World Cup 2018: Unheralded players to watch out for in Group A

In less than a month, the world will witness spectacular footballing action in the 21st edition of world's biggest footballing event, FIFA World Cup. Like every other tournament, there is a lot of fuss about the best players of each team and in Group A action, names like Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani (Uruguay), Mohammed Salah (Egypt) Alan Dzagoev (Russia) will be the main headline grabbers.

But history will testify that in a grand stage like this one, teams cannot rely only on their main assets. Each team has its own Mario Gotze; a player who flies under the radar and delivers at the most crucial moment

Here is a look at a few of these players from the teams who will be in Group A at the World Cup:

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#4 Artem Dzyuba (Russia)

Hosts Russia will begin the campaign against the lowest-ranked side of this edition's FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia. Speaking about their most prized asset, Igor Akinfeev is the name that comes first into our mind. The Russian skipper has been their last line of defence for 104 games.

Igor Smolnikov, Alan Dzagoev, and Fyodor Smolov are some of the other key players who will have to play a crucial role if Russia is to advance from a tough group. However, their 29-year-old striker Artem Dzyuba, is going to be Russia's surprise package.

Though the hosts will rely mostly on Fyodor Smolov for the goals, the Arsenal Tula player has scored 11 goals in only 22 chances he has got so far. On the contrary, Smolov has scored one more in 30 appearances.

The 'fox in the box' is having a good stint at Arsenal Tula where he scored 6 goals in just 10 appearances. Expected to pair up with Smolov in Russia's strike-force, he should not be left without any marking else he might prove lethal.

#3 Nawaf Al-Abed (Saudi Arabia)

Nawaf Al-Abed (right) will be key to Saudi Arabia's Round of 16 hopes

Not many football lovers are much aware of the Saudi Arabian team and the only name that has been surfacing on the internet ever since their 28-man preliminary squad has been announced is that of Mohammad Al-Sahlawi. It is very obvious because Al-Sahlawi has scored 28 goals in 38 times he has donned the national colours.

However, teams must keep a close eye on Nawaf Al-Abed. The 28-year-old can play as an attacking midfielder, a winger, and a striker. The Al-Hilal player has scored 8 goals in 43 appearances for his national side.

He is expected to lead Saudi Arabia's midfield and though he might not be as big a goal threat as Al-Sahlawi, his spark in the midfield can open many goal-bound opportunities.

#3 Abdallah Said (Egypt)

While teams will be busy marking Mohamed Salah, Abdallah Said can wreak havoc

Mohamed Salah has become a national hero for the Egyptians after the amazing season he had with Liverpool. The English side advanced to the finals of the UEFA Champions League where they will have to face Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid. However, while teams will be busy marking Salah in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Abdallah Said can do wonders for Egypt.

The 32-year-old attacking midfielder has got only 34 chances to play for his country and has scored 6 goals already. Said plies his trade for the Finnish club KuPS, and with great pace, he can well and truly become Egypt's surprise package. He is expected to be the leader of the Egyptian midfield.

#1 Rodrigo Bentancur (Uruguay)

Rodrigo Bentancur (number 6) will pair up with Matias Vecino at CDM

Much like Egypt, Uruguay is known for their amazing strike-force. Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani are the two most discussed-about players of Uruguay. However, while scoring goals might not look like an issue, containing them might be one. A lot will depend on their defence and protecting their back four will be the two defensive midfielders, Matias Vecino and Rodrigo Bentancur.

Uruguay's group is not an intimidating one, but they still will have to deal with Salahs and Smolovs. The 20-year-old Juventus player has already played 6 games for his nation and has justified his selection by virtue of mesmerizing performances.

Uruguay might have to face either Spain or Portugal in the very next round and Bentancur will have a massive workload.