Unheralded stars that could become household names

One of the unlikely stars of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa was a German psychic octopus called Paul. Millions would tune in from around the world to check on the predictions of this oracle cephalopod as his vuvuzela-trumpetted success rate climbed to a staggering 85 per cent, including correctly foreseeing the Spanish tournament victory.

In this final article before this year’s competition kicks off I am seeking to gaze into the heavens for inspiration and unearth the unheralded stars that will soon become household names across the globe.

While the original Paul the Octopus may have passed away in 2010, his nickname lives on in the form of the young Juventus star, Paul Pogba, whose long legs helped him score seven goals last season. Yet, having turned his back on Manchester United he has now secured his second Italian league title with Juventus to add to the World U20 title (winning the Golden Ball in the process), France will be looking to build their midfield around this rising star.

His compatriot, Antoine Griezmann, conversely, is relatively unknown, despite having had a terrific season at Real Sociedad. That could change with the injury to Franck Ribery as the young winger looks set to be thrust into the limelight. Griezmann scored 15 goals in La Liga and his fluency going forward enlivens the French attack.

Group A – Brazil, Cameroon, Croatia, Mexico
It will be tough for any individual to shine in this group although if anyone can, it is Lionheart, Vincent Aboubakar. The Cameroon forward has set the French league alight this season with his pace and power and has an eye for goal, notching nearly a goal every other game. The 22-year-old made his debut for the Indomitable Lions in 2010.

Croatia has developed a reputation for being a workmanlike unit although one young man who stands out is Mateo Kovacic. This versatile 19-year-old has primarily been used by Inter Milan as a substitute in midfield but has represented his country at every youth level since the age of 14 and made his full debut two years ago.

Mexico has a number of younger players emerging who helped them secure the 2012 London Olympics success, yet many have remained ‘under the radar’ as they have continued to ply their trade domestically. One that observant football followers may have heard of is Raul Jimenez who shot to internet stardom with a stunning bicycle kick against Panama that kept the country’s dream alive.

However, another to watch is Diego Reyes who was the youngest member of the gold-medal winning squad. A tall and agile defender he has already captained the national side and has secured a seven million euros move to Porto, which has a reputation for acquiring the best young talent from this region.

Group B – Spain, Holland, Chile, Australia
The Dutch squad is of interest in the context of this analysis as I try to second-guess bargains that Louis van Gaal will try to sign for Manchester United once the World Cup is over.

Memphis Depay registered the most shots on target and the most successful dribbles in the Dutch league last season, gracefully scoring 12 goals from his left-wing position. However, the problem position for the Red Devils is left-back where Jetro Willems is the Oranje’s answer to Luke Shaw.

Solid defensively but with precocious attacking skills, Willems holds the record as the youngest player to have appeared at the European Finals and is the Dutch league’s youngest ever scorer.

Unfortunately injury will prevent him from using the world’s biggest stage to further his career.

Another playing in Holland is Chilean international, Felipe Gutierrez who boasts tremendous all-round midfield skills although prefers to be allowed to use his creativity.

He could become the focal point of an attack-minded La Roja outfit.

Group C – Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan
Les Elephants of the Ivory Coast are renowned for the athleticism, yet Serge Aurier deserves his trumpet call. This marauding full-back can also play at the heart of defence.
 
He scored six times for Toulouse last season with an equal number of assists while achieving a remarkable 191 crosses.

Colombia possess a player described by some as an obvious future star, Jackson Martinez. Another to have already been captured by Porto he has been used sparingly as a substitute yet has all the hallmarks of being a world-class talent and is another set-piece specialist.

In 2013 he was voted as the South American football tournament MVP.

However, for him to succeed he will have to form a bond with another prodigious young playmaker, James Rodriguez. ‘El Nuevo Pibe’ performed even better for Monaco once his compatriot, Radamel Falcao, was injured, which may soften the blow for Colombians with their star man ruled out of the finals.

Group D – Costa Rica, England, Italy, Uruguay
Any optimism possessed by English fans relates to the exciting youngsters they have in their possession. However, their first match opponents are equally blessed. Surprisingly fast for someone with his name, Ciro Immobile was a revelation in Serie A, scoring the most goals in the league for Torino. He is also energetic, hard-working and dangerous on the break. Another who may also be involved is the exciting winger, Lorenzo Insigne.

They also have Marco Verratti who has become a mainstay in midfield for big-spending Paris St Germain and was more involved, statistically, than any other player in the French league as they secured the domestic title.

One Costa Rican name perhaps familiar to UK football followers is Arsenal winger, Joel Campbell, who scored a superb goal for Olympiakos while on loan against Manchester United. This loan has now expired although his return to the Emirates could depend on his performances in Brazil.

Group E – Ecuador, France, Honduras, Switzerland
While perhaps not the most likely country to have a plethora of emerging young talent, there are several Swiss players I expect to catch the eye. Starting at the back, Ricardo Rodriguez is another left-back keen to get forward as demonstrated by his five goals for Wolfsburg last season although he is also strong in the air.

Another sign of outstanding natural talent is to be likened to past or current stars. Granit Xhaka has been compared to Gerrard, Schweinsteiger and is said to be better than his more-heralded compatriot, Shaqiri. He made his debut in 2011 having won the U-17 world cup in 2009 and could be ready to mature onto the global stage.

If Honduras decide to play football rather than participate in MMA, they should turn to Andy Najar, a late substitute in the match against England. This pacey winger was voted in 2010 as the MLS Rookie of the Season and is happy to dribble at a flat-footed defence while he also possesses a strong shot from distance.

Group F – Argentina, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iran, Nigeria
I have to mention Reza Ghoochannejhad who has the longest name in the tournament! Hopefully his performances for Iran will be the reason why fans call his name (or try to)! Bizarrely Ghoochannejhad represented Holland at youth level although joined Carlos Queiroz’s revolution in 2012. His performances for Charlton have failed to impress although amidst the strong team ethic adopted by Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant he could thrive.

Group G – Germany, Ghana, Portugal, US
It’s difficult to talk about any young German and predict that he will shine given the depth of talent. However, following the recent injury to Marco Reus, Julian Draxler may be given greater opportunities. The 20-year-old recorded more successful dribbles and completed more key passes per game for Schalke than Hazard, Robben and Neymar managed for their respective clubs.

The ‘African Messi’ will be expected to deliver the ammunition to Ghana’s vaunted forward line. Signed from Porto by Chelsea, Christian Atsu has been tucked away to mature in the Dutch league with Vitesse although scored two goals to become an integral part of the national team as they qualified for the finals.

While I expect the US to struggle, one player who could help them shock is Aron Johannsson, assuming you don’t trust Jozy Altidore to score the goals you need. A terrific finisher, Johannsson is also strong at set-pieces.

Group H – Algeria, Belgium, Russia, South Korea
Son Heung-Min is the poster-boy of this enterprising South Korean team and has impressed in the Bundesliga this season with Bayer Leverkusen. In a team that likes to attack Heung-Min can expect to be heavily involved with a nation’s hopes resting on his confident shooting and dribbling.

Aleksandr Kokorin was on the receiving end of a short-term big-money move to Anzhi Makhachkala last season but was sold again within a month as the owner sold all major assets. However, the only synergy to the Chris Samba sob-story will be if this 23-year-old striker dances his way through defences in Brazil. Kokorin boasts an excellent strike rate of better than a goal every two games and will be crucial to Russia’s hopes of a successful qualification from the group.

However, it is Algeria that has the greatest young unknown talent. While Tottenham fans will hope that Nabil Bentalib can regain some confidence with strong performances, the line will be led by Sporting Lisbon’s Islam Slimani, in a side that will try to erase the tag earned in 2010 as being a side who exited the tournament having failed to score.

Group A:
Cameroon –Vincent Aboubakar
Croatia – Mateo Kovacic
Mexico – Raul Jimenez, Diego Reyes

Group B:
Holland – Memphis Depay
Chile – Felipe Gutierrez

Group C:
Colombia – Jackson Martinez, James Rodriguez
Ivory Coast – Serge Aurier

Group D:
Coast Rica – Joel Campbell
Italy – Immobile, Insigne, Verratti

Group E:
France – Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann
Honduras – Andy Najar
Switzerland – Ricardo Rodriguez, Granit Xhaka

Group F:
Iran – Reza Ghoochannejhad

Group G:
Germany – Julian Draxler
Ghana – Christian Atsu
US – Aron Johannsson

Group H:
Algeria – Islam Slimani
Russia – Aleksandr Kokorin
South Korea – Son Heung-Min