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17 June, 2013 - 15:26

Top 8 Stars of Confederations Cup

FootballTop.com pick of 8 players, capable to win Confederations Cup Golden Ball award

Age: 35
Position: Goalkeeper
Nationality: Italy
Club: Juventus

Buffon spent an outstanding season with Juventus, with his brilliant form helping the Bianconeri to claim their second successive Serie A title. The experience of the 35-year-old Italian proved an invaluable asset for his side, as they reached the Champions League quarter-final, where they were eliminated by the eventual winners Bayern Munich. That said, it is not suprising that in spite of all their talents neither Salvatore Sirigu nor Federico Marchetti are capable to put competitive pressure on Buffon as Italy’s Number one.

2. David Luis

Age: 26
Position: defender
Nationality: Brazil
club: Chelsea

Without any doubt ex-Benfica accomplished centre-back has what it takes to shine at the Confederations’ Cup. Luis has delivered a series of brilliant performances for Chelsea this season to prove he is capable to serve as connecting link between the defensive and midfield lines. His work ethic, ability in the air, technical skills and concentration allow him playing equally effective both on positions of centre-back and defensive midfielder. It is hardly surprising he is subject of intense transfer speculations, with Barcelona reportedly keen on luring the player to Camp Nou.

3. Andrea Pirlo

Age: 34
Position: midfielder
Nationality: Italy
Club: Juventus

Despite his age, Andrea Pirlo is still considered a valuable first-team member at Juventus Stadium. The momentum behind the Old lady’s attack Pirlo cannot spend full ninety minutes on the pitch due to fatigue. Cesare Prandelli is increasingly reluctant to rely exclusively on 34-year-old Pirlo’s consistency and creative ability in the midfield, and yet the veteran player remains unquestioned leader and beating heart in the heart of Squadra Azzurra midfield. That is why one may fairly have high hopes that Pirlo will lead his side to the Confederations Cup success.

4. Javier Hernandez

Age: 24
Position: striker
Nationality: Mexico
Club: Manchester United

Mexico’s success on the current Confederations’ Cup largely depends on the performances of the Manchester United player. Sir Alex Ferguson used Hernandez mostly as a helper-outer in the tough clashes, who could turn the game on its head. Indeed Chicharito has been particularly effective in such a role and managed to save many of United’s seemingly hopeless encounters. Conversely, he has been far less efficient when given an opportunity to play full 90 minutes. This peculiarity did not prevent him from becoming United’s second top goal scorer behind Robin van Persie (he netted 18 goals in all competitions).

5. Andreas Iniesta

Age: 29
Position: midfielder
Nationality: Spain
Club: Barcelona

Although this season can hardly been recorded as outstanding in Iniesta’s career, he still managed to become one of the most productive La Liga players with 15 assists in 31 games. The 29-year-old Catalan magician is determined to add another title to his trophy room.

He said: «”We will win the Confederations Cup, the last title that we lack. But it is becoming more difficult to win trophies with Spain as teams want to beat us after our recent success.”

6. Luis Suarez

Age: 26
Position: forward
Nationality: Uruguay
Клуб: Liverpool

The Uruguayan captured the headlines not with only with his outstanding display and goal scoring records, but with a series of bizarre incidents. His determination to win the game at any costs played a shabby trick with him. Luis Suarez’s biting of Branislav Ivanovic in his side’s clash against Chelsea proved to be a last straw to break camel’s back. This behavior deprived Suarez of any chance of winning PFA Player of the Year award, led to a 10-game suspension and placed in jeopardy his future as a Liverpool player. We cannot but hope that brief summer break will positively impact Uruguayan’s attitude and he will deliver his best qualities on the current Confederations’ Cup.

7. Juan Mata

Age: 25
Position: midfielder
Nationality: Spain
Club: Chelsea

Many English pundits admit, that it is Chelsea’s Mata, who should have won the PFA Player of the Year award. They claim that while Gareth Bale reached his peak by the middle of winter, Robin van Persie conversely experienced decline of his form near the end of the season, and Luis Suarez missed an opportunity of becoming the best Premier League player due to his bizarre behavior, it is Juan Mata, who has been stunningly consistent throughout the Premier League season. The statistics convincingly proves this point: Mata scored 19 goals and set up another 35 in 64 outings in all competitions.

8. Edinson Cavani

Age: 26
Position: forward
Nationality: Uruguay
Club: Napoli

While Luis Suarez hit the headlines due to his controversial behavior, his Uruguayan teammate Edinson Cavani has been mentioned by the media predominantly in terms of his impressive goal scoring record. Cavani finished this season as Serie A top scorer with 29 goals, thereby drawing attention from series of top European clubs. The recent speculations suggest he is on the verge of leaving Napoli, with either Chelsea or Manchester City touted as his most likely destinations. While Napoli board continues denying any rumours linking the player with a move away from the club, the Uruguayan remains tight-lipped about his future.