Throughout this year’s surprising, mesmerising World Cup tournament in Brazil there have been a real handful of players showcasing phenomenal quality. Some argue that certain footballers have a more successful streak during international matches, whereas I feel their efforts should be paraded regardless. We all have our favourites and there will always be controversy, but here are the top 10 most deserved hard-workers on the pitch that I’ve been in awe of, and who have really come to the forefront of international football in this World Cup.
Top 10 Breakout Players of the World Cup 2014
1) Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)
I’m a huge fan of Germany’s Manuel Neuer and will continue to be, but one keeper was meticulous and tenacious enough to stand out just a tad more. The Mexican glovesmith has demonstrated cat-like reflexes no matter where the ball swung in from. His rapid motions and determination to save whatever came his way was inspirational. Ochoa earned himself a Man of the Match award and only conceded goals against Croatia and Holland in the group stages. What a force to be reckoned with; come on, clubs, snap him up!
2) Thomas Müller (Germany)
The German and Bayern star is probably quite familiar with most, but has made a name for himself in glorious ways. Despite already having a wealth of goals under his belt, for club and national team alike, Müller scored a hat-trick with relative ease in their opening game against Cristiano Ronaldo’s not-so-mighty Portugal. He is an extremely clinical, methodical character up field and manages to shut down the majority of defenders. He was also one of a crazy number of players who contributed to Germany’s stonking 7-1 victory over dismayed hosts, Brazil. Müller might be statistically tremendous, but he remains far too undervalued.
3) Mathieu Valbuena (France)
France is a seriously fortunate team to possess small but speedy Valbuena, who proves time and time again that he holds the vital key to French victory. Les Bleus faced Ecuador in the group stages and failed to include Valbuena in the designs for the starting line-up. The sheer fact that the game ended 0-0 hinted that they were in dire need of their most crucial player. He is a man of great skill atop fast feet, making him extraordinarily capable of maintaining ball possession, and either scoring himself, or assisting another to reach the goal. His efforts paid dividends for France, and they certainly require his expertise.
4) James Rodríguez (Colombia)
The man that Manchester United fans wish their dear club had signed when he was a youngster; the man who made Colombian supporters everywhere overcome with glee. The AS Monaco star helped his side to win all of their group matches, which comfortably saw them soar through to the exciting knock-outs. Even down the wing he creates space and conveys precise possession, but flourishes superbly in attacking midfield position. His long range beauty against once bitten, twice shy Uruguay was certainly a goal to reflect upon, and arguably one of the most prominent in the tournament.
5) Alexis Sánchez (Chile)
The staggering Chilean striker has recently been rumoured to sign with Premier League team, Arsenal, after a great career at FC Barcelona, which was most probably off the back of his campaign during the World Cup. Sánchez and teammates beat Australia and Spain rather nicely in the group stages, but did not enjoy such winning exclusivity against Holland and Brazil, despite placing both teams in a spot of hot water (especially the Brazilians). He has been ferocious throughout and clearly caught the eye of a number of teams other than Arsenal, including Juventus.
6) Tim Howard (USA)
What a World Cup it has been for underdogs and unlikely heroes, USA, with their courageous keeper, Everton’s Tim Howard. Under German legend and cool-tempered Jürgen Klinsmann, USA came out with bounds of energy and epic, almost unexpected skill. For a nation with a focus on American Football, Soccer never seems as prevalent in news bulletins, despite shining players such as Thierry Henry being part of the MLS. Team aside, Tim Howard’s gloves must have been made out of platinum, or something; his bold, punchy saves relieved American fans of much worry throughout the tournament and, despite losing against his coach’s national side, Germany, Howard put up an incredible fight.
7) Jasper Cillessen (Holland)
Although he’s been hailed as somewhat inexperienced, I feel that Cillessen played remarkably for his home side, Holland, and Louis van Gaal should be proud to have him aboard. The Ajax star was part of the grand game against Spain in their opening group match, and only allowed 4 goals to slide past him in full-time scenarios. His penalty-saving knack was criticised after their eventual loss against Argentina, but perhaps only because Tim Krul was a little luckier when up against Costa Rica. His nonchalant face has given Holland the edge at times, as his cool persona and acrobatic dives have paid off greatly for the Oranje.
8) Sami Khedira (Germany)
It should not escape anybody’s attention that I relentlessly support die Mannschaft in both international games and tournaments, and I deem Khedira one of their most integral, effective players on the pitch. There are occasions where Joachim Löw dismisses Khedira from the starting line-up, but I always feel something has gone awry if he doesn’t play. His creative passing and playmaking is beneficial for both Germany and Real Madrid, and works in harmony with Mesut Özil. The midfielder is central to the team, and also scored a cracker in the glorious goal-fire against Brazil.
9) Tim Cahill (Australia)
The vivacious forward for the Socceroos has been the best Australian footballer for quite some time now, and proven himself again in the World Cup. His team are 62nd in the rankings, but they certainly didn’t give cause to believe that the statistics were true. His scorching goal in the first-half against Holland could have obliterated the orange net, and is still one of my favourite shots of the tournament. He boasts great skill and tenacity, both when chasing the ball and when manipulating it into the box. He might not be Messi, but he isn’t given a thumbs-up enough.
10) Bernard (Brazil)
The spritely Brazilian sort-of-super sub has never exactly been otherworldly in ability, but has shown hunger and devotion once substituted on. The 21-year-old had a confident, impressive start against Germany, and seemed the only member of Brazil’s team to really want a goal by the end of it. His pace upfront has been the stand-out feature for me, and what makes him worthy of more praise than he seems to gain. His teammates are often criticised for poor performances, whereas Bernard should be given a lot more accolade than he already has.
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