5 utility players who have lifted the World Cup

The world cup is the most illustrious football tournament on the planet. Regarded by most as the pinnacle of a player’s career, yet, only eight nations have managed to lift the trophy. Previously known as the Jules Rimet trophy until 1970, Brazil are the most successful nation in terms of lifting the world cup, having done so on five separate occasions.

The teams that have gone on to lift the world cup, have generally been pre-tournament favourites, therefore these squads have mostly contained the country’s best players. The illustrious list of winners contains the likes of Pele, Diego Maradona and Zinedine Zidane, all great players of their respective eras.

As a result, this list contains players who might not have been the best, but their utility and selflessness made them a part of world cup winning teams:

---

5. Junior (Brazil)

Jenilson Angelo de Souza, better known simply as Junior, was a back-up to the legendary Roberto Carlos at the 2002 World cup. The Brazilian full-back won 22 caps for his nation as Carlos’s deputy.

Renowned for his pace and stamina, Junior had all the Brazilian flair, yet his defending was not very good. In 2002, the attacking full-back was the part of a Parma defence, containing the likes of Fabio Cannavaro and Lilian Thuram. That may have played a part in Junior’s selection for the national team as his defensive incapabilities were masked by these legendary defenders.

Junior, in general, had a decent world cup and also scored against Costa Rica during the group stage. All in all, he had a successful stint with the national team, having also been part of the squads that won the 2001 Copa America and 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Yet, except for his semi-successful 4-year stint with Parma, Junior spent the rest of his career in Brazil and is remembered as an average player at best.

4. Luizao (Brazil)

Luizao: trying not to look flustered

For all the rich talent that Brazil have possessed, they have produced quite a few mediocre ones too. Another, one of the members of the 2002 World cup winning squad, Luiz Carlos Bombonato Goulart, better known as Luizao was a striker who plied his trade for Corinthians when he got selected for the world cup.

A journeyman striker, Luizao played for 15 clubs throughout his career including ventures in Japan, earning a call-up to the Brazil squad after hitting a purple patch with Corinthians. In a squad with no shortage of attacking firepower containing the likes of Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, Luizao had to be content on the Selecao bench.

Luizao failed to score on both of his substitute appearances, replacing Ronaldo both times. The 2002 world cup was the last time we saw Luizao in the Yellow and Blue of Brazil.

3. Bernard Diomede (France)

A hardworking midfielder, the world cup looked a step too far

A quick, tricky and two-footed winger whilst at Auxerre, Bernard Diomede made his way into the French squad for the 1998 world cup. The hardworking winger started three games, two in the group stages against Saudi Arabia and Denmark and a round of 16 tie against Paraguay.

As the tournament went to its latter stages, French manager Aime Jacquet settled to a midfield of Deschamps, Petit, Zidane and Djorkaeff which meant Diomede played no further part even as a substitute.

Diomede then joined Liverpool for a fee of £3 million, easily one of their worst signings, having made a total of 2 league appearances in 3 years. By the age of 31, Diomede was playing in the lower divisions of French football, encapsulating his fall from grace.

2. Heinz Kwiatkowski (West Germany)

A decent shot-stopper, whose horror show against Hungary meant his reputation was in tatters

Going into the 1954 World cup, West Germany’s Achilles heel lay in their goalkeeping options. Recent goalkeeping options like Oliver Kahn, Manuel Neuer, and even Ter-Stegen show Germany’s riches in the position, yet the 1950s showcased a lack of good quality shot-stoppers for the Germans.

In those days, players playing outside Germany were not considered eligible to represent the national team, meaning that Germany’s best shot-stopper and Manchester City legend Bert Trautmann, completely missed out on the international recognition.

As a result, uncapped Dortmund keeper Heinz Kwiatkowski got the nod between the sticks. Kwiatkowski conceded 8 goals against Hungary, but that turned out to be a blessing in disguise as Germany faced Yugoslavia in the first knock-out instead of Brazil.

Kwiatkowski was dropped from the team as West Germany went on a fairy-tale run defeating Hungary in the final to lift the world cup. Meanwhile, Kwiatkowski continued to play for Dortmund making 300 appearances in total, whilst also being part of West Germany’s 1958 world squad.

1.Simone Barone (Italy)

A decent midfielder at best

A central midfielder by trade, Simone Barone was a utility player. His greatest asset was his versatility as he could play both centrally as well as a wide-midfielder. His stamina and tactical intelligence meant he was also deployed as a defensive midfielder at club level.

While his inclusion in the world cup squad of 2006 baffled most, the national team manager, Marcello Lippi was a huge fan of the versatile midfielder. Barone spent most of his time with mid-table Serie A teams like Chievo, Parma, Palermo and Torino, the last of whom he got relegated in 2009.

Barone made two appearances off the bench as Italy went on to win their 4th world cup in 2006. Barone made 16 appearances for the national team, as his career ended after the world cup success.