The WORLD CUP FEVER

[MarcoReus]

BTW, if you are wondering who Griezmann is - check this.

http://www.whoscored.com/Players/80241/

17 goals in La Liga. Only Ronaldo, Messi, Costa, Sanchez and Benzema have more. (More than Bale, Fabregas, Koke, Villa, Rakitic, Pedro, Neymar etc)

 

[MarcoReus]

@TheChillMaster, Busquets is probably in the top 3-5 MFs in the world right now. How can you leave him out here?

 

[The Chill Master]

@TheChillMaster, Busquets is probably in the top 3-5 MFs in the world right now. How can you leave him out here?

well i think he is amzng but this top 50 players of world cup are not mines go on espnfc.com i am just posting it over here

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 34 Toni Kroos, Bayern Munich/Germany





Why he's ranked: He is a sublime passer of the ball and wonderfully consistent in the midfield skirmishes, and it's a mystery why Bayern seem reluctant to give him the new contract he craves. He is comfortable with both feet and oozing with class, and his value will soar if his World Cup displays are as brilliant as most expect them to be.

AllsportKroos is on the cusp of becoming one of the world's top midfielders.






Key stat: Scored his first two competitive international goals against Ireland during 2014 World Cup qualifying.





What the experts say: "He's a throwback, an elegant playmaker from the time when the game was simpler and you had a midfielder who attacked and one who sat. He's the former, though he's been used in a variety of roles. Vision and the ability to thread the needle are his greatest assets, though he also chips in with a fair few goals. He's a finesse guy with the body of a player who could be more physical. Once he combines the two, he'll go to the next level." - Gabriele Marcotti

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 33 Marco Reus, Borussia Dortmund/Germany





Why he's ranked: This dynamic forward isn't nicknamed "Rolls Reus" for nothing. He's a man loaded with potential to make his mark at Brazil 2014. Reus is quick, athletic, decisive and capable of playing a variety of attacking positions; a less-than-stellar season for Borussia Dortmund shouldn't impact his potential at the World Cup. His future in Dortmund has been the subject of much discussion in recent months, but that debate can be put on hold for now.

Reus is one of many talented goalscorers that German manager Joachim Low has at his disposal.






Key stat: Most goals by a midfielder in Bundesliga over past three seasons (48). Most chances created in Bundesliga over past three seasons (220).





What the experts say: "Skilled, technical and quick, he is one of the many quality options in a great German team." - Gian Oddi, ESPN Brazil

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 32 Luka Modric, Real Madrid/Croatia





Why he's ranked: Cool on the ball and seemingly always able to create time and space in which to weave his magic, the Croatian was a target of a host of top European clubs before Real Madrid paid 33 million pounds to sign him in August 2012. His physique might look a little frail, but this creative maestro is as strong as he is skillful.

Luka Modric is equally instrumental in the heart of midfield for both club and country.




Key stat: Modric led all Real Madrid players with 1,808 completed passes in 2013-14 La Liga season.





What the experts say: "He is the thermometer of every team he plays for, the man responsible for the temperature of the game going up or slowing down the rhythm." - Paulo Vinicius Coelho, ESPN Brazil

"The most impressive thing about Luka Modric is his adaptability -- he can play as a no. 10, from the left or in a deep-lying position. In that final role at Real Madrid this season, he demonstrated what an all-rounder he is too -- not just a pretty passer but also someone who can run, fight, scrap and tackle. However, he's still at his best with the ball; perhaps not the most incisive passer, but the man who will assist the assistor, and therefore perfect for Croatia's system." - Michael Cox

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 31 Vincent Kompany, Man City/Belgium





Why he's ranked: Kompany's status as one of the outstanding defenders in the Premier League has long been established with Manchester City, but his reputation on the world stage is set to be enhanced as he makes his first appearance in the World Cup finals. Rugged, fearless and a dominant leader, Kompany's importance to his team is felt when he is not available to play.

WijngaertVincent Kompany helped Man City to their second Prem title in three seasons.






Key stat: Named Premier League Player of the Season in 2012 following City's first EPL title.





What the experts say: "Establishes himself with pure physical force and also superb technique, especially in the air." - Gustavo Hofman, ESPN Brazil

"Strong in defense, useful from set pieces and a leader on the field. Kompany is one of the best of the great Belgian generation." - Leonardo Bertozzi, ESPN Brazil

"Robust, good in the air ball and with a mission to lead the Belgian national team, one of the big bets to be the hit of the World Cup." - Paulo Cobos, ESPN Brazil

 

[MarcoReus]

Modric, Gerrard, Kroos over Busquets. Yuck.

 

[The Chill Master]

Modric, Gerrard, Kroos over Busquets. Yuck.

chill dude their is still playrs to come he may be in top 20

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 30 Paul Pogba, Juventus/France





Why he's ranked: Seemingly overnight, Pogba has matured into one of the midfield giants of European football. A towering figure at 6-foot-3, he is one of a rare few in the modern game who combine power with guile in the heat of any midfield battle. Previously with Manchester United, he has matured into a hugely impressive performer with Juventus and has been promoted from the successful French under-20 side that won the World Cup last year to play with the senior side this summer. Perhaps United wish they could have him back.

Pogba and Juventus were Serie A champions this season, but where will he fit in on the French team?






Key stat: Pogba is one of only two midfielders in Serie A (Arturo Vidal) to rank in the top 16 in chances created and tackles this season.





What the experts say: "He is only 21 and at his age, I can't remember anyone who was capable of doing what he is doing now for club and country. He can do anything on a football pitch. He is a very special talent and that's why all the big European clubs are chasing him -- and Juventus are so desperate to keep him." -Julien Laurens

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 29 Mesut Ozil, Arsenal/Germany





Why he's ranked: The euphoria surrounding Arsenal's success in signing Ozil from Real Madrid in the final hours of last summer's transfer window for a club-record 42.4 million pounds justified the capture of a player considered to be one of the world's best midfielders. While his form at Arsenal has been patchy, his guile and ability to create goals for his teammates is vital to Germany's hopes at Brazil 2014.

Ozil's been the glue in midfield for the Germans and he'll be integral for them again in Brazil.






Key stat: Created the most scoring chances for Germany at 2010 World Cup (20). Next closest was Bastian Schweinsteiger with 13.





What the experts say: "He is the only real 'No. 10' Germany has. A gifted playmaker, he can pause or accelerate the speed of the game in equal measure, but always in style. He didn't enjoy a great season with Arsenal but he will be in good form for the World Cup." - Vito De Palma

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 28 Thomas Mueller, Bayern Munich/Germany





Why he's ranked: Mueller has been a key figure for Bayern Munich under Pep Guardiola's watch in his first Bundesliga campaign and expectations around the 24-year-old German are so high this summer. Intelligent in his runs, crisp in his passing and clinical when presented with a chance, Mueller will be a vital cog for Germany at Brazil 2014.

Bayern Munich and Mueller cruised to the Bundesliga title. Will the same be true of Germany at the World Cup?






Key stat: Scored the most goals for Germany at the 2010 World Cup (five) and won the tournament's Golden Boot.

What The Experts Say: "He calls himself the 'Raumdeuter,' lord of ubiquity. His instincts tell him where it's best to appear to do damage. In [Joachim] Löw's mind, it is he and 10 more players on the pitch." - Rafa Ramos

"The self-styled 'space interpreter' is impossible to categorise as a player, and just as hard for his opponents to handle, too. Müller is neither particularly athletic nor technical, so the Bayern Munich midfielder/striker/jack-of-all-trades uses his intelligence to find ways to goal." - Raphael Honigstein

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 27 Manuel Neuer, Bayern Munich/Germany





Why he's ranked: Finding a flaw in Neuer's makeup has been a demanding task in recent years, with his consistent brilliance for Schalke, Bayern Munich and the German national team singling him out as many an observer's pick for the best stopper in the world game. Agile, a superb reader of the game and seemingly unflappable, he now has experience to add to his natural talents.

Neuer can take over a game with his abilities between the posts and will be one of the best goalies in Brazil.






Key stat: Second-best save percentage (among players who have faced at least 100 shots) in Bundesliga over past three seasons (77.8 percent). Named 2013 IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper, as well as named to FIFA/FIFPro World XI and UEFA Team of the Year in 2013.





What The Experts Say: "Neuer has world-class reflexes, a real presence in the box and, most of all, is a very gifted footballer. Germany's high defensive line needs a keeper who can play as a sweeper. Neuer's footwork is excellent, his passing range the envy of a few outfield players." - Raphael Honigstein

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 26 David Silva, Manchester City/Spain





Why he's ranked: Such is the depth of talent in the Spanish midfield ranks that Manchester City's Silva has not always been a first pick for his national team in recent years, but there is no doubt he has the talents to light up Brazil 2014. Nimble-footed, a decisive passer and a scorer of spectacular goals, this 28-year-old is a class act.

Unlocking tough defenses is Silva's specialty and he'll take that task to heart for his national team in Brazil.






Key stat: Over the last three seasons, Silva has the most Premier League assists with 32 since 2011-12.





What the experts say: "A quick straw poll of Manchester City fans would tell you that the player they love most of all is Silva. And that's despite playing alongside Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany. Silva's tiny form masks a robust work ethic, and a fearless seeking of possession in the most dangerous areas of the pitch. Were he able to finish in the same way as he supplies, then he would be in the very top echelon." - John Brewin

"He is one of soccer's most creative players right now and has become part of the backbone of Manchester City's successful season. He stills needs to reach the same heights when playing for Spain, but the World Cup may be the perfect occasion." -Enrique Sacco, ESPN Argentina

 

[Mubariz Ahmed]

Modric, Gerrard, Kroos over Busquets. Yuck.

Busquets is no 40.....
This world does not rate defensive midfielders highly......
The fact that barca had a poor season also plays a part......

 

[Mubariz Ahmed]

BTW, if you are wondering who Griezmann is - check this.

http://www.whoscored.com/Players/80241/

17 goals in La Liga. Only Ronaldo, Messi, Costa, Sanchez and Benzema have more. (More than Bale, Fabregas, Koke, Villa, Rakitic, Pedro, Neymar etc)

He even scored in yesterday's friendly

 

[MarcoReus]

Busquets is no 40.....
This world does not rate defensive midfielders highly......
The fact that barca had a poor season also plays a part......

The world does. The people who have played football professionally do. Everyone knows how difficult it is to be.
DMs are not viewed widely by casual viewers like us, who concentrate more on attack.

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 25 Oscar, Chelsea/Brazil

Why he's ranked: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho stated his intention to build his team around the seemingly frail Oscar at the start of the last Premier League season, and his January decision to sell Juan Mata to Manchester United was partly inspired by that choice. Oscar's agility, passing range, scoring touch and energy are major qualities, despite the 22-year-old's cooling down in the second half of the season.

Where does Oscar fit in for Luiz Felipe Scolari and the Brazilian World Cup squad?
Key stat: Chelsea are unbeaten in all 11 Premier League games in which Oscar has scored (9-0-2).

What the experts say: "[He is] a modern midfielder, skilled and very fast -- very different from the stereotype of the classic Brazilian number 10." - Gustavo Hofman, ESPN Brasil

"Oscar gained mass and a few pounds in Europe, which allowed him to cope with heavy defending in England. [He is] blessed with great vision and more than capable of finishing both inside and outside the area." - Paulo Cobos, ESPN Brasil

"Despite being one of the most underrated players at this summer's tournament, he will definitely be one of the men to watch. After he shined at the U-20 World Cup, Luiz Felipe Scolari made him his midfielder of choice." - Damian Didonato, ESPN Argentina

"Oscar might be Brazilian, but he's actually the epitome of a European-style number 10. He doesn't showcase the languid, slow approach favoured in South America -- he's quick, versatile and tactically aware, and he gets through his defensive work diligently. His first outstanding display in European club football was at home to Juventus: He didn't simply score two superb goals, he marked Andrea Pirlo effectively too. For Brazil, he plays a disciplined role, drifting deep and to the flanks to allow Paulinho, Hulk and Neymar to charge toward goal. It's tough to see a replacement for him in the Brazil 23." - Michael Cox

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 24 Karim Benzema, Real Madrid/France

Why he's ranked: Real Madrid's demanding supporters have struggled to warm to the talents of this goal-getter even though he consistently comes up with crucial strikes for the capital city club. He has suffered equally critical analysis of his performances in his French homeland; now, this World Cup offers Benzema a chance to make amends for his omission from France's squad for South Africa 2010.

Benzema has had some amazing performances for Real Madrid. Now he turns his attention to scoring goals for France.


Key stat: Only Lionel Messi and teammate Cristiano Ronaldo have scored more La Liga goals than Benzema's 64 since 2010-11.

What the experts say: "He has had the best season of his career at Real Madrid, proving that at 26, he is now one of the best strikers in the world. His game is much more than just scoring though. He is capable of great assists thanks to his vision. It makes him a complete forward, one who is really hard to play against." -- Julien Laurens

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 23 Angel Di Maria, Real Madrid/Argentina

Why he's ranked: Di Maria looked set to leave Real Madrid last summer, as Arsenal and Tottenham were linked to moves to bring him to the Premier League, but he has stayed in the Spanish capital and contributed plenty to a thrilling season orchestrated by boss Carlo Ancelotti. Full of verve and commitment down the flanks, he is also a deadly finisher when he gets an opportunity in the box.

Di Maria is one of a number of top-notch attackers on an Argentine squad with an embarrassment of riches up front.


Key stat: Di Maria leads La Liga with 15 assists through May 16.

What the experts say: "His penetrative ability, dynamism and speed are attributes that are rare and coveted in modern soccer. Messi is not alone for Argentina after all. Di Maria should shine bright in Brazil." - Jose Antonio Cortes, ESPN Deportes

"Before this season, he was already a world-class player, with sufficient speed to charge down the line as old wingers did and tremendous accuracy to assist his teammates. When Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid, Di Maria was forced to push his game further, which he did: He has added defensive duties to his portfolio and grown more mature after surviving the psychological challenge. If he can stay on his feet when he ventures into the box, where he prefers fiction to fact, he can be as deadly as any of his mates in a four-pronged attack [of] Messi, Aguero and Higuain." - Roberto Martinez, ESPN Argentina