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#3 Andre Schurrle
Andre Schurrle was a highly-rated talent during his young days, and provided the assist for the goal that won Germany the FIFA World Cup in 2014.
A versatile forward, Schurrle made his name with Mainz and Bayer Leverkusen before moving to Chelsea in 2013. The attacker produced some good performances for the Blues in the Premier League, winning the competition in 2015.
Schurrle's career stagnated after that, though. Disappointing spells with Wolfsburg, Borussia Dortmund, Fulham and Spartak Moscow followed before the 30-year announced his retirement from the sport in 2020.
#2 Mario Gotze
A prodigious talent, Mario Gotze seemed destined for the very top during his days with Borussia Dortmund.
It was not surprising to see Bayern Munich spend £33.3 million in 2013 to acquire one of the best young players in the world. Gotze, though, never truly established himself as a consistent starter for Bayern Munich under Pep Guardiola.
Mario Gotze scored the only goal of the game in the final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup to ensure Germany won the trophy. The forward returned to Borussia Dortmund in 2016, and currently plays for Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven, where he has fared well.
#1 James Rodriguez
James Rodriguez was arguably the best player at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and earned a £67.5 million move to Real Madrid after the tournament.
Rodriguez was one of the best in the world for a brief period. Technically gifted, extremely creative and with good vision, the Colombia international enjoyed some good moments with both Real Madrid and later Bayern Munich, the club where he spent two seasons on loan from Los Blancos.
Injuries did not help his cause, though, and Rodriguez was never a consistent starter in both Spain and Germany. The 30-year-old moved to Everton in 2020, but the departure of Carlo Ancelotti and the arrival of Rafael Benitez has not helped Rodriguez, who is reportedly free to leave the club this summer.
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