Shwuaib Malik picks his five Muslim players that may make an impact at the World Cup.
1. Mohamed Salah
After his champions League heartache, if fit ,Mohamed Salah will be aiming to make his mark on the international scale with Egypt.
The country has reasons to be optimistic, as not only are they in one of the more favourable groups but they have a player in the form of his life who will be eager to elevate his country out of the groups, and beyond.
2. Sardar Azmoun
Many will be hoping young sensation Sardar Azmoun can deliver for Iran in his first world cup, using his experience of playing in Russia.
The 23-year-old Rubin Kazan forward is one to look out for in an Iran side that has proven hard to beat. Even if Azmoun is able to surpass expectations, which are already quite high, this may still not be enough to help Iran progress out of a group with Portugal and Spain.
3. Ahmed Musa
Like Iran, Nigeria have been placed in a tough group featuring Argentina, Iceland, and Croatia.
Nigeria’s team is the youngest there is in the world cup, so they could spring a few surprises as they hold talent that is yet to be seen at football’s biggest tournament and due to his international experience, Musa will be an important player if Nigeria are to have any chances of progressing beyond Group D.
4. Sadio Mane
We know how exciting of a player Sadio Mane can be to watch and expect no different in the world cup. After their impressive qualifying performance, Senegal will feel confident that they can progress to the round of 16 in Russia, from a group containing Japan, Colombia, and Poland.
Mane will be crucial to this after enjoying another successful season with Liverpool. The 26-year-old will be hoping he can make use of his tremendous pace and trickery to help his country enjoy some success in Russia.
5. Younes Belhanda
The Moroccan international and current Galatasaray midfielder, Younes Belhanda may prove to be the spark that Morocco so desperately need in a group of death with Portugal and Spain.
At the very least, he will have the opportunity to show his talent against Iran, which is likely to be a close affair. Be sure to watch out for Belhanda come the World Cup.
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