World Cup: Five stars to watch out for

BBC Radio 5 live's World Football Phone-in's regular experts have all chipped in to give you the low-down on players to watch from teams around the world.

Tim Vickery, World Football Phone-In's South America expert:

I have long believed that Colombia's Juan Fernando Quintero should be an official hero of the World Football Phone In.

As a youngster he scored a goal in the last World Cup, and seemed to have the planet at his feet. But he lost focus, put on weight, and apparently even flirted with a career in music. In other words, he's one of our own.

But he's even more one of our own when he applies himself on the field - and the prospect of another World Cup has happily proved sufficient to rekindle his enthusiasm.

He's a left footed playmaker who finds gloriously inventive angles for his passes. When he's on song, he makes football look such fun. Quintero is unlikely to start for Colombia, but could well be their first option off the bench of they need a goal.

Paul Sarahs, World Football Phone-In's Europe expert:

Fresh from an outstanding season with Lazio, 23-year-old midfield powerhouse Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has the chance to shine for Serbia at the World Cup after being overlooked by former coach Slavoljub Muslin for the qualifying campaign.

Such is Milinkovic-Savic’s importance to Serbia, his falling out with the former coach prompted Muslin’s removal from the position despite guiding Serbia to qualification for a major tournament for the first time since the South Africa World Cup in 2010.

Europe’s major powers are poised to do battle over his signature this summer with Jose Mourinho reported to be the midfielder’s biggest fan.

A good showing from Milinkovic-Savic may be the difference between a group stage exit and a potential second round tie, probably against reigning champions Germany.

Mina Rzouki, World Football Phone-In's Europe expert:

Lucas Torreira is a Sampdoria player and Uruguay international linked with the biggest and best clubs in Europe, from Juventus to Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal. A midfielder blessed with determination, tenacity and intellect, there’s little the youngster cannot do.

A tough tackler famed for his ability to win back possession and inspire attacking moves, delivering perfect geometric passes, Torreira is young but boasts character under pressure. While his best performance came against Chievo Verona, the midfielder produced sublime displays against Juventus, where he scored a goal, Inter, Milan and Lazio.

Watch the midfielder as he attempts to help Uruguay attack and defend, a reliable source in the middle, Torreira will never waste possession or leave a blade of grass unturned.

Mark Gleeson, World Football Phone-in's Africa expert:

Keita Baldé Diao represents a new breed of African footballer, born in Spain to Senegalese parents, and so schooled at the higher level at Barcelona’s academy and having played at Lazio and Monaco.

He was a regular for Senegal in their World Cup qualifying campaign but does not command the individual profile that his talent perhaps deserves.

It could be that the 22-year-old, who made his Series A debut at the age of 18, now catapults himself onto world stage in Russia.

Jon Arnold, World Football Phone-in's CONCACAF (North America, Caribbean and Central America) expert:

While Panama is unlikely to do anything at this World Cup other than fill out the field and make everyone smile as they soak in their debut tournament, there could be a future household name in the ranks.

Ismael Diaz is a creative player for a team that badly needs one. With Panama yet to score in four matches with its A-team ahead of the summer and Alberto Quintero leaving the squad because of a fracture in his foot, the 21-year-old could be called upon to be a starter.

A March meniscus surgery put his World Cup in risk, but prior to that Diaz was turning heads with goals and assists in Deportivo's B team. He stood out at youth tournaments with Panama before making the move across the Atlantic to join the Porto squad. Bigger teams may be circling once again if Diaz can help Panama break its scoreless run and come back to Central America with anything from its first-ever World Cup.

John Duerden, World Football Phone-in's Asia expert:

Iran's Sardar Azmoun is just 23 but has been building a reputation as one of the best, if not THE best, strikers in Asia.

Azmoun plays for Rubin Kazan in Russia and has an excellent touch and close control. His movement and composure in front of goal makes him a slippery customer for defenders to handle and he is good in the air too.

First labelled the 'Iranian Messi' though is closer to Zlatan in style, Azmoun has been linked with Liverpool and other big European clubs.