Four players impressing at the World Cup to trade on Football INDEX

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Now the round of 16 stage of the 2018 World Cup is complete, we can take stock of the action so far and reflect on four players that have impressed before the quarter-finals kick off on Friday:

1. HARRY MAGUIRE (ENGLAND)

England are now dreaming of a run to the World Cup final after overcoming Colombia on penalties in the round of 16 on Tuesday night. The Three Lions not only picked up their first win in the knockout phase of a major tournament since 2006, but also triumphed in a penalty shoot-out at a World Cup for the first time.

Key to their success in Russia has been the emergence of Harry Maguire. The 25-year-old’s rise to prominence over the last two years has been nothing short of extraordinary and the fact Leicester picked him up for just £17m 12 months ago looks even more of a steal now than it did at the time.

Despite his hulking frame, Maguire has surpassed John Stones as the defender capable of bringing the ball out from the back. Even towards the end of England’s match with Colombia, the Leicester defender was still charging forward and looking to break the lines with some incisive passing.

Some of his defending at the start of the tournament was questionable but he has really emerged as a key player under Gareth Southgate, particularly in the oppositions box from set pieces. Maguire’s stock has risen tremendously in the last six months and it wouldn't be a surprise to see a big Premier League side register interest in the near future.

Maguire’s Football INDEX share price is £1.96 but will only increase if he continues to impress for club and country.

2. ANTE REBIC (CROATIA)

Croatia have wasted golden opportunities at major tournaments in the past and almost did so again when Luka Modric missed a penalty at the end of extra-time of their round of 16 clash with Denmark. However, the Real Madrid midfielder stepped up again during their penalty shoot-out and Croatia ran out winners, advancing to the quarter-finals.

They will face Russia in the next round after the hosts pulled off a shock and eliminated Spain on penalties and Croatia have a real chance to go all the way at the 2018 World Cup. Zlatko Dalic has quality in all areas of the pitch, but Ante Rebic has emerged as a real surprise package for the Vatreni.

Rebic currently plies his trade for German side Frankfurt but has already attracted admirers from the Premier League following a series of impressive displays during Croatia’s first four games at the World Cup.

The 24-year-old scored a brace in Frankfurt’s shock 3-1 win over Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal and has seemingly carried that form into this summer’s tournament, scoring a wonderful volley against Argentina in a shock 3-0 win in the group stage.

Frankfurt will struggle to hold onto Rebic’s services even if Croatia are eliminated in the next round, but a run to the final will only increase the amount of interested parties in his signature. His Football INDEX share price is currently £1.67 and should be considered for your portfolios.

3. N'GOLO KANTE (FRANCE)

It comes as no surprise to learn that France have flattered to deceive at the 2018 World Cup. They finished up on the right end of a seven-goal thriller in their round of 16 clash with Argentina and neutrals will hope that will spark Les Bleus into life.

Didier Deschamps continues to divide opinion among fans after failing to truly get the best out of a golden generation of French talent during his long stint in charge of the national team. They are well stocked in attacking positions but have struggled to find rhythm and fluidity with their play in Russia this summer.

While the likes of Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann have struggled to get going, Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante has, unsurprisingly, been thoroughly impressive for the Euro 2016 finalists. Rarely does Kante have a bad game and this summer has been no exception.

Even Tunisia (28), who were eliminated in the group stage, have created more goalscoring opportunities from open play than France (26) at the 2018 World Cup, so Kante’s role in the team is thoroughly important while his offensive team-mates search for form.

Kante has won possession in the middle third more times than any other player at this summer’s edition of the World Cup (21), while no player has won the WhoScored Man of the Match award more times than the Frenchman (2).

Paris Saint-Germain still haven’t given up hope of prising Kante back to France and his Football INDEX share price, which is currently £1.57, should be monitored.

4. WILLIAN (BRAZIL)

Brazil haven’t been as fluid in attack as previous incarnations at major tournaments but they have the personnel to cause serious damage at any moment, particularly with Philippe Coutinho and Neymar in the side.

Neymar is still searching for his best form since returning from a three-month injury lay-off prior to the start of the 2018 World Cup and it was Willian that inspired the Selecao past Mexico and into the quarter-finals last time out.

The Chelsea winger’s place in the team was under threat during the group phase but the 29-year-old has taken advantage of a timely injury to Douglas Costa to impress Tite ahead of their mouth-watering quarter-final against Belgium.

Willian, who is being heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, finished their 2-0 win over Mexico as the WhoScored Man of the Match (9.24 rating). The industrious winger provides balance on the opposite flank to Neymar and even turned provider to his team-mate to open the scoring.

It seems likely that Willian will leave Chelsea this summer, which only emphasises the need to add the winger to your portfolios sooner rather than later. His current Football INDEX share price is £2.42.