5 Unsung Players to Watch Out for at the 2014 FIFA World Cup

We’ve all heard of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Wayne Rooney. Players like them often grab people’s attention and are subject to various discussions. However, a team consists of 11 players, and more often than not, the spotlight only goes on the star players. Players such as Majeed Waris, Adam Llana, and Sejad Salihovic are other players who contribute to the team who are often sidelined. However, despite being not given much attention these players have the potential to do great. This article talks about five such players. Five players – who have proven themselves on the pitch, but haven’t been given much attention. Lastly, players who should be part of their respective national teams heading into the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

#1 Javier Aquino (Mexico)

Have you ever heard of the name Javier Aquino? Most of the people haven’t. However, this youth player has been a force to reckon with in the past season. Currently, in a contract with Villarreal F.C, where he plays the position of Right Wing, Javier has had a good season with the club. In his past season at Villarreal, Javier has had 5 assists, 25 passes which eventually led to a shot, and 3 goals. All of this, he did in merely 23 games.

While his time at Villeareal F.C, he has also helped the once struggling ‘Yellow Submarines’ to achieve 7th position in La Liga. Javier is also known for his speed, and could prove to be a valuable asset for Mexico if he comes on as a substitute. Therefore, he seems like a player who should be in the starting 11, or at least the substitutes, of the Mexico squad when they take on Croatia in their opening match on June 12th 2014.

#2 Sejad Salihovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Another player that you’ve probably never heard of is Sejad Salihovic. Sejad is currently under a contract with German club 1899 Hoffenheim. The most impressive feature about Sejad is his versatility. The 29 year old can play in several different locations such as Left Back, Left Winger, and Defensive Midfielder. In addition to that, Sejad is also known to be “humble.” Many of his teammates describe him as down to earth, and a fun person to be around. He has also shown devotion towards the club by turning down club transfer offers from world class clubs such as FC Bayern München.

Furthermore, he’s got leadership abilities as he’s also the current captain of 1899 Hoffenheim squad. In his time there, he has been faced with several injuries. Despite that, he’s proved to be an essential player for the Hoffenheim squad, as he secured them a relegation match play off by scoring two late goals. This match eventually saved Hoffenheim from getting relegated, making him a player who should start for Bosnia and Herzegovina when they take on Argentina in their opening game on 15th June 2014.

#3 Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon)

Vincent Aboubakar is another unacknowledged player to be reckoned with. Currently as a striker at Lorient CF, Vincent has proven himself to be a key player for the French team. In his 21 appearances for the club, the striker netted 28 goals. The striker has scored with a astounding rate of 24.1% of his shots this season in Ligue 1, which is even better than world class player’s such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s rate of 17.0%. Additionally, the striker also provide with two crucial assists for the side.

Besides that, Vincent has also proved himself internationally by netting two goals for his home country of Cameron, which came against Poland and Portugal. In addition, he is also known to be well rounded. He uses his strength to his advantage whenever possible, and is also adept at dribbling the ball through defenders. Hence, due to his abilities of scoring goals as well as providing essential assists, he should be a player to be reckoned with in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

#4 Adam Lallana (England)

Vincent Aboubakar is another unacknowledged player to be reckoned with. Currently as a striker at Lorient CF, Vincent has proven himself to be a key player for the French team. In his 21 appearances for the club, the striker netted 28 goals. The striker has scored with a astounding rate of 24.1% of his shots this season in Ligue 1, which is even better than world class player’s such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s rate of 17.0%. Additionally, the striker also provide with two crucial assists for the side.

Besides that, Vincent has also proved himself internationally by netting two goals for his home country of Cameron, which came against Poland and Portugal. In addition, he is also known to be well rounded. He uses his strength to his advantage whenever possible, and is also adept at dribbling the ball through defenders. Hence, due to his abilities of scoring goals as well as providing essential assists, he should be a player to be reckoned with in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

#5 Majeed Waris (Ghana)

Majeed Waris is another underrated player to watch out for at the FIFA World Cup. Currently on loan to Valenciennes from Spartak Moscow, he has proved to be a vital player for the French side. Usually moving to another club takes a toll on a player’s performance; however, such has not been the case with Majeed. During his first 14 games at Valenciennes, he has already netted 9 goals, and assisted with another four.

He has become such a fan favorite that the supporters of the club want the club to sign him on a permanent contract. This has proved the player’s remarkable adaptability skills, which could come handy for Ghana when they play the world cup in Brazil. In addition, he has also proved himself on the international side by four goals in nine appearances for Ghana, making him another player to be acknowledged with.