Three Man City players who could be about to have a huge World Cup

This competition could be his chance to really prove himself, and he will have no shortage of world class teammates to help him do so. If he can harness the best elements of his game, Cherki could prove to be the difference-maker for Les Bleus this summer.

Abdukodir Khusanov

Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov is not blessed with the most elite squad of teammates, but he and his countrymen could be about to pull a big surprise, having managed to qualify for the World Cup – a huge feat in itself.

Khusanov and his teammates are due to meet Portugal, the current UEFA Nations League holders – who boast teammates Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Matheus Nunes in their squad – as well as DR Congo and Colombia.

Khusanov has performed well in the Premier League and Champions League, however the World Cup presents a different challenge altogether as he will undoubtedly be the star player for his team, but possibly outmatched by the firepower of their group stage opponents.

If Uzbekistan are to do something special, Abdukodir Khusanov will surely have a big part to play.

Nico O’Reilly

Another Manchester City player fighting for a starting place for his national team is Nico O’Reilly, although Thomas Tuchel cannot perhaps guarantee a first-team berth for him with competition at left-back and in central midfield.

However, Nico O’Reilly himself can be quietly confident of being in the Starting XI, having consistently played at a very high level this season for Manchester City and coming on leaps and bounds under Pep Guardiola’s stewardship.

If O’Reilly does get on the pitch for England at the World Cup, he has shown time and again for Manchester City that he is capable of affecting games in a big way – something which the Three Lions will need if they hope to go all the way and finally win the competition.