7 stars certain to light up Brazil 2014
COMMENT BY DEMOLA DAWODU
The 20th FIFA World Cup commenced yesterday with
the swashbuckling Brazilians beating the plucky
Croatians 3-1, albeit in contentious fashion.
A total of 736 players are currently in Brazil
representing 32 different countries, but only a
miniscule fraction of the former figure will leave their
footprints on the sands of time during this Mundial.
As the saying goes, many are called but few are
chosen. Here are the chosen ones who will
illuminate football’s grandest stage with virtuoso
performances that’ll give fans indelible memories of
a tournament being played on the backdrop of
protests and skirmishes in Brazil.
1. Neymar Jnr.
The Sao paolo born star is the focal point and the
biggest star of Luis Felipe Scolari’s team. The
dazzling 22-year old Barcelona forward showed he’s
worth his weight in gold for the Selecao by showing
glimpses of his brilliance and notching a
brace against a gutsy Croatia yesterday. Brazil’s
hopes of hoisting a record 6th World crown on their
home patch pin heavily on the young shoulders of
the former Santos hotshot.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
The name “Cristiano Ronaldo” is synonymous with
venomous drives, bullet headers, blistering speed,
nifty footwork and uncanny ball control. The two-
time ballon d’Or winner, who scored a stunning 51
goals for Real Madrid last season is a consummate
professional who perpetually wreaks havoc to
opposition teams due to his extraordinary mastery
of the game. The record-breaking Portugal captain
buoyed by Madrid’s recent La Decima triumph will
take some stopping during the World Cup.
3. Lionel Messi
The Rosario born native is a major reason why
Argentineans worldwide are optimistic they can win
their first World title since 1986 in the land of their
eternal rivals. The prolific La Albiceleste skipper
didn’t have a stellar 2013/2014 by his own lofty
standards but still bagged 41 goals in 44 games
despite being blighted by injuries. Messi has been
mentioned in the same mould as the all-time greats
of the beautiful game but the only downside to his
amazing career is that World Cup winners’ medal
missing from his repertoire of laurels. Messi is going
to hit this competition like a moving train. Don’t say
you weren’t warned!
4. Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard was a bright spark in Chelsea’s largely
uninspiring trophy-less campaign under the
returning Jose Mourinho. The former Lille prodigy is
one of the mavins in a star-studded Belgian squad
who are dark horses to win the 18 carat gold prize.
The 23-year old is one capable of producing
moments of genius with his mazy runs, clever
assists and exceptional ball control not forgetting
his keen eye for goal. His stock is set to rise even
further this month if as expected, he puts up terrific
performances during the tournamnet. Indeed,
Belgium have a gem in Eden Hazard.
5. Andres Iniesta
Wayne Rooney once remarked: “To me, Iniesta is the
best player in the world.” For a player of the
Englishman’s ilk to make such a comment about the
Spanish star, is testament to the adeptness of the
30-year old . The mercurial Barcelona playmaker is
capable of weaving magic with his feet and
sometimes doesn’t get the amount of credit he
deserves because of a certain superhuman Argentine
he calls his team-mate. Many hapless defenders will
be left for dead during this tourney by the La Furia
Roja No.6. In a nutshell, Spain are better equipped
to retain their 2010 crown with Iniesta in their ranks
in the land of the Amazon.
6. Angel Di Maria
Angel Di Maria is a tremendous player who became
even more tremendous when Carlo Ancelotti took
the reins of Real Madrid and changed his position.
The 26 year-old played a wide role to great effect
under Jose Mourinho but has flourished and become
even more lethal as part of Ancelotti’s preferred
three-man midfield that landed the Copa Del Rey
and the Champions League last season. The former
Benfica man is blessed with speed, mesmeric skill
and wonderful passing ability, and is a pivotal
member of a talented Argentina squad that has been
tipped to go all the way in some quarters. Di
Maria’s catchy showings will surely contribute its
quota to that dream should it come to fruition.
7. Arjen Robben.
Last but not the least is the Dutch wing-wizard
name Arjen Robben. The man dubbed the ‘glass
man’ while at Real Madrid because of his frequent
injuries has evolved into a quintessential world-class
player because of his prowess at marauding the
flanks, beating opponents with his nimble feet,
cutting in from the right, creating assists and even
scoring goals; a far cry from his ill-fated Los
Blancos days. The ex-Chelsea youngster is a prized
asset for the Netherlands and coach Louis van Gaal
will be licking his lips at the prospect of the 30
year-old replicating his devastating Bayern form for
Oranje. I’m sure he will .
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