By Jonny Stapleton
Didier Drogba, Lionel Messi, Robin Van Persie, Fernando Torres, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney are the names on everyone’s lips on the eve of the World Cup.
Just one of the many exciting pre-tournament debates surrounds which one of these international super stars is going to sparkle brightest in South Africa.
However, whilst the obvious names attract the attention and headlines on the eve of the tournament, a number of footballers who may be relatively unknown at present could be the talk of Cape Town and beyond after the trophy is lifted.
Every World Cup sees a football caterpillar equivalent turn into a butterfly. The likes of Gheorghe Hagi, Thierry Henry, Toto Schillaci, Daniel Amokachi and Davor Suker swapped football anonymity for fame at World Cups, setting the pages of cheque books fluttering in the process.
Mesut Ozil (Germany)
The Werder Bremen playmaker (main picture) is already a Germany regular and set up the winning goal when they won in Russia to reach the World Cup. However he is still unknown to the World. The 21-year-old, exceptional at last year’s European Under-21 Championships, is bursting with flair and finesse, so he stands out like a beacon in a regimented German side. By 11 July he could well be remembered as one of the stand-out players of the tournament.
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Danny (Portugal)
Zenit St Petersburg fans believe Danny Miguel, or Danny as he’s more commonly known, is one of the world’s greatest undiscovered footballers. He may not have Ronaldo’s army of female fans but he makes football so aesthetically pleasing that he could eclipse his more illustrious team-mate on the field. The 26-year-old, who joined Zenit for £30million, was Man of the Match in the 2008 Super Cup win against Manchester United proving he is one for the big stage.
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Alexis Sanchez (Chile)
Know in Chile as El Nino Maravilla (the Wonder Kid), Udinese winger Alexis Sanchez is another primed and ready to shine. The pace laden 21-year-old does a better impression of Ronaldo than Gift Grub and has more tricks up his sleeve than Keith Barry. The only thing that might stop Sanchez becoming a household name is the fact Chile could struggle, but at least all you guys will be aware of his talent.
Seydou Doumbia (Ivory Coast)
Not a flair player like our previous selections but Ivory Coast’s Seydou Doumbia certainly has an eye for goal. If Drogba is forced out we believe Doumbia could be a decent bet for tournament top scorer. A strong and quick front-man, he enters the tournament on a high after scoring 50 goals in 65 games for Young Boys Bern in the Swiss Super League and has just signed for CSKA Moscow.
Marek Hamsik (Slovakia)
Slovakia could be this World Cup’s surprise package and Marek Hamsik could be the one to ensure they achieve that status. The mercurial midfielder is their creative muse and most influential player. Consider the Slovaks are in quiet an easy group, the Napoli star could shine.
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