



Lionel Messi – Argentina & Barcelona
Lionel Messi is currently the best player in the world after leading Barcelona to more domestic success in Spain. Now he needs to step onto the highest stage in world football and do the same for Argentina. He plays in a slightly different role for his national side and Diego Maradonna has worked hard to get the best out of Messi, even pairing him with the highly experienced Veron in order to keep Messi focused.
If Maradonna manages to get the best out of Messi and with the likes of Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, and Javier Mascherno also in the team Argentina may just claim the World Cup for the first time since Mexico in 1986 where Maradonna himself led the country to glory.
Read more at Suite101: FIFA Football World Cup 2010: Key Players of World Cup Top Teams http://www.suite101.com/content/fifa-football-world-cup-2010-key-players-of-world-cup-top-teams-a246897#ixzz17Qi7JKYc
Luis Fabiano – Brazil & Sevilla
After a poor season by Luis Fabiano’s standards the Brazilian hit man will be hoping to claim the World Cup Golden Boot as the competition’s top marksman. He spearheads the Brazilian team and is the only natural striker in the team but has a good goal scoring record. He is also adept at holding the ball up and bringing the flair players of the Brazil team into the game. With the likes of Kaka and Robinho in support Fabiano is likely to be a key figure as to the destination of the World Cup this summer.
David Villa – Spain & Barcelona
The prolific David Villa signed for Barcelona before the World Cup after yet another successful season at Valencia. He is one of the world’s top strikers with a formidable goal scoring record at international level and is the favourite to claim the Golden Boot award. His partnership with Liverpool’s Fernando Torres is vital to Spain’s chances of success and with his future settled with the move to Barcelona he is definitely one to watch.
Wesley Sneijder – Netherlands & Inter Milan
The Dutch midfield maestro has had his best ever season with Inter Milan and played a huge part in Inter Milan’s treble success. He was instrumental in his club’s successful UEFA Champions League campaign and is expected to play a similar role for his count
Read more at Suite101: FIFA Football World Cup 2010: Key Players of World Cup Top Teams http://www.suite101.com/content/fifa-football-world-cup-2010-key-players-of-world-cup-top-teams-a246897#ixzz17Qibmc2b
Sneijder can score and make goals for others at will and should provide many opportunities for compatriots Robin Van Persie and Klass Van Huntelaar in the Dutch attack. The Netherlands are without doubt a team to keep a close eye on.
Read more at Suite101: FIFA Football World Cup 2010: Key Players of World Cup Top Teams http://www.suite101.com/content/fifa-football-world-cup-2010-key-players-of-world-cup-top-teams-a246897#ixzz17QimrHOa
Wayne Rooney – England & Manchester United
If England have any chance of winning their first World Cup since 1966 then Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney will need to play an instrumental role this summer. Rooney is England’s main attacking weapon and after his most prolific domestic season England fans are full of hopes. He is perhaps the only member of the England squad capable of unlocking the world’s best defences and has a unique ability of bringing other players into the game with little effort.
Gianluca Buffon – Italy & Juventus
Gianluca Buffon is one of the world’s best goalkeepers and has been for a number of years. He was key to Italy’s successful World Cup campaign in 2006 and he will need to be on top of his game this time around too. The Italians have a limited goal threat making Buffon vital to his country’s attempts to retain the trophy with the team hoping for a number of clean sheets offsetting their lack of firepower.
Miroslav Klose – Germany & Bayern Munich
The German striker has been in poor form for his club, Bayern Munich, this season only managing three league goals. However he is often a different proposition at the World Cup. Klose was the Golden Boot winner in 2002, and runner-up in 2006 making him a constant goal threat. He spearheads an exciting looking German frontline and is usually accompanied by his Polish-born countryman Lucas Poldolski.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal & Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo became the world’s most expensive player when he joined Real Madrid for around £80m in 2009. He has enjoyed a successful debut season in Spain continuing his rich goalscoring form. As the Portugese captain, Ronaldo will be expected to pull the strings for Portugal who are in the same group as Brazil and Ivory Coast. If Ronaldo can reproduce his club form on the world stage then a weak looking Portugese side may well spring a few surprises.
Read more at Suite101: FIFA Football World Cup 2010: Key Players of World Cup Top Teams http://www.suite101.com/content/fifa-football-world-cup-2010-key-players-of-world-cup-top-teams-a246897#ixzz17Qj2dQ00