The Confederations Cup is on the horizon, and the stars have come out to play this summer. The fun starts Saturday at 8:45 p.m. Nepal Time on Sony Six as hosts Russia take on New Zealand in the tournament opener.
Here comes the Top 15 Must-Watch Players in Confederation Cup 2017:
Joshua Kimmich (Germany)
He's still just 22 years old, but Kimmich has already shown a versatility and level of intelligence that belies his age. With his club team Bayern Munich and the German national team, he can play a variety of positions across the midfield and defense.
Hirving Lozano (Mexico)
After several impressive seasons in Liga MX, Lozano is drawing attention from some big-name clubs in Europe. Still just 21 years old, Lozano is a menace on the wings and looks like El Tri's next big thing.
Julian Draxler (Germany)
Draxler had an up-and-down time with VfL Wolfsburg after making the move from Schalke, but he's lived up to his potential after joining PSG. A dynamic midfielder, the 23-year-old can play with both feet and isn't shy to take a crack at goal.
Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez (Mexico)
It's hard to believe the Chicharito just turned 29 on June 1. It seems like he's been around forever but he still looks like he's a teenager. A striker with a true poacher's mentality, the Little Pea loves a big stage.
Alexis Sanchez (Chile)
While some squads left a few of their stars at home, Chile brought their biggest one to the Confederations Cup. Sanchez might be embroiled in a contract negotiation with Arsenal, but he'll have this tournament to keep his mind off of that.
Aleksandr Golovin (Russia)
The 21-year-old Golovin has been hailed as "Russia’s brightest young star" by former Russia boss Leonid Slutsky. What better place for the CSKA Moscow midfielder to announce himself on the world stage than at home?
Arturo Vidal (Chile)
Vidal is one of the world's most well-rounded midfielders. He's an out-and-out starter for Bayern Munich and the 30-year-old can score from distance as well as mix it up with the best on the defensive end.
Bernardo Silva (Portugal)
As a right winger, Bernardo Silva should provide a credible threat on the flank opposite Cristiano Ronaldo. After a brilliant season with Monaco, Manchester City sought the 22-year-old Silva's signature this summer and they got it.
Eduardo Vargas (Chile)
Vargas loves finding the back of the net, particularly with Chile. The 27-year-old forward has pumped in 32 goals in 71 since his 2009 debut with La Roja.
Raphael Guerreiro (Portugal)
Guerreiro helped elevate his stock with a fine performance at the 2016 Euros. As a midfielder with Borussia Dortmund, the 23-year-old Guerreiro is an adroit passer who looks to only be improving.
Tim Cahill (Australia)
Believe it or not, Cahill is still at it. If things break right for the Socceroos and Cahill, the 37-year-old forward could break the century mark for caps Australia.
Andre Silva (Portugal)
Silva is one of the brightest young talents in the Portugal national team outfit. His exploits in the Primeira Liga and Champions League with Porto drew the attention of A.C. Milan this summer, who made him one of their purchases in a big-money rebuilding project.
Christian Bassogog (Cameroon)
Bassogog was so impressive at the 2017 AFCON that the Chinese Super League took notice of him. His former club, AaB, cashed in big, sending him to Henan Jianye for a boatload of cash.
Ryan Thomas (New Zealand)
Thomas might be New Zealand's most promising prospect in a while. The 22-year-old is mature with speedy feet and has the ability to score from the midfield.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
He's Ronaldo ... you might want to keep an eye out for him. Don't worry, he'll be tough to miss. Ronaldo could control Confederation Cup.
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