Senegal vs. Netherlands: Who could be the key players in Group A clash?

SENEGAL

STAR PLAYER - ISMAILA SARR

© Reuters

With Sadio Mane ruled out of the World Cup due to requiring surgery on a serious knee injury sustained for Bayern Munich against Werder Bremen earlier this month, Senegal's attacking onus will fall on Watford winger Ismaila Sarr.

The 24-year-old is one of only two players to be in double figures for goals scored for Senegal heading into the World Cup, while his pace and trickery from a wide area may prove crucial in terms of breaking Ecuador and Qatar down.

Sarr may not have been at his best in a Watford shirt for much of the past couple of years, but he is generally a different player for his national team and the upcoming World Cup could be the time a clearly talented player finally comes of age.

Should he fail to step up in the absence of Mane, the Lions of Teranga could be sorely lacking quality and a change of pace in the final third, making him their most important player even if some players further back may be considered bigger household names.

NETHERLANDS