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RAHEEM STERLING | ENGLAND, LIVERPOOL, 19
Raheem Sterling
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Teenager Sterling made his first team debut two seasons back but failed to impress. This season, the youngster has established his position in the first-team, helping the side in the Premier League title race and has received praise all-round, with many experts claiming he’s England’s best wide man and deserves to be a regular starter for Roy Hodgson’s side. Some have even claimed he could be the best player of his generation, while his ‘competitor’ for the winger’s role has suggested he should be in the squad for Brazil. His pace, energy and surprisingly good eye for a pass can certainly propel him into the senior squad.
Sterling has already been called up to the senior team, certifying his progress, but never has he been as good a candidate for the national team as he is now. Many would be surprised if he didn’t receive a call-up to Brazil.
JOSIP DRMIC | SWITZERLAND, NURNBERG, 21
Josip Drmic has come into the Bundesliga from the Swiss league this season and left viewers in awe at his abilities. He signed for Nurnberg this summer and has led the way for his side. It’s unfortunate that Nurnberg are set for relegation while Josip Drmic has been in the form of his career, trailing Lewandowski and Mandzukic by only two goals. He’s a modern version of a traditional fox-in-the-box, a no nonsense striker whose always looking to get into the box and get on the scoresheet. Any side can benefit from having such a player.
Drmic made a few substitute appearances for Switzerland, starting just 1 game in their World Cup qualification campaign without making a reasonable case. Now though, he is bound to be Switzerland’s main man. Recently he scored his first senior goals, a brace against Croatia in a 2-2 friendly draw.
IMOH EZEKIEL | NIGERIA, STANDARD LIEGE, 20
Imoh Ezekiel and Mitchy Bathshuayi, two quality young strikers, have formed a bit of a partnership for Standard Liege in the Belgian league. While Bathshuayi has been widely considered as the better option, Ezekiel hasn’t been far off and they manage to complement each others’ game well. Imoh Ezekiel can best be described as a pure striker, always finding himself in the box; while he also possesses remarkable composure in the box and with the ball at his feet.
Ezekiel has so far only made one substitute appearance for Nigeria but they aren’t as blessed upfront as they have been in previous World Cups. Obinna & Emenike seem to be the preferred choices but Ezekiel can’t be far behind in the pecking order.
CHRISTIAN ATSU | GHANA, VITESSE (on loan from Chelsea), 22
Signed by Chelsea from Porto and immediately loaned to feeder club, Atsu has been one of many youngsters (many of whom are contracted to Chelsea) who have been propelling Vitesse into European competition. The biggest positive that Atsu possesses, something we didn’t see much as Porto, is his versatility. At Vitesse he has played primarily in a central attacking role, while also shifting to either wing. He has also been deployed at left-back, a role he sometimes played in at Porto, while moving into left-wing too.
Ghana possess an abundance of rare talent but there can be no doubt in Atsu’s World Cup possibilities. He already has tons of experience at the top level, and deserves to be called up to the squad, now with his added versatility, giving management added options.
THORGAN HAZARD | BELGIUM, ZULTE-WAREGEM (on loan from Chelsea), 21
Thorgan Hazard
There’s no doubting Eden Hazard’s role in the Belgian side but his younger brother, Thorgan, has risen to prominence and made a decent case for himself and his World Cup hopes. Thorgan has played regularly for Zulte, on loan from Chelsea, in attacking midfield with a regular scoring record as well. His exploits haven’t gone unnoticed as he won the Belgian Pro League Player of the Year Award, beating Mitchy Bathshuayi to it (and keeping him out of this list).
Belgium have an abudance of talented footballers, and many vying for the attacking midfielders position as well. And with the system being employed, it would be hard to ignore the best player from the Belgian league for a role in the World Cup squad.
