5. Enner Valencia (Ecuador)
Not many had heard about Enner Valencia before the start of this world cup; however after Ecuador’s world cup was over, he was being linked with big name teams such as Arsenal. Not many expected Ecuador to qualify for the knock-out stages, however due to Enner Valencia’s three crucial goals in the group stages, the loyal Ecuadorian fans got something to celebrate. At the end of the world cup, Enner Valencia can be proud of himself as he stood level with the likes of Karim Benzema and Arjen Robben in terms of goals, despite playing in significantly fewer matches.
4. Xherdan Shaqiri
Playing in an ordinary team with high hopes, Xherdan Shaqiri stood out amongst the rest of his Swiss teammates during this world cup. His brilliance can be summed up with his sublime hattrick – which consisted of an emphatic shot in to the top corner. The Bayern Munich winger always found a way to entertain the crowd, albeit with his pace, trickery or his venomous shot. Ending the tournament with 3 goals to his name, we can safely say that Shaqiri has made many big named European clubs stand up and take notice of him.
3. Andre Schuerrle
Andre Schurrle often found himself on the bench due to Joachim Loew’s persistence to use Miroslav Klose ahead of Schuerrle. What Loew could not ignore, though, was the brilliance that Schuerrle brought on to the pitch. The Chelsea forward was a nightmare for defenses throughout the tournament, with his pace, slick passing and lethal finishes often embarrassing the opposition. An example of his lethal finishing would be that goal in the humiliation of Brazil, labeled to be one of the, if not the, best goals of the tournament. Ending his world cup with 3 goals and 2 assists, Schuerrle has made sure that neither Loew nor Mourinho can ignore him in the future.
2. Toni Kroos
In a German side filled with playmakers of equal ability as Kroos, not many expected him to have the impact he did at this world cup. The German midfielder thrived in the role that Loew gave him, which was slightly more advanced than Khedira or Shweinsteiger, who made up defensively while Kroos concentrated on building up the attacks. With his extraordinary eye for a killer pass, Kroos adapted to the role which was more familiar to Mesut Oezil in this world cup, forcing Loew to play Oezil on the wings. Kroos notched up 4 assists this world cup, second to none, while also contributing 2 goals. His dead ball delivery has earned him a comparison to David Beckham, another dead ball specialist. His brilliance also earned him interest from the Champions League winners: Real Madrid.
1. James Rodriguez
With Colombia’s main man Radamel Falcao ruled out of the tournament, many believed that this would spell disaster for the side. However, James Rodriguez stepped up to the plate and delivered on the biggest stage of all. The Monaco winger light up this world cup with his incredible eye for goal. James managed to lead Colombia into the quarter finals, where the jubilant side was unfortunately beaten by host nation Brazil. Despite this, James managed to win the Golden Boot for his spectacular performances, making him a cult hero in his home country. The winger has now attracted Florentino Perez’s attention, who sees him as the ideal replacement for outgoing Angel di Maria.
Article contributed by: Mayank Tiwary
Twitter: @VanPerseing.
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