After the rather negative post a few days ago here’s a much lighter one. I’ve been through the squad listings and noted down for your reading pleasure a few of my picks from the non-household names to watch during the World Cup starting next week.
Denmark – Simon Kjaer
As is the theme today, little known central defender Simon Kjaer currently plays for Palermo in Italy but is being courted by some of the biggest clubs in world football. His 6 foot plus frame screams defender and a good performance for Denmark will see him move away from the Italian club when the tournament comes to a close.
Serbia – Aleksandar Kolarov
This time it’s an Italian based player, he’s come on leaps and bounds in recent years since joining Lazio and is being touted as a serious target for Real Madrid now The Special One is at the helm. With fullbacks becoming more and more important in modern formations he could become a real star over the next couple of seasons.
France – Yoann Gourcuff
If you’re looking for something special this summer here is one name to look out for, as a forward thinking creative midfielder he’s currently being considered as the replacement for Cesc Fabregas at Arsenal but his price tag might well put the frugal Wenger off bidding for him. His move from AC Milan in 2009 to gain first team football has been well worth it for the progress he’s made. He might not be a starter for Les Bleus, but he certainly will be once crazy man Domenech has made way for Gourcuff’s current manager Laurent Blanc from Bordeaux.
Slovakia – Marek Hamšík
Another Italian based player to look out for, this time a creative attacking midfielder in the ilk of Gourcuff, this one however has a safe starting lineup in his International side and is the key man in any success they hope to have this summer. The Napoli player wont be there for much longer and he’ll probably find himself in England or Spain by next season.
Japan – Takayuki Morimoto
Let’s wrap this up with a striker, this one is a real gamble on my part, but he’s got everything a good striker needs and at 22 has been likened to Brazilian superstar Ronaldo, but not for the serious knee injury which set his development back 12 months. He currently plays in Italy for Catania and really could move on to a big club any time soon, Manchester United have been most strongly linked with the Japanese youngster and given a run in a stronger side than he’s blessed with at club and International level he could truly flourish.
The wrap up
There you have it, my 5 unknown picks to watch this summer. They all might perform horribly and disappear into obscurity, or they might just take advantage of the opportunity they’ve been given to show their talents to the world. What do you think, a solid set of players to watch? Got any more we should be looking out for? As always – let me know below!
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