Guest Feature: The Contenders

Fresh from the success of his debut contribution (see Guest Features: Ones to Watch) Andy Morris has submitted his lowdown on the other main contenders for the World Cup. Morris applies his in-depth foreign football knowledge to show me up, and this piece will presumably get snaffled up by the BBC just like his last one was...

Spain
Out - Raul, Marcos Senna, Guiza
Star – Xavi, Torres, Fabregas, Villa etc…far too many to mention.
Standout – Andres Iniesta – Has had an injury hit 2010 up until now so will be looking to make up for lost time. Barcelona would also be the current European Champions had he been fit for the return leg. Sour grapes anyone?
Surprise – Jesus Navas – see ‘Ones to Watch’

Brazil
Out - Ronaldinho, Adriano, Anderson, Pato
Star – Kaka – see ‘Five will make you get down now’
Standout – Robinho – Has a point to prove following his disappointing stint in England and is a different player when wearing the famous yellow jersey.
Surprise - Michel Bastos of Lyon who you can expect to see playing in England, Italy or most likely Spain in the not to distant future. Attack minded left back or winger in the mould of Robbie Carlos himself.

Holland
Out – Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Orlando Engelaar
Star – Robben/Sneijder – These two have had great seasons in Germany and Italy and the Dutch will be a serious threat if they continue their stunning form.
Standout – Van Persie see ‘Five will make you get down now’
Surprise – Eljero Elia – Currently playing for Hamburg. Elia is an old fashioned winger with pace and tricks to boot…think Ryan Babel but better.

Argentina
Out – Cambiasso, J Zanetti, Coloccini, Aimar, Saviola,
Star – Messi – Some question marks remain about his international form and unfortunately for England & co, little Leo will be looking to prove his doubters wrong.
Standout – Angel Di Maria – Heavily linked with moves to Chelsea, Man Utd and Real Madrid. He has class and is expected to start alongside Messi to be Argentina’s creative pair.
Surprise – Jesus Datolo - see ‘Ones to Watch’

France
Out – Vieira, Benzema, Lassana Diarra, Nasri
Star – Ribery – Franck will be looking to remind the world why he was top of everyone’s shopping list only a year ago. France appear to be in a bit of a mess but sloth may well pull them through further than people think.
Standout – Henry – The best player I’ve ever seen live is expected to be going stateside this summer so this may well prove his swan song. Hasn’t had much playing time for Barcelona so should be fit and looking to roll back the years.
Surprise – Yoann Gourcuff – May well be filling the void left by Fabregas after his expected move back to Catalunya. Has quality and will be looking for the biggest stage of all to propel him into one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Portugal
Out - Quaresma, Joao Moutinho, Postiga, Maniche
Star – Ronaldo – The world’s second best player loves a stage and I fully expect him to shine. Apparently he’s also the man we’d most like to be!
Standout – Deco – In a similar situation to Henry. Deco is likely to be playing in Brazil next season so will be looking to go out with a bang. They say form is temporary but class is permanent and this man has bags of the stuff.
Surprise – Danny - see ‘Ones to Watch’

Germany
Out - Ballack, Frings, Kuranyi
Star – Klose – The slot of a German ‘star’ in the absence of Ballack is actually quite tricky. I’ve plumped for Klose due to his goal scoring record in previous tournaments and my inability to spell Schew, Scvwein, Sweistenger…
Standout – Mezut Ozil - see ‘Ones to Watch’
Surprise – Jerome Boateng – Man City’s first signing of the season is a young, powerful full back who is also the brother of German hero Kevin Prince Boateng. Bit of an unknown quantity outside Germany and will be looking to justify moneybags decision to bring in to the Premier League.

Italy
Out - Totti, Toni, Rossi, Del Piero, Borriello
Star – Pirlo – A truly world class footballer who still has a bit in the tank despite his advancing years.
Standout – De Rossi – Very highly rated in Italy and the ‘engine room’ of the team. I expect him not only to shine but to get sent off at least once as he is a few holes short of a full course.
Surprise - Simone Pepe – This was a difficult one to call as the Italians appear short of talented youngsters. Pepe is a direct winger with an eye for goal and has a great sounding name that actually translates to Simon Pepper.