Top Players to Watch at FIFA World Cup 2014

Top Players to Watch at FIFA World Cup 2014

The 2014 World Cup kicks off on June 12 when the host Brazil takes on Croatia.
There's just one week until the opening whistle, and if you haven't been paying attention it's time to get up to speed on all the big names you'll be hearing about over the next month.

There are 736 players headed to Brazil. Here is the List of Best players to Watch at FIFA World Cup 2014.

1. Neymar (Brazil)

One of the hottest properties in world football. At just 21 years old, Neymar is a proven goal scorer. Attracting interest from Barcelona, Chelsea and Real Madrid many are tipping Neymar to be Brazil’s star at the World Cup.

2. Javier Hernandez (Mexico)

Hernandez was a stand-out performer for Mexico at the World Cup in South Africa. After a tremendously impressive first season in the Premier League with Manchester United, Chicharito continues to go from strength to strength.

3. Marco Reus (Germany)

After the recent revolution of young world class German players coming through, Marco Reus is yet another to come through the German production line. A regular in the Borussia Dortmund team, Reus has become one of the German national side's biggest stars.

4. Wilfried Zaha (England)

Following some stunning performances in the Championship for Crystal Palace, the Ivory Coast-born winger was rewarded with an England cap against Sweden in November 2012 and a big move to Manchester United next summer. Could he be Roy Hodgson's secret weapon in Brazil?

5. Kevin Strootman (Netherlands)

Strootman is a highly touted defensive midfielder who applies his trade for PSV Eindhoven. His performances in the Eredivsie have led to him receiving a number of admirers including a certain Sir Alex Ferguson. Since the Oranje's ill-fated Euro 2012 campaign, the 22-year-old has become a regular in the Dutch eleven and is a fans' favourite due to his calmness in possession.

6. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

The young Belgian is part of a very exciting crop of players in the Belgium national team at the moment including Vincent Kompany, Marouane Fellaini and Eden Hazard. After some fantastic performances on loan at Werder Bremen in Germany, the Ghent-born player will be hoping to impress for his parent club Chelsea in the Premier League and his national side in the future.

7. Stephan El-Shaarawy (Italy)

The young forward burst on the scene for AC Milan this season and has scored a number of league goals in his first full season for his club. El-Shaarawy could prove to be a real threat alongside strike partner Mario Balotelli at Brazil 2014.

8. Christian Eriksen (Denmark)

Providing Denmark qualify Eriksen looks sure to make a huge impression at the World Cup. Repeatedly linked with a move to the Premier League, Eriksen possesses all the qualities of a world class footballer.

9. Isco (Spain)

A bright midfielder who has put in some eye-catching performances in the Champions League for Malaga. The youngster is considered to be one of Europe's biggest young talents and is destined to move to a big European club in the future.

10. James Rodríguez (Colombia)

James Rodríguez is a strong and explosive forward who applies his trade for Portuguese giants Porto. The 21-year-old is considered to be one of the biggest talents from South America and will be a big player to watch if Colombia qualify for their first World Cup since 1998.