Could any of these relative unknowns be Premier League bound…?
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One of the most enjoyable things about the World Cup, and probably one of the most predictable, is seeing a player relatively unknown to the British media perform extremely well, which suddenly trebles his asking price and sees him continually linked to various Premier League sides!
Here’s ten players due to play at this summer’s World Cup, who may not yet be household names, but have the ability to impress, and possibly earn themselves a move to England after the tournament.
10) Memphis Depay – Holland
The Dutch attacker is one of many players currently working with Louis van Gaal for the national side being linked with a move to Manchester United. The wide man has tremendously quick feet, trickery, and is still only 20-years-old. Pure, unadulterated talent.
9) Son Heung – Min – South Korea
South Korea’s most exciting player by a long, long distance. Son starred for Bayer Leverkusen last term, after becoming their most expensive ever signing in the summer. He’s quick, skilful and has an eye for goal – despite usually playing from the left. Liverpool could bid for him this summer.
8) Ricardo Rodriguez – Switzerland
Rodriguez was so good last term in the Bundesliga, it’s almost a little ambitious to refer to him as a ‘hiddengem’, but it’s unlikely English football fans would have seen very much of the left-back. He’s only 21-years-old, is quick, good with the ball at his feet, and has a superb whipped set-piece delivery.
7) Carlos Bacca – Colombia
The forward poured cold water on speculation linking him to Everton and Barcelona in April, but with Falcao definitely now missing the World Cup with injury, the stage is set for Bacca to lead the line and alert the attention of clubs once again. The conditions in Brazil will undoubtedly suit the Sevilla forward as well.
6) Divock Origi – Belgium
A surprise call-up to Belgium’s star-studded squad, Origi plays for Lille in Ligue 1, and provides frightening pace and dribbling despite being only 21-years-old. Liverpool and Arsenal are monitoring his situation closely.
5) Fabian Schar – Switzerland
Barcelona and Arsenal have previously been linked with the Swiss centre-back, who at just 22-years-old, is one of the best defenders of his age in Europe. He provides an excellent aerial presence for Basel, but also is composed with the ball at his feet.
4) Francisco Guillermo Ochoa – Mexico
Ochoa has been released by his Ligue 1 club Ajaccio, but AC Milan and even Liverpool are rumoured to be sniffing around him. He’s quite error prone, but on his day, is a truly superb shot stopper.
3) Ehsan Hajsafi – Iran
In 2009, Hajsafi was selected by Goal.com as the most promising player in Asian football. Now 24, the defender still plays in Iran with his boyhood club Sepahan, but is widely regarded as having the ability to make the step up and test his mettle at a small side in Europe.
2) Aleksandr Kokorin – Russia
The 23-year-old forward bagged during his country’s last friendly match, and is in good form after a double-figure goal campaign with Dynamo Moscow. Fans may know remember him after Anzhi signed him for €19m last sumer, before selling him back to Dynamo the very same transfer window!
1) Jordan Ayew – Ghana
The 22-year-old striker is quick, can finish off either foot, and is likely looking for a move from Marseille this summer. He’s still very raw, although he did manage to score five Ligue 1 goals during his loan spell with Sochaux last term. His ability is unquestioned, although his temperament is occasionally a problem. A hidden gem if ever there was one!
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