World Cup great players

[Jose Jones]

Normally after a world cup you can look back and point to players who were the stars of the tournament. Either players you knew were great already but really stamped their name on the competition (a la Ronaldo in 2002), or players you hadn't seen much of but had a really good tournament so they kind of become synonymous with that particular competition (Schillaci or Roger Milla in Italia 90).

 

We're over half way through this World Cup and I can't really see anyone so far that really looks like making their mark on the tournament. I think the players who have most impressed me so far that I didn't know about have been the Ghanaians. Essien and Appiah in midfield and that Gyan bloke up front. But they'll have to beat Brazil to really count. Thoughts?

[Fink]

Maxi Rodreguez and Riquelme have done ok, as has Klose.

[Jay Glover]

were only half way through "the round of 16", wait till after the world cup and i am sure there will be sombody to fulfill you need of a player who will be remembered fromm this world cup.

[kop]

Klose, Riquelme (his last match wasn't the best though), Saviola, Lahm, Torres and Appiah. Kaka has been good too, and Vogel. No one has taken the position of the best in the WC yet though, I think we have to wait for it.

[Section_31]

Riquelme and Messi impressed me the other night.

[Jose Jones]

Maxi Rodreguez and Riquelme have done ok, as has Klose.

 

Maxi Rodrigez is a good call. And Klose has done well, and if he scores as the Germans go through to the final then he'll probably get the nod.

Maybe I'm a bit out of step but for me Riquelme hasn't really done that much, ok so he dictates the pace of the team, who play really good stuff, but he still looks like he'll shit it when the pressure goes up a notch. I reckon Germany will beat the Argies in the quarters and he'll be fairly anonymous.

[Guest TK-421]

Podolski could really make a name for himself if he keeps it up.

[Wig]

Maxi Rodreguez and Riquelme have done ok, as has Klose.

 

 

Klose will be the one eveyone talks about. I think if spain carry on and Torres keeps scoring he'll get alot of gossip.

[James Dean]

If Argentina goes all the way and Messi plays, I would put a few quid on him.

So far it has been Klose for me...Who'd have thought..

[bri]

Ronaldo has thrown his weight around a bit.

 

I think the later stages, like now are when players start raising the bar. Who remembers Rossi being absolute shite for italy in the group stages then more or less winning it on his own.

[Wig]

Stevie will get a lot of people talkin aswell, he's been Englands best player by far!

[MLB]

I said this ages ago! There have been no outstanding individuals, really, with the exception of Messi. In previous tournaments there have been great players from smaller nations too, but there's been none of that this time. That's been the only disappointment in this World Cup for me.

[bri]

the refs are the stars of this world cup

[G Richards]

It's too early to look for outstanding players of the tournament. The ones who make the headlines post-tournament usually get to the final (or if I'm being generous, semi-final). Other than that, they get an honourable mention for a special goal or whatever. The class that we're talking about here normally comes to the fore towards the conclusion of the tournament.

[snez1]

Buffon Cannavaro and Gattuso have all been excellent so far. Riqulme has been top class too, and Marquez. Also Zambrotta (best full back in the world).

[Guest TK-421]

I agree that no one player has stood out, Rodriguez has made a lasting impression and I like the look of Podolski.

 

Players such as Ronaldinho have failed to deliver but there is still time for someone to grab the tournament by the scruff of the neck.

[Brownie]

Buffon Cannavaro and Gattuso have all been excellent so far. Riqulme has been top class too, and Marquez. Also Zambrotta (best full back in the world).

 

Good shout. If the Mexicans had managed to get through, a lot of people would be raving about him.

 

Everybody knows he's a good player but he really proved it in this tournament for me.

[MLB]

Marquez was top class, better than I ever thought he was for Barca. I'm thinking more of attacking players really though.

[Hermes]

Podolski could really make a name for himself if he keeps it up.

 

Didn't somebody on here suggest way back in March that we should sign him. ;)

[CharleyKnight]

The usuals have caught my eye - Messi, Riquelme, Torres but one player who Ive been really impressed with is Phillip Lahm. His technique is near perfect and is everything you want in an attacking full back. He's good coming forward, puts an excellent cross in, can beat a man and has a hell shot on him. Most attacking full backs lack one thing though - they're shit defensively. But he's not, he has pace gets back and has an excellent tackle.

[RedBrian84]

I reckon Dida has had a sterling tournament so far- you have to be a good 'keeper with Brazil's defence. And although he has been a sub for the main part, Carlos Tevez looks absolutley outstanding; so strong and tough to knock off the ball.great feet, too

[El Rojo]

Marquez is a fucking awesome player.

 

Klose's a great poacher.

 

Ayala's been great too, still tough as nails.

 

Haven't seen a Maradona 86/Pele 70 player though - Ronaldinho has been quiet by his standards and Messi and Tevez haven't figured enough.

[CharleyKnight]

I reckon Dida has had a sterling tournament so far- you have to be a good 'keeper with Brazil's defence. And although he has been a sub for the main part, Carlos Tevez looks absolutley outstanding; so strong and tough to knock off the ball.great feet, too

 

 

and he looks like Stig Of The Dump. Awesome player though!

[Thants]

Marquez is a fucking awesome player.

He had a great world cup. Definitely in my 11.

[Guest TK-421]

Vieira could steal the show if he keeps it up.