Players whose value will increase post the World Cup

The FIFA World Cup fever has well and truly arrived. It's the time of the year when the scouts are on red-alert for players and are ready to break the bank to secure their services. A good tournament can result in fatter and deeper pockets while a bad one can halt the most promising of careers.

The World Cup is the ultimate platform for the players to showcase their talents. With plenty of clubs on the look-out for new talent, the youngsters are obligated to deliver in order to secure a healthy long-term contract.

The current transfer market situation is such that a player's value increases by tenfolds after one good season. Just ask AS Monaco. However, there are a few promising talents who are ready to force clubs to break the bank once the tournament is finished. Here is a list of five such players, whose stocks might rise post the World Cup:

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#1 Jack Butland

The shot-stopper has already become hot property courtesy of Stoke City's relegation from the Premier League this season. With the likely prospect of becoming England's first choice keeper for the tournament, Jack Butland has the opportunity of a lifetime. Placed in a relatively easier group, England will not face many hurdles till the round of 16 stage.

For the 'three lions' to progress deep into the tournament, Butland must put in a couple of peerless performances against the likes of Belgium and Germany. With a relatively inexperienced back-three of Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire, and John Stones, big Jack will have plenty of shots coming his way. Having made a league-high 141 saves this season, he is more than capable of performing when the chips are against him.

Valued at 22 million (according to transfermarkt.com), Butland can double it if he can channel his inner Guillermo Ochoa or Michael McGovern.

Jordan Pickford had a good season but if Butland can impress in the coming weeks, he could be the first choice.

#2 Piotr Zielinski

Zielinski is a vital part of Poland's plans for the World Cup

The young Polish attacking midfielder has had a breakthrough season with Italian outfit Napoli. With seven goals and three assists this term, Zielinski has been a vital cog for Maurizio Sarri's team. Having started out as club captain Marek Hamsik's understudy, he stepped up in the second half of the season and was soon challenging for a spot in the main XI.

Gifted with a mix of good pace and superior dribbling abilities, Zielinski is a treat to watch with the ball at his feet. A passing accuracy of 85%+ isn't too bad either. An eye for the spectacular is the icing on the cake. With the decline of Kamil Grocisky and the disappearance of Bartosz Kapustka, the onus is on the 24-year-old to play second fiddle to Robert Lewandowski.

Valued at a relatively modest €25 million by transfermarkt.com, the Polish international could well be swept by a bigger club for a price crossing the €40 million barrier, provided he puts in a few game-changing performances in Russia.

#3 Hakim Ziyech

Ziyech was involved in more than 70% of Morocco's goals during qualification

The Moroccan wizard was famously bashed by Dutch football legend Marco Van Basten in 2016 when the former chose to represent the country of his roots over the Netherlands. Fast-forward to 2018, the chokers extraordinaire lived up to their name by losing out to France and Sweden for a spot in Russia. However, Morocco did the unthinkable by qualifying for their fifth World Cup.

The Ajax attacker had a big impact in their qualification as he was involved in over 70% of Morocco's goals. Possessing breathtaking dribbling and passing abilities, we have all become admirers of his creative guile. Having little to no support on the attacking forefront, the encumbrance is on Ziyech to provide the spark that Morocco desperately needs.

With the likes of Mehdi Benatia, Achraf Hakimi, and Amine Harit by his side, the £20 million man (valued by transfermarkt.com) must grab the bull by its horns and make it count. A possible move to an elite club may just be on the horizon post-tournament for this talented player.

#4 Jose Gimenez

Gimenez and Godin form one of Europe's most lethal defensive pairings

The Atletico Madrid centre-half has already had a wonderful career and yet, is only 23 years old. The youngster from FC Danubio is the heart and soul of both his club and country's defence and along with captain Diego Godin, forms one of the world's most lethal defensive pairings.

Having missed half of the latest season due to a serious injury, Gimenez bounced back with a few spectacular performances and was one of the more important members of 'Los Rojiblancos' Europa League winning team.

Blessed with immense power and positioning prowess, Gimenez is the stereotypical modern-day centre-back which every club envies of owning. Dominant and physical, yet skilful and precise, the Uruguay defender is a wanted man across the biggest clubs in Europe. Adding a successful World Cup to his ever-growing resume will only sky-rocket his transfer value.

#5 Hirving Lozano

Chucky has scored 17 goals and assisted a further 11 this season

The pocket-sized dynamite from Mexico has had a couple of outstanding years with both club and country. After securing a transfer to Dutch outfit PSV, Chucky has grown leaps and bounds as a football player.

With 17 goals and 11 assists, the winger was instrumental in the Eindhoven-based club's championship-winning season. 7 goals in 26 appearances for his country is another feather on the cap for this talented youngster.

An attacking midfielder turned winger, Lozano creates havoc amongst the best of defenders with his breathtaking speed and nonchalant movement with the ball. His poise in front of goal is well beyond his age and his desire to learn makes him stand above the rest.

Having doubled his transfer value in just one season with PSV, Chucky can disrupt the transfer market if his domestic form translates into international success with El Tri.