World Cup’s are notorious places that can show up a players talent, whether it be as superstar or as a flop.

This summers tournament will be no different. Various players will put markers down proving they are world-class stars. Most eyes will be on the already established world greats like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Both superstars who still need to prove themselves at a World Cup may I add.

But I’ve decided to look at five players that if given the chance could shine at this years tournament and take a big step in cementing their careers at the top.

I doubt they’ll be new to you but I honestly believe they can make a real difference at this summers competition.

OSCAR – BRAZIL

The Brazilian creative maestro will be playing in front of his own fans this summer and that will come with a heap of pressure. But the twenty-two year has already shown in his career that he can handle huge pressure and show composure when it matters most.

He is a great link between the midfield and the attack. Keeps the ball going forward and likes to look out for that killer pass.

With Neymar being the main focal point for the Brazilians, Oscar could be seen as his ideal partner that he can bounce off of, a bit like Kaka and Rivaldo from past sides. They might not get the same headlines as a Ronaldo or a Ronaldinho, but these playmakers are essential to any success Brazil have.

His work-rate is commendable as is his willingness to track back and help out with defensive duties. Oscar can often move out to either wing in search of the ball and some space. Has had a lot of responsibility thrust upon him from both Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and Brazil’s Luiz Felipe Scolari but has reacted well and improved as a player.

May have been a bit off the boil lately for Chelsea but the same could be said for a few of the Brazilians as they prepare for the biggest tournament in their lifetime. Oscar could be extremely important for Brazil if they need to unlock tight defences and need to unleash Neymar’s full potential.

RAPHAEL VARANE – FRANCE

I have been a huge fan of Raphael Varane since his early outings for Real Madrid back in 2011.

I’m in no doubt that the twenty-one year old has all the attributes needed that will see him become one of the best centre-backs in the world sooner rather than later. The French internationalist is composed when on the ball and when judging a tackle. He has pace to burn and that is a huge quality to have for a defender in this day and age. Varane is also extremely intelligent when reading the game, which is another massive plus for any young player.

The Madrid man will have to battle it out with Liverpool’s Mamadou Sakho for a starting berth beside Laurent Koscielny at this summers World Cup. Both haven’t had a major amount of game time this campaign, so it will be interesting to see who Didier Deschamps selects but I believe it will be the Lille born Varane. Why? Simple because he has proven, in his clashes with Barcelona and against Europe’s best in the Champions League, that he can step up and perform in the biggest of matches.

As I’ve already said I believe Raphael Varane is going to be one of the best in the world and France should build a team around him, Lucas Digne, Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba. They should use this tournament as a great place to get these young men the best possible experience and I can see that team go deep into the tournament. Then by Euro 2016, with France as hosts, they could have a golden squad featuring a superstar defender in Varane!

 

James Rodriguez -Colombia 

When it was announced that Radamel Falcao had injured his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, many asked what will happen to Colombia. The Colombian’s haven’t given up hope that Falcao may recover in time for the finals but even if he isn’t fully fit by the start of June it isn’t all bad for Los Cafeteros. They have three very capable strikers in Jackson Martinez, Carlos Bacca and River Plate’s Teofilo Gutierrez.

But for the Colombian side to work they need a magician to create his spells and get the ball to the strikers. That job should fall to Falcao’s Monaco teammate James Rodriguez. The inventive playmaker has quickly found his feet at big spenders Monaco in Ligue 1. In fact no one in the elite league in France has bettered James’ twelve assists this season.

The attacking midfielder is best suited as a number ten, filling in the hole behind a front man or two pronged strike-force. That is where he can be at his most decisive and slip-in through balls that cut open defences and send his teammates onto goal. The twenty-two year old is also very versatile and can drift wide or play on either wing if required.

James is also handy in front of goal, scoring nine times in Ligue 1 this term. He has helped his club reach the Champions League spots and will go into this summers World Cup full of confidence. Should he prove himself in Brazil then maybe James can look on to become the next big thing in global football.

Toni Kroos – Germany 

For every great side you need a very capable player that you can trust with the ball, for this German team they have the dependable Toni Kroos.

Kroos is a bit of a midfield marshall that likes to keep play moving and is a tidy passer of the ball. Toni is very much a midfielder that reminds you of a young Michael Ballack. His successful pass rate is always on the high side and what more can a team ask for from a midfielder who can create chances for the forwards or lay the ball off for more creative passers.

At twenty-four the versatile middleman has already gained himself forty-two caps for the national side, helping the cause with five goals. He can stride forward and help out the forwards, his right-foot can certainly strike the ball too!

He can also be called a winner. With Bayern Munich, Kroos has won three Bundesliga titles and a Champions League winners medal too. The next ambition surely has to be to help Germany win a major international tournament.

A lot has been made of Toni Kroos and his future plans lately. Talks over a new deal with Bayern have stalled, with the German giants stating he is asking for too much in terms of a weekly wage. He has a host of big name admirers with Manchester United, Arsenal and Barcelona all taking notes on him. So Kroos could use this years World Cup as a shop window to get him a big move or to convince the Munich hierarchy he really does deserves a new multi-million Euro contract that compares to that of Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben.

Ciro Immobile – Italy 

Former Juventus frontman Ciro Immobile has finally found his form in Turin but not with Juve but their rivals Torino. He is Serie A’s leading marksman so far this term with twenty-one strikes. That’s more than Gonzalo Higuain, Carlos Tevez, Fernando Llorente and Italy’s own Mario Balotelli.

But Ciro only has one international cap to his name at the moment. So could he really lead the line in Rio? Or Manaus, Recife and Natal to be exact.

Well he is the man in-form and his goals have help propel ‘Il Toro’ up to sixth place in the Italian’s top league. Immobile’s chances have also been boosted with Mario Balotelli’s continuous daft antics that produce a negative energy in the Italian camp, Antonio Cassano isn’t getting any younger (which might be telling in the Brazilian heat) and prolific Giuseppe Rossi still needs to regain full fitness after a bad ligament injury he suffered in January.

But instead of getting bogged down with others, we should concentrate on Ciro’s own game and what he can bring to the table for the Azzurri. He’s an intelligent striker who comes alive in the penalty area. The frontman also likes a first time finish but still possesses a deceptive turn of pace that can get him away from desperate defenders. The twenty-four year old could be seen by Cesare Prandelli as the ideal man to have in the squad as a super-sub.

His awareness and instincts in the box remind me of Toto Schillaci. Ciro Immobile should look at Toto as his inspiration as he came into Italia 90 as a substitute before ending that tournament as its top goalscorer.

So there you have it. That is five players I believe that can have a big impact at this years World Cup. Lets hope I haven’t jinxed them!

Posted on April 29th, 2014 by scott
Filed under: Article, World Cup