Within every squad there is always a player whose name seems to rise above the team, whether it is due to stats, showmanship or even just pure excitement. When the World Cup comes around these names are thrown around even more. We want to know about the player, their unique style and how they will fare against other teams.
Well Here is a list of the just that.
The main players from each Country of Group A (Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon) that will be sure to excite us in June, 2014. Enjoy!
Neymar da Silva Santos Junior (Neymar)
The player- This 22 year old who is spear heading the attack for the Brazilian National Team, has solidified himself as both an international star and also a fan favorite. In his senior career he has only played for 2 teams, playing for Santos in the Campeonato Brasileiro (Serie A) during a 4 year run and scoring an impressive 54 goals within that time and also in a highly publicized move to Barcelona seemingly under the wing of Messi. Although he has been struggling in terms of fending off physically stronger opponents with his lanky frame, he is finding his footing and coming in to his own while scoring 9 goals in the months he has been there. Impressively, for the Selecao he has scored an impressive 30 goals and numerous assists and done them with flare.
The Style- Dribble, Dribble, Dribble…he has proven that he is completely unafraid to draw defenders and take them head on and effortlessly embarrassing many on the pitch. In true “Samba boy” fashion, reminiscent of the incomparable Ronaldinho he delivers showmanship with his skill. But it isn’t just showmanship that he exhibits but also a technical precision like the memorable confederations cup free kick taken against Italy in June, 2013.
The Match Up- He is arguably the most recognizable face out of Group A, and will most likely shine in the quest for Brazils 6th world cup, coupled with a slight pressure to perform with vigor because his country is hosting the World cup. His Achilles heel will be the teams that have the stronger defensive coordination and it doesn’t seem like the other teams have that. If he wants to create chances against a strong defense, he will have to draw fouls from those defenders and then either translate the free kicks into opportunities or build up his stamina and body those defenders. Group A’s awareness will be at an all-time high knowing what is at stake for their first stage appearance against Neymar and the rest of the samba boys in June.
Mario Mandzukic
The player- This 27 year old Croatian striker is certainly a force to be reckoned with both internationally and in his current club. In his senior career, he has played for 5 teams scoring and impressive 42 goals for Dinamo Zagreb within a 3 year span. Then scoring 20 goals for VFL Wolfsburg within a 2 year span and now scoring 32 goals for current Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich since 2012. Since playing for the Croatian National Team in 2007 he has scored a modest 8 goals but has been instrumental in the assisting department.
The style- Among other attributes, he is known for his goal poaching abilities. He seems to be always at the right place at the right time, finding crosses and through balls easily and executing with precision. Using a variation of headers, chips and straight up shots, he is able to set himself apart from his team mates by rarely missing an opportunity when he gets in the space. Apart from being a goal poacher he also has been a master at creating chances for his teammates and also doing something that any futbol fan can appreciate, hustling for the ball even if at times it seems like it is hopeless.
The MatchUp- Playing the first game out of Group A and more importantly of the actual World Cup, he will be expected to do what he does in every game, Hustle! He has to send a clear message that he can go head to head with Brazil still find the chances against a team that is known for their footwork. Although Cameroon has a lack luster defense, they are still able to box out strikers before they are able to receive crosses and that is where his headers might be inefficient, he will have to rely on his chips and shots. Similarly with Mexico who usually comes out with a 5-3-2 formation and expose their aging fullbacks like the 35 year old Rafael Marquez of whom Mandzukic might do damage if they go head to head.
Javier Hernández Balcázar (Chicharito)
The player-This 25 year old Mexican striker has been hot and cold in his national and club career thus far. That being said he has still remained a potential that is hard to ignore. He has only played for 2 teams in his senior career, scoring 26 goals in his 4 year stint at C.D Guadalajara (Las Chivas) and 35 goals since joining Premiership powerhouse Manchester United in 2010. As for his national team Mexico (El tri) he has scored 35 goals including memorable flamboyant goals against France and Argentina in the 2010 World cup.
The style- True to a goal poaching nature, Chicharito has a talent of spotting loopholes in a teams defense and placing himself in that space with his quick pace, ready to receive the ball before the defense knows what hit them. As of late he has been a little cold in terms of efficiency, he still has the vision and anticipation to find the spaces but is unable to translate it into goals. This drop in his execution, has left him looking lack luster in Manchester United, especially in comparison to his first season at the club.
The Matchup- He will need to be consistent against his group this World Cup if Mexico is to forge ahead in their matches. On the counter Mexico can be very dangerous as a team and Chicharito will need to find weaknesses, especially against a team like Brazil who doesn’t seem to have any obvious ones. Because of his small frame, he will need to use his quick pace to out maneuver defenders and he might find that opportunity against teams that aren’t exactly known for their defensive prowess like Croatia and Cameroon.
Samuel Eto’o Fils (Eto’o)
The player– This 33 year old Cameroonian attacker is probably the most experienced player out of Group A and is certainly the most popular face in his national team. In his senior career he has played for 9 teams, 3 of which were on loan. Having very little appearances in his season at Real Madrid he was on loan for most of his 3 year stint at the club. Then moving to Real Mallorca for 4 years where he got a considerable amount of playing time and was able to score 48 goals during his time there. He really came into his own and solidified himself as a star when he moved to the Nou Camp; scoring 108 goals for Barcelona and helping them win La Liga in 2005. He later was traded to Inter where he also performed well but only lasted 2 years on the team before moving to Russian club, Anzhi where he collaborated with Brazilian Roberto Carlos and successfully dominated the wings. Now back in the lime light and still in the twilight of his career, he is in the Premiership for Chelsea and has been scoring and assisting regularly since 2013, making him a loved player at Stamford Bridge.
When it comes to his role with the Indomitable lions, he averages about 2 goals a game scoring a total of 55 goals since making the national team in ‘97
The style– Impeccable execution. Along with his pace and incredible composure that only experience can teach, he is excellent at ball placement when he is in the box. His confidence does get the better of him at times because he is a bit neglectful of his teammates in the box and would rather go for the more difficult strike instead of supplying the ball to someone else for the easy shot. He is undoubtedly a world class finisher and if he is given even a little bit of space, it is very difficult to stop the ball from rolling into the net when he is near the post.
The matchup– Provided Eto’o is able to coordinate with his teammates and create a system where they communicate efficiently enough to get in the right pockets; they will certainly have a chance against Mexico. With his age playing a role in his pace, he can’t be all over the pitch and will have to maintain his position as finisher especially against Brazil and Croatia because their well-coordinated offense will keep the Cameroonian defense very busy while Eto’o will have to be mindful of counter attacks and set pieces where he is more likely to excel.
