Top 5 underrated players who will shine at the 2014 FIFA World Cup

The World Cup in Brazil is less than a 100 days away and the excitement is palpable. The stage is set for footballers to write their names into history books.Let's take a lookat the list of unexpected footballers, who might do just that.

#5 Tom Cleverley

It might not be too difficult to guess what's going through Cleverley's mind these days. Regarded as one of England's brightest talents, Cleverley has come under heavy criticism, so much so that last week a petition was signed by over 17000 people to drop him from the national squad.

But England Manager Roy Hodgson has backed the 24-year old to take it in his stride and put in improved performances for his club and country. Given the lack of depth in midfield, Cleverley might get a chance to add to his 13 caps for the Three Lions. He has a point to prove and he might do just that.

#4 Mesut Ozil

The German wizard made a £42 million deadline day switch from Real Madrid to Arsenal which injected the Gunners with much needed energy and enthusiasm.But of late, Ozil has hit a slump. He is barely finding his feet in the unforgiving English league and sometimes fades in and out of games.

Joachim Loew has defended his playmaker claiming that Ozil needs some more time to settle. Althoug the criticism of Ozil maybe correct, it could be premature. Henry and Giroud will attest to that. The German may lose his place in the starting lineup to Kroos who has been amazing with Bayern. But given a chance, expect Ozil to create magic.

#3 Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema is in sizzling form,scoring consistently for Real Madrid and the French team. Benzema admitted that confidence is playing a key part in his recent goalscoring exploits. The French forward infamously went 1222 minutes without a goal for Les Bleus. But the Frenchman is hitting form at the right time and could take it to the World Cup and shine in Brazil.

#2 Fernandinho

Fernandinho has found national opportunities to be very limited. But after a strong debut season in the Premier League with Manchester Ciy, he has been called up by Scolari. The big Brazilian is strong and is capable of breaking down attacks. Plus,he is known to find the net, especially from range which will make him a dangerous option for Scolari to choose.

Going by his performances in arguably the toughest league in the world, expect the Brazilian to shine in his first World Cup.

#1 Lorenzo Insigne

If it's Italian football, everyone diverts their attention to the controversial Mario Balotelli. But Lorenzo Insigne should not be underestimated. Born and raised in Naples, Insigne is a tricky customer with blistering pace and an eye for goal. Expect him to find the net a few times in Brazil.

Have I left someone out? Does suggest and comment.