Up and Comers: Group C

Young Players with Stocks on the Rise – Group C

Wayne Rooney (England, Manchester United) Age 24

Very little needs to be said about this player. Rooney is universally known as one of the best soccer players in the world. He is the complete package that any manager would die to have in their team arsenal. Tough-as-nails and skillful on the ball, Rooney can place an inch perfect pass or ripe a blazing shot from any position on the field. England hopes that his unquenchable passion will lead their team to victory.

Glen Johnson (England, Liverpool) Age 25

Johnson is a pacey defender who uses his speed to aid him in cover and on counterattacks. England boss, Fabio Capello, anticipates Johnson to burn a path up and down the right flank to add numbers to the attack. He will take every opportunity to supply crosses from the wings and will look to cut inside for the occasional shot.

Joe Hart (England, Manchester City) Age 23

He is one of the biggest talents in England as a goalkeeper, for sure. He has everything. He is physically strong, mentally strong, he has good reflexes, and he is very good on the line. Unfortunately, Hart is considered too young and inexperienced to be thrown into the full action at the World Cup, but definitely one to watch for the future. Who knows, if England continues to have heartbreaks in goal, we may see this young talent takeover.

Jozy Altidore (United States, Villarreal) Age 20

Altidore was the leading scorer for the US during World Cup qualifying. Built like a miniature tank, Jozy can muscle his way through the thickest defenses. His exceptional ball skills allow him to receive the ball at his feet even under pressure. He has not had much success in Europe to date, but an all-star performance in South Africa could help to show his quality.

Jose Torres (United States, Pachuca) Age 22

Torres is a new name on the US national team roster. A Texan by birth but a Mexican by heritage, Torres only recently put his alliance in the United States camp. We are lucky to have him. He is a creative midfielder that mirrors the play of many of the world’s great playmakers, such as Xavi and Pirlo. Torres has built up a fine reputation for retaining the ball and showing good touch. He will be fighting for a chance to play behind the coach’s son, Michael Bradley.

Bostjan Cesar (Slovenia, Grenoble) Age 23

Slovenia’s national coach, Matjaz Kek, has said that Cesar is a man you can build a backline around. He is tall, strong, and has an ironclad defensive mentality. The World Cup may the second chance to revitalize his young career. Early in his playing days, Cesar suffered a long-term head injury that sidelined him for more than a year. He will be playing to show the world footballing community that he is living out his potential.

Samir Handanovic (Slovenia, Udinese) Age 25

Handanovic is a very agile goalkeeper with the ability to muster up some spectacular saves. His time in the Italian top league has given him a wealth of experience against topnotch strikers. Not much is expected from Slovenia in this tournament, but if there are too be any surprising results from this team, Handanovic is surely going to be the key figure behind their success.

Tim Matavz (Slovenia, FC Groningen) Age 21

This young goal scoring phenomenon muscled his way onto the Slovenian team on reputation alone. Matavz did not get called up to the national team until two weeks before the tournament started. At 6ft 3in he will be a contender in aerial battles and on set pieces. Look for him to be used primarily as a super sub to bring a spark to any match.

Karim Matmour (Algeria, Borussia Monchengladbach) Age 24

This thrusting right winger may not be an automatic pick for his German club, but his flair and never-say-die attitude constitute a major part of the offensive plans of the Algerian national team. Matmour was a hero for Algeria in the African Cup of Nations, so tried and tested in big time games.