This column has been submitted by resident Foreign Football Expert Andy Morris; keen reader of Sub Please and now the first guest contributor. Andy has plunged the depths of his obscure foreign league knowledge to come up with 5 lesser-known surprise tips to shine in South Africa.
Let him (and all of us) know what you think using the comments below, and if you would also like to get involved then drop me a line or send something over!
Jesus Datolo – Argentina/Olympiakos
Mr Datolo is a bit of a late developer when it comes to international football but has two goals in three appearances under Maradona and it appears Diego likes him. He left Boca in 2009 to join Napoli but never fully settled. He found his feet following a successful loan spell in Greece and may well join Europe’s elite soon. The only downside is he may not get much playing time with the attacking options Argentina already have at their disposal.
You’ll never guess the last Napoli player to lead Argentina to World Cup glory?
Mesut Ozil – Germany/Werder Bremen
Flying winger who is attracting interest from Europe’s top dogs. He has a knack for a goal and his countries success may well depend on his young shoulders following the injury of their talismanic cu..captain Michael Ballack. I believe Ozil would walk into the current English as he is in the ‘left footed but still good’ category that was created following Steward Downing’s international career.
Danny – Portugal/Zenit
Signed by Zenit for a club record 30 million euros back in 2008 and helped his new team to a 2-1 win over Man Utd by scoring on his debut. In early 2009 the strangely named Danny suffered cruciate knee ligament damaged and only returned this spring. His timely return may be beneficial to Portugal whose attacking intent lies with the unpredictable in Ronaldo & Nani, or the aging in Deco & Simao
Jesus Navas
Probably the most known amongst my list is Jesus Navas of Sevilla. His international career has been slowed by his inability to travel due to anxiety issues, a condition he has now conquered. As for Datolo his playing time may be limited by the ridiculous Spanish midfield but Navas is of a different mould to the technical ball playing Xavi’s of this world and that may well open a door for the young whippersnapper.
Nigeria
In a slight change of direction I’ve included Nigeria as the team I believe could well pull of a few shocks or two. Every member of the squad is currently playing in Europe and the front line contains some talent in the form of Yakubu, Martins, Kanu and Victor Obinna (Inter Milan).
Second place is reachable within their group and a large following may well propel them into the latter stages of the tournament.
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