The World Cup is the biggest stage of all, and players who may not often get the chance to show themselves will be able to this summer in Brazil. With impressive performances, some players may find themselves summer transfer targets for some of the world’s biggest clubs, with these players looking good candidates.
Vincent Aboubakar, Striker, Cameroon: If Aboubakar’s performances in Ligue 1 for L’orient this season are anything to go by, an impressive World Cup may be on the cards. He is a powerful forward who knows where the goal is; being on the same amount of goals for the season as Edinson Cavani and Andre-Pierre Gignac is not to be sniffed at, and Aboubakar could find himself at a bigger club before long.
Keylor Navas, Goalkeeper, Costa Rica: Levante, who are not known for their goalscoring, have Navas to thank for keeping them in many games. An impressive keeper who averages near the top of La Liga in almost all goalkeeper stats, Navas may not be a well-kept secret any longer if he impresses in a tough group, in which he will face England, Uruguay and Italy.
Luke Shaw, Left Back, England: The next big player produced by the extremely impressive Southampton academy, Shaw will more than likely follow in the footsteps of Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott by completing a transfer to a huge club from St Mary’s. There is a chance that Shaw, just 18, could keep the experienced Ashley Cole out of the England team, so much has he impressed in the Premier League this season.
Antoine Griezmann, Striker, France: If Griezmann continues his goal scoring record in La Liga in the World Cup for France, he will find himself on the wish list of some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Currently a star player for Real Sociedad, Griezmann did not look out of place when playing in the Champions League group stage earlier this season, and could shine on the big stage.
Granit Xhaka, Midfielder, Switzerland: With rumours already swirling of interest from such Premier League teams as Liverpool, the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder may not remain a relative unknown for long. Known as a rock in the heart of midfield, a big money move may be close for a player dubbed ‘the next Bastian Schweinsteiger.’
Aron Johannson, Striker, USA: A big World Cup may be on the horizon for Johansson, who has had a successful season with AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie. If he can force his way into Jurgen Klinsmann’s starting eleven, a few goals may see his stock rocket.