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

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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Heung-min Son of Korea controls the ball during the international friendly match between Poland and South Korea at Silesian Stadium in Chorzow, Poland on March 27, 2018 (Photo by Andrew Surma/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

South Korea: Heung-min Son

Despite their relative lack of prestige in world soccer, South Korea have a very respectable record in World Cups. They’ve featured at every one since 1986 and despite some poor group stage exits, like in 2014, they’ve also made some extraordinary runs, such as their controversial 2002 campaign, which saw them finish fourth.

That will be the benchmark for South Korea in Russia. If they’re to reach it, it will likely have something to do with Tottenham winger Heung-min Son. Son is the most expensive Asian player of all time and the highest scoring Asian in Premier League history, having finished March in hot goalscoring form. Son needs just three more goals to beat his previous best of 21 goals in all competitions.

Despite this hot streak, Son has struggled to carry this form over to the national team. Having been drawn in a very challenging group, South Korea will need the 26-year old at his very best if they wish to make another memorable World Cup run.

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