Ten players to shine at the 2014 World Cup
Ronaldo and Messi could help make Brazil 2014 one of the best tournaments yet. But here are 10 hidden gems who will look to use the global platform to showcase their talents.
Kwadwo Asamoah (Ghana)
Juventus are competing on every front for silverware this season - and Asamoah has been crucial. Despite having 60 internationals behind him with the Black Stars, the 25-year-old has burst into a new level this season, performing in a new-found left wing-back position rather than his natural central midfield role. If Ghana are to repeat 2010's achievements, Asamoah will hold the key.
Paul Pogba (France)
Sir Alex Ferguson rarely ushers the name Pogba. It was his decision to let the French youngster join Juventus where he has formed one of the best midfield tridents in world football. Winning the U-20 World Cup improved his reputation, and he has since won eight first-team caps. Languid, but immensely powerful, Pogba was a glimmer of quality in a difficult qualifying campaign for Les Blues.
Adam Lallana (England)
Without seeing themselves as favorites to win in Brazil, there's a quiet confidence in the English camp. Adam Lallana, if anyone, embodies this after a super season at Southampton. His composure and elegance on the ball as a midfield playmaker has seen him breakthrough to the national team in 2013-14.
Miralem Pjanic (Bosnia)
The conductor of the orchestra, according to the Italian media, Miralem Pjanic's form is what makes AS Roma tick. They have done so many times in Serie A this season under Rudi Garcia who would probably be toasting the Scudetto if it wasn't for the dominating Juventus. Pjanic is a natural playmaker at best: great passing, wide vision and the ability to control the flow and tempo of his side.
Yoichiro Kakitani (Japan)
Kakitani is another name off the conveyer belt of Japanese attacking-midfielders. He has the same traits as ex-BVB man Kagawa, or Keisuke Honda: pace, dynamism, the speed of thought and link-up abilities. Yet, while playing for Cerezo Osaka in his homeland, 24-year-old Kakitani will be hoping to add to his nine caps at the World Cup in Brazil and continue the rise of the Samurai Blues.
Kevin de Bruyne (Belgium)
Part of Belgium's 'golden generation', Kevin de Bruyne, perhaps, is the pick of the bunch. An impressive debut Bundesliga season on loan at Werder Bremen secured a move to Champions League-chasing Wolfsburg. The 23-year-old thrives on the right-flank, afforded the room to play to his strengths in the attacking-third by Belgian coach Marc Wilmots.
Mateo Kovacic (Croatia)
The 20-year-old trequartista picked to join Inter Milan in 2013 with some huge European clubs courting the Dinamo Zagreb kid. Kovacic has been a refreshing addition to the Croatian side, which is stockpiled with technically strong playmakers, like Modric and Rakitic. Kovacic is even held in the same breath as Croatian legends Boban and Prosinecki.
James Rodriguez (Colombia)
Everyone has their eyes on Colombia. The South Americans steam-rollered their way to the World Cup and are in red-hot form. Monaco star Rodriguez is taking the weight of the pressure with Radamel Falcao injured for the rest of the season. The 22-year-old brings very good playmaking qualities, speed and a high number of assists. He is the jewel in the crown of the principality, so to speak.
Eduardo Vargas (Chile)
Germany fans will have caught a glimpse of Vargas during the Chile-dominated friendly in Stuttgart lately. Vargas is at Valencia, currently, but is another piece of the fascinating jigsaw with Chile's flamboyant and ultra-attacking team. His parent club Napoli will take him back next season, but the World Cup might open up a new window for the talented 24-year-old attacker.
Jordy Clasie (Netherlands)
There's not much to Feyenoord's Jordy Clasie in size. But he makes up for this in natural talent. The diminutive deep-lying midfielder is the anchor for a leading side in the Eredivisie and is now being fast-tracked into the Netherlands national setup. He is already approaching the milestone of 100 games for the Rotterdam side at the age of 22.