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

#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.