The players who make it happen

(Guest blogger Sri Shanker Krishnan continues his review of the players on parade at the World Cup. Today he writes about the midfield supremos who may be the stars of the tournament.)

The World Cup has seen many wonderful footballers stamp their class and in my opinion almost all the memorable and stand-out players in the Cup’s history have been midfielders. Perhaps it could be due to the fact that these are the players who hold together a team’s attack and defense.

From Maradona to Zidane, Rivelino to Mattaheus, Zico to Platini and so the list goes. These are the blessed breed who have determined and changed the course of many a classic World Cup match. Who can forget Argentina vs England, 1986 or Brazil vs France, 1986 or Germany vs France, 1982 or England vs Brazil, 1970. I can go on and on, it never tires one to watch or talk about such classic football matches. So, moving from my previous article on the analysis of strikers, here is my assessment on some of the midfield players who, in my opinion, are going to be the stars of this coming Copa Mundial. Here goes :-

Steven Gerrard – Arguably the most complete midfielder in modern football. His energy, stamina, shooting and scoring rate are second to none. A product of the famed Liverpool youth system, he has matured admirably over the years and I expect him to be spearheading England’s assault in the tournament and be their outstanding player. Very versatile, he can play both as an attacking or defending midfielder. The recently concluded FA Cup final is a testimony of this.
Prediction? Will be one of the outstanding stars of the tournament.


Ronaldinho – The FIFA World Player of the year for the second year running and a real joy to watch. One of the few players today I’d pay to watch. Can do amazing things with a ball even during crucial matches, his trickery, passing and free kick ability make him stand-out even in the hugely talented Brazilian team. He was just coming into the team in the last World Cup, so I expect him to go all out this time around. The only flaw (if it can be considered as one) in his game is the defensive aspect or the lack of it. But again with his ability why the need to defend?
Prediction? He has just come off a really hectic season at Barcelona and this may affect him somewhat but I’d still expect him to play a pivotal role for Brazil.


Frank Lampard – Runner-up to Ronaldinho in the FIFA World Player of the Year award for 2005 and an outstanding box to box player. Along with John Terry, forms the backbone of the hugely successful Chelsea team of the last two seasons. Highly energetic and possesses admirable long range shooting ability, he however has not reproduced his club form for his country, England. It is about time for him to show his abilities at the international level.
Prediction? Will not stand out individually but will be part of a formidable midfield for the English.


Kaka – Another wonderfully gifted Brazilian magician. A pure joy to watch, he scores fantastic goals and is the creative inspiration for AC Milan. Since joining the Italian giants he has improved the defensive part of his game and added to his technical ability makes him a player to watch out for in the coming World Cup. He is still young, around 24, and should be heading the next generation of Brazilians together with Robinho.
Prediction? Part of the magic quartet of the selecao and my personal favorite to be the outstanding midfielder of the tournament.


Michael Ballack – Germany’s only world class footballer. Emerged as a true world class talent during the last World Cup in 2002. Since then has matured to become one of the world’s truly outstanding all round midfielders. His scoring record and all action displays make him the most valuable player in the German team. Recently transferred to Chelsea, the whole German nations hopes are placed on his broad shoulders. The German team’s suspect defense looks like going to put a heavy toll on him during the tournament.
Prediction? To perform to expectations, ie, to single-handedly push the German’s title push.


Deco – A gifted Brazilian who is a naturalized Portuguese now. One of the outstanding stars of the highly successful and brilliant Portugal team of the Euro 2004 campaign. Combines brilliantly in midfield with Ronaldinho for Barcelona, he is probably the most instrumental figure for Portugal. His technical ability and industrious nature makes him stand out in a highly talented Portuguese team.
Prediction? To shine brightly and together with Simao Sabrosa, form a deadly partnership for the Portuguese.


Javier Mascherano – One of a group of young, outstanding Argentine players, I expect him to emerge as a truly world class player in this tournament. Has been a huge success for Corinthians in the Brazilian league, a no mean feat for an Argentinian. Has fantastic balance, technical ability and superb passing range. A sure bet to move to Europe after the World Cup.
Prediction? Definite to be one of the major stars of the tournament.


Juan Roman Riquelme – The creative force behind Villareal’s success in La Liga and Champions League, this Argentinian is certainly in his prime now. I first saw him in the World Youth Cup held in Malaysia in 1997 and immediately knew he was destined for further glory. His ability to read and control the midfield is par excellence. A wonderful technician as well. Has had a tough season at Villareal.
Prediction? To shine and stand out for an Argentinian team that will go far in the tournament.


A special word of mention must be made about Francesco Totti, the Roman god and Italy’s supremely talented midfield maestro. I did not put him in the above list simply because I don’t think he has fully recovered from his injury, thus my believe that his impact in this tournament will be minimal. Among my dark horses would be :-

Michael Essien (Ghana); Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany); Joe Cole (England); Franck Ribery (France); Juninho Pernambucano (Brazil).

Let the midfielders rule for us to enjoy the Cup of Life! Here’s to an exciting and riveting tournament.

(Sri Shanker Krishnan is a fan of the beautiful game and fervently supports Brazil.)