Part 2 of my pick of 32 players to watch out for in the next 4 weeks.
GROUP C
Aaron Lennon – England – 17 caps (0 goals)
Most people will know of Aaron’s abilities, super fast, loves to take on players, his final ball has always been a question mark however it is getting better, the first half of the season Aaron was on fire, then a couple of injuries sidelined him, I am glad for him he is fit and raring to go, and hope he plays well, I will be looking out for him.
Edson Buddle – USA – 3 caps (2 goals)
One of the more unknown quantaties in this World Cup, before this year Edson’s career had been very quiet, until he scored 9 goals in 9 games for the LA Galaxy this season, catapulting into the USA national team, a powerful and strong forward has shown the ability to score under pressure, made a case to start against England with his 2 goals against Austrailia in a recent friendly, definitely one to watch.
Ryad Boudebouz – Algeria – 1 cap (0 goals)
Ryad plays for French club Sochaux, a player I really want to learn more about, seems to have a mixture of pace and skill and can pick a pass, A real exciting youngster, only 20 years old, he has played U-19 football for France and they wanted him to move up to their U-21 team but he has decided to play for his parents country of birth instead.
Rene Krhin – Slovenia – 3 caps (0 goals)
This Inter Milan youngster is being hailed as the next big thing, reported not to be a starter in the Slovenia team, however could provide a spark off the bench in any of the group matches, I’m sure new Inter boss Rafa Benitez will be tuning in to his matches.
Rene was captain of Slovenia’s U-19 team that made the 2009 European Championships but he couldn’t take part due to his club commitments, has only played a handful of games for Inter in Serie A but is though of very highly.
GROUP D
Dennis Aogo – Germany – 1 cap (0 goals)
A star in Hamburg’s Europa League run this year the 23 year old has turned down his father’s homeland of Nigeria to play for the country of his birth and was rewarded with a call up in Germany’s World Cup squad, able to play in both defence and midfield, he has had a very impressive season and a important part of Hamburg’s team, only 1 caps shows he is not a first pick, but I would like to see how he copes if given the chance.
Brett Holman – Austrailia – 31 caps (2 goals)
Easily could become a star of this Austrailia team, the attacking midfield/left winger, he played for AZ Alkmaar last season but has been told he is surplus to requirements so this World Cup is a place for Brett to show what qualities he has.
I am looking forward to seeing what he can produce, 6 goals for AZ last year he has the ability to get forward and score or set up goals.
Neven Subotic – Serbia – 13 caps (1 goal)
Myself along with numerous Premier League clubs will be watching Neven’s every move with a keen eye, Solid performer in Dortmunds great season, great in the air, a great presence to any defence, could easily step up to any of the big name clubs looking at him, how much he plays depends on where Ivanovic plays, if he is picked at full-back Neven would be hoping to partner Nemanja Vidic in central defence, A good tournament would see his stock rise rapidly.
Prince Tagoe – Ghana – 17 caps (4 goals)
A player I am quite interested to see play, Prince plays for Hoffenheim in Germany, scored 2 goals in 11 games last season, had an excellent record in Saudi Arabia and the UAE 39 goals in 50 games, Ghana have struggled for a striker in recent times, and Prince could be the answer to their goal problems if given the chance to start in South Africa.
Part 3 is coming tomorrow…..
