The very best forwards in football are going to harass opponents pretty soon on Russian pitches. With an exception of several big guns like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Gareth Bale or Alexis Sanchez, we are set to see the world’s elite and who knows - maybe one or two stars will rise at the World Cup. However, here is a list of the forwards who are expected to prove their class and guide their national teams to success.

Gabriel Jesus

It could have easily been Neymar, but it’s not clear whether the Brazilian hero will hit the top form after recovering from a serious injury. Gabriel Jesus, in his turn, has proved his worth during the glorious season at Manchester City. He managed to score 13 goals in the Premier League despite missing a number of games through an injury. Besides, he became the second-best striker of the South American World Cup qualification campaign, only falling short of Edinson Cavani. Jesus will be playing alongside skillful partners who could provide him with plenty of assists. Besides, Brazil are expected to reach the final stages of the tournament so Jesus will probably have quite a few matches to become one of the tournament’s top strikers.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Love him or hate him, he is the player who makes both Real Madrid and Portugal national team contenders at any tournament they play, scoring crucial goals any time his sides need them most. As usual, the Portuguese star shone in the 2017/2018 La Liga season and the UEFA Champions League and scored 15 goals in the World Cup qualification campaign, more than any other player in Europe bar Robert Lewandowski. Besides, Cristiano is already 33 and it could be his last major tournament and the final attempt to win a record Ballon D’Or, so he will definitely try to impress in Russia.

Lionel Messi

Argentina have not been a free-scoring team for a long time now. However, if there is anyone who is going to pull the team through the tournament, it is the phenomenal Barcelona striker. The best player of 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Lionel has been outstanding this season, netting over 30 goals in La Liga alone. His talent does not seem to fade as he gets older and the little Argentine wizard will try to make up for the last-gasp failure in the final against Germany four years ago. The World Cup trophy is the only one missing from his lavish collection.

Mohamed Salah

It is unlikely that Egypt will reach the final stages of the competition, yet they are totally capable of disappointing opponents on group stage, including the hosts. The team’s fortunes have changed dramatically after an incredible season from their leader Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool striker flourished under Jurgen Klopp, putting in Player of the season performance in the Premier League and scoring an incredible 32 goals since his arrival from Roma. He also impressed in the UEFA Champions League. Few managers managed to stop the little Egyptian who drew comparison with Lionel Messi last season. And the coaches of Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia certainly have plenty of food for thought before the World Cup.

Robert Lewandowski

Poland might not be title contenders at the World Cup but there is no doubt Robert Lewandowski will net a goal or two in Russia. There was simply no stopping the striker during the qualification campaign as he netted 16 times in 10 games. The Pole faced no competition in Bundesliga top scorer challenge as he netted almost twice as many goals as the second best forward Nils Petersen. Apart from that, Lewandowski is the deadliest striker in Europe, demonstrating the highest shot conversion rate.

There is no doubt we are going to enjoy plenty of goals from these forwards on Russian pitches if they avoid injuries or other setbacks before that. But I am also hopeful to see underdog strikers and young talents proving their worth at the World Cup.