Soccer's Rising Stars: 15 Standout Players from the 2010 World Cup
By Jaeki Cho | Jul 7, 2010 | 10:42 am | Permalink
Complex says: Elia is perhaps the surprise on the list given his sparse playing time. Used as a late substitute, the wide attacker has proven that he has pace and dribbling ability to burn. The Dutch have had a somewhat cautious approach to the finals but Elia could yet prove the trump card in the final itself. He's looked at as an immediate threat every time he's taken to the field—especially in the opener against Denmark—and could be the go-to guy if Holland falls behind.
Team that should buy him: The future of the Dutch team, and a good gamble for any big side looking for some youthful and zesty attacking. Elia is only 23 however, and still has some way to go, so the big sides may leave him to Hamburg for the next couple of years. Hamburg's style and the more relaxed environment could be perfect to help him thrive—plus they only signed him last summer!
COUNTRY/AGE: Netherlands/23
CURRENT TEAM: Hamburg
Topher July 8th, 2010 at 01:14 PM
How the hell do you not mention Michael Bradley? Guy was a beast and is getting looks from big clubs...
Joyce(Red)Evil July 12th, 2010 at 12:00 AM
bradley used to be a scrub man. I played his team Chicago Sockers at nationals in 2004 and we beat em and he was less than a beast more like a scrub.
Dakota July 8th, 2010 at 02:49 PM
Wow, really if you didn't know about 80% of these people before the world cup then you don't watch enough footy. Oh, and Agreed with the guy above me the fact that Bradley doesn't make this list is sad.
T.Dot July 8th, 2010 at 04:39 PM
I think thats the point of the article, cuz most people in the States had no idea the rules, let alone the players for these teams, until the US went on that run. Pretty much anyone not on TMZ (Christy Ronaldo, heh) is a 'new star.' Haha
TFC in NYC July 9th, 2010 at 08:21 PM
Same people who think Becks would be a great manager for the English team. US comes off slightly over-rated in the tournament by winning a soft group. Other than Donovan and Howard, the rest of the team played occasionally good, but with some major let downs - How many times did they have to come from behind?
Kimi July 10th, 2010 at 04:42 AM
Dude, that last part sounds kinda gay, haha! Otherwise I agree with you. Luis Suarez a rising star? Come on! He already is a star!
Joyce(Red)Evil July 11th, 2010 at 11:56 PM
Joyce aka the black beckham checking in. I am the first soccer player in the world to go in and make moves. check me out here bruv. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLziUkpSVFY
Joyce(Red)Evil July 11th, 2010 at 11:57 PM
Joyce aka the black beckham checking in. I am the first soccer player in the world 2 rap. check me out here bruv. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLziUkpSVFY
Joyce(Red)Evil July 11th, 2010 at 11:58 PM
Joyce aka the black beckham checking in. the first soccer player in the world 2 rap. check me out here bruv. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLziUkpSVFY
kid July 8th, 2010 at 02:51 PM
Michael Who???
Ryan July 8th, 2010 at 06:32 PM
If a player is in there late 20s they are hardly a rising star as they are already past their peaks. Stupid list especially without bradley, one of the best young players in the tournament
Victor July 8th, 2010 at 06:36 PM
.............................MICHAEL BRADLEY ????????? you guys are idiots this is a good list
Peter Pan July 9th, 2010 at 09:46 AM
Aint completely true what you'r saying Ryan. And indeed, Michael Who?? It's a fine list though I miss Maarten Stekelenburg in the list. Growing to be (one of) the best keeper of the world.
Brandon July 9th, 2010 at 03:52 PM
whoever wrote this knows nothing about football haha this list is shit
tyler July 9th, 2010 at 06:32 PM
wheres diego forlan?? he was a beast in the world cup
igontxo July 10th, 2010 at 04:16 AM
Diego Forlan is a rising star?? ok, good to know. I see you know a lot about football. We are talking about rising stars has been one of the best players in the spanish league for many, many years now. And he played in Man.U. before that!! I missed Pedro in the list however, who has done an incredible season with Barcelona and now is playing great with Spain.
15best July 10th, 2010 at 09:39 AM
these selections are a bit sheisty. if you take bradley, then you have to select about 35 other players as well. it seems everyone forgot about carlos salcido of mexico.....