The Confederations Cup is the traditional dry run for the following year’s World Cup in its host country, in this case Brazil. The hosts, along with reigning world champions Spain, will be the favourites for the title next year. For Brazil, they have the chance to win their third successive Confederations Cup.
If they are to do just that it is likely that it will have something to do with the skills of Neymar, the hard working playmaking of Oscar, the tenacity of Thiago Silva and Dante at the back, and the goal poaching of Fluminense’s Fred.
For Spain, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas will lead their charge, whilst for Uruguay Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani make up arguably the most talented striking partnership in international football. However these are among the names already well-established at international level. So who are the potential break out stars of this tournament ready to make their name in international football? Here Inside Futbol look at some of the potential stars of the 2013 Confederations Cup, from relative unknowns such as Mexico’s Hector Herrera and Javier Aquino, or Japan’s Shinji Okazaki, to the better known names yet to cement their place in their respective national teams, such as Bayern Munich’s Javi Martinez and Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian star Lucas Moura.
Lucas Moura – Brazil (Paris Saint-Germain, France) – Winger
Moura has adapted brilliantly since moving to Paris from Sao Paulo. The winger is pacey and direct, full of skill and will be a key element of Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side over the next month. He has made a real difference to PSG since joining in January and provides a different option to Oscar on the right side, stretching the play and opponents. Neymar is the big name on everyone’s lips after his move to Europe with Barcelona, but Moura can outshine him.
Bernard – Brazil (Atletico Mineiro, Brazil) – Winger
In some ways Bernard is a left wing version of Lucas Moura. Fast and skilful, he burst onto the scene with Atletico Mineiro last year, linking up superbly in a front three with Ronaldinho and Jo as the club from Belo Horizonte challenged for the Brazilian title. They missed out on the crown, but Bernard was named the newcomer of the year for his 11 goals and 12 assists, and he has been lighting up the Copa Libertadores this season. Having burst into the Brazil squad he is one of the less recognisable names but could end up as an international star in the making.
Hector Herrera – Mexico (Pachuca, Mexico) – Midfielder
Herrera was one of the stars of the Olympics for Mexico last year as they dominated the tournament and came away with a gold medal. The midfielder won the prestigious accolade of best player at the Toulon tournament Mexico won in 2011, a youth event at which some of the world’s best players have starred before making their international breakthrough. Herrera can similarly make his mark on the Confederations Cup with Mexico this summer.
Javier Aquino – Mexico (Villarreal, Spain) – Midfielder
Aquino is yet a further gem in this current Mexican generation. Having starred in the Mexican Apertura in 2010, he is another who emerged during last summer’s Olympic Games in London as a key figure in Jose Manuel de la Torre’s plans. He has won the Pan American Games and Olympics with Mexico, and featured in the 2011 Copa America. Aquino’s dribbling and close control are key features of his play and he can create openings for his team-mates.
Sunday Mba – Nigeria (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria) – Attacking midfielder
Mba was symbolic of the Nigeria side which won the African Cup of Nations earlier this year. Plying his trade domestically for Enugu Rangers, he was caught up in a row between his current club and former team Warri Wolves which stopped him from playing for two months earlier this year. He scored the winning goal against both the Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations and in the final against Burkina Faso, showing his appetite for the big matches.
Hernanes – Brazil (Lazio, Italy) – Midfielder
Hernanes could be the answer to Luiz Felipe Scolari’s midfield problems. Caught between not wanting to have a midfield which is too open and leaves the defence exposed, and one which can offer creativity and technical skill from deep, Hernanes seems the perfect player for the role. Capable of dictating from deeper positions, Hernanes boasts a range of passing that can make him a key cog for the Selecao, alongside Corinthians midfielder Paulinho. He has yet to fully develop his early promise with Sao Paolo since signing for Lazio. But Hernanes can take the opportunity to catch the eye this summer.
Javi Martinez – Spain (Bayern Munich, Germany) – Defensive midfielder
Martinez is anything but an unknown quantity, having established a reputation as one of the best midfielders in Europe over the last 12 months. However the Bayern Munich man has yet to cement a regular spot in the national side. With Xabi Alonso out of the Confederations Cup, Martinez has an opportunity to take his role and make it his own. In this season’s Champions League, Martinez was the outstanding player in his position, outshining compatriots Sergio Busquets, Xavi and Andres Iniesta in the semi-final between Bayern Munich and Barcelona. His passing and positional sense, and ability to drive his side forward, means he will be key to the transition Spain will make in the years ahead.
Stephan El Shaarawy – Italy (AC Milan, Italy) – Forward
El Shaarawy has stepped up this season to become a key figure in the AC Milan side. The half-Egyptian forward has struck 16 times for AC Milan and was named as their player of the season. Technically superb with an eye for goal, El Shaarawy can form an elusive and eye catching combination with club mate Mario Balotelli for the Azzurri.
Shinji Okazaki – Japan (Stuttgart, Germany) – Forward
Okazaki signed for Stuttgart two years ago, however is yet to make the same international impact that compatriots Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda have. But for his country Okazaki is a key figure, having scored 32 times for Japan. He is a goal threat from distance and is versatile, able to play out wide as well as up front. He could be the key to Japan having a good Confederations Cup.
Gaston Ramirez – Uruguay (Southampton, England) – Attacking midfielder
The Uruguayan playmaker adapted well to life in the Premier League last season following his move to Southampton. He played a key role in keeping the newly promoted team in the top flight and showed a keen eye for goal during his debut campaign. Ramirez’s style is arguably better suited to the slower pace of international football, where the time afforded to him on the ball can allow him to fully express his creativity and passing skill, not to mention a blistering shot from range. All eyes will be on Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, but watch out for the elegant playmaker just behind.
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