World Cup 2010: Best Players

Welcome to thetalkofsport.com’s World Cup 2010 blog. The gold confetti has settled on Spain’s triumph in the 2010 World Cup, so that means its time to look at who shone in South Africa. It may not be remembered as the greatest tournament, but a handful of players enhanced their reputations (and their price tags) significantly.

Diego Forlan – the Uruguayan looks a different person to the man who struggled at Old Trafford. Forlan near enough carried his country to the last four, and was one of a special few who seemed to know how to tame the Jabulani ball, with his efforts against Ghana and Holland being a perfect example of this. Voted player of the tournament by Fifa.

David Villa – With Fernando Torres lost in the African bush, Villa led the line and showed the world just how good a finisher he is. But not only that he created chances for others with his pace and quick feet. Proof that you don’t need to be a powerhouse to scare defenders. The prospect of him leading the line at Barcelona next season is utterly mouth-watering.

Asamoah Gyan – It could be argued that this was Ghana’s tournament after they were the only African side to make it out of their group. It’s no surprise with this man leading the line. His extra time winner against the USA highlighted his attributes; pace to get in behind, strength to hold off centre halves and then the ability to finish. I couldn’t have been the only one to leap off their seat when Gyan hammered it past Howard. For this and nostalgia purposes you can’t overlook Ghana.

Andreas Iniesta – the statistic that Iniesta was the most fouled player in South Africa might be all the evidence you need to include him. If you can’t beat them kick them was obviously an adopted tactic before the final. Many forget the Barca man has been injured for a large part of the season, but you wouldn’t have known it watching the final. Amidst all the carnage, the 5’7’’ midfielder stayed calm and kept Spain in control, a brilliant display. Of course it always helps if you pop up to score the goal that wins your country their first World Cup.

Thomas Mueller – The big find of the tournament, just 20-years of age and already a World Cup Golden Boot winner. Before the tournament Mueller had just 1 senior international goal. A graduate of the impressive U-21 European Championship winning side of last summer, Mueller tore England apart in the last 16, and in the process has made himself the must-have signing of this transfer window.

Honourable mention: Wesley Sneijder, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil, Miroslav Klose, Iker Casillas, Arjen Robben.

Martyn Landi