Philipp Lahm (Germany) - Philipp Lahm was playing amateur football a couple of years ago, and I've always been amazed of how he's worked his way up. He's definetly one of my favourite players, and has been great so far in this tournament. He also scored a fantastic goal against Costa Rica, the first of the tournament.

Asamoah Gyan (Ghana) - Asamoah Gyan has been great in the first two matches for Ghana. The first one against Italy where he was close to score twice, and then he finally scored in the last game against Czech Republic. He's a very fast, smart player who runs much, This impresses me a lot.

Kaká (Brazil) - Kaká has been Brazils best player in the two games that has been played. He can turn upside down on a game if Brazil would get problems and Ronaldinho and the other boys wouldn't work well together. The goal against Croatia doesn't make him worse for that matter, He's evolved a lot and become a fantastic player.

Stephen Appiah & Michael Essien (Ghana) - I remember when this guy left Juventus, It was really sad because he's got such potential and has showed that he's the leader on the field for Ghana. I think he made the right decision when he moved to Fenerbahce to get more time to play. He'll be very important for Ghana along with colleague Michael Essien. Essien has turned out to be a great player, he was very good against Italy and played quite well against Czech Republic even though it wasn't as good as the Italy-game.

Mark Viduka (Australia) - Even though he's so old, he's still good and very usefull for Australia. It's a very thankfull player to have on the pitch when you're losing and trying to tie the game. He's no sprinter as you've seen, but his importance for Australia has made him one of the most best in this tournament so far. I was gladly surprised that he still can, and he wins every ball in the penalty are when it comes to heading it, He covers the ball well and helps out players on the field.

Fredrik Ljungberg (Sweden) - This guy never stops running, and his attitude has completely changed under the last two season in Arsenal where he has stopped complaining and taken the role as a leader in the Swedish national team. His importance for Sweden is essential when Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrik Larsson isn't performing. I love his attitude to the game, He was the best player on the field against Trinidad & Tobago in the first game, and the best player on the field against Paraguay. He's also got a ability to fix freekicks, just count on how many he's fixed already.

John Mensah (Ghana) - He's completely taken over the defence since he got the chance. John Mensah was one of Ghanas best players against Italy, and the fact that they didn't allow any goals against Czech Republic made his reputation even bigger. He's a leader in the defence. This guy will probably get the chance to play in a bigger club than Rennes if he continues like this.

Juan Roman Riquelme, for obvious reasons.

I forgot to add Maxi Rodriguez (Argentina) who's one of the best players in the Argentine squad

Robin van Persie (Netherlands)
Arjen Robben gets all the fame and praise at the moment, but Van Persie deserves it maybe even more than him. Whereas Robben drives his individual actions too far and forgets his team mates, Van Persie always has an eye for them. He played very well in the friendlies two weeks before the WC started and played very impressive against Ivory Coast. Absolutely one to watch!

Carles Puyol (Spain)
Best defender in the world at the moment. Never gives up and is an absolute killer. Further he always plays fair and is no asshole like Materazzi. Even participated in the attack in which Spain scored their fourth goal against Ukraine.

___________________

Current addictions: Reboot // Radio Slave // Matthias Tanzmann // Mathias Kaden // Audion // Martin Buttrich

quote:

Originally posted by zoric Fredrik Ljungberg (Sweden) - This guy never stops running, and his attitude has completely changed under the last two season in Arsenal where he has stopped complaining and taken the role as a leader in the Swedish national team. His importance for Sweden is essential when Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrik Larsson isn't performing. I love his attitude to the game, He was the best player on the field against Trinidad & Tobago in the first game, and the best player on the field against Paraguay. He's also got a ability to fix freekicks, just count on how many he's fixed already.

I have the feeling he just runs without any clue sometimes.

___________________
I hate the global warming hoax

quote:

Originally posted by Siesta I have the feeling he just runs without any clue sometimes.

I recommend you to look closer, he's always trying to create something when he gets the ball. He's also running for other players, and gives them a lot more space when he's taking those runs. Opens up for players for sure.

cannavaro, riquelme, sorin, kaka, gyan.

Philipp Lahm
Kaka
Beckham
Klose
Maxi Rodriguez
Rosicky

___________________

My picks so far:

Kaká (Brazil)
Robben (Holland)
Van Persie (Holland)
Appiah (Ghana)
Torres (Spain)
Riquelme (Argentina)

quote:

Originally posted by Djeebie Carles Puyol (Spain) Best defender in the world at the moment. Never gives up and is an absolute killer. Further he always plays fair and is no asshole like Materazzi. Even participated in the attack in which Spain scored their fourth goal against Ukraine.

I have to disagree with puyol always playing fair, he will make the most of nearly any challenge on him. Yes he's a great defender, but some of his play acting at times is a bit over the top, yes compared to materazzi he is an angel, but certainly not the most sporting defender in the game.

quote:

Originally posted by Sinus Torres (Spain)

Forgot to put him in, he was excellent against the ukraine, always looked dangerous.