FIFA World Cup: Who could win the FIFA Golden Ball?
What's the story
The FIFA World Cup is coming to its climax with just four teams left in the tournament. Belgium, France, England and Croatia are the four semi-finalists and there is no clear favorite right now. As the tournament draws closer to its conclusion, we decided to take a look at the Golden Ball contenders for the 2018 edition of the World Cup.
Information
What is the FIFA Golden Ball?
While the FIFA Golden Boot is given to top goal-scorer of the World Cup, the Golden Ball is given to the best player of the tournament. Lionel Messi was handed the Golden Ball in the 2014 edition, despite Argentina losing the final to Germany.
Front-runner
England's Harry Kane
England fans are on cloud nine, right now, because 'it' might be coming home, courtesy of the brilliance of their captain Harry Kane. The England striker has carried his prolific form into the World Cup. He is the tournament's leading goal-scorer with 6 goals to his name till now. He is the favorite to win the Golden Ball as well the Golden Boot.
Hot-prospect
France's Kylian Mbappe
France's teenage sensation Mbappe has been exceptional at the grand stage, so far. He is the youngest player after Pele to score 2 or more goals in a World Cup fixture. His match-winning performance against Argentina is a testament to his talent. With 3 goals in 5 matches, Mbappe is definitely one of the serious contenders to win the Golden Ball.
Unsung hero
France's N'Golo Kante
Kante has been France's unsung hero. He might not be scoring goals which win his side the match, but the mid-field dynamo is a master at disrupting play. Against Argentina, he shadowed Messi to render him almost ineffective. Kante averages 3.4 interceptions per game while making at least 2.4 tackles in a game. He has also blocked one shot on goal.
Dark horse
Belgium's Eden Hazard
Belgium boss Martinez decided to build his team around Eden Hazard and what a move it has turned out to be. With 2 goals and 2 assists under his belt, Hazard is the catalyst behind the successful Belgium campaign. He was key in the comeback against Japan and has two 'Man of the Match' awards to his name in 4 matches.
Favorite
Croatia's Luka Modric
Croatia's captain Modric is one of the reasons why they have reached the semi-finals. Modric has bagged three 'Man of the Match' awards in his five matches in this edition. Modric has two goals and an assist to his name till now. But what makes him dangerous is his ability to create chances in the final third thus making him one of the favorites.