7 players to watch at the World Cup

Julio Cesar

Contrary to previous World Cups, this year’s Brazil team is built around a strong defence rather than attack, with goalkeeper Julio Cesar at the helm. Now considered one of the best stoppers in the world, Cesar kept 10 clean sheets in Brazil’s qualifying campaign, compensating for an attack which at times lacked imagination. He is an athletic, imposing figure, and was a key part in the treble-winning Inter Milan team last season.

Samuel Eto’o

The first ever African finals would be enriched if a home player were to star, and with Michael Essien and Jon Obi Mikel injured, and Didier Drogba a doubt, Samuel Eto’o is the biggest named African player fully fit. His international scoring record of 44 goals in 96 games may be one of the most impressive in the world, but he has yet to perform at his best at a World Cup final. This year is his best chance, as Cameroon has a kind draw, and playing in Africa is likely to spur on a player renowned for his pride of his heritage.

Ledley King

For several years those in English football have wondered how good Ledley King would be if he were fit enough to play regularly, and this month we may find out. In spite of his chronic knee problems, the classy Spurs player is a favourite to replace Rio Ferdinand in England’s backline. If he can manage more than one game a week, as he did at the end of last season, King may finally prove himself a world-class defender at the highest stage.

Gerard Pique

With Spain’s vast array of attacking talent, it is easy to overlook the vital contribution to their recent success made by defender Gerard Pique. He is a complete defender with pace, strength, height and great tackling technique, as well as having an eye for a pass and even a decent international scoring record. At 23 he is still young, and has only emerged very recently, but over the coming month Pique could show himself to be the best defender in world football.

Arjen Robben

All eyes are on Lionel Messi, Christiano Ronaldo, Kaká and Wayne Rooney to be the star players in South Africa, but surprisingly little has been said of Arjen Robben. The pacey winger is a joy to watch at full flight, scoring 23 goals last season whilst displaying dribbling skills on a par with the best in the world. Magnificent goals against Fiorentina and Man U during Bayern Munich’s Champions League run suggested that the Dutchman is a big-game player and, subject to a hamstring injury, Robben may be the player South Africa 2010 is remembered for.

Alexis Sanchez

The World Cup isn’t the same without a young South American attacker bursting onto the scene, and this year’s star could be Chilean Alexis Sanchez. He is typically South American, possessing a diminutive frame and eagerness to show-off the many tricks at his disposal. With Brazil and Argentina expected to adopt defensive formations, we may look to Chile (who line up in a 3-3-1-3 formation) to supply the exciting, reckless football we have come to associate South American teams with, and 21-year-old Sanchez is considered their best player.

Juan Sebastian Veron

In the past, Juan Sebastian Veron has failed to live up to expectations, most notably at the 2002 World Cup, and following his move to Manchester United in 2001. Having played his last four seasons in Argentina, the classy midfielder has been all but forgotten about in Europe, but that is about to change. Veron has put in excellent performances having replaced Juan Roman Riquelme as Argentina’s chief playmaker, using his intelligence and vision to hold the midfield together and supply chances to the side’s deadly frontline. With expectations lowered, Veron may be one of the stars of this World Cup.

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