2010 FIFA World Cup's Sleepers
It's that time again. The time when the world can come together under one single banner, when countries put down their differences to duke it out on the pitch. It's also the time when everyone who doesn't watch soccer for 3 years and 11 months is automatically a soccer fan (people like you do annoy me). Rather than highlight the teams that I think are going to win (if you want to know, then ask), I figured it'd be better to highlight the players you might not know and how they'll be integral to their teams success. These players might not have the big Nike contracts or the press that, say, Christiano Ronaldo or Thierry Henry would. Yet, they do more for their squads than most people think. In fact, if any of these teams are going to win, these are the players that have to get some serious shine. Check these guys out, and get hyped for the #worldcup!!!
Yaya Toure - Côte d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire's soccer history is a short one, on the international stage at least. They qualified for their first World Cup final in 2006 and didn't make it past the group stage. This year, however, they've got a new attitude and some younger players on the squad, including Yaya Toure. He's Kolo Toure's (Man. City defender) younger brother, so you know he's tough. Yaya is perfect at defensive midfielder, simply because of his large frame. He's got great technique for being primarily a defender, which gives Côte d'Ivoire another playmaker to put on the opposition's side. Also, he's rangy, which means he won't get beat in transition if there's a long kickoff from goal. Finally, Yaya's been linked in a move from Barcelona. They're pricing him and seeing what kind of offers they'll get on the open market this summer. Don't be surprised if you see Yaya show out during the World Cup, especially against teams that his clubmates are on...
Franck Ribery - France
Last time we saw Franck Ribery on the international stage (I don't count qualifiers and friendlies) he was starting for France in the 2006 World Cup and taking the torch from French-great Zinedine Zidane. This year, it's looking like he will be one of the best players on the squad, with Thierry Henry, William Gallas & Nicolas Anelka getting older. Franck is probably one of the most precise passers I've seen on the pitch in a while. He reminds me of Robert Pires, but a lot tougher. He has great finishing skill in the box as well. I wouldn't be surprised if he led France in goals this year, and became the captain for the next World Cup...
Sergio Aguero - Argentina
Everyone loves Lionel Messi. Hell, I do. Messi is a phenom, but Aguero is a pro in his own right. I guess it doesn't hurt that the two play in the same forward position on the Argentinian squad, or that Aguero is Diego Maradona's son-in-law. I feel like there is good football all around him, whether on Atletico Madrid, or on the Argentinian team. Where Messi is the flashier player, Aguero is a lot more technical in his style, although just as athletic. In order for Argentina to win, Aguero has got to add his scoring to their high-paced offense...
David Villa - Spain
If you were the top scorer in the Euro 2008, wouldn't you be a bit upset at being overlooked by the (Western) media? I think so. David Villa has been the underdog his entire career after suffering a nearly career-ending break of his femur at age 2. Now he's finally going to get some shine, as he signed with Barcelona less than a month ago after making mincemeat of the Primera Liga with Valencia and Zarazoga. His career at Valencia saw 107 goals in 168 appearances (something even Christiano Ronaldo can't boast), and he's probably got one of the quickest first steps in soccer. I look for him to go off on the international circuit, starting with this World Cup...
Carlos Vela - Mexico
I couldn't post this list without throwing up at least one Arsenal player. It was between Cesc Fabregas and this man, Carlos Vela. Since Fabregas was showing off during the 2008 Euro's it was only right to give Vela some shine. Vela's career has been marred by international citizenship issues, but when he's been on the pitch, he's been nothing short of brilliant. In fact, he does it all, providing great passing (all of Arsene Wenger's players are amazing passers) and quick shooting at the striker position. The only thing I worry about with Vela is his heath, as his career has also had a fair share on injuries in a short time. Even so, Vela has great body control, evidenced by the way he controls the ball off long passes and crosses. Mexico needs him to step up if they are to have a chance this year...
Yaya Toure - Côte d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire's soccer history is a short one, on the international stage at least. They qualified for their first World Cup final in 2006 and didn't make it past the group stage. This year, however, they've got a new attitude and some younger players on the squad, including Yaya Toure. He's Kolo Toure's (Man. City defender) younger brother, so you know he's tough. Yaya is perfect at defensive midfielder, simply because of his large frame. He's got great technique for being primarily a defender, which gives Côte d'Ivoire another playmaker to put on the opposition's side. Also, he's rangy, which means he won't get beat in transition if there's a long kickoff from goal. Finally, Yaya's been linked in a move from Barcelona. They're pricing him and seeing what kind of offers they'll get on the open market this summer. Don't be surprised if you see Yaya show out during the World Cup, especially against teams that his clubmates are on...
Franck Ribery - France
Last time we saw Franck Ribery on the international stage (I don't count qualifiers and friendlies) he was starting for France in the 2006 World Cup and taking the torch from French-great Zinedine Zidane. This year, it's looking like he will be one of the best players on the squad, with Thierry Henry, William Gallas & Nicolas Anelka getting older. Franck is probably one of the most precise passers I've seen on the pitch in a while. He reminds me of Robert Pires, but a lot tougher. He has great finishing skill in the box as well. I wouldn't be surprised if he led France in goals this year, and became the captain for the next World Cup...
Sergio Aguero - Argentina
Everyone loves Lionel Messi. Hell, I do. Messi is a phenom, but Aguero is a pro in his own right. I guess it doesn't hurt that the two play in the same forward position on the Argentinian squad, or that Aguero is Diego Maradona's son-in-law. I feel like there is good football all around him, whether on Atletico Madrid, or on the Argentinian team. Where Messi is the flashier player, Aguero is a lot more technical in his style, although just as athletic. In order for Argentina to win, Aguero has got to add his scoring to their high-paced offense...
David Villa - Spain
If you were the top scorer in the Euro 2008, wouldn't you be a bit upset at being overlooked by the (Western) media? I think so. David Villa has been the underdog his entire career after suffering a nearly career-ending break of his femur at age 2. Now he's finally going to get some shine, as he signed with Barcelona less than a month ago after making mincemeat of the Primera Liga with Valencia and Zarazoga. His career at Valencia saw 107 goals in 168 appearances (something even Christiano Ronaldo can't boast), and he's probably got one of the quickest first steps in soccer. I look for him to go off on the international circuit, starting with this World Cup...
Carlos Vela - Mexico
I couldn't post this list without throwing up at least one Arsenal player. It was between Cesc Fabregas and this man, Carlos Vela. Since Fabregas was showing off during the 2008 Euro's it was only right to give Vela some shine. Vela's career has been marred by international citizenship issues, but when he's been on the pitch, he's been nothing short of brilliant. In fact, he does it all, providing great passing (all of Arsene Wenger's players are amazing passers) and quick shooting at the striker position. The only thing I worry about with Vela is his heath, as his career has also had a fair share on injuries in a short time. Even so, Vela has great body control, evidenced by the way he controls the ball off long passes and crosses. Mexico needs him to step up if they are to have a chance this year...