Up and Comers: Group B

Young Players with Stocks on the Rise – Group B

Lee Chung-Yong (South Korea, Bolton Wanderers) Age 21

Lee is a rising star. He has been widely regarded as one of the hottest talents coming from South Korea. In 2009, Lee made the move to England with Bolton and quickly emerged as the team’s most valuable player. Korea Republic will benefit from Lee’s consistent play and creative presence.

Angel Di Maria (Argentina, Benfica) Age 22

Silky smooth winger Angel has the quality to be a worldwide superstar within the next few years. His level of skill has increased enormously during the time he has been playing in Europe. Di Maria has been heavily linked with a move to Premier League giants Chelsea and a good showing in South Africa this summer is bound to see his value increase to a point where Benfica will be tempted to cash in.

Lionel Messi (Argentina, Barcelona) Age 23

Messi’s name has been on the lips of soccer fans across the world for years now, but it is almost had to believe that this young man is just 23 years old. There is no doubt that Messi is a superstar yet he feels there is still more to do. This World Cup watch as Maradona’s successor puts it all on the line to win the only trophy he does not possess.

Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina, Real Madrid) Age 22

South Africa is about respect for Higuain. This young striker has been playing second fiddle to the big name players at his club and country for numerous years. He may not sell the number of jerseys that Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Kaka do, but Higuain’s performance stats outshine the glitzy superstars. He’s a winner and he can always be counted on to conjure up some goal scoring magic.

Obafemi Martins (Nigeria, VfL Wolfsburg) Age 25

Martins has mainly been used as an impact player for both club and country to bring on and terrorize tired defenses with his pace late in a game. His hot-and-cold nature has hampered his starting chances, but expect to see this super eagle soar past the opposition and wreak havoc with his primal shooting power.