competitions scoring 32 goals. Such is his impact that the same pundits are expecting him to be the next Balon d'Or winner.

But before he could set his eyes on the World Cup, he will sweat it out against Real Madrid at the UEFA Champions League finale. The Player of the Season winner for Liverpool will leave no stone unturned to make sure that his side wins the coveted trophy after 13 long years.

So, how much does Egypt depend on Mo Salah? Well, we have to measure in terms of astronomical figures for that.

If the Egyptians want to make it through to the next round, their King will have to be at the top of his game.