World Cup 2018: 4 players who will be crucial to Argentina's success in the knockouts

#2 Ever Banega

Ever Banega

It was the first start of the 2018 World Cup for Banega who was simply the best player on the pitch against Nigeria. It remains a surprise as to why Jorge Sampaoli did not start the central midfielder in the first two group fixtures. His return arguably made the difference for the Argentinians who were desperate for a victory.

The Sevilla play-maker recorded more through balls and was spot on in his long passing. His lob pass to Lionel Messi which opened the scoring for Argentina was one of the best examples of his brilliance on the field at Saint Petersburg.

16 of the 63 passes Messi received came from Banega who finished the game with 111 touches, 90 passes - most by an Argentine player in the game (3 key passes), 2 interceptions and one assist.

If Banega combines well with Messi in the Round of 16 fixture against France, then the duo might be unstoppable for the French defenders.