[ 2012-01-14 ]

Nigeria's Ahmed Musa of CSKA Moscow

Players to watch in 2012
Football fans love little more than witnessing an
exciting new talent announcing his arrival to the
world. Over the past year, the likes of Aaron
Ramsey, Neymar, Mario Gotze and Phil Jones have
made the leap into stardom, and we now wait to
discover who will follow in their footsteps during
2012. Here, FIFA. com looks at a few of the likely
candidates.

Thiago Alcantara, Midfielder, 20, Barcelona

Described as “having everything” by Pep Guardiola,
Thiago is the latest midfield gem to roll off the
famed La Masia production line. He is not short of
competition in the Barça engine room, but with
skill, tactical discipline and versatility
enabling him to fill a variety of roles, the
20-year-old – already with three senior caps to
his name – seems certain to become an increasingly
influential player for club and country.

Karim Ansarifard, Striker, 21, Saipa
Likened to Ruud van Nistelrooy and hailed in his
Iranian homeland as the heir apparent to Ali Daei,
this elusive and athletic centre-forward is one of
Asia’s brightest talents. Only issues with
national conscription have prevented Ansarifard
moving to Europe already, with Borussia Dortmund
among several suitors, and the youngster is sure
to be a key figure in his national team’s 2014
FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifying campaign.

Ross Barkley, Midfielder, 18, Everton

His time in the first team spotlight has been
brief, but it is not for nothing that Manchester
United and Chelsea were considering bids of up to
£30 million for this energetic and inventive
midfielder. Lauded by former England and Everton
centre-half Martin Keown as “one of the best
players we’ll ever see in this country”, Barkley
signed a new contract last month and seems set for
Premier League stardom.

Dede, Defender, 23, Vasco da Gama

The oldest of our shortlisted players, Dede is
nonetheless likely to face a big year as
international audiences become better aware of
this classy, goalscoring centre-half. Tall,
powerful and pacey, the Vasco da Gama star has
also earned the nickname ‘Dedeckenbauer’ for his
ability to orchestrate play from the back, and
looks certain to be a Brazil star of the future.

Julian Draxler, Midfielder, 18, Schalke

Elegant and athletic, this attacking midfielder
became the fourth-youngest player in Bundesliga
history when he debuted early in 2011. Greater
things are likely to lie in store this year, with
Germany coach Joachim Low having expressed
admiration for this “great talent” and his
“cheeky, carefree style”.

James Forrest, Winger, 20, Celtic

This old-fashioned winger, described by manager
Neil Lennon as Celtic’s “baby-faced assassin”, has
been the Scottish Premier League’s outstanding
player this season. National manager Craig Levein
and performance director Mark Wotte have both
predicted a bright international career, with the
latter lauding the speedy and skilful Forrest as
“a light in the darkness” in Scottish football.

Junior Hoilett, Winger, 21, Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn may be languishing at the foot of the
Premier League table, but their dynamic wide-man
has become one of the division’s hottest
prospects, with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur
among a host of clubs reportedly keen on signing
him this month. Though born and raised in Canada,
the as-yet uncapped Hoilett is also eligible for
both USA and Jamaica, so is likely to be just as
sought-after at international level.

Stefanos Kapino, Goalkeeper, 17, Panathinaikos

Composed and commanding, this 6ft 5in teenager
became the youngest-ever player to represent
Greece’s national team when he made his debut
against Romania in November aged just 17 years and
241 days. Having established himself as
Panathinaikos No1, Kapino’s consistency has marked
him out as one of the most promising goalkeepers
in world football.

Zakaria Labyad, Midfielder, 18, PSV Eindhoven

Already a regular at PSV, this skilful young
Moroccan – a possible star at this year’s Men's
Olympic Football Tournament – has been likened in
playing style to his idol, Ibrahim Afellay. A move
away from the Netherlands appears likely, with
latest reports suggesting that Labyad will reject
overtures from Chelsea to sign a long-term deal
with Lisbon giants Sporting.

Ahmed Musa, Winger, 19, CSKA Moscow

A star of last year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in
Colombia, the Nigerian has been widely identified
as one of Africa’s most exciting young talents.
CSKA Moscow evidently believe so as they last week
parted with €10 million to bring Musa to Russia,
beating several major clubs to land the youngster
nicknamed ‘The Rocket’.

Lucas Ocampos, Winger, 17, River Plate

Having excelled at last year’s FIFA U-17 World
Cup, this dynamic wide man – likened in style and
physique to Cristiano Ronaldo – has gone on to
cement a starting place at club level with River
Plate. Los Millonarios are now attempting to hold
on to their prize asset amid interest from the
likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Inter
Milan.

Gaston Ramirez, Midfielder, 21, Bologna

Boasting power and panache in equal measure,
Ramirez is the latest Uruguayan sensation to take
European football by storm. Bologna’s greatest
challenge will be in keeping hold of this elegant
attacking midfielder, with Liverpool among several
interested parties.

Hiroki Sakai Defender, 21, Kashiwa Reysol

Voted J. League Rookie of the Year for 2011, this
marauding right-back strengthened his burgeoning
reputation with a string of superb showings in
last month’s FIFA Club World Cup. Comparisons to
Dani Alves may be premature, but international
recognition and growing interest from abroad are
inevitable and fully merited.

Source - Fifa. com

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