Impact XVI

As everyone gets geared up for the biggest sporting event in the world, I couldn’t help myself from doing a bit of writing. I have listed 16 interesting players that are not being talked about a whole lot by the media (or maybe are) but are essential for their country’s success. Sorry to the other 16 teams that I have overlooked. I don’t believe any team would come to the World Cup to fill the numbers and I wish them all the best.Disclaimer: These are my personal opinions from whatever little football I have played and followed. So, of course they are subject to disagreement. I come with an open mind and would love to hear of players that I might have missed or overlooked. But anyways, here are my picks: P.S: These picks may not always be the best player of the team but very vital for their team’s success

#1 Luka Modric

Group : A Team : Croatia

Name: Luka Modric ( Real Madrid )

Modric was bought by Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur for £33m in August 2012. For the past two seasons, Madrid has robbed the EPL off their best players. After capturing Gareth Bale, the rumor mill is abuzz with a potential bid for Liverpool’s Luis Suarez. Modric was on the verge of being written off as a big money flop with erratic appearances under Jose Mourinho. But this season saw him rise as an indispensable player from the Madrid line up.

He burst into the international stage during Euro 2008 qualifiers, helping Croatia do a double against England. He is a creative midfielder but is also flexible enough to play in front of the back four. Niko Kovac has used Modric in various positions during Croatia’s qualifying campaign.

With the likes of Ivan Rakitic, Eduardo (his ex-Dinamo teammate ) and Mario Mandzukic, the Croatian attack doesn’t look too shabby. Of course, Modric has to play to his full potential to impact his team’s chances. I know I’ve started off with a “big name”, bit misleading to my initial claim , but Modric still remains the player to watch out for in the checkered shirt.