Russia 2018: The best player on every team at the World Cup

Peru: Jefferson Farfan

Once upon a time, Peru were among the top South American sides alongside Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina. Between reaching two World Cup quarterfinals in 1970 and 1978 (second group stage), Los Incas won the Copa America. Since then, things have gone downhill, as tragedy and political turmoil have handicapped the Peruvian national side for nearly 40 years.

However, Ricardo Gareca has brought Peru back to their roots with progressive possession play ensuring they snatched the last spot to the World Cup ahead of the more fancied Paraguay or Ecuador. It’s their first World Cup in 36 years and they will be hopeful of making the most of it.

Among the ranks is a resurgent Jefferson Farfan, who played a star role in his nation’s 2-0 playoff victory over New Zealand. The 33-year-old has been enjoying a renaissance in Russia for Lokomotiv Moscow, scoring 15 goals and assisting another five. Farfan still cuts a controversial figure for Los Incas as he has done over the last seven years, but his quality for the national side is undeniable and he can prove the difference maker, a quality that will nicely compliment Peru’s defensive solidity.

The challenge for Farfan and for the Peru coach will be keeping the forward focused and away from trouble, which he has a tendency to find. Should they accomplish that then Peru will have a forward who has produced the goods for them before and, playing the attacking progressive style of soccer they’re currently playing, there’s no reason to believe Peru can’t upset the odds just like they did to qualify for this tournament in the first place