We have done a week of group predictions now it is time to take a look at those players we think are going to make a big difference for their team in the World Cup this time around. Just like with the group predictions these ones to watch posts will be broken up into two groups at a time with each a focus on one player from each nation then on Wednesday, the day before the tournament kicks off we will be doing one final post with our top 5 players we will be keeping a very close on who we felt needed a post just for them. As we said last week this tournament should be one of the best yet with the progression of the game. The bar really has been raised when it comes to the quality we witness and that has also helped a whole host of names be brought to our attention, you don't just see those same players week in week out, a whole host of new players have had their chance to shine and perfect their game and in some cases get themselves well on their way to becoming a household name. 

With the growth of the game this might be some peoples first time properly watching some of the nations play and if you only follow your domestic leagues there may be player slipping under your radar who have the potential to make a big difference for their nations progression through the World Cup this time around. So here are the ones to watch for groups A & B...

Group A 

Hannah Wilkinson - New Zealand

The joint hosts of the World Cup have often struggled when it comes to finding the back of the net but one player who always seems to come through and provide the goods is forward Hannah Wilkinson. If the hosts want to progress out of the groups it could be Wilkinson's goals that help them through. New Zealand are in a pretty difficult group with the likes of Denmark and Switzerland so Wilkinson is going to be at her very best and hopefully those around her can get on the score sheet too so that Wilkinson isn't left under too much pressure. If the Melbourne City forward is on top form though we could see New Zealand really push for the round of 16 spot.

Sarina Bolden - Philippines

A lot of pressure is falling on Bolden's shoulders after her decisive penalty led the Philippines to the World Cup but Bolden has the chance to really stand out and make a name for herself all around the World this summer. The forward plays her club football in Australia for the Western Sydney Wanderers and is known for her great work rate off the ball but also for having a great ability with the ball at her feet, she is no stranger to finding the back of the net. The physical strength aspect of her game is also going to be benficial in this tough group and some brilliant performances from Bolden could see the Philippines record some points in what is bound to be a tough group. We are looking forward to seeing Bolden play in the group stages as in the few Western Sydney Wanderers games we watch she certainly left a lasting impression on us as a player with a lot of potential.

Frida Maanum - Norway

WSL fans will know just what Maanum can bring to the Norwaay squad thanks to a fantastic season with Arsenal. With an injury hit squad Arsenal needed all the help they could get to get the most out of their 22/23 season and Maanum really stepped up and helped them get the best out of what could have possibly been a disaster of a season thanks to those injuries to key players. Maanum has an absolutely fantastic work rate both on and off the ball which will really help with any progression for Norway. Not only that but just keep an eye on Maanum if the ball falls at her feet outside the area as we saw plenty of times of times for Arsenal she has an absolute rocket of a shot and is capable of scoring from almost anywhere. There are plenty of players to watch for Norway but just keep a close eye on Maanum as she is capable of creating moments of magic.

Lia Walti - Switzerland

Switzerland are another team with plenty of talent within the squad but as for a specific player to keep an eye on we can't see past yet another Arsenal player and this time it is Lia Walti. In terms of player progression we have seen Walti go from strength to strength through her time with Arsenal and we could see the benefits when watching her on the international stage too. Walti suffered an injury towards the end of Arsenal's season which put a bit of doubt into if she would be 100% for the World Cup but she looks to have made a brilliant recovering and we are sure to see some brilliant performances on the pitch from Walti. With great movement on and off the ball Walti will be a key player for the Swiss this time around. 

Group B

Mary Fowler - Australia

Manchester City's Mary Fowler is hoping to show the World just what she is capable of as she heads back to home soil to represent host nation Australia. At just 20 years old Fowler is already showing her potential to become a household name and this tournament is a chance to shine. Most people will be focusing on big names like Sam Kerr but pay attention to Fowler, she might not have the experience of Kerr but her ability to read the game is brilliant and she can find space which other players might not have noticed being free. Her ability to read the game helps her all over the pitch and throughout this tournament we could see her name popping up on the score sheet plenty of times and even on the assist side of things. Fowler really is an up & coming player with the potential to grow into one of the greatest players so don't just focus on those big names you already know make sure you are also paying attention to Fowler and those younger names.

Amber Barrett - Republic of Ireland

If it wasn't for Barrett Ireland wouldn't be entering their first World Cup. Barrett is a player that many people might not know about due to her spending most of her career overseas. It is Barrett who scored the goal in the play off game to send Ireland to this tournament and she has the ability to show up at those moments when her team needs her the most. Ireland are in a really tough group but if Barrett comes into the tournament like she played that play off vs Scotland she could really be a key player in Ireland trying to get anything out of the group.

Asisat Oshoala _ Nigeria

Oshoala is an absolute joy to watch for both club and country. In recent years we have really seen her progress as a player and in turn we have seen her nominated for plenty of awards that reflect her performances perfectly. This will be a difficult group for Nigeria but keep an eye on Oshoala as she could be a big difference for if her team picks up a point or not throughout the groups. Her pace is definitely going to help Nigeria out on their attacks too and it is going to prove a big threat for the opposition. We are really looking forward to seeing how well Oshoala does up against tough competition.

Jessie Fleming - Canada

Canada has been a team that has been a joy to watch since they hosted the World Cup back in 2015. The nation have gone from strength to strength within the game and play some great football. We have seen them develop with a nice mix of veterans and youngsters over the year too so as players have retired the younger players have already had that experience to step into their new role with little adaptation. One player who has done this and done it really well is Chelsea's Jessie Fleming. Jessie has shown her worth in the WSL but she really gets the chance to shine whilst playing for Canada. She has been a key part to the teams success in recent years and if she performs as well this tournament we can easily see her being one of the standout players for Canada and be the one to make a difference on how the team progresses overall.

So there you go those are the players who we believe will be the ones to watch in groups A & B however, as we said earlier the talent in these groups is absolutely fantastic and we could be in for a real treat watching these groups where we could very easily see plenty of goals scored. This is only the first two groups, there are six more groups with even more fantastic players in them so be sure to check back to see who are ones to watch in those groups are.