5 Stars to Watch at World Cup 2010

• April
• 30

3:08 pm World Cup, Soccer

There’s still time to get yourself to South Africa with World Cup soccer tickets still on sale, but it’s never too early to take a look at some big names that will be in lights this summer.

1. Lionel Messi - Argentina

At the moment the little Argentine has been widely labeled the best player alive in the world. On a weekly basis with his club FC Barcelona, Messi does the impossible. His low center of gravity allows him  to reverse his motion as quick as anyone on the planet. He’s been called the “Picasso of football” for the way he breaks down multiple defenders. His finishing is down-right deadly and he typically raises his play when he’s on a big stage. The spotlight won’t get any brighter than this summer in South Africa. If Messi has a great tournament we will have a real case for putting him up with the likes of Zidane, Pele, and Maradona.

2. Arjen Robben - Netherlands

The Flying Dutchmen’s scintillating form has carried German club Bayern Munich to Champions League final. Robben very well might have the most dangerous left foot in the world. A right-sided winger, Robben loves to cut in across the field and make magic happen with his left. The former Real Madrid-Chelsea midfielder can change game all by himself and will cause headaches for any left back he faces. Scoring 14 goals in just 21 appearances for Bayern, Robben is one of the hottest players heading into the World Cup.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo - Portugal

As was the case with Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo almost found himself watching the World Cup this summer from his couch. Portugal barely qualified for the World Cup, and might have trouble this summer. Ronaldo himself is right up there with Messi as the best player in the world. Ronaldo made the move last summer to Real Madrid from Manchester United for a record transfer fee. He can score in every way possible and 6 ft 1 inch frame keeps center backs from pushing him around. Portugal made a run all the way to the semi-finals in 2006 in Germany, but the Selecção das Quinas will need a superhuman effort from Cristiano if they want to repeat that level of success.

4. Wayne Rooney - England

The departure of Ronaldo from Manchester United has turned out to be a good thing for England’s top striker Wayne Rooney. The goals have been pouring in for Rooney this season in the EPL, elevating his status as footballer in the past 12 months to the very top of the game. Rooney is the ideal striker. If opposing teams give him opportunity in front of net the man just buries it. A rare combination of strength and speed, Rooney is as tough as they come. As Wayne Rooney goes in South Africa, so will England. The center backs marking Mr. Rooney this summer better be saying their prayers.

5.  Maicon - Brazil

Inter Milan defender Maicon plays the right back position simply to perfection. The muscle-clad fullback makes runs like a deer and can dislodge the best of attackers without breaking a sweat. You could put Maicon anywhere on the field and he would likely be one of the best players in the game. He’s ironclad in his defending , yet can dribble, shoot, and pass like a full-time attacker. One of the big reasons Brazil is the #1 ranked player in the world is because they have defenders like Maicon, Lucio, and Dani Alves on roster. Maicon could be a star athlete in any sport in the world. Though not a attacking player who makes people ooh and aah by scoring goals every game, Maicon deserves as much praise as anyone going to South Africa this summer.