August 18th, 2010 by pmirek

There was so much talent at this year’s World Cup that you literally had to watch it all to see it all. As the dust settles from Spain’s tense victory, with Andres Iniesta delivering the winning kick, it’s a good time to admire the young guns who made their mark this year. To make the selection even tougher, all of these players are 25 or under.

1. Andres Iniesta (25): Of course, Spain’s midfielder can expect to enjoy a lot more time in the limelight after the game. Known as “El Ilusionista” (The Dreamer) or “Cerebro” (The Brain) in the press, Iniesta endured vicious assaults from Dutch players Van Bommel and De Jong. He’s known for his adaptability to any position, and has scored 6 goals as a member of the national team.
2. Lionel Messi (22): At the age of 21, this player was the UEFA Champions League Top Scorer. Maradona has given Messi his blessing as Argentina’s new soccer hero, although Maradona’s earlier picks have all fizzled out. Messi definitely has staying power, however, with the ability to break down any defender that gets in his way.
3. Wayne Rooney (24): This Manchester United player got his start at the age of 17, proving doubters wrong with his powerful striking ability. He currently leads the Premier League with a record 23 goals, and off the field he also makes an impression with his wife Coleen Rooney, who has become a television personality and endorser.
4. Cesc Fabregas (23): This Spanish midfielder was only 16 when he was snatched up by Arsenal, and he’s been attending games since he was less than a year old. Although he didn’t score at his 2006 appearance at the World Cup, he leads the English Premier League with 13 assists, and Barcelona players like Messi and Iniesta are clamoring for him to rejoin the fold.