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The World Cup starts in just one day as Brazil kick off the festival of football on home turf against Croatia. The competition brings together most of the world’s top stars where they fight to become champions of the world and lift the famous, golden trophy.
Spain were victorious last time around to lift their first World Cup. Many players this year will be making their first appearance in the competition, especially Spain striker Diego Costa, who could drag his country to another historic summer.
There are plenty of players making their first appearance at a World this summer such as, Eden Hazard, Laurent Koscielny, Karim Benzema, Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson.
That got us thinking here at Squawka about the best possible XI from debutants, and here it is.
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Courtois had another fantastic season in Spain with Atletico Madrid. What looks likely to be his last season in La Liga, at least for the short-term, saw him win the title with Atletico – their first one since 1996.
He also helped them reach the Champions League final where they were one minute away from winning the trophy as Sergio Ramos equalised dramatically late in injury time. Real then went on to score three more in extra time to lift their 10th European Cup.
Courtois kept 20 clean sheets in 37 appearances and was a huge part of a solid defence that took Atleti to the Liga title.
Right-back: Cesar Azpilicueta
Cesar Azpilicueta was a strong performer in Chelsea’s defence last season, picking up a Player of the Year award for his displays. The Spaniard has worked his way back into the Spain squad thanks to his strong performances. Azpilicueta won 74 tackles in the Premier League last year and played out of position for the majority of his appearances.
Naturally a right-back, the Spaniard was forced to play on the left of the defence, taking Ashley Cole’s place in the side. He did not look out of place and could well be relied on this summer.
Central defender: Gary Cahill
Cahill has played his way into England contention a while back and has now made the position his own. John Terry is no longer in England contention, meaning Cahill – his Chelsea partner – is the leading candidate and leader in defence.
The Englishman will be his side’s most important defender this season. His strength, pace, aerial ability and overall defending ability means he will lead from the back. Cahill is a potential captain in a couple of years should he continue his consistency.
Central defender: Vincent Kompany
Kompany is the leader for Belgium. He is a bulldozer of a central defender but is also excellent with the ball at his feet. The Belgian used to play in central midfield so is capable of bringing the ball out of the back to good effect.
She’s fantastic in the air, too, proven by the 73% headed duel success (32/44) in the Premier League. He struggled with his fitness in stages last season but he’s back fit and could provide the platform for Belgium to move forward and triumph.
Left-back: Ricardo Rodriguez
Ricardo Rodriguez is probably the most unknown player in this side. He starred for Wolfsburg last season and could well be on his way to a big European club after the summer.
The Swiss international is a part of a talented, youthful side and could well be the main man in the squad this summer. He scored five goals from left-back and created 78 chances – one of the most in Europe.
He regularly gets forward to attack but also is a top quality defender having won 90 tackles, 102 headed duels and dribbled past 87 players. He also made 114 clearances and 63 interceptions. Keep an eye on Switzerland and Rodriguez.
Central midfielder: Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba is many people’s favourite young player in the world right now. His power, skill, pace is exciting to watch and his talent at such a young age is simply marvellous.
Leaving Manchester United was a big call but he made the right decision signing for Juventus. He’s now an automatic starter and dominates midfields up and down Italy. Pogba has even taken that formidability onto the international stage and may well run games this summer against some of the world’s best.
Pogba is one of the most exhilarating players in the world and could become a world class talent this summer.
Central midfielder: Ivan Rakitic
Ivan Rakitic has completely transformed his career over the past season. He has gone from a talented midfielder to one that dominates teams and games across Spain and Europe, winning the Europa League and could be set to earn a big move to Barcelona, replacing Cesc Fabregas.
Rakitic was superb in Sevila’s midfield, scoring, creating chances and leading them to European success over Benfica. He truly announced himself on the world stage last season and could go one better with a stunning performance at the World Cup.
Attacking midfielder: James Rodriguez
Colombia are many people’s dark horses for the tournament but now with Falcao out, their chances are a lot slimmer. However, the creativity and attacking threat that James Rodriguez – Falcao’s Monaco teammate – offers will go a long way to making up for his absence.
Rodriguez created 85 chances and assisted 12 goals in Ligue 1 last season after a mega £35 million move from Porto. This is Rodriguez’s first World Cup and he could be set for a big move away from Monaco following it. If he continues his consistent, creative threat, the Colombian may well be on his way to a new, bigger club.
Attacking midfielder: Neymar
The man with a nation’s hopes lying on his shoulders has enough talent to be able to drive Brazil to World cup glory. Neymar has had expectations on his head for his whole career and it all comes down to this next month.
Brazil were superb last summer for the Confederations Cup as they beat Spain in the final by three goals to nil. Neymar was the star of the tournament and looks to flourish under the Brazilian spotlight. An entire country will be hoping he shines once again this summer.
Striker: Diego Costa
Spain’s latest talent is Diego Costa. The powerful centre forward can be a gamechanger for Spain. Their silky passing and moving, otherwise known as ‘tiki-taka’ has been a joy to behold for many years, but Costa offers a whole new direction and variety.
He can play the ball on the ground given the amount of time he’s spent in Spanish football, but he offers another option for Spain. He can win headers, play hard with defenders and, most importantly, score goals. He’s a real poacher, proven by the fact that just one of his 27 goals in La Liga came from outside the penalty area.
Striker: Daniel Sturridge
The final name on our team sheet is an England representative. Daniel Sturridge was sublime for Liverpool last season, scoring 21 goals in the Premier League (22 if you count the one at Crystal Palace mistakenly taken off him as an own goal).
He played up front with England’s Group D opponent, Luis Suarez, and did not look out of place at all. Sturridge is a real class act and added 7 assists to his 21 goals. Only Suarez contributed directly to more goals in the Premier League.
Sturridge is England’s number 9 and will be their main goal threat – not Wayne Rooney. Watch out for his pace and do not give him a sight on goal, or you’ll be behind before you know it.
