Caltex Socceroos FIFA World Cup opponent watch

The 2018 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching with every game from here until the end of the season vital for players to push their claims to be involved at the tournament.

The Caltex Socceroos are in Group C in Russia and will face France, Denmark and Peru.

We take a look at a couple of stars from each nation and see  how they are performing in their respective leagues around the globe.

FRANCE

Paul Pogba (Manchester United)

One of the world’s most expensive players, Pogba has probably been below his best for Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils in the Premier League.

Having his troubles with injury as well as a three-game ban, the 24-year-old has played just 16 of 26 league games.

But his numbers have been pretty good with three goals, nine assists and a passing accuracy of 84%.

Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)

France are blessed with some world-class talent, especially in attack, and Griezmann is arguably the best of the lot.

The 26-year-old continues to shine under Diego Simeone in La Liga, contributing seven goals and five assists from 19 matches for second-placed Atletico.

But not all has been rosy of late, with Griezmann getting a row with some Atletico fans following the win over Valencia at the weekend, jetting out to France for a few days R&R.

Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann

DENMARK

Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur)

Eriksen is without a doubt the superstar of the Danish side and looks like he’ll be heading to Russia in excellent touch.

The Spurs playmaker – who turns 26 next week – has been a key figure in the club’s strong displays in both the EPL and UEAF Champions League.

In 25 appearances in the Premier League so far this season, he’s scored seven goals and had six assists.

Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester City)

After a shaky start to the season with the Foxes, Schmeichel’s up-turn in form between the sticks has coincided with Leicester’s rise up the EPL ladder.

The sensational gloveman has started all 26 games in the league, keeping seven clean sheets and averaging three saves per match for Claude Puel’s side.

An experienced keeper, Schmeichel is a wonderful last line of defence for the Danes and will be one of their key players at the World Cup.

Kasper Schmeichel
Kasper Schmeichel

PERU

Paolo Hurtado (Vitoria Guimaraes)

Becoming a regular in the Peruvian side, the 27-year-old is enjoying a good season in the Portuguese top flight.

Hurtado has played 17 of 21 matches for Guimaraes, scoring four goals and providing five assists from midfield.

A lively winger, Hurtado offers genuine pace and skill down the flanks.

Andre Carrillo (Watford)

Carrillo is on loan at the Hornets from Portuguese club Benfica and has found form in the Premier League of late.

The 26-year-old winger has been mainly used as a substitute but has looked more comfortable as the season has progressed, scoring goals against Swansea and Bailey Wright’s Bristol City [in the FA Cup].

He was also part of the Watford side that crushed champions Chelsea 4-1 at Vicarage Road earlier this week.

Andre Carrillo
Andre Carrillo