Brazil’s Neymar will have all eyes on him, not only as one of the top young talents in the world, but also as a new signing of Barcelona. (AP/Andre Penner)Shinji Kagawa of Japan made his name as a skilled midfielder for Borussia Dortmund of the Bundesliga, but has had his stock rise even more since being signed by Manchester United. (AP/Osama Faisal)Manchester United’s Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez is Mexico’s biggest star at the tournament, and is certainly one of the most lethal strikers in the world – despite having to come off the bench for the most part at Old Trafford. (AP/Andres Leighton)Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta is still one of the elite playmaking midfielders in the world and is a key engine on a Spain team that after three straight, top-flight tournament victories, still has yet to be pushed off the top of the proverbial mountain. (AP/Arnulfo Franco)Luis Suarez has been the cause of plenty of turmoil back at his club of Liverpool in England, but the Uruguay striker is still among the world’s most dangerous forwards. Give him half a chance, and you are likely to be punished. (AP/Matilde Campodonico)John Obi Mikel is Nigeria’s most distinguished player (162 matches for Chelsea in the Premier League) and incredibly is only 26 years of age. Mikel is relied far more for offence for country than club, but he is still one of the world’s best defensive midfielders. (AP/Armando Franca)Xavi Hernandez, also of Barcelona, is getting up there in age, but in terms of composure and ball distribution, it is still hard to argue that there is someone better. As said previously, Spain still must be considered the favourites at this tournament, and he is still a big reason why. (AP/Paul White)Italy and AC MIlan striker Mario Balotelli is one of the world’s most polarizing players, mixing tremendous talent with what is often perceived a bad attitude. When he is on, he is the perfect striker blend of finesse and power and is a handfull for any defender. (AP/Martin Meissner)Edinson Cavani, along with Suarez, forms one of the world’s best strike tandems in an international two-forward set at the front of the Uruguay line. It is impressive that Napoli has held his talent this long, as Cavani is the power to Suarez’s finesse. (AP/Salvatore Laporta)David Silva of Manchester City has emerged as the next elite Spanish play-making midfielder. (AP/Darko Vojinovic)
