Mohamed Salah and Luis Suarez headline the star players in Group A at the World Cup

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  • Salah is the key player in Group A.

    The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia is around the corner, with the tournament set to commence on 14 June.

    Hosts Russia will kick off the tournament against Saudi Arabia in Group A, while Egypt and Uruguay will play the day after.

    Uruguay and Egypt are the favourites in this group, even with Russia’s home advantage.

    Here’s a look at the key player for each team.

    Russia – Aleksandr Golovin

    The CSKA Moscow centre midfielder has produced some eye-catching performances this season.

    Golovin, who is only 21-years-old, made six appearances in the Champions League this season and scored a wonderful free-kick at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal in the quarter-final of the Europa League.

    His dribbling, passing and long-range shooting make him a threat to any team and he could be the player to drive Russia into the knockout stages with his midfield tenacity.

    Aleksandr Golovin will have the hopes of the home crowd resting squarely on his shoulders.

    Aleksandr Golovin will have the hopes of the home crowd resting squarely on his shoulders.

    Egypt – Mohamed Salah

    The Premier League top scorer and PFA Player of the Year has set the English top-flight alight with his performances this season.

    The 25-year-old forward has plundered an incredible 43 goals in all competitions for Liverpool and could add to his tally this weekend as the Reds go up against Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

    It was Salah’s last-minute penalty which sealed Egypt’s qualification for the tournament and the pressure to help them progress to the knockout stages rests on his shoulders this summer.

    Salah goes into the World Cup in stunning form.

    Salah goes into the World Cup in stunning form.

    Saudi Arabia – Mohammed al-Sahlawi

    The Al-Nassr striker is well-known for his predatory instinct inside the box and Saudi Arabia will require every ounce of his experience if they are to progress from the group stages.

    The 31-year-old spent three weeks training with Manchester United earlier in the year and has a healthy scoring record for his country, netting 26 times in 33 international matches.

    Al-Sahlawi is the obvious danger-man for Saudi Arabia and defending against him will be a tough task for the other teams in the group.

    Saudi Arabia's chances rest on Al-Sahlawi's performance.

    Saudi Arabia’s chances rest on Al-Sahlawi’s performance.

    Uruguay – Luis Suarez

    The Barcelona man is hardly ever out of the headlines and he is the one to watch for Uruguay this summer.

    Suarez has caused controversy in the last two World Cups, firstly handballing on the line against Ghana in 2010 and then biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini in 2014, so what does the former Liverpool striker have in store this time?

    The 31-year-old comes into the tournament in good form, scoring 25 times to propel Barcelona to the La Liga title. If he forms a lethal partnership with Edinson Cavani, then Uruguay should make it to the knockout stages.

    Suarez is coming off another strong season for Barcelona.

    Suarez is coming off another strong season for Barcelona.

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