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#3 Gilberto Silva - Atletico Mineiro to Arsenal (2002)
Gilberto Silva was a tremendous talent in his playing days. One of the many phenomenal players from early-2000s Brazil, the midfielder was absolutely impressive at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
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Silva played every minute of the Selecao's triumphant campaign as they lifted the World Cup for a record fifth time. The defensive midfielder, then contracted with Atletico Mineiro in Brazil, managed an assist while also protecting the rearguard with tact and physicality.
Silva's tremendous displays at the showpiece event saw him earn a transfer to Arsenal. Despite some initial issues with his visa and Atletico Mineiro, he moved to North London in the summer of 2002.
After a slow start to life in England, Silva proved to be an indispensable player in a stacked Arsenal squad. The Brazilian played a vital role in the Gunners' 2003-04 invincible Premier League season. Overall, Silva played 243 matches for Arsene Wenger's side, scoring 24 goals and assisting 13.
He is now the Director of Professional Football for Panathinaikos in Greece.
#2 James Rodriguez - Monaco to Real Madrid (2014)
James Rodriguez was undoubtedly the star of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The midfielder dazzled with talented Colombia side that reached the quarter-finals. Prior to the showpiece event in Brazil, Rodriguez managed ten goals and 14 assists in 38 matches for Monaco in the 2013-14 season.
At the World Cup, though, the Colombian was simply unstoppable. Rodriguez scored six goals and assisted two more, picking up the Golden Boot award in the process. He was also many critics' and fans' preferred choice for the Player of the Tournament award, which eventually went to Lionel Messi.
On the back of those stellar displays, Real Madrid came calling for Rodriguez's signature. He eventually completed a £63 million move to the Spanish capital, with expectations aplenty.
Despite a bright start to life in the Spanish capital, Rodriguez faded once manager Carlo Ancelotti departed in the summer of 2015. Successive managers found Rodriguez surplus to requirements, and he was shipped off to Bayern Munich. Overall, the Colombian managed 37 goals and 42 assists in 125 matches for Los Blancos.
Rodriguez is now with Everton, whom he joined last summer primarily due to Ancelotti being at the helm of the Toffees. In an unfortunate and rather comedic turn of events, he now finds himself under Rafa Benitez, who was also Ancelotti's replacement at Real Madrid back in 2015.
#1 Wayne Rooney - Everton to Manchester United (2004)
Arguably one of the greatest footballers of all time, Wayne Rooney was already viewed as a talent to watch our for before the commencement of Euro 2004. The then youngster enjoyed an impressive 2003-04 season at Everton, recording nine goals and an assist in 40 matches across all competitions.
Rooney produced fireworks at the European Championships for England. The forward scored four goals and assisted one in four matches. But the Three Lions crashed out to Portugal on penalties in the quarter-finals.
On the back of his performances at the Euros, Everton offered Rooney a lucrative deal with the knowledge that their star could still depart. The Englishman declined the offer and handed in a transfer request soon thereafter.
Rooney eventually joined Manchester United, where he went on to win a plethora of trophies. He remains the club's all-time top goalscorer, with 253 goals in 559 matches. Rooney also registered 146 assists before he returned to Everton in 2017.
He has since called time on his playing career, and now manages Derby County in the Championship.
