FIFA World Cup 2014 - 5 young players who shone in the first round

This World Cup has seensome of the best footballers on the planet living up to their billing and producing spectacular performances. While the likes of Van Persie, Robben, Benzema, Neymar, Thomas Muller are well known across the footballing world, heres a look at top 5 relatively unkown youngsters who were equally good in the just concluded first round of Matches.

#1 Daley Blind

The 24 year old is a product of the famed Ajax academy and has been a part of the Ajax first team since the 2008-09 season. Although he is relatively unknown outside of the Netherlands, he is considered a tremendous prospect in his home country.

Having won the Ajax player of the year award in 2012-13 playing as a left back, he amazingly went one better and won the Eredivisie player of the year in 2013-14 while playing as a defensive midfielder. Blind was at his best as left full back in Netherland’s 5-1 romp of Spain. Setting up the first 2 goals with brilliant long passes, he was one of the best players on the pitch. Interest in him is already high with Manchester united expected to make a move.

#2 Joel Campbell

Joel Campbell was the main architect behind one of the shock results of the world cup so far when Costa Rica defeated 2010 semifinalists Uruguay 3-1. Although he signed for Arsenal in 2011, he was unable to obtain a work permit, which meant that he has been on loan to different clubs ever since.

Although his work permit was eventually granted in 2013, he was still sent out to loan to Olympiakos for 2013-14. His sparkling performance in Costa Rica’s opener though will likely be enough to persuade Arsene Wenger to retain the player for next season. He likes to start on the right side of attack, and then cut in to shoot with his favoured left foot. Although hi main attribute is his searing pace, he showed his ability to link play with an absolutely stunning through ball for Costa Rica’s 3rd goal.

#3 Matteo Darmian

The 24 year fullback, who plays his club football for Torino, had played in just one friendly for Italy before he was selected to start against England in Italy’s World Cup Opener. The big stage brought out the best in him as he was one of Italy’s standout player on the night.

An attacking full back by nature, he frequently overlapped with Candreva and caused England problems throughout the match. A natural right back, he is equally adept at playing in the left back position as well.

#4 Muhamed Besic

The youngest player to ever play for Bosnia-Herzegovina, the 21 year old Besic plays his club football with the Hungarian side Ferencvaros. He is mainly a center back, but is equally comfortable playing in the defensive midfield role. It was in the defensive midfield role that he shone for Bosnia against Argentina.

Charged with the unenviable task of keeping Messi under check, the young midfielder was excellent in the first half, barely allowing Messi any space to run into.

#5 Serge Aurier

The 21 year old Toulouse right back was little known outside of the French league, but that is all set to change this summer. In an Ivory Coast team filled with stars like Yaya Toure, Drogba, Gervinho, etc., it was the young right back who made the difference against a spirited Japanese side, claiming 2 assists. He is a complete fullback equally adept at attack and defence. Arsenal are reported to be in talks with his club for a move this summer.