Five young players to watch in the Olympics

Before the greatest sporting spectacle on Earth finally gets underway, this summer has turned out to be pretty hectic for the footballers and fans alike. Barely a month after the Euros ended, millions of fans are now getting ready for the extended spell of International football – this time for a wreath of olive leaves and a gold medal! While most of us are anxiously waiting for another exciting season of club football to kick off, the London Games will serve as the perfect appetizer for football starved crazies. While Olympic football is primarily an under-23 affair, the sixteen participating nations are allowed to pick three over-age players in their squad. And along with hot prospects from the blessed land of South America, we would also have the chance to watch some of our very favorite stars like Luis Suarez, Juan Mata, Hulk etc.

Lets now look at the top five players to look out for in the 2012 Summer Olympics

1. Lucas Moura (Brazil) -

Moura fights of two players to dribble towards the goal.

The 19 year old Sao Paolo attacking midfielder has been in demand this summer with top clubs chasing the young boy for his signature. Manchester United are reportedly prepping a £30m offer for the player after having had an earlier bid rejected. The sheer amount of interest shown by one of the finest football managers in the world, along with the fact that he has already managed 15 appearances for the Brazil senior squad, definitely makes him a player to watch out for.

2. Neymar (Brazil) –

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND – JULY 20: Neymar of Brazil looks on during the international friendly match between Team GB and Brazil at Riverside Stadium on July 20, 2012 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

International team mate of Moura and Santos star, Neymar da Silva Santos Junior is perhaps the biggest draw of the Olympics football. Brazil legend and arguably the greatest footballer ever, Pele, has likened the 20 year old to the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. A porcupine styled hairdo along with talent in abundance, makes Neymar the next big thing in world of football. Having made his international debut at the age of 18, Neymar has already scored nine times for the Samba nation at an average of 0.5 goals per match.

3. Iker Muniain (Spain) –

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA – MAY 09: Iker Muniain of Athletic Bilbao reacts during the UEFA Europa League Final between Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao at the National Arena on May 9, 2012 in Bucharest, Romania. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

This 19 year old Spaniard has already established himself as one of the mainstays of the Athletic Bilbao side which reached the finals of Europa League and the Copa del Rey, only to lose them both to fellow La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona respectively. This versatile midfielder can slot into anywhere in the mid field, although he is at his best when deployed through the centre. With lightning speed and bags of trickery, Muniain is expected to shine in the Olympics.

4. Gaston Ramirez ( Uruguay) –

BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 29: Gaston Ramirez # 10 of Bologna FC celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC and Genoa CFC at Stadio Renato Dall

The reigning South American champions boast of world class artillery in their squad in the form of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, but this 21 year old Bologna playmaker is destined to be a huge success in this tournament. Ramirez has been stellar for the Serie A side last season and is deservedly being chased by Liverpool new boss Brendan Rodgers. Skill doubled with great vision, this Uruguayan is also a danger during set pieces. The Olympics could very well turn out to be the perfect platform for the youngster to seal a move to the promise land of England.

5. Sung-Yueng (South Korea) –

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MARCH 25: Ki Sung Yueng (R) of Celtic tries to tackle Steven Davis of Rangers during the Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on March 25, 2012 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

The 23 year old Celtic midfielder has quietly grown into a quality midfielder after moving to the Scottish side in 2007. A defensive midfielder, Ki is has good ball control and does possess a decent passing range. Beating off competition from established players like Ji Sung Park and Lee Chung Yung, Ki was voted the South Korean Player of the Year last December, getting recognized for his exploits with his country as well as Celtic.