Check out these six players who have burst onto the world stage at the 2014 FIFA World Cup despite being largely unknown previously.
The FIFA World Cup has always been a stage on which unknown players can become stars of the game through their performances, and 2014 has been no different thus far with a number of previously unheralded players making the first steps to becoming household names and possibly earning big-money moves to the major European leagues with their impressive displays in Brazil.
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1) Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)
Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was the star of the show for his country as they held hosts Brazil to a surprise 0-0 draw in Fortaleza, despite the fact that he arrived at the tournament off the back of a disappointing season with AC Ajaccio in Ligue where the Corsicans were relegated without much resistance.
What fight they did have came from Ochoa whose performances have seen him linked with Arsenal and Liverpool after his contract with Ajaccio ran out.
2) Jalal Hosseini (Iran)
Whilst, at the age of 32, centre back Jalal Hosseini is unlikely to seal any big moves on the back of his performances for Iran at the World Cup, the Persepolis man is enjoying one of the high points of his career.
Despite Lionel Messi sealing victory in injury time for Argentina in their Group F clash, Hosseini was superb at marshalling his defence and denying the Argentinians space, just as he was against Nigeria in their opening 0-0 draw. Hosseini has spent his entire career in Iran, also turning out for Saipa and Sepahan whilst earning over 85 caps for his nation.
3) Yeltsin Tejeda (Costa Rica)
Whilst Premier League duo Joel Campbell and Bryan Ruiz have earned the headlines for Costa Rica in their stunning run to the 2014 FIFA World Cup knock-out stages, it is the tenacious midfield displays of Yeltsin Tejeda that have been as important as anything else. The 22 year-old, who is named after former Russian president Boris, has made over 100 appearances for Costa Rican club side Saprissa and is surely reaching a level where a move to a major league will be forthcoming.
4) Eugenio Mena (Chile)
Along with Mauricio Isla on the opposite side, Chilean left wing back Eugenio Mena has been key to Jorge Samapoli’s side and their impressive performances that have earned victories over Australia and Spain.
The 25 year-old has just signed permanently for Brazilian side Santos after a year on loan with Pele’s former side, but if his impressive performances continue then clubs from Europe’s major leagues may come calling. Mena enjoyed a long apprenticeship in the Chilean league, playing for Santiago Wanderers and Universidad de Chile.
Teofilo Gutierrez (Colombia)
Plenty of eyebrows were raised in Europe when it became apparent that River Plate forward Teo Gutierrez, rather than Porto duo Jackson Martinez and Juan Quintero or Sevilla star Carlos Bacca, who would be charged with replacing Falcao and leading the Colombian line this summer. Gutierrez has immediately put them in their place, however, scoring in the opening win over Greece and causing all manner of trouble for opposition defences in both games.
Gutierrez, a 29 year-old who has spent his entire career in Latin America apart from a brief but successful stint with Trabzonsport, could be given another crack at Europe if he keeps up his impressive form for Colombia.
Enner Valencia (Ecuador)
A surprise early contender for the Golden Boot, Ecuador forward Enner Valencia has almost single-handedly given his team a chance of qualification for the second round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Valencia headed Ecuador into an early lead against Switzerland and, despite his nation losing that match, he responded with both goals as they came from behind to beat Honduras 2-1 and keep their hopes alive. Considering this impressive form, it is no surprise that the Pachuca man has been linked with a host of Premier League sides.