Ten English-based players who are vital for their countries.
With the Premier League now home to some of the best talent from all around the world, a number of big names from the English game are still competing in this summer’s World Cup despite the early exit of England’s national side. With many of these players having just taken part in a breathtaking title race or even a highly competitive battle just to get into the top four, attention will now be on helping their national teams to the biggest glory of all in Brazil. See below for ten Premier League stars who are good enough to have a decisive impact on who takes home the famous trophy this summer.
10) Ramires (Chelsea & Brazil)
Playing defensive midfield for host nation and tournament favourites Brazil, Ramires could have a huge role to play in keeping the Samba stars solid at the back. The Chelsea star has established himself as an energetic and competitive player as he has become increasingly important for Chelsea down the years. With an eye for the odd important goal as well, Ramires could provide the balance this Brazil side needs in a side full of young, skillful attacking players.
9) Olivier Giroud (Arsenal & France)
Not always first choice upfront for France due to the presence of Real Madrid star Karim Benzema, but Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has already made a significant impact at this year’s World Cup with a terrific display in the 5-2 rout of Switzerland. The 27-year-old’s physical presence upfront could prove useful if Didier Deschamps ever needs to add a little variety to his side’s play, and Giroud’s great first touch and vision could make him the perfect partner to get the best out of Benzema if he ever gets a little isolated on his own up top. There’s no doubt the Gunners star divides opinion in the Premier League, but with 22 goals and 10 assists for the north London side this season, Giroud is a player with a proven record of making a decisive impact in big games.
8) Vincent Kompany (Manchester City & Belgium)
A rock and a leader at the back for Manchester City again this season, title-winning centre-back Vincent Kompany will almost certainly be an influential figure for Belgium at this summer’s World Cup. Marc Wilmots’ side have a superb generation of talented players at the moment and will now have greater expectations than ever before to cope with on the international stage. Like Kompany, so many of the country’s key players are now playing for some of the biggest club sides in the world, and a calm and collected figure like the City skipper who has the experience of winning major trophies will be a great asset as the Belgians look to make a name for themselves in Brazil.
7) Per Mertesacker (Arsenal & Germany)
Another of the Premier League’s best and most consistent defenders, Per Mertesacker forms part of a strong Arsenal contingent in the Germany squad. A vastly experienced player at the top level, the 29-year-old could potentially form one of the strongest defensive partnerships at the World Cup this summer alongside Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels. With Germany so blessed with great attacking players, Mertesacker and others at the back will be important in making sure Joachim Low’s side don’t disregard their duties in defence.
6) Oscar (Chelsea & Brazil)
A key part of how Brazil play, young Chelsea star Oscar has been trusted as his country’s main playmaker for the World Cup this summer. Still only 22, Oscar has enjoyed a tremendous rise in the European game in the last couple of years after being signed by the Blues and instantly brought into their first-team. Clearly not phased by the big occasion, Oscar has already scored a neat goal to seal a 3-1 win over Croatia in Brazil’s first game, and his performances will be key in making sure the likes of Neymar, Hulk and Fred are able to shine for the host nation.
5) Sergio Aguero (Manchester City & Argentina)
Although his tournament may now be threatened by injury, Argentina would no doubt benefit from the presence of Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero upfront. The 26-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s most lethal and accurate finishers since he moved to the Etihad Stadium, and he played a key role in their title win this season after also firing them to glory two seasons prior to that. Although Argentina have plenty of other top quality options in attack, such as Barcelona star Lionel Messi and Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain, supported by Real Madrid playmaker Angel Di Maria, Aguero’s ability to find the back of the net from almost any angle or distance could make all the difference in a tight game as the competition goes on.
4) Eden Hazard (Chelsea & Belgium)
Undoubtedly one of the best players in the world at the moment, Chelsea’s Eden Hazard is another player on the books at Stamford Bridge who could be set for stardom on the international stage this summer. The 23-year-old has two assists so far as he feels his way into the competition, and if he can find some of the dazzling form that he showed for his club for so much of this season, he will definitely prove a valuable asset for Belgium, who will be hoping to go from dark horses to genuine contenders for the trophy.
3) Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea & Belgium)
A top class young player who is yet to really get going at the 2014 World Cup, Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku will be hoping to find his best goalscoring form on the big stage to help provide the firepower needed to help his country to glory. After another great season out on loan at Everton, Lukaku will also be hoping to impress potential suitors this summer as he looks for an exit from Stamford Bridge after failing to break into the first-team plans of Jose Mourinho. Based on what we’ve seen so far, Lukaku maybe doesn’t look like a player who thrives on pressure, which will convince Chelsea that they’re right not to rely on him as a regular starter, but based on pure talent, the 21-year-old could prove to be one of the players of the tournament if he reaches his best form.
2) Mesut Ozil (Arsenal & Germany)
After an outstanding breakthrough at the 2010 World Cup, Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil is now a senior figure in this Germany side and will be one that his team-mates will look to for inspiration and creativity as they look to end their wait for silverware. There’s no doubt the German national team has underachieved for some time now given the vast array of talent at their disposal, and Ozil can truly confirm his status as one of the best players in the world at the moment with some improved performances in Brazil this summer. After an on-and-off first season in the Premier League, the 25-year-old may benefit from some time with his national side and take the chance to get back to his very best.
1) Robin van Persie (Manchester United & Netherlands)
One of the best strikers in the Premier League in recent years, Manchester United star Robin van Persie is now starting to look like a potential World Cup hero for the Netherlands. The former Arsenal man has already scored one of the goals of the tournament with an exceptional diving header against reigning champions Spain, before adding another in a highly impressive 5-1 thrashing. The Dutch have never won the World Cup and must be one of the historically best sides not to do so, but in van Persie they have a player on the top of his game and capable of turning a match on its head at any moment. After losing the 2010 final to Spain, you’d put your money on van Persie making an impact if his side reach the final this year.