By Yemisi Adegoke (briticoyemo)
There are only a few days until the most important tournament on the football calendar begins. We won’t know who lifts the trophy until July 10th but we will be treated to some amazingly good football in the meantime.
Here are some of my picks for players to watch:
Thibault Courtois (Belgium): Two time winner of the Ricardo Zamora Trophy, Courtois is fast becoming recognised as one of the best keepers in the world. Currently on loan from Chelsea, at Atletico Madrid, the 6ft 6 Belgian featured in all his country’s World Cup qualifiers. This is the first time in over 10 years the Belgian team has made it through to a major tournament and with a team sheet featuring the likes of Vincent Kompany, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard. It is likely to be an important campaign for the youngster.
Daniel Sturridge (England): Sturridge’s partnership with Luis Suarez set the premiership alight last season, with 21 goals he was this season’s runner up for the Premier League Golden Boot. After uneven spells at Manchester City and Chelsea, it seems the forward has finally come into his own. He’s scored 4 goals in his 11 appearances for England, but with his current form that tally is sure to increase in Brazil this summer.
Peter Osaze Odemwingie (Nigeria): The prodigal son returns. After being cast out of the Super Eagles for 18 months, the Stoke City forward has mended his relationship with Coach Steven Keshi and is ready to make his presence felt. The 32 year old is experienced on the world stage and has made 55 appearances for Nigeria scoring 9 goals. After missing out on AFCON glory last year, Odemwingie ended his Premier League season scoring 5 goals in 15 appearances, he will be keen to prove himself worthy of the second chance Keshi gave him.
Lionel Messi (Argentina) : Barcelona’s all time leading goal-scorer (354 goals in 425 games) and four time winner of the Ballon d’Or has been unable to replicate his incredible success playing for his country. 2014 however could see the tides turn, Argentina have put forward their strongest side in years with a squad featuring Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel di Maria. Could this be the year a World Cup winner’s medal completes Messi’s mantelpiece?
Luis Suarez (Uruguay): Uruguay’s all time highest goal-scorer has gone from pariah to poster child during an unstoppable campaign with Liverpool this season. He was the League’s top scorer with 31 goals and shared the European Golden Shoe with Cristiano Ronaldo. After a controversial 2010 World Cup which saw Ghana knocked out as a result of his handball, it will be interesting to see what impact the 27 year old will have in a squad that features Diego Forlan and Edison Cavani—if his injury heals in time.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): Current holder of the Ballon d’Or, the 29 year old Portuguese captain has had another phenomenal season, scoring 31 goals in 30 games. His form for his national side has seen him score 49 in 110 appearances, the country’s leading goal-scorer. Always a pleasure to watch and in a squad with the likes of Fabio Coentrao and Pepe, Ronaldo may be the man to lead Portugal to World Cup glory.
Serge Aurier (Ivory Coast): The Ivorian right back, who has recently let it slip that he is set to join Arsenal, has demonstrated his flair for creating and scoring goals for Toulouse this season. He has scored 6 and assisted 6, the 21 year old was also named in Ligue 1’s team of the season. Although he has only seven caps he will be keen to make a name for himself on the world stage.
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