The countdown to the 21st installment of arguably the biggest and most anticipated sporting event in the world, the FIFA World Cup, is well underway.
From June 14 to July 15, 32 international football teams will compete in Russia in hopes of winning the title as the best football team in the world.
These six players will surely get your attention, not only because of their eye candy looks, but also for their football skills that will bring you on the edge of your seats.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo is definitely one of the most popular football players in the world. Football fan or not, one can easily recall his name. He may have won three Premier League titles, two La Liga titles, and five Champions League titles, but he has yet to snag a World Cup win with the Portugal team.
For sure, Ronaldo will be hungry for a win especially on his fourth, and most likely last, World Cup stint.
2. Lionel Messi
Many will question Argentina’s capability to win this year’s FIFA World Cup especially with teams like Brazil, Spain, and Germany on sight. However, one can never overlook the fact that THE Lionel Messi is a part the Argentinian team. Messi’s game will be anticipated by many die-hard football fans especially since he is considered as the “best active football player” in the world. Can he bring Argentina to a World Cup win this year?
3. Isco Alarcon Suarez
Some football fans may not have been that impressed with his 7 goals, 7 assists performance with Real Madrid but this Spaniard football star will for sure step it up for his country this World Cup. Fans remember Isco for his ability to bring out the ball from the midfield and into the attack zone.
4. Toni Kroos
Kroos has high goals to reach, as many consider the defending champion, the German team, as one of the main contenders for this year’s World Cup. This German midfield engine will provide his team a balance to set up better plays. Kroos’ teammates can also rely on his ability to find and pass the ball to them even if they are 50 to 60 yards away. His accuracy in passing is around 93.1%. Let us just let the numbers speak on behalf of this man’s talent.
5. Mats Hummels
Another German player makes it into our list. If Kroos is known for his ability to pass and set up plays, Hummels is known for his skill to single-handedly counter attacks. If his teammate Boateng would be able to support Hummels, Germany will be a deadly team this season both in offense and defense.
6. James Rodriguez
Many are excited to see if Rodriguez will be able to match his performance in the 2014 World Cup where he scored a goal in each of Colombia’s five matches. After being battered by injuries post-2014 World Cup, many fans say it is “impossible” for Rodriguez to repeat his 2014 performance. With hopes to surpass their 2014 quarterfinal performance, Rodriguez is sure to give everything he can to help his team.
