And there are a number of talents in South America who are looking to burst onto the world stage. Some will be showcasing their talents this summer, whilst others will be waiting at home. Here are five to watch.
Juan Manuel Iturbe (Cerro Porteno / Argentina)
Iturbe will move to Porto this summer, where he will hope to display some of the form which has made him one of the best young players in South America. The “Paraguayan” Messi, he actually plays for Argentina, the place of his birth, though he is Paraguayan in most other respects.
A left footed star with pace and an eye for goal, as well as the spectacular, he is the type of player who catches the eye and can provide a moment of brilliance. The Cerro Porteno star helped his team to reach the semi-finals of this year’s Copa Libertadores. A country with so many young stars though will make it hard for him to break through, but he has the talent, without doubt.
Erik Lamela (Roma / Argentina)
Lamela is set for a move to Roma from River Plate after his team were relegated this year. The tall forward almost signed for Barcelona at the age of 12, and has also been compared to Barcelona great Messi. His left feet and dribbling skill invite comparisons, but he is taller and with a bit more of a centre forward’s poise about him.
With remarkable close control, he is undoubtedly a star of the future, but the burden at River was holding him back. With the club relegated, even more pressure would be put on his shoulders to drag the team back into the top flight, but he has opted to jump ship and move to Italy to further his football education. With the world at his feet, and usually the ball stuck to it, few would bet on him failing to emulate Messi and end up at Barcelona one day.
Paulo Henrique Ganso (Santos / Brazil)
A classic playmaker, he is the player Brazil hope to build their next great side around. Ganso is a balletic player with skill and composure on the ball, and the ability to make something out of nothing. He is Neymar’s co-conspirator at Santos, helping his team mate by providing the passes for him to fire the club to glory, as they did in this year’s Copa Libertadores campaign.
The midfielder won a place in the back up squad for last year’s World Cup but just missed out, though it is inevitable that he will be in Brazil 2014. The centrepiece for Mano Menezes, the new coach is looking to create a team which passes the ball through midfield more, and Ganso will be crucial to that vision.
Leandro Damiao (Internacional / Brazil)
The Internacional forward is being tracked by Tottenham, though recently signed a new contract with the 2010 Copa Libertadores winners. Tall with strength as well as a delicate touch and eye to goal, he is potentially the ideal back to goal centre forward. Capable of playing up front on his own, he has the physique required to be a real star in the game.
Yet just four years ago at 17 he was playing amateur football, so Damiao’s story is remarkable in some ways. His performances this year have been superb, scoring a number of goals to keep himself in the team despite the arrival of veteran Fernando Cavenaghi.
Capable of moving forward on his own and dribbling too, Damiao has a range of skills that give him the potential to become a star for the Selecao and Mano Menezes for years to come. Another who should be in contention for Brazil 2014.
Lucas (Sao Paulo / Brazil)
Lucas could be even better than Damiao. Just 18, he is being linked with teams in Europe as his talent becomes well known. Burst onto the scene at the South American under 20 championship with a hat trick against Uruguay, he is an individualistic forward with the ability to create a chance for himself, and to then take it too.
He will need to improve his team play to make it at the highest level but like so many skilled teenagers he has the ability to conjure up a moment of brilliance alone. Pace, skill and power, Lucas has the potential to be the star of Brazil 2014.
