Up and Comers: Group D

Young Players with Stocks on the Rise – Group D

Kwadwo Asamoah (Ghana, Udinese) Age 21

It is said that Ghana lack attacking options, so players like Asamoah will have to create magic from the midfield. He is a dynamic figure with the power to orchestrate play from box to box. He is reported to be on the shopping list of AC Milan; however they may have competition for his signature if his mesmerizing dribbling and accurate left foot can push Ghana to glory.

Kevin-Prince Boateng (Ghana, Portsmouth) Age 23

This Berlin-born, massively tattooed midfielder has often been labeled as a bad boy of soccer. Most recently his name was splashed on the pages of newspapers for being behind the tackle that took the German captain, Michael Ballack, out of the World Cup. Despite his appearance and reputation, Boateng constantly forges classy football with his raw power, pace, and skill.

Asamoah Gyan (Ghana, Stade Rennes) Age 24

Gyan is the focal point of the Black Stars’ offense. He has a nose for goals and will be deadly waiting on the edge of the box to pounce. If Gyan can stay healthy throughout the tournament, he will earn his deserved respect as an African hitman.

Zoran Tosic (Serbia, Manchester United) Age 23

Tosic’s profile has risen like a tidal wave since Manchester United purchased him in 2009. This gifted attacking midfielder is much love by his national team coach and is expected to leave an impression on the World Cup audience. Most likely Tosic will be deployed as second half substitute when a game needs new life breathed into it.

Neven Subotic (Serbia, Borussia Dortmund) Age 21

Neven Subotic may very well be called the one that got away if he makes a big impact for Serbia this year. His family was in Florida as political refugees during the Balkans Wars of the 1990s, yet when it came to decide which country to represent on the senior level Subotic opted for his family’s homeland. He is a confident centre-back with a sharp eye for the game and demanding presence of the field. His career has nowhere to go but up.

Carl Valeri (Australia, Sassuolo) Age 25

Central midfielder Valeri currently plays for a second division Italian teams and relishes a return to the top flight. This young starlet started in Italy with Inter but failed to mess the talent laden squad. He has found a new path in life with the Aussie national team. In a team of veterans he is the only youngster worthy enough to start for his country.

**I have one note before I start with my picks from the German national team. It was very hard not to name the entire squad. Germany has packed its roster with a boatload of young talents where the average age for this 2010 World Cup squad is 25 years old. The German giants will go far in this tournament on the backs of these young bucks.

Thomas Muller (Germany, Bayern Munich) Age 20

The past year has been a fairytale story for Thomas Muller. In his first year as a senior level player Muller has been an all-star sensation. His style of play echoes the form of Germany’s legends. He is known for being one step ahead of the opponent, first to the ball, a precision crosser, and ice cold finisher. Plan on seeing him have a breakthrough performance for Germany that will overshadow the success he had at club level.

Mesut Ozil (Germany, Werder Bremen) age 21

Ozil brings originality and improvisation to the German midfield. Anticipate seeing him involved in each and every attacking movement, and even bagging a few goals along the way. Europe’s top coaches will be grading Ozil’s performance at the same time they push for extra transfer money to secure his talents.

Sami Khedira (Germany, VfB Stuttgart) Age 23

This dynamic and industrious central midfielder skippered Germany to glory at last year's European Under-21 Championships, and now he is charged with the monumental task to fill the shoes of injured national team captain, Michael Ballack. Khedira has matured in recent years, yet his youth shows in his vitality and his willingness to run himself to death for every ball.

Marko Marin (Germany, Werder Bremen) Age 21

Marko Marin is Germany’s little magician. This mighty playmaker has an aptitude to pull ingenious moments out of a hat without notice. He will be a valuable asset coming off the bench, but without a doubt Marin is a secret weapon for the national team waiting to stretch his legs in South Africa. Prepare to be mesmerized.