It's getting closer and closer, warm up games are in full swing, final cuts for squads are being made and players are are excited for what may be their first or indeed final chance at winning a World Cup. With just over a week to go until the first whistle we take a look at ten players we really want to see perform this summer.
Romelu Lukaku – The Belgium international side have a fair few stars in their squad, but it is Lukaku who we are most interested to see. With another great goal coming against Sweden in a pre Brazil warm up game, Lukaku knows he needs to impress with his future on the line and a good tournament might well see Jose Mourinho convinced to keep him.
Lionel Messi – The eyes of the world will be on Messi, who wants to win the World Cup perhaps more than anything else. To truly be known as the best player ever to grace the game, Messi feels he will have to win the biggest prize in football and this summer is probably the best opportunity he will get.
Neymar – The forward was more than a little bit disappointing during his first season at the Camp Nou, but on home soil at the Confederations cuop he was electric. On home soil he is able to play his own brand of football, has the total support of his teammates and of the crowd. It's time for Neymar to deliver.
Angel Di Maria – After a stunning season for Real Madrid, the Argentine has the potential to really impress and we think that not only will Di Maria do just that, linking up well with Messi and Sergio Aguero, but he will be one of the stars of the tournament. If he does Real Madrid may well cash in on his success should they get a huge offer, and use it to swoop for a forward.
Luis Suarez -The Uruguan forward lit up the Premier League this season and despite having to face him in the group stages, we would not want to see Suarez miss out. Goals galore seem to be the name of the game for the cannibal turned rehabilitated vegetarian and Uraguay may well have a chance at the whole thing should their star man be on song.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Obviously. The forward managed to win La Decima at Real Madrid and showed exactly how good he is, but with a niggling injury it will be interesting to see how he copes this summer in Brazil. Without Ronaldo, Portugal look toothless and despite Bento claiming he is prepared for a summer without CR7, we think that the only job he would get if that were true was one impersonating Pinocchio.
Thibaut Courtois – You know a goalkeeper is good if he makes this list and we are dying to see the Chelsea stopper in action on the biggest stage. Jose Mourinho will also be keeping a close eye on the on loan keeper and should he keep putting in the same performances as he has all season, opposition sides may well find Belgium very hard to beat.
Mario Balotelli – He may be slightly unhinged, but one thing Mario is not is boring. We cannot wait to see what the forward does this summer – and be it good or bad, it will certainly be entertaining to watch. Italy are not quite what they once were but we think the forward may well have a coming of age tournament. That or do damage to his career that may well be impossible to come back from. Either way, we want to see it.
Arjen Robben – The winger seems to get over looked when it comes to Franck Ribery but the World Cup may well be the stage that Robben shows exactly what he can do. Under Louis van Gaal, Robben is comfortable in his role, knows his place in the side and is allowed to flourish. Should the winger excel, do not rule out an approach from Manchester United.
Koke – It will be the Atletico Madrid star’s first World Cup and after a fantastic season, he will be looking to step up in Brazil. We think it may well be too soon for a starting role in the competition but Koke will be handed chances to impress and we cannot wait to see the flashes of brilliance the midfielder provides from time to time.
Who would like to see perform at the World Cup this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
