#2 Luis Gustavo
Group : A Team : Brazil
Name : Luis Gustavo Dias ( VfL Wolfsburg)
For football lovers like me, Brazil is the synonym for attack and flair. Pele, Socrates, Garrincha , Zico , Romario , Ronaldo , Ronaldinho… the list goes on and on. However, this is probably the first time in history of the World Cup (as long as I can remember at least) Brazil comes with the best defense of the tournament.
Attack has always been an asset for the Canarinhas and they have looked sharp this time too. However, the 2 time WC winning coaches of Perriera and Scolari have opted to go for the lanky Luiz Gustavo as their anchorman.
The 26-year-old ex-Bayern man was instrumental during Munich’s treble season and seems like a definite starter. Scolari has already underlined his intention by starting Gustavo ahead of Fernandinho and Ramires in the friendlies. He is a no-nonsense tackler, has good positioning sense and a decent range of passing. Gustavo’s strength is that he understands how to quickly get the “real” ball players in possession to start up an attack.
I personally see Scolari repeating his tactics of 2002 when he used Gilberto Silva in a similar role. Silva played every minute of the competition as Brazil went on to lift the trophy for the 5th time. Brazil great Rivelino (1970 WC winner) recently acknowledged the role of holding midfielders in the modern game and earmarked Gustavo’s importance. With so much focus on the attackers, the player who’ll have the maximum impact for his team is – Gustavo. He needs to have a flawless WC to ensure Brazil lifts the Cup at the Maracana. Hence, he makes my list of people who can impact Brazil’s chances in the Cup.