(Ghana & Marseille)
Age: 20
The son of Ghanaian legend and former African Footballer of the Year Abedi Pele, Ayew spent last season in the French second tier, on loan to Arles-Avignon. He helped the club with the lowest budget in Ligue 2 to a shock promotion but will return to parent club Marseille next season, where his father made his name and his younger brother Jordan is also on the books.
(Slovenia & Auxerre)
Age: 24
A key figure in Auxerre's shock Champions League qualification, Birsa has brought the confidence gleaned into the World Cup, where Matjaz Kek's side came agonisingly close to qualification for the second round. Their playmaker has been a key figure in this, as authoritative from open play as he is from set-pieces.
(Portugal & Benfica)
Age: 23
A surprise choice by Carlos Queiroz to fill Portugal's problem left-back spot ahead of the more experienced Duda. Coentrao was a left-winger before this season, but Benfica's incredible array of attacking options persuaded coach Jorge Jesus to play him further back, with excellent results. The 22-year-old, who made his national debut in the pressure cooker of the qualification play-offs against Bosnia, has arguably been the team's stand-out performer to date.
(Mexico & Tottenham)
Age: 21
It's remarkable to think that Mexico's star man is still only 21. He has already scored a hat-trick for Barcelona, failed comprehensively at Tottenham and Galatasaray and even played in loan in the English second tier. With this sorry recent history at club level, many thought he was washed up already.
Giovani reminded us of his talent in the opening game of the oturnament against South Africa. A goal threat, he can also run the channels, prompt play and draw rash challenges. He has always been better for his country than his club, but a performance against tournament big-shots Argentina - with a fallible central defence to encourage him - would make people sit up and take notice again.
Is he worth it? Maybe. Giovani has disappointed so frequently in recent times, but Javier Aguirre has perhaps shown that he just needs a coach to invest emotionally in him and believe. The quality is clearly there.
Eljero Elia
(Netherlands & Hamburg)
Age: 23
Last summer's move to Hamburg was seen as a surprise by some, who expected Elia to follow the well-trodden route from the Eredivisie to the Premier League. Nevertheless he flourished early on, before the northern side's floundered amid internal chaos.
A classic, quick, touchline-hugging left-winger, Elia might have expected more chances in this World Cup with Arjen Robben's convalescence, especially after his impressive cameo in the group opener against Denmark. He proved in that game to be a useful pinch-hitter, a role he could reprise deeper into the competition. His style - and Hamburg's lack of European football next season - suggests that he will make that move to England sooner rather than later.
Is he worth it? Perhaps. He ticks all the right boxes, but is unlikely to get enough playing time before the end of the tournament to confirm! his top-level pedigree. Further stylish vignettes before the end of the tournament could yet provoke a move.
Gervinho
(Ivory Coast & Lille)
Age: 23
The tricky right-sider has long been linked with a move to England, so it was surprising to some when he plumped for a move inside France last summer, joining Lille for £6.5m. He has been a smash hit, scoring 18 goals from the wing in his debut campaign with Les Dogues.
Gervinho sparkled in his country's World Cup opener with Portugal, switching wings to great effect and drawing a couple of good saves from Eduardo. His relegation to the bench for the following game with Brazil was more a comment on Sven-Goran Eriksson's inherent conservatism than Gervinho's performance. He has proved his mettle at the top level and outshone his better-known team-mates.
Is he worth it? Yes. Gervinho has shown his ability to cope with close attention from defenders, and his working over of Portugal's miserly defence was a joy to behold. A great combination of pace and ingenuity.
(Japan & CSKA Moscow)
Age: 25
The central figure in Japan's surprise second-round qualification, Honda's exquisite left-foot has been creating a buzz in Europe for a few years now, ever since he first showcased his goalscoring prowess in the Dutch second tier, with VVV Venlo. His spell in the Netherlands attracted a number of admirers for the wide man - including one Ruud Gullit - and following promotion, he was snapped up by CSKA Moscow after a mere half-season in the Eredivisie for £5m.
Honda underlined his direct free-kick mastery by scoring the tournament's first, in the win over Denmark, but he had already shown his shooting power at the top table, with his rocket for CSKA flummoxing Sevilla's experienced Andres Palop and sending the Russians through to the Champions League quarter-finals. An energetic performer, he is becoming one of European football's worst-kept secrets and CSKA could be tempted into the common Russian practice of selling on quickly at a huge profit.
Is he worth it? Yes. Honda's quick adaptation to an alien culture in Russia, the tempo of the Champions League and now the World Cup shows top temperament to match his aptitude. Years of European stardom await.
(Germany & Werder Bremen)
Age: 21
Perhaps the star of the World Cup so far, this elegant left-footer has simply carried on where he left off last summer, which he spent firing Germany to European Under-21 Championship victory in Sweden. England's coaching staff will be well aware of Oezil's quality from his two-goal role in the Malmo final over their own youngsters. Inventive and blessed with tremendous balance, he has shone in central positions as well as out wide in South Africa.
Oezil has just completed his best season in club football for Werder Bremen, hitting a double-figure goal tally for the first time in helping his side to the German Cup final and a surprise Champions League place. He has helped Thomas Schaaf to make light of the departure of creative fulcrum Diego to Juventus - no mean feat.
Is he worth it? Yes. The real deal. Oezil's ability to step up each significant challenge suggests we are watching the emergence of a genuine world-class talent.
Diego Perez
(Uruguay & Monaco)
Age: 30
At 30, Perez may seem to have missed the boat in terms of a really big move. This rugged defensive midfielder has, however, been outstanding in Uruguay's qualification for the last 16. His ball-winning prowess and tactical awareness has been instrumental in Oscar Tabarez's team attaining of perfect defensive record in the group.
He has experience in a physically-demanding league, having been brought to Monaco in 2004 by Didier Deschamps. Perez's priorities are clear - in six seasons in the Principality, he has scored just twice. His leadership qualities and reliability make him a potential bargain, though as the current recipient of a tax-free salary, it would take a substantial wage package to persuade him to jump ship.
Is he worth it? Yes. He has experience, knowledge of diverse footballing cultures, is a fine leader and wouldn't break the bank. What's not to like?
Alexis Sanchez
(Chile & Udinese)
Age: 21
At just 21, the Udinese flyer had already convinced many Serie A watchers of his ability to go to the very top. His performances for Marcelo Bielsa's attractive Chile side have nevertheless been superb. Blessed with a rare combination of pace, balance, close control and awareness, Sanchez has been the wide player of the World Cup. According to Opta, he had completed more dribbles than any other player in the competition after the first two group games - eleven, in case you wondered.
Real Madrid and Lyon have long been sniffing around, but any hopes of them sealing a deal at anywhere near a reasonable price seem to be dead in the water. Another stellar performance in the second round against Brazil will have Europe's finest jostling for position.
Is he worth it? Definitely. He could do with scoring more, but his balance is quite astonishing, especially for one so tricky and quick. Destined to dent the Champions League year after year, whatever his next club.
Luis Suarez
(Uruguay & Ajax)
Age: 23
The scorer of 49 goals for Ajax in an astonishing season, Suarez is no mere poacher. He can create, attack from either wing, and is full of nimble wit. Inevitably he has been linked with the Premier League but Barcelona's mooted interest is more of an indication of his very special qualities.
This ability is why so many were disappointed with his initial forays in South Africa 2010. He has on occasion failed to live up to star billing for Uruguay, though hopes are his winner against Mexico will give his tournament lift-off. At least he has the guiding hand of the experienced Diego Forlan beside him.
Is he worth it? Probably. As discussed, he still has much to prove in this tournament, but with Uruguay having a clear route to the semi-finals, he may yet have time to play himself in and become a star of the World Cup. He will need this to fully convince - there must be more than one interested coach who keeps hearing the words 'Afonso Alves' in his head when looking at Suarez.
Park Chu Young
(South Korea & Monaco)
Age: 24
Having just completed a successful second season in Europe with Monaco, Young has been linked with a move to England, Spain or Germany for some months. He scored at a near-one-in-two rate in Ligue 1 last season, but it is his versatility that makes him an attractive prospect.
Nominally a striker, he has the vision to be effective in deeper areas, so is often used as a '9-and-a-half' or even out on the left. After recovering from his unfortunate own goal in the game with Argentina, it was Young's strike against Nigeria in the final group match which eventually clinched qualification. His stock is continuing to rise as dark horses South Korea impress in the competition.
Is he worth it? Yes. Young has proved his ability to make an impact in key matches, and the success of Park-Ji Sung has done much to dispel the - frankly ridiculous - myth that South Korean players are too fragile to survive in Europe, something Young himself has already proved in France.
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첫댓글 저중에서는 냉정히 말해 독일의 외질과 일본의 혼다가 가장 인상깊은 활약을 보여줬다고 봅니다. 외질은 진짜 그냥 그 자체로 레알 ㅎㄷㄷ이고, 혼다는 일본 대표팀 내에서 워낙에 돋보이는 수준이라서요. (반대로 얘기하면 혼다를 제외한 일본 선수 개개인의 수준이 상대적으로 워낙 낮다는 말이죠.)
어제 외질 내달리기 시작하는거 보고ㄷㄷㄷ 폭주기관차ㄷㄷ
박주영 선수 정말 대단했습니다. 정상급 수비선수들과 몸싸움, 헤딩 경합, 공간 창출 등 눈에 보이지 않는 많은 역할을 담당했고, 골까지 기록했으니 말이죠. 물론 아쉬운 찬스를 많이 놓치긴 했지만 박주영이 없는 대한민국의 공격진을 생각한다면 정말 두고두고 지켜줘야할 자원이라고 생각합니다. 이번 월드컵을 계기로 상위 리그로 진출하거나 자국 내 더 높은 팀으로 이적했으면 하는 바램이 있네요.
프랑스내에서 모나코보다 확실히 높다고 할수있는팀은 리옹밖에 없을듯.. 아무튼 박주영이 마다하지않는이상 빅클럽에서는 분명 제의가 올겁니다 아마 EPL의 AV나 라리가의 발렌시아가 되지 않을까 싶네요..
아마 그런 몸싸움과 헤딩 경합 때문에 정작 중요한 순간에 슈팅 정확도가 떨어졌던 것 같네요. 앞에서 상당히 많이 뛰어주었죠.
뮐러또한 뽑혀야한다고 생각합니다.. 월드컵 첫출전에 3골 3어시스트..89년생이 벌써부터 정상급 기량을 보여주고 있는데 더 놀랍습니다;
외질 진짜 ,,,, 이럴때마다 fm한테 놀라게 되네요. fm유망주 -> 한시즌 후 -> 실축 에서 포텐 폭발
김영광은 그런면에서 참아쉽네요 ㅋㅋㅋ
혼다는 나이 어린줄 알았는데 박주영보다 1살 많네요.
기사가 잘못나왔어요.. 박주영 85년생 혼다86년생
이청용이 없네요
외질, 수아레즈........ ㅎㄷㄷ
와 몇명은 maybe, probably인데 박주영은 yes군요 ㅋ
페레즈... 진짜 중원 장악력 ㅎㄷㄷ 하더군요