England’s golden generation has almost reached its oblivion. Beckham is gone, so are Joe Cole and Ferdinand. What remains is the very quickly ageing trio of Gerrard, Lampard and Cole. Brazil is still clutching onto its past. The recall of Ronaldinho and Kaka is nothing but a clear indication of distrust in the current group of players. So in summary, Brazil don’t want to trust their future, and England have no option but to trust them.
So here are five players from each country that could be a part of the future.
England
Jack Wilshere
He is the most obvious name that comes to mind. He is young, creative, tough, quick and dedicated. He is full of potential, and if he fulfills it, he could be as good as Zidane and better than Paul Gascoigne. Also, he has shown an appetite for the big stage and had been the man of the match when Brazil and England met at Wembley. He is a future England captain, and like so many before him, holds the key to the success of the Three Lions.
Alex- Oxlade Chamberlain
This is another youngster who sets the pulse racing. At first glance, he seems to be an improved version of Theo Walcott. His first touch is much better, and his link up play is intelligent. Unlike Theo, Chamberlain plays the game with his head up, i.e he is constantly on the lookout for the perfect pass. Of course, he has bags of pace and has developed tricks to go along with it. He could be a crucial cog to England’s success.
Raheem Sterling
There were efforts to make sure that the young Liverpool winger became a senior English squad player. There were a couple of very good reasons for that. The first being that in his initial season for Liverpool, he showed a maturity beyond his years. He showed that a very intelligent footballing brain dictated his very quick feet. The second being that the guy is a complete team player. Even in his initial season, he was shifted left, right and center. The amazing part was that he looked at home wherever he played. The fact that he owns a missile like left-footed shot is an added bonus.
Wilfried Zaha
Another player who is a winger by trade. In the physically intense and mentally draining competition we call The Championship, Zaha has been a revelation. He is one of those traditional wingers who love getting to the byline and laying in crosses. Not only does he have the pace to get there, he has displayed an amazing array of skills. His runs are generally quick and intelligent. He does need to improve on his first touch though. If he manages to do so, he could be a valid successor to Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford.
Phil Jones
He redefines the term ‘utility player’. He can play in the center of defense, at right back, as a holding midfielder or even as a sweeper behind the defense. He is strong on the ground and in the air. Although he does not look the part but he is quick in covering ground. Having played at different positions at Manchester United, Jones displays a complete understanding of the game. Having earned favourable comparisons, with Franz Beckenbauer, he could be the modern day Beckenbauer. While the others in my list are dangerous going forward, Phil Jones could be the rock unto which England builds its success.
Brazil
Neymar
He is touted as the ‘next big thing’ in football. He himself says that he can be better than Ronaldo and Messi. While I have serious reservations about such a statement, there is no doubt that the man has skills. Whether or not he can use them at the top-most level of the game remains to be seen. When Brazil faced England at Wembley, he was extremely ordinary. It seems that he has thrived in the lax climes of South American football and would struggle against quick and physical defenses. But he is a player capable of the extraordinary, and if he lives up to his hype, we may see a new star adorning the football skies in the years to come.
Oscar
He came to Chelsea with great hype and fanfare. It has to be said that till now, Oscar has looked the part. More importantly, he has adjusted to European football and seems to be tailor-made for it. He is quick and has an abundance of creative flair. He can score goals and has amazing technical ability for someone his age. He has shown repeatedly that against tight defenses he has the ability to produce moments of magic. Also, playing with Juan Mata, Frank Lampard and John Terry can only have helped.
Lucas Moura
Another of the Brazilian ‘wonderkids’, Moura snubbed Manchester United and signed for Paris St. Germain. Lucas has looked the most impressive of the latest crop of Brazilian players. He has decent strength to supplement his pace and trickery. Also, he is adaptable. He can play as a striker or as a support striker, he can even drop back and perform a defensive role when required. For a team like Brazil, which is filled with flair players, a man like Moura, who is a model of the combination of flair and responsibility, might just be the perfect player.
Juan Jesus
Now his name inspires confidence, and so does his game. Currently at Inter Milan, Jesus is an offspring of Brazilian attack and Italian defense. He is a good defender and has very good pace on and off the ball. For an attacking team such as Brazil, a quick defender who is good in the air is a must, and Juan ticks all the boxes. His time in Italy will undoubtedly help develop the defensive side of his game and Brazil must hope that he is capable enough to fill the shoes of legends like Dunga and Lucio and lead the defense for years to come.
Rafael da Silva
The Manchester United right back has developed brilliantly. Being first choice right back for a global club like Manchester United is a challenge in itself. So far though, Rafael has given a fabulous account of himself. He is defensively secure and street-smart going forward. A good crosser off the ball, he has a brilliant right foot and is a decent header of the ball. Along with Jesus, he could form the cornerstone for Brazil’s defense.
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