Thursday 26 July 2012

Ten Players Who Could Light Up London 2012

With the historic competition having a record of discovering new talent, the stage is set for this year's competition to follow in the footsteps of previous tournaments. In 2008, there was an array of new faces that lit up the summer. To name a few, Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Giuseppe Rossi, who won the Golden Boot with 4 goals to his name. This year could the breakthrough for 10 players, and here they are :

Neymar, Santos, 20 years old


The player that everyone wants to see. With 9 goals for Brazil in 18 appearances and many more in the Brazilian league, the world is awaiting his performances for his team in this year's competition. Extremely talented, his extraordinary dribbling skill coupled with his steel nerves in front of goal could lead Brazil to Olympic gold for the first time in their history.

Oscar, Chelsea, 20 years old


Chelsea are renown for chucking their dough around, but you have to be a future world beater if they are prepared to splash out £25 million on you at the age of 20. Touted as the New Kaka, the young Brazilian certainly has a long way to go in replicating the feats of the legendary playmaker. An eye for a pass and for a goal, demonstrated by his 13 goals and 10 assists for Internacional this season, Oscar could become the player everyone expects him to be in future.

Lucas, Sao Paulo, 20 years old


This South American talent train just keeps on coming. The agile midfielder is a serious contender for future world recognition. He is lightning quick, can leave a trail of defenders in his wake with his devastating dribbling ability, and can produce a blistering shot off of his right peg. His final ball and decision making needs work, but the Brazilian can become one of the best players in the world if he plays his cards right. Joining Manchester United or Barcelona would be the best options for him, but it looks like the Red Devils have moved into an unassailable lead in the race for his services. They won't be disappointed.

Luis Suarez, Liverpool, 25 years old


After a hugely frustrating season for the Uruguayan, where he hit the headlines for the wrong reasons, Suarez is hoping seek consolation with an Olympic gold medal. Charged with racially abusing Manchester United left back, Patrice Evra, Luis missed 8 games for the Reds which saw them tumble down the table. Luis is an excellent player, no doubt. Blessed with mind blowing skill and agility, and bulldog-like tenacity, he could inspire La Celeste to the Olympic crown.

Cristian Tello, Barcelona, 20 years old


The Spanish forward has enjoyed a fruitful start to life as a Barcelona player. Scoring 7 goals in 22 appearances towards the end of the season, including two in the Champions League against Bayer 04 Leverkusen in a 7-1 rout. The speedy winger/striker is regarded as a future Nou Camp star, and what better way to announce yourself to the world than in an international tournament? Most likely to be reduced to substitute appearances, but Tello can make this a tournament to remember for himself and for Spain.

Joe Allen, Swansea, 22 years old


Swansea succeeded Blackpool as the surprise package of the Premier League last season, playing some of the best football the league has ever seen. So much so that their newly departed manager, Brendan Rodgers, wants to be reunited with a few of the players. One player that has grabbed the headlines for a potential move to Rodgers' new club, Liverpool, is combative midfielder, Joe Allen. The versatile box-to-box player was excellent for the Swans in their breakthrough season, breaking up attacks as well as starting his own ones. Valued at £15 million, this figure won't put off the Merseyside giants. Liverpool fans can get an idea of the type of player he is when features for Team GB this summer.

Omar Abdulrahman Al-Ahli, 19 years old



Remember this day when you read this quote. "Omar Abdulrahman Will Be The Next Xavi" And he'll prove it this summer.

Sebastian Coates, Liverpool, 21 years old


The Copa American winning stopper earned himself a move to Liverpool after a successful campaign, capped with a deserved Young Player Of The Tournament award, beating off the likes of Neymar, Joel Campbell and Aguero. Standing at 6"5, Coates is an out and out defender. Technically, poor. Defensively, very good. Though being a ball winning centre back, Coates can produce moments of greatness, as QPR found out as he hit a bicycle kick against the Londoner is a 3-2 loss. At 21 years of age, Liverpool may just have unearthed the successor to legend, Sami Hyypia. Uruguay's chances of success will be greatly boosted by the exploits of the young defender.

Juan Mata, Chelsea, 24 years old


The Spanish playmaker is a step above the majority of players at this year's tournament. The Chelsea midfielder hit 12 goals and made 22 goals in his excellent season for the Blues. He played for Spain in Euro 2012, but solely played a bit part role in their successful campaign, but popped up to score in the final. He was deemed fit enough to represent his country again in the Olympics, and he could make it his own. He won Player Of The Tournament in the 2011 Under 21 European Championship, a year on, he could well replicate his feats for La Roja.

Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal, 21 years old


A largely inconsistent season for Arsenal, but the posterboy for Team GB could lead us to glory this summer. He possesses excellent vision, an eye for the killer ball, and probably his best trait, he's unpredictable. He could make a sloppy pass one minute, but in the next he could send a forward clear. His defensive game is very sound as well. He has excellent stamina, a much needed attribute in Team GB's engine room. The Welsh captain, is, technically, Team GB's best player. Only time will tell whether it will be a summer to remember or to forget for the Welshman.

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