ITV Sport's Ollie Irish picks out ten previously little-known players who shone in South Africa
Thomas Muller, Germany
The young Bayern Munich forward has epitomised the German team during this World Cup. He works uber-hard for his team, and has shown supreme, uncanny composure in front of goal. Diego Maradona once mistook Mueller for a ball boy. Never again.
Kevin-Prince Boateng, Ghana
Still only 23, Boateng has achieved redemption in South Africa this summer – his dynamic, punchy wing play was a major factor in helping Ghana reach the quarter-finals. Indeed, he’s barely recognisable as the cocky, headstrong player who failed to make it at Tottenham Hotspur.
Fabio Coentrao, Portugal
The stylish Benfica player was the most impressive left-back at the World Cup; as a consequence he is now coveted by a host of Europe’s richest clubs, including Real Madrid and, er, Manchester City. Coentrao announced recently that he’s prepared to leave Benfica to further his career.
Mesut Ozil, Germany
Oezil’s market value has more than doubled after a series of brilliant, head-up performances in South Africa. Arsenal and Barcelona, to name just two big clubs, have been linked with the Werder Bremen playmaker. At 21, the German can only get better.
Asamoah Gyan, Ghana
Gyan will be remembered for his costly penalty miss late in the quarter-final against Uruguay, but in fact the Ghana striker overshadowed both Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o, the two giants of African football. Gyan is skilful, athletic and rapid, which means there’s a fair chance he’ll transfer from current club Rennes to the Premier League.
Keisuke Honda, Japan
Honda starred for CSKA Moscow in the Champions League last summer, catching the eye with his long-range free-kicks and incisive midfield play. He was even more impressive at the World Cup, with three goals for Japan. Arsenal manager has hailed Honda’s “genius”, and a move to north London would not be a surprise.
Robert Vittek, Slovakia
Vittek came into the World Cup as a journeyman striker, plying his trade without much fanfare for Ankaragucu in Turkey. But after scoring four goals for Slovakia in South Africa, including two against Italy, the imposing forward is now an obvious target for clubs in Europe’s bigger leagues.
Jean Beausejour, Chile
The 26-year-old winger really caught the eye in South Africa, even though Chile crashed out to Brazil in the Round of 16. He currently plays for Club America in Mexico’s Premier League but has been linked with a lucrative move to Spain, all thanks to his tricksy World Cup displays.
Anthony Annan, Ghana
During this World Cup, Annan has been making a name for himself as the new Claude Makelele, which as football labels go, is worth having. At 23, Annan is still learning how to play the holding midfield role, but his huge potential is obvious. A big-money move from current club Rosenborg is inevitable.
Sami Khedira, Germany
Yes, another young German makes the cut. Khedira would not have expected to play at all in South Africa, but the injury suffered by Michael Ballack – inflicted by Kevin-Prince Boateng in the 2010 FA Cup Final – resulted in a rapid promotion for the Stuttgart midfielder. Has he stepped up? And then some.