World Cup 2018: 6 Breakout stars of the group stage

#1 Juan Quintero

After producing the breakout star and Golden Boot winner at the last World Cup - James Rodriguez, Colombia would have been hoping for their playmaker to inspire them to the heights of Brazil 2014.

However, James was a shock omission from the starting XI as a result of an injury and it was Juan Quintero who had to fill in his place. Colombia began with a lacklustre performance against Japan, where they went down to a shock 2-1 defeat that put them on the ropes. It was indeed Quintero who pulled Colombia level with a clever, improvised free kick under the wall.

In a must-win against Poland, the attacking unit of Radamel Falcao, Juan Cuadrado, James Rodriguez that had gone missing against Japan all turned up and it was once again Quintero pulling the strings from midfield along with his senior counterpart James. Quintero and James came up with magnificent midfield performances as the Colombian side bossed a timid Polish team.

Knowing that a positive result might be necessary against Senegal if results don't quite go their way, Colombia had an extremely difficult first half against the energetic African nation. The first half also saw James leave the pitch with an injury and the playmaking responsibilities once again fell on Quintero.

The 25-year-old once again stepped up as he curled in a beautiful corner which was headed in by Yerry Mina. With this, he either scored or assisted in all 3 group stage games.

Quintero has had a difficult time since arriving at Porto in 2013, as he has spent most of the time on loan at various clubs. However, the World Cup might be the tournament where he stamps his authority and shows his class to become a permanent figure at Porto, or maybe even move to a bigger club in Europe.

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Who do you think has been the biggest breakout star of the 2018 World Cup so far? Tell us in the comments below!