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World Cup 2014 Top Ten – Ones to Watch

By on May 13, 2014

The World Cup always produces drama and moments of pure magic. From Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal against England in 1986, to Andres Iniesta’s last minute winner in the 2010 final, football’s biggest stage is always memorable. This year in Brazil, the expectations are the same as always. From the very first whistle to the last, there will surely be drama and absolute brilliance. Here, Darren Ash takes a look at ten players that need to be watched out for this summer.

Number 1: Neymar

Brazil’s poster boy for the tournament Neymar has struggled in his first season at Barcelona, but could still go into the World Cup having won the league title. Brazil is going to be an incredible sight this year with millions of the country’s residents hoping to see their nation win an unrivaled sixth World Cup, and watch Neymar lead them to it.

The side is packed with talent – Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, Oscar and Ramires are just a selection of players that they can call upon – but Neymar is their main man; Barcelona don’t spend €87.2 on a player for the fun of it. In years gone by Brazil have relied on the likes of Ronaldinho, Kaka, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and of course Pele. But this year the expectations lie firmly on one young man’s shoulders.

The country will accept nothing short of the first place finish which they won at the Confederations Cup last year, and anything less will lead to harsh criticism from all corners so the pressure is on. A good tournament for Brazil will undoubtedly mean a good tournament for Neymar and vice versa. He is the tournament’s main man and Brazil’s main hope.

Number 2: Cristiano Ronaldo

A remarkable season for the Portuguese has seen him lead Real Madrid to Copa del Rey success (although he didn’t play in the final) and a Champions League final. Whilst they cannot win the league, winning the double would be a fantastic achievement and Ronaldo has been integral to it all with an astonishing 50 goals from just 46 appearances.

He has already won the Fifa World Player of the Year award and if he goes into the World Cup on the back of a Champions League success he will be determined to add to that haul, while also redeeming himself after losing the 2004 Euro Final with Portugal. The European nation qualified for the World Cup after beating Sweden in a play off game, where Ronaldo was the star man in both legs. He often carries Real Madrid and Portugal, but it doesn’t seem to bother him. And if he can win the tournament with outsiders Portugal this summer, he will know that he has proven himself to be the best player in the world.

Number 3: Lionel Messi

Whilst Ezequiel Garay (number 9) will be important to the Argentinian backline, there is no doubting who will be the main man for them at the other end of the pitch. Lionel Messi, labelled as the new Maradona by many, and better than Maradona by others, has the ability to change any game for Barcelona and Argentina. While he has struggled with injuries early in the season, he has come back as strong as ever and will be determined to win the one trophy he is yet to get close to.

A common criticism is that he hasn’t won the World Cup, so therefore cannot be regarded as the best player the world has ever seen. Yet if he can produce his best football this summer, then there is every chance that could change. Argentina have arguably their best chance to win the tournament in years and will hope to win it in their rivals’ backyard. And of course, Messi will be the main man yet again as they strive towards that goal.

Number 4: Luis Suarez

Uruguay’s golden boy Luis Suarez has never been one to shy away from drama, but this season he cleaned up his act and was the main man as Liverpool mounted a serious title challenge. Voted the Player of the Year in England, and winning the Premier League’s golden boot, it is a remarkable turnaround from the days when he was making racist comments to Manchester United’s Patrice Evra, biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic and even preventing a Ghanaian winner in the Quarter Final of the 2010 World Cup by putting his hands out. The controversial history won’t leave him, but he is definitely one to watch this summer.

Defenses all over the world will be worried about facing Suarez, who was Premier League’s top scorer in of 2013/2014 with scored 31 goals from 37 appearances, when they are in Brazil, and if Uruguay can make it out of their group then they could go on a real run towards the later stages of the tournament. The nation has celebrated two World Cup successes already and if Suarez can hit form with his strike partner Edinson Cavani, then they may just shock us all again.

Number 5: Paul Pogba

This youngster’s reputation is growing game by game and he is one of the hottest names in football at the moment. A one-time Manchester United reserve player, he caused controversy when he forced his way out of England after refusing to sign an improved contract offer from United.

But he has been a big hit in Italy with Juventus and if you ask anyone what they think of when they hear the name Paul Pogba, the chances are they will tell you that they think of outrageous skill or wonderful goals. Pogba will be in a French team that are looking to have a much quieter tournament than in 2010, when some of their players were sent home. However if Pogba has a great tournament, the French could be dark horses for the World Cup trophy this summer.

Number 6: Mario Balotelli

AC Milan haven’t had the best of seasons but Mario Balotelli is still one of the top players to watch out for. In Euro 2012 he was key in Italy’s progression the final, and although Spain won the match 4-0, Balotelli’s belief in his own abilities has never faded and he will be determined to again show what he can do on the world stage.

In a group that contains England, Uruguay and Costa Rica, Italy will be hoping that they can qualify for the knockout stages and mount a real challenge. The side that won the World Cup in 2006 will be one of the teams to watch this summer, and if they do well you just know Balotelli will be one of the main reasons for their success.

Number 7: Yaya Toure

Yaya Touré has had a fantastic season with Manchester City and scored 20 goals to help lead them to the league title. Many people will be writing off the potential challenge from African nations as a whole, but Toure’s Ivory Coast have what it takes to cause an upset. And if they do make a splash then it will no doubt have something to do with the City midfielder.

Number 8: Eden Hazard

Hazard was voted as the Young Player of the Year in England this season and he will be THE key man for dark horses Belgium. His attacking ability and skill with the ball will make it hard to defend against the Belgians, a side that also possess the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Kevin Mirallas and Vincent Kompany. If Belgium are going to go far in the tournament this summer, then Hazard will have to be on top form. And with rumors of him leaving Chelsea, there will be plenty of interested parties watching him in Brazil, just the more reason for him to be at his best.

Number 9: Ezequiel Garay

Ezequiel Garay has had an excellent season with Benfica and will be a key part of Argentina’s squad this summer. For all of their attacking talents, the South Americans have often been let down by their defense, so Garay will be a key figure as Lionel Messi and co. look to win the tournament. However, a poor summer for the likes of Garay and Javier Mascherano would probably mean a disappointing tournament for Argentina.

Number 10: Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling has had a superb season at Liverpool and has been integral to the Reds’ success this year. And with Theo Walcott out of the World Cup, the 19-year-old will be one of England’s first choice players this summer.
As Roy Hodgson is also looking at youth in Brazil this year, it could be the perfect time for Sterling, a pacy winger, to make his mark on the world stage.

About Darren Ash

Darren Ash Raised in South East London, the 18-year-old Media student is passionate about all things football. A season ticket holder at local team Millwall, he loves nothing more than the highs and lows of the beautiful game. Having followed the sport for as early as he can remember, Darren's goal is to become a professional football journalist. Follow him on Twitter @AshDarren