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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SOLNA, SWEDEN – MARCH 24: Emil Forsberg of Sweden looks to play the ball forward during an international friendly between Sweden and Chile at Friends arena on March 24, 2018 in Solna, Sweden. (Photo by MICHAEL CAMPANELLA/Getty Images)
SOLNA, SWEDEN – MARCH 24: Emil Forsberg of Sweden looks to play the ball forward during an international friendly between Sweden and Chile at Friends arena on March 24, 2018 in Solna, Sweden. (Photo by MICHAEL CAMPANELLA/Getty Images) /

27. Emil Forsberg, midfielder, Sweden

Few attacking midfielders at the tournament have as keen an eye for a pass as Sweden’s Emil Forsberg. The 26-year-old is a natural No. 10 who can thrive for his nation in a variety of positions.

Forsberg can operate on either flank, but is most dangerous from central areas. His touch, deft skill and timing help him split gaps in defenses in an instant.

Those qualities showed up frequently for RB Leipzig this season. Forsberg was in on five goals and four assists across a quartet of different competitions.

This is a player more than capable of setting strikers Ola Toivonen and John Guidetti free in the final third. Since Sweden lacks the firepower common when Zlatan Ibrahimovic still represented his country, Forsberg’s contributions have taken on greater significance.

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