Fansided

The best 30 players at the World Cup

By James Dudko

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the International friendly match match between Portugal and The Netherlands at Stade de Genève on March 26, 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the International friendly match match between Portugal and The Netherlands at Stade de Genève on March 26, 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 13: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Mohamed Salah of Liverpool shows his appreciation to the fans at the end of the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield on May 13, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 13: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Mohamed Salah of Liverpool shows his appreciation to the fans at the end of the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield on May 13, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) /

4. Mohamed Salah, forward, Egypt

Aside from the big three, not many players can match the kind of output Mohamed Salah has produced on his way to Russia. The versatile mix of winger and striker powered Liverpool to the Champions League final with his incredible scoring feats.

Always blessed with awesome pace, Salah has added nuance to his movement and a ruthless streak to his finishing. His renaissance began during the 2016-17 season with Serie A side Roma and has accelerated since he moved to Merseyside last summer.

Joining Liverpool was the ideal move for Salah. His flexibility and athleticism are tailor made for manager Jurgen Klopp’s brand of rapid, press-crazed soccer.

Salah has since become perhaps the most feared attacker in the game. The question is can he replicate his fine club form on the international stage with Egypt?

It will be a tall order even though the Pharaohs aren’t lacking for quality. Arsenal midfield man Mohamed Elneny has the range of passing to keep Salah supplied with chances. Meanwhile, the pace and trickery of Stoke winger Ramadan Sobhi could draw some attention away from the main danger man.

If Salah carries even a fraction of his club form into the World Cup, Egypt will surprise more than a few.

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