Hockey World Cup 2018, Argentina vs England: 3 Standout Players from Quarterfinal 1

#2 Barry Middleton (England)

Barry Middleton vindicated the value of experience by rising to the occasion

With a whopping 435 caps for England, Barry Middleton is comfortably the most experienced player in the 2018 Hockey World Cup. Needless to say, in a tournament as big as this one, there's always immense pressure on the seasoned heads to lead from the front.

After a lackluster show in the group stages, the 34-year-old found himself considerable scrutiny. However, when push came to shove, Middleton rose to the occasion and stamped his authority in the pivotal quarterfinal clash.

Upon receiving a sterling ball from Liam Ansell, Middleton unfurled a fierce strike from a tough angle and scored his 119th career goal. Juan Vivaldi, who was in immense form at that point in time, could only watch as the ball crashed into the top right-hand corner. The equaliser allowed England to breathe easier during half-time.

Middleton was in the thick of the action in a pulsating third quarter. Right before the hooter blared, the veteran fed a stunning aerial ball to confound numerous Argentinian defenders. Latching on to the pass, Will Calnan beat Vivaldi to propel England into the lead.