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

By Kristofer McCormack

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: Mario Goetze of Germany celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: Mario Goetze of Germany celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) /
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KRASNODAR, RUSSIA – NOVEMBER 14, 2017: Nigeria’s John Obi Mikel in action in an international friendly football match against Argentina at Krasnodar Stadium. Nigeria won the game 4-2. Valery Matytsin/TASS (Photo by Valery MatytsinTASS via Getty Images)
KRASNODAR, RUSSIA – NOVEMBER 14, 2017: Nigeria’s John Obi Mikel in action in an international friendly football match against Argentina at Krasnodar Stadium. Nigeria won the game 4-2. Valery Matytsin/TASS (Photo by Valery MatytsinTASS via Getty Images) /

Nigeria: John Obi Mikel

Nigeria really do have a squad to match their nickname this summer. The Super Eagles qualifed comfortably from a qualifying group containing Algeria, Cameroon and 2012 African champions Zambia.

They scored 11 goals in qualifying, mostly through the talented trident of Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi. However, the club form of the trio will be a concern.

Iheanacho has suffered in reserve role for Leciester, and hasn’t found the form that made him such a promising prospect at Manchester City. Moses has been inconsistent for Chelsea, but he has been bright for Nigeria at times. Alex Iwobi’s Arsenal career has also stalled. All three will be low on game-time and confidence, making the job of John Obi Mikel even more important.

The 30-year-old will captain his side in Russia and plays a crucial role in transition for a counter-attack-focused Nigeria. The former Chelsea midfielder is known for his creativity and passing range for his national side, attributes they have sorely missed in past tournaments where Mikel has struggled with injury.

At his best, Mikel has played a crucial role in Nigeria’s 2013 African Cup campaign, which saw them end a 19-year drought to win the trophy. Should he find that form and remain fit, there’s no doubt Mikel will be able to feed Nigeria’s attacking trio chances they haven’t been given at club level. Mikel’s leadership will also be important in giving some of his teammates a much-needed morale boost .

Honorable mentions: Kelechi Ineanacho, Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi

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