World Cup 2018: The most underrated player to watch out for in each group

Group H- Salif Sane

Bayer 04 Leverkusen v Hannover 96 - Bundesliga

Senegal are perhaps one of the most intriguing teams in the World Cup. They feature an interesting attack with the likes of Sadio Mane and Keith Balde leading the way. Defensively, most of the attention has been on Napoli’s giant central defender Kalidou Koulibaly, yet statistically his partner Salif Sane may be a more impressive player. Sane is just as tall (6 foot 4 inches) and was incredibly good for Hannover 96 in the Bundesliga over the past season.

In fact, Sane finished 8th in player rating in the Bundesliga and even won ‘Man of the Match’ five times, tied for 5th in the league (extraordinary for a defender). His biggest strength is his aerial ability, as he won 5.7 aerial duels per game, easily the best in the Bundesliga and tied for 5th in the top five European Leagues. He also used that aerial ability to score four goals in the league, 3rd in the Bundesliga for defenders.

Yet, it was not only Sane’s aerial prowess that was vital for Hannover. Sane also finished 8th in the Bundesliga for offsides won with 0.8 per game and was 1st in clearances (7.3 per game). In addition, Sane’s ball distribution was excellent as he provided 4.2 long balls per game.

Sane’s performances will be vital for Senegal as they face Poland, Colombia, and Japan. His defensive play will be key if Senegal are to contain strikers such as Robert Lewandowski and Radamel Falcao.