7 Top Footballers to Watch for in the Brazil World Cup 2014

Seven football players that are expected to shine for their countries at the 2014 World Cup tournament in Brazil.

Every World Cup, millions have a chance to witness football’s greatest talents all assembled in one place, fighting for the biggest prize the sport has to offer.

Some players will have the last chance to put their football skills to good use and put on display for millions adorning fans. Others are still fighting strong and are just about to explode with their talent on the world stage.

Technical ability, tricks, precision passing and, most importantly, goals, are all of the things that great players are known for. The list contains footballers that have proven to be absolute players that possess superior talents in the game. If betting on the World Cup 2014, look out for these players.

Marco Reus

The young German attacking midfielder is just one of many attacking talents that German squad has at its disposal. However, Reus is an honorable mention considering his immense contribution to his club Dortmund. In the previous season he scored 23 goals across all competitions.

He is also quite versatile, as he can play right behind the striker or on either side of the wings. On many occasions he has displayed his attacking skill by penetrating the opposing defenders with relative ease. With Reus, Germany is a force to be reckoned with.

Eden Hazard

Hazard is one player that can truly compare to Ronaldo and Messi, as he combines elements of both footballers with his playing style.

• Ronaldo set to dominate on the playground

• Messi has to deliver for Argentina to silence sceptics

• Hazard about to become the next superstar

• Neymar under pressure from home fans to win WC

He combines skill, power, pace and rare sporting intelligence that only the greatest of footballers have. Unlike in Chelsea, where he is viewed as one of the few proven attackers, Hazard forms part of a Belgium national team that boasts a plethora of players that all possess fantastic quality on the ball.

The Belgian side came out on top of their qualifying group undefeated, suffering merely two draws in the process, against Croatia and Wales. Other teams at the World Cup should be shivering with trepidation, once the tournament commences, considering their dominance.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Mentioning Ronaldo and his nemesis has become quite a cliché, instead they should just be automatically inserted into every post. Ronaldo’s ability is guaranteed to light up the tournament. After winning the FIFA Ballon d’Or, he is ready to conquer the ultimate glory that has evaded him in previous World Cups.

An all-round player that maintains a superior game level than anyone else at the moment. Pace, skill, technical ability and countless goals are all in his portfolio, but his greatest asset is his consistency which hasn’t subsided in years.

Many believe this will be his year, as he has finally overtaken Messi in the battle for the greatest footballer of the year

Andrea Pirlo

The midfield maestro is reaching his prime. The World Cup in Brazil will most likely be his last, as he is recently celebrated his 35th birthday. This is the last chance to witness the greatness of his talent on the global stage, so fans should not miss out on watching Italy play.

Online sportsbooks in Italy did not predict that he would move to another great rivals, as he decided to make a switch to the “Old Lady” in 2011.

He is primarily known to deliver beautiful passes to teammates with pin-point accuracy. Whether he is chipping the ball, crossing or attempting a long range effort, he poise and touch on the ball is sublime.

Luis Suarez

The upcoming summer will show if Liverpool will sanction his transfer to another club. He would thereby become the most expensive player in the world, as mobile betting sites predict his value stands at over EUR 100 million.

Despite missing the initial part of the Premier League season, he still managed to score an incredible 31 goals throughout the campaign. Recently, he was in the news for suffering an injury to his knee during training, which could possible compromise his World Cup hopes.

Nevertheless, if he manages to overcome the setback and should he be able to replicate last season’s form, then the World Cup is set for one great show.

Neymar

The face of Brazil is expected to lead his nation to lift their sixth World Cup title, which would entitle them to having two original Cups in their trophy cabinet.

He has already garnered vast support in his home country, despite only being 22 years of age. Neymar is currently enjoying cult status among supporters, just like football greats Ronaldo and Pele did before him.

Although he didn’t show his full potential during his first season at Barcelona, Neymar is still Brazil’s big hope. He is definitely one footballer at the World Cup 2014 to watch out for.

Lionel Messi

Although he suffered a lackluster season with Barcelona, he still managed to bag in 41 goals in all competitions. For any other player those stats would be deemed incredible, however Messi is not any other player. He is often appropriately dubbed the Messiah of the Magician.

Many critics have highlighted how he is never able to show the same footballing level when he plays for his national side, as when he does with Barca. However, keen admirers of the Argentinian will note that since the last World Cup in 2010, Messi has consistently contributed his national team by scoring countless goals in the oppositions’ net.

The World Cup in Brazil is the most anticipated event that unites millions, as they cheer on for their respective countries. Ronaldo and Messi form a never ending battle that will last until they both retire, however right below them would have to be Eden Hazard, who is growing into a real phenomenon.

However, there are a countless other players to watch out for who have not been included in this list. Many possess exquisite footballing talents, however due to their status within their clubs and their overall football reputation, they cannot be deemed as great as the ones listed.