10 Players to Watch at the 2018 World Cup

Group E: Neymar

Country: Brazil

Club Team: Paris Saint-Germain

Age: 26

As Ronaldo and Messi strive to add the final trophy to their shelves, Neymar is hoping to beat them both to the prize. Prior to his record-breaking transfer from Barcelona to PSG last summer, Neymar had lived under the shadow of both Messi and Ronaldo in La Liga.

His skills are evident, and after his move to PSG, his ambitions have become clear, as well. Neymar wants to become the best in the world, and to do that, he had to go to Paris and be the main man. To that end, the 2018 World Cup is the perfect opportunity for him to achieve something neither of his biggest competitors ever have and redeem Brazil in the process.

The 2014 World Cup was an immense challenge for Neymar. Not only was he expected to lead Brazil in his first ever World Cup appearance, but with Brazil as hosts, he was also expected to be the face of the tournament. With that experience behind him, Russia will likely be a welcome change of scenery, and now Neymar can focus solely on winning.

After an ankle injury in February effectively ended his year for PSG, Neymar has only had eyes for this summer. In terms of help, Neymar will be surrounded by multiple top-tier players coming off excellent seasons for their clubs, including Gabriel Jesus, Roberto Firmino, Marcelo, Casemiro, Philippe Coutinho, Paulinho, Willian, Fernandinho, and Alisson.

We have Brazil as the favorites to win the tournament, with a 38.44% chance of becoming champions. In Group E, Brazil have three trickey opponents in Costa Rica, Serbia, and Switzerland, but if they play up to their capabilities, they should have no problem securing the top spot in group play. A Brazil World Cup title could catapult Neymar to the rarified heights he wishes to reach and put him on track to potentially eclipsing Messi and Ronaldo when all is said and done.

Results aside, Neymar is arguably the most entertaining player on the planet with the ball at his feet, and anytime he's on the pitch, it is must-see TV.

What to Expect: