Whose Reputation Might Be Made In South Africa

February 20th, 2010 | by: Rob |

Wayne-Rooney-England_2085298 World Cups – they can make you, or they can break you. Particuarly in these over analytical times, arguments abound about just who the best players on the planet abound, and the biggest riposte to certain players is “well he never does it in the big matches”.

Obviously there are no bigger matches than the World Cup, and so when you do it on that stage, the argument is null and void. Chris’ post about exactly what is World Class got me thinking – which players aren’t quite the créme de la creme now, but may well be in a few short months? And which World Class players might take a hit to their reputation?

Because a World Cup can do that to do you. Johan Cruyff was a talented sod who had already won European Footballer of the Year twice by 1974. But when you talk about his position among the greats, where do you point? The 1974 World Cup, of course. Quite simply, to go down as a true legend you have to do it at a World Cup. (Or play for a country that don’t play at the World Cup, so people can’t say you bottled it on the big stage)

Its perfectly possibly that despite the struggle that their countries had to get to the World Cup itself, this might be the tournament where Messi and Ronaldo take the step up and become true giants. Because they might be the best in the world at the moment, but they aren’t quite on that level of alltime greatness just yet. And don’t be fooled by their qualification – Holland barely qualified for the 1974 finals afterall.

Another way your reputation could change, could be your talented players make the step up to the level of World Class. Take Riquelme at the last World Cup. Alright his reputation has taken a bit of a hit since (Is there any club side that he can fit into?) but think just how good he looked in Germany. Argentina (all to briefly as it turned out) looked like they were going to waltz to a World Cup led by the best passer of the ball we’d seen in years.

Fabio Canavarro too, had a wonderful World Cup, and really took it up to the next level. He might have had a bit of an indifferent time since, but he’s always going to be remembered as a great player because he did it on that stage.

I don’t know who might make that kind of step up at this World Cup, thats the exciting bit. My hope is that it’ll be the tournament where Wayne Rooney steps up. He’s having an amazing season, but his World Cup record, well, its chequered what with the whole being-sent-off-last-time thing. But I know you guys might have some other ideas, you always do. So who do you think its going to be, that makes a name for themselves in South Africa?

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fan across the atlantic

I think the Japanes footballer T. Morimoto who plays club ball for Catania in Serie A. He has been been called the best young attacker in the Serie A by big stars like Inzagi of AC Milan.
http://france.theoffside.com/ Thomas

Hugo Lloris. He’s already rated as one of the top keepers in Europe at the age of 23, and though he’s proven himself at club level with spectacular performances in the champions league (ex. against Real Madrid on Tuesday), he will be even more impressive for France this summer.
Arminius

Özil of Germany might be a good guess.
Rob

Thomas – Funny you should say Lloris. I was talking about Sebastian Frey with someone else earlier, and they launched into a big gushing moment about how good Lloris is becoming. So i’m looking forward to seeing him at the World Cup.
http://Bayern.theoffside.com Luke

To build on Arminus’ point, there are really any number of young German players who could emerge–if Löw is willing to use them. Özil and Adler are the more likely, but Kiessling, Kroos and Müller are capable of making a big splash as well.
chris

i know it’s a long shot but i think lennon could really show off his stuff at the world cup. some of his spurs performances have been impossible to defend against. but i don’t keep my eye on him enough to know if they were one offs!

also i’d like joe hart to be given a chance but he might not even make the squad at this point.
Mike Diamente

Pato
MoMONEY

Ozil
tommy wong

Charlie Davies hat trick, vs England.

IMAGINE?!
http://juventus.theoffside.com alessio

I don’t think anyone is going to get a world-class reputation. If you look at some of the superstars of yesteryear- Cannavaro, Ronaldo, Zidane, Baggio of the last 4 WC’s, each had produced both with their club team and the national team before the tournament. The current stars- C Ronaldo, Messi, Rooney, etc…haven’t really performed up to their club levels in their national team.

I think there will be some breakout stars, of course, but I’m not sure we’ll see a clear Golden Ball winner.
matty t

riccardo montolivo will emerge as the next totti and make a big splash on the international scene as he’s tearin it up with fiorentina rite noww
Andrew

Michael Bradley, Mesut Özil, Toni Kroos, Milos Krasic, Marek Hamsik and someone from Brazil
http://www.assyriska.theoffside.com Luka

Ze Maria if Argentina has a good world cup and, obviously, if he features prominently. Another one I always mention is Kwadwo Asamoah of Ghana. However, it all depends on how well the entire team plays. No player (aside from Maradona) can carry a team in the World Cup, not even Messi.
CB

Robin Van Persie will become a well known name after this WC. Ronaldo will continue to struggle at the international level. I also think David Villa will finally get some recognition.
Ali B

My money’s on Rene Adler. Look at one of his highlight reels for my reason why.
I kept hoping he would somehow end up as the number 1 German goalie for the WC, but I really didnt want it to happen the way it did…
Aspano

Marek Hamsik
Loewsmilesbetter

Unless something unfortunate or irregular happens – I think K r o o s is going to be a top performer and might outshine the bulk of contenders.
Rob(ben :D)

Eljero Elia
MoMONEY

Yea if Holland makes a run it will be because of RVP. Hope he is healthy and rolling by then
Cece

@Mike, Pato’s got to get called up first…
Rachel

I reckon after the World Cup Iker Casillas (Real’s goalkeeper, whose entire career has been overshadowed by his “galactic” team-mates), Iniesta and Villa will be finally be considered world class.
Elliot

Lionel Messi. Great for club but not so much for country.
http://www.no1fan.co.uk Paul Jeffrey

I think Wayne Rooney’s reputation as a world class player could be forged in South Sfrica by the way he’s playing right now. Let’s hope he doesn’t get injured.
john

I’m a huge Messi fan but have to reluctantly agree with Elliot. Messi must show up at the WC and pull a Maradonna dragging Argentina by the scruff of the collar in order to truly cement his position.

I’m 33 percent he’ll do it!

Regards
Marco

Good question. I’m sure Iniesta, Xavi and Pedro* will become ledgends I’m sure. Messi unfortunately is no Maradona, Argentina will pay for their dependence on 1 player and bad coach Maradona.

Keep an eye on Mexico they have a young talent I cannot wait for the opening match.