Like most World Cups, stars are born from just one strike of a ball. This event is no exception. There are the obvious examples of people like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and even to a certain extent Cristiano Ronaldo. Here are some of the players who have come alive this year and figure to be the stars of the future.
James Rodriguez: The AS Monaco attacking midfielder/winger has been sensational this tournament yet no one knows enough about him. He has scored five goals in four matches for Colombia, including an absolutely breathtaking strike against Uruguay in the Round of 16. On top of that he has recorded 4 assists as well. At 22 years old, he could be on his way not only to stardom, but also to a very lucrative club deal in the Premier League or La Liga. He has stepped up for his national side ever since the assumed star of this team (Radamel Falcao) went down with a knee injury. Rodriguez is arguably one of most exciting players left here this tournament.
Xherdan Shaqiri: The Bayern Munich midfielder may be small (just a hair over 5’ 6”), but has unbelievable speed and has been the biggest part of Switzerland’s attack. With a hat trick against Honduras, he announced himself to the world in style. He will have to be quite a leader and just as dazzling as he was against Honduras, when Switzerland plays Argentina. While the road could end here for Switzerland, it will not be the end for the 22 year old, as he will have an impact in the Champions League for many years to come.
Karim Benzema: The Frenchman is more well known than the rest of the players on this list, but has lived up to all the hype and then some. The Real Madrid striker didn’t play in France’s disaster at the 2010 World Cup, but is making all those memories fade thanks to his three goals in three games as well as a fourth one that was caused by him as well. Now that France is back in the round of 16 vs. Nigeria, his skills will be on full display. He could singlehandedly lead this squad to the promised land.
Enner Valencia: The 25 year old has spent his whole club career in his home country of Ecuador and Mexico but will certainly be headed somewhere else in this summer’s transfer window thanks to his brilliant World Cup. Even though Ecuador bowed out in the group stage, he led the team with three goals and was by far the most important player on the team. He should be on his way to a very nice pay day somewhere in England perhaps.
These players have made this World Cup exceptionally exciting and they will surely continue to sparkle as their careers develop.
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