Ten players that could make a name for themselves at the summer’s World Cup and earn a move to the Premier League.
10. Alejandro Bedoya – Nantes & United States
The former Glasgow Rangers man has been busy making a name for himself in Ligue 1 this season as an attacking midfielder equally as comfortable on the right as he is through the middle. He has had a modest career to date, but has shown this season that he is more than ready to make the stop up to the next level and should he manage to make an impact at the World Cup he could find himself on the way to a Premier League side in need of some drive on the right hand side.
9. Sejad Salihovic – Hoffenheim & Bosnia
This is a big opportunity for Bosnia, who have made it to their first major international tournament since breaking away from the former Yugoslavia. With a talented squad at their disposal, the Balkan side could be one of the surprise packages of the tournament. And for Salihovic it would represent the chance to make it to England before he reaches 30.
8. Erick Torres – Chivas USA/Guadalajara & Mexico
The 21-year-old is yet to have made his debut for the senior Mexican side, but has been the man earmarked to take Javier Hernandez’s place should the United man not make the cut. Blessed with the same intelligent running and killer goalscoring instinct as Hernandez, Torres is already sitting comfortably at the top of the MLS goalscoring charts with four from four already this season.
7. Vincent Aboubakar – Lorient & Cameroon
Made his international debut at the age of 18, he has gone on to establish himself as a highly-rated young striker with a bright future in the game thanks to his pace, power and natural finishing ability. He has enjoyed a solid season with Lorient in Ligue 1 this year, and should he get his chance at the World Cup a Premier League manager in need of some genuine power up front could be tempted to splash out on his signature.
6. Alessio Cerci – Torino & Italy
The 26-year-old is already being scouted by a number of sides in the Premier League as his performances in the free role for Torino have made the side look dangerous when going forward. He is known for dribbling out wide and more often than not he has helped snare a result for both club and country. He will be the go to man if Italy need something different up front this summer.
5. Hiorshi Kiyotake – Nurnburg & Japan
The crafty playmaker reportedly came close to joining Aston Villa last summer, but the German club stood their ground and managed to keep hold of him. However, their precarious position in the Bundesliga means they may not be so lucky this time around. Especially when his performances in Brazil highlight just how good he is to the rest of the division.
4. Daley Blind – Ajax & Holland
Being a coach’s son is never easy, as fans can make a player a scapegoat because of it. But since his father’s departure from the club Daley has gone on to show that he belonged there by merit all along. He is now becoming a regular fixture in the Dutch national side too and with Liverpool already sniffing around Ajax fans should quickly appreciate what they have before it becomes too late.
3. Keylor Navas – Levante & Costa Rica
Navas is having a great season in La Liga this term and has already caught the attentions of several Premier League sides and has the chance to impress against England this month as the two country’s meet in the group stage. Having kept Levante in a comfortable mid table position, he will surely want to test himself at the top level having had a taste of the spotlight this summer.
2. Juan Cuadrado – Colombia & Fiorentina
Cuadrado is keeping the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United on their toes this season as his direct dribbling and lethal impact on games have continued to impress in Serie A this term. He will comprise just one part of the fashionable new Colombian frontline that is set to take the World Cup by storm this summer, he will certainly have a few more club’s added to the already long list of admirers that would love to take him of La Violas hands.
1. Josip Drmic – Switzerland & Nurnberg
The 21-year-old is in prolific form for the Bundesliga strugglers this term, bagging 16 goals in the league to help them try and retain their top flight status. And with two goals in his five appearances for the Swiss national team, they will be looking to him to help guide them past Ecuador, France and Honduras this summer. Arsenal are reportedly eyeing him up as a replacement for Olivier Giroud, but should he find the goal trail they won’t be the only ones taking an interest.