World Cup 2018: 5 candidates for the Golden Ball Award

#3 Artem Dyzuba (Russia)

Dyzuba's passion and

workrate

has been crucial for the Russians

Dyzuba's passion and work-rate have been one of the best features of Russia's barnstorming runs to the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

The gangly striker was not on good terms with the Sbornaya's manager Stanislav Cherchesov before the World Cup following the player's decision to miss the Confederations Cup last year.

They made up and the Russian team was the better for it as Dyzuba's agility, drive, and strength helped the Russian team especially in games where they had little possession.

He combined beautifully with Aleksander Golovin and Denis Cheryshev in the group games against Saudi Arabia and Egypt where he got two goals and an assist.

He was immense in the game against the highly favoured Spaniards as he kept the centre-back pairing of Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique singlehandedly occupied despite being isolated as the team played very defensively. He also won and scored the penalty which gave the team its equalizer.

He created the assist for Cheryshev's wonder goal against Croatia and kept the Croatian defence occupied.