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Colombia’s chances of a good run at the World Cup are all but over with the injury to Radamel Falcao ruling him,well almost,out of the tournament. However, Sambaland has some more reassuring flights which shall not be boarded. While, heavyweights like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Junior shall be seen donning their national team jerseys, there are quite a few names on the same plinth who shall be sorely missed by the Footballing world across.
There could be at least a dozen that could be named, but I shall majorly list out the top 5 contenders. These players could have been potential game changers during the course of the World Cup and who knows, maybe could’ve brought it home. But hey, no one’s complaining. A miss is still a hit gone awry.
1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Please note that I’m in no position to make any comments about the legend named here because as the saying goes, “You don’t mess with the Zlatan”. But, ignoring mass consensus and his off-field gimmicks, he’s a lethal manufacturer of some of the best goals that we’ve seen flying around from Neverland. He almost pulled the strings correct to see Sweden through to Brazil, but CR7 had other ideas. His prowess in front of goal and merely his presence will definitely create a void unfathomable.
2. Aaron Ramsey
All references to Ryan Giggs is purely co-incidental. Statutory warning: Killer blow to a kid that could have lightened up the stage with some of his Emirates gained experience. Aaron Ramsey has clearly been a revelation at Arsenal under Arsene Wenger scoring at a prolific rate and was instrumental in a tiki-taka disguise which until then was a Catalan phenomenon. He did punch a blow to Belgium (favorites, but not sure why yet) during qualification but it did not suffice. A huge loss for sure.
3. Arda Turan
If memory and interest serves us right, Hakan Sukur and Hasan Sas should be names imprinted with historical significance. Rightfully, and in all good breath, positing Lionel Messi as an “alien”, Arda Turan is no less himself. Although netting the ball just once on nine group appearances, this bloke has caught Messi’s eyes so much so that after an Atletico-Barcelona match the Argentinian decided to swap shirts with the Turk. Needless to say, alongside Diego Costa, this man has thrown Atletico into the pantheon of great Footballing Clubs, and in no time.
4. Robert Lewandowski
They call him “The Machine” and why not. We could have had a Polish Miroslav Klose in the making at Brazil. But his services will be missed and so will his aura. Lewandowski has left his mark on the Bundesliga and so too the UEFA Champions League, but it wasn’t enough on the National stage. But, Bayern Munich signing him up shows his indomitable status, and although some eyebrows were raised, Munich is a club he should belong at. FIFA World Cup 2014? Well, better luck next time, Robbie.
5. Gareth Bale
I was once asked “Is Bale worth the hype?” The fitting answer followed “Oh, yes.” But only if answers could build fortresses, Germany would be winning World Cups galore. This man has shown his eye in front of goal and his eye for the killer assist with the Galacticos and the former Spurs man will rue his chances at not being able to play for pride or, who knows, the trophy itself. He could well have been for the Welsh what Lahm was for Germany a few years ago. And we all know he could let a Torsten Frings or a Fabio Grosso fly from anywhere. I, and a lot many more, will miss seeing you there, Gareth. High hopes, die hopes.
The 5 names mentioned here are after some really good subjective analysis. You could jot down your five, and they’d all be different but these 5 names will linger around somewhere while you’re busy doing so. Star status, promise and national pride will be cut short for a few. But here’s to a good Footballing year ahead.
