With just 6-days in Brazil where Croatia open this year’s tournament at The Arena Corinthians in São Paulo, media and fans alike have begun to switch their focus from domestic clubs to their respective national team’s chances. Whilst the excitement of the Premier League is unquestionable, and the quality on show in the Champion’s League unrivalled, there is a romanticism and inclusiveness associated with a World Cup that makes the competition unique. A truly global tournament, despite the increased commerciality and exorbitant ticket prices, it is still viewed as the ultimate footballing experience, for both players and fans
.
As the Euros have now officially been expanded to a 24-team format, thus opening the door to lower-ranked nations and reducing the overall quality of the tournament, The World Cup can once again be recognised as the highest standard of International Football. A clash of styles and philosophies, this competition offer fan’s and coaches the chance to watch players from leagues and countries they otherwise wouldn’t take an interest in. Even the most earnest British football fan would struggle to keep up with the best emerging talents in the Nigerian Premier League, The Chilean Primera División or the Honduras Liga Nacional.
Whilst previous World Cups have varied with regards to competitiveness, excitement and quality, the one area the tournament is guaranteed to deliver, is in the showcasing of young talent. The competition presents players with growing reputations an opportunity to showcase their ability to a global audience, with fans, the media and, most importantly, scouts watching with keen interest. When looking retrospectively, past competitions have witnessed the emergence of global stars now synonymous with world football. The most notable examples would include a 17 year-old Pelé scoring 6 goals at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, or a 20 year-old Franz Beckenbauer winning Young Player of the Tournament on English soil in 1966. More contemporary talents include Michael Owen’s rise at France ’98, Cristiano Ronaldo at Germany ’06 and Thomas Muller during the last World Cup in South Africa.
Whilst stand-out performances during a World Cup are by no means a certain indication of future success (see Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba, et al), those 4 weeks during the summer can often define a players next move, transfer value and global appeal. With that being said, let’s look at 10 young talents we expect to shine during Brazil 2014.this includes:
Christian Atsu – Ghana
Whilst it may be questionable to include a player currently registered with Champions League-chasing Chelsea, Atsu remains a relative unknown in the UK and is yet to appear in front of the Stamford Bridge faithful. The Ghanaian left-winger has forged a reputation as one of Africa’s best young players during a spell with Porto, tempting Chelsea to part with £3.5m in exchange for his services. Currently on loan with Vitesse in the Dutch League, the quick and technically impressive winger looks set to star for his country this summer. The 19 year-old has the potential to complete a formidable Ghana attacking line, which includes André Ayew and Asamoah Gyan.
Diego Reyes – Mexico
Having already secured a lucrative European move at the age of 21, Reyes is viewed as one of the Primiera Liga’s hottest prospects, as well as a future great with the Mexican national side. At 6’4, Reyes is tall yet agile, with his athletic ability allowing him to dominate opposition forwards to such an extent that Porto were willing to pay América €7 million for the youngster. A symbol of Mexico’s faith in his potential, he was handed the captain’s armband during a friendly match against South Korea last month.
Lorenzo Insigne – Italy
Napoli winger Insigne is already a certainty for the Azzuri squad, with the 22-year old going some way to fill the void left in Napoli’s attack following Cavani’s departure. The skilful wide-man is equally potent up front, and will run at opposition full backs given any chance. Prolific at U-21 level, his skills were developed through a series of loans across the Italian leagues. Insigne is particularly prone to cutting in from the wing and shooting into the bottom corner, adopting a similar technique to Arjen Robben.
Jetro Willems – Netherlands
Having made a start at left-back against Denmark during the group stages in 2012, Willems holds the current record as the youngest player to appear at a Euros, at just 18 years and 71 days old. The PSV full-back is also the Eridivisie’s youngest ever scorer, and a regular for his club side. A marauding left-back he is most comparable with Roberto Carlos, and has cemented his place as Holland’s first choice left-back ahead of this simmer’s tournament. Still just 19 years-old, expect solid defending and precocious attacking in equal amount.
Juan Fernando Quintero – Colombia
Another player currently with Portuguese side Porto, perhaps unsurprising given the club’s reputation as a feeder club between South America and the larger European leagues, Quintero has already attracted keen interest from Manchester United. An attacking midfielder who is also capable of playing left-wing, his play-making abilities are highly rated in both Portugal and Colombia. Perhaps most comfortable as a No. 10, Quintero thrives on the space between the opposition midfield and defence, and looks for an incisive through ball at any opportunity. A wicked left foot, he is also a set-piece specialist.
Ross Barkley – England
An accolade previously awarded to Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott, Ross Barkley is the nominee elect as England’s great hope for the World Cup. Whilst there is a well-publicised risk of over-hyping English youngsters ahead of tournaments, Barkley’s decision-making, ability to retain the ball whilst constantly moving forwards and physique suggest a maturity beyond his 20 years. The Everton starlet also appears to be a ‘big occasion’ player, having shone against top 4 opposition this season, and as such will relish a global stage.
Paul Pogba – France
An obvious inclusion, and certainly one that doesn’t come under the ‘unknown’ category, given his spells with European giants Juventus and Manchester United, Pogba is a talent recognised across Europe. However, this will be the first tournament in which Pogba is an established player for Les Bleus, and the unsettled central midfielder also appears to be playing for a move away from Turin. Athletic, with a deft touch, excellent technique, extensive passing range and ability to score goals, 20 year-old Pogba has the potential to be the complete midfielder, and even surpass lazy comparisons with Vieira. An unpredictable temperament, and questionable attitude, means he should feel at home in the French dressing room.
Xherdan Shaqiri – Switzerland
It is unfortunate, but certainly not unique, that a player with Xherdan Shaqiri’s ability is born to a nation with no real international footballing pedigree, or realistic chances of a place in the knock-out stages. However the 22 year-old Bayern Munich winger has a growing reputation, and will be looking to further demonstrate his potential to the Bundesliga and European champions. Short but stocky in physique, the explosive Shaqiri is Switzerland’s most promising prospect by some distance, and will be looking to raise his profile during the summer.
Kenneth Omeruo – Nigeria
Widely tipped to be one of the best young defenders at the tournament, Omeruo is another young African player on Chelsea’s books, currently on loan in the Eridivisie (this time with ADO Den Haag). An established centre-back for the Super Eagles, Omeruo is well known for his pace and composure on the ball. Unlikely to usurp John Terry, Gary Cahill or David Luiz any time soon, the 20 year-old may use the World Cup to attract interest from other clubs.
Bernard – Brazil
The list wouldn’t be complete without mention of the host nation’s great hope, and given the depth of young talent in Brazil, Bernard’s place in the squad is an achievement in itself. Following the likes of Fernandinho, Vagner-Love and Willian into Eastern Europe, Bernard signed for Shaktar Donestsk for Athltic Miniero for €25 million. The 21 year-old, left-sided attacker looks a certainty for the Seleção squad, Brazil will hope to call on his creativity and ability to break into the box and score. Although he’ll first have to keep PSG’s Lucas Moura, and Chelsea’s Oscar out of the starting line-up.
No comments:
Post a Comment