It might seem a long shot to some but it all depends on what happens in the semi-finals this week, with the shortlist likely to be announced before the final itself gets under way on Sunday.
Three Reds are arguably in with a shout of the accolade, which was launched in its present guise in 1982, and is awarded to the best player at the finals. France’s Paul Pogba, Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku and England ace Jesse Lingard would strengthen their claims with a match-winning contribution at the last-four stage of the competition.
Pogba has been influential throughout the tournament, except when sitting out the tame draw with Denmark in the group stages, and will relish the big stage once again when Belgium provide the opposition in Saint Petersburg.