Future Stars - Erik Lamela

In just a few short months Erik Lamela has become an integral part of the River Plate side, and has become a target for top clubs all over Europe.

Erik who? You may ask, but this news certainly isn't a surprise to Barcelona. The Spanish giants tried to sign the midfielder at just 12 years of age, offering large sums of money and gifts to tempt the youngsters family. But when the then president of River, Jose Maria Aguilar, made similar promises the decision was made to stay in Argentina. Remember the Argentine giants aren't nicknamed Los Millionarios for nothing.

Equally adept in central midfield, on the wings or in the hole behind the striker his flexibility is a real asset. It is perhaps the latter where he excels most. Here Lamela's creativity can be brought to the fore in spectacular style, while his cleverly weighted passes can no doubt set up plenty of chances. In addition given space he can unleash some left footed thunderbolts. You won't be surprised to hear that Lamela is another on the long line to be labelled 'the next Lionel Messi.'

It is surely just a matter of time before one of latest young Argentine prodigies makes his way to Europe. With a whole host of clubs already clamouring for his signature. Whoever does clinch the signing will no doubt be on to a winner, but a move too soon could perhaps do more harm than good. Developing like he has been in Argentina could just be the best thing...for now at least.

Manchester City's mistake in demanding Tevez stay!

Over the last few days and weeks more and more has been written about the feud between Carlos Tevez and his manager Roberto Mancini.

From offers and a bumper new contract and a multi million pound one off incentive payment if he signs, money is clearly no issue, as it never has been during Sheikh Mansour's rein at Manchester City.

But the Argentine international is adamant that he is not interested in cash, and that he moving for family reasons, which have always been an issue.

This added to the fact relations with executives have broken beyond repair, executives believed to be Garry Cook and Brian Marwood.

Tevez insists he wanted to leave in the summer, but was dissuaded by former agent and owner Kia Joorabchian.

The blues have made the decision not to sell following meetings with the owner, with the City captain also having three and a half years still to run on his contract.

If he is forced to stay though, the 26-year-old has made it clear he will simply retire.

An outcome that could force City to take action against Joorabchian.

It is no doubt a very complicated situation, but one which could have a very simple outcome.

In modern football it is next to impossible to keep a player who wants to leave, we have seen this numerous times over the last few seasons alone, think Cristiano Ronaldo and Javier Mascherano.
Deep down City no they have to sell after their last ditch attempt at throwing bags of money at the striker failed.

An offer they must have thought no one would ever be able to refuse.

Although this is the first sign of a crack in the Eastlands hierarchy. there are still many top class players who would join the club.

Despite Tevez's importance to the club, losing him wouldn't be the worst possible outcome.

Not with the money they have and a month in which to do business.

Keeping the player would only have consequences behind the scenes, but squad morale would begin to dwindle if players bore witness to the constant feuding on a daily basis.

If Manchester City want success this season, it could be in their best interest to cut their losses and splash out on a new superstar.

Transfer flops: Juan Sebastian Veron

In the first of our 'transfer flops' section, we have started big with Manchester United's near £30m, then record signing, of the Argentina midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron.

It may seem a tad over the top, for someone who was selected by Pele in his list of 125 greatest living footballer back in 2004.

But for anyone who can remember his torrid time in England will have no doubts about his inclusion in this one.

During his time at Lazio, Veron was part of a midfielder full of flair and where he was covered by defensive midfielders to allow him to stick to going forward.

However he had a big shock when Sir Alex Ferguson splashed out to take him to Old Trafford.

The Premier League didn't allow the same time on the ball of Serie A, plus Veron himself was also expected to put in a tackle or two himself.

Injuries and poor performances took their toll, with just seven goals in 51 games over two seasons.

And despite Fergie's insistence that he was a great player it was clear his time the North West of England would soon be at an end.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Veron saga, was the fact Chelsea paid £15m to take him to Stamford Bridge to start the Roman Abramovich spending spree.

Claudio Ranieri is understood to have been key in securing a player who wanted to stay and prove a point with the Red Devils.

Despite getting off to a terrific start at Chelsea, scoring on his debut at Anfield, his time in London was less fruitful than in Manchester.

After just one season where he only managed that one goal in 14 appearances, he was promptly loaned out to Inter Milan and then Estudiantes.

Upon returning to Argentina Veron has shown the form which made the world sit up and take note before his time in England.

He has since been voted best player in the league and in South America, and also holds the captaincy.

Despite this though, on these shores and in many areas worldwide Veron will always be remembered as one of the most expensive transfer flops.

Group B

Argentina - World Ranking 7

It wouldn't be a World Cup without South America's version of Germany (well that's the view if your an England fan anyway). But for much of the qualifying campaign that was the way it seemed like it was going to be, as Argentina slipped in and out of the automatic qualification places. The two time winners though have a few late goals to thank, and after stumbling to a 1-0 win in Uruguay in the final game they sealed qualification.

When the tournament gets underway though one thing is for certain, this side will bear little resemblance to that which took to the field during the qualification phase. Technically they are one of the finest sides around, and with a certain little fire cracker that could walk into any side around the globe they certainly cannot be underestimated. Even with the unpredictable figure that currently occupies the hot seat.

Strengths

Argentina have th ability to dazzle, especially upfront, where La Liga trio Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero and the irrepressible Lionel Messi to choose from. Add to that mix Carlos Tevez who has been in spectacular form for Manchester City this season, and the ability to score goals could scare any defence.

They have also chose some more reliable players with the likes of Martin Demichelis, Gabriel Heinze and Walter Samuel all going. However Diego Maradona's selection policy has come under fierce criticism, which leads us onto this sides main weakness.

Weaknesses

When you leave players of the calibre of Esteban Cambiasso out of the side, you would think some quality is in the going to replace him. However, when you hear his replacement is Manchester United and Chelsea flop Juan Sebastian Veron Argentina suddenly become less frightening. The overall age of the squad seems on the high side in place, with people beyond their prime securing selection. Along with Veron (35) you can add Martin Palermo (36), and this seems like it could be a major problem for this side.

Cambiasso will be joined by Javier Zanetti who has also been overlooked in a more baffling selection. These two have been instrumental in the Inter Milan side which has secured a treble, certainties therefore to go to the World Cup. Well not in the eyes of Maradona, who has chosen Jonas Gutierrez amongst several who are clearly lacking in experience. Two players with enormous experience have been left at home, a huge risk.

Key Man - Lionel Messi

Who else? The Barcelona man hit an incredible 34 goals in La Liga last term, a feat that hadn't been achieved since Ronaldo in 96/97. Messi is simply the best player in the world right now, and while some cynics argue he doesn't perform as well without Xavi and Andres Iniesta supplying him, his class can't be doubted. He is capable of turning a game in an instant, and while he won't win the World Cup alone he could go a long way to deciding it's destiny.

One to Watch - Angel Di Maria

Benfica's 22-year-old winger is one of the most sought after players in the World right now, with every European super power chasing his signature. Di Maria possesses an incredible ability to cross whilst also capable of scoring from seemingly anywhere on the pitch. With a good World Cup though his price will rocket, and then they'll only be one winner. Benfica.

Manager - Diego Maradona

An idol in his native country, Maradona may have to rely on a huge slice of luck if he is to repeat his exploits as a player in this competition. The man involved in the biggest controversy in World Cup history, also scored the best goal in the same game. However he hasn't achieved anything in any level of management, so could have bitten off more than he can chew. One think is for certain though, come July Maradona will still be an idol in Argentina.

Odds - 8/1

Prediction - Semi-final at best, no doubt a talented team but some odd selections mixed with the managers lack of experience will cost them.

Greece - World Ranking 13

Greece could be set for there most successful World Cup in the nations history, all they have to do is score a goal. There only other World Cup campaign was in USA '94, where they were smashed 4-0, 4-0 and 2-0 by Argentina, Bulgaria and Nigeria. With two of those sides also drawn in this group, revenge could be the issue of the day.

It is now six years since Greece shocked the footballing world by triumphing at Euro 2004, and while this side lacks the quality of that team they certainly make up for it in determination.

Strengths

The unity of this side isn't under question, with eight players coming from Panathinaikos. Sotirios Kyrgiakos' form at Liverpool this term should breathe confidence into the backline, and sure them up so a repeat of '94 doesn't ensue. In addition they have some handy strikers that could muscle there way to a goal or two. Angelos Charisteas, the Euro 2004 hero, and Theofanis Gekas, the 2010 qualifying campaigns top scorer, could be key to progress from the group phase.

Weaknesses

There is a lack of real star quality in this side that could ultimately cost them. They can't call on the top leagues in Europe for their players, so have to rely on there own. In addition, in parts they are an ageing side and it remains to be seen whether the fitness levels will be up there to compete.

Key Man - Giorgos Karagounis

Panathinaikos' midfield enforcer is the main man both for club and country. Capable of picking a pass and a shot he can boss a game from the middle, as well as helping out at set pieces.

The Greece captain is now a veteran of the game, with experience at both Inter Milan and Benfica, he will have it all to do to rouse his troops into getting out of Group B.

One to Watch - Theofanis Gekas

Gekas is a goal machine for his country, as he netted 10 goals in qualification for his country. It is a feat that used to be a part of his club play as he scored 20 times in 32 appearance for Bochum, before sealing a big money move to Bayer Leverkusen. However he failed to live up to expectations, and loans to both Portsmouth and Hertha Berlin followed. But despite his troubles at club level, he remains a key player for Greece.

Manager - Otto Rehhagel

A man abound with experience, Otto Rehhagel counts three Bundesliga titles, a Uefa Cup and the European Cup Winners Cup among his greatest moments at club level. However it is certainlt his triumph at Euro 2004 that was his greatest moment, and led to the German beng named Greek of the year following that most unlikely of triumphs. His experience and tactics could be key to Greece escaping the group.

Odds - 125/1

Prediction - Greece will almost certainly break there duck and score in South Africa, but they have it all to do to get out of the group.

Nigeria - World Ranking 21

The largest and, for some time now, they have been considered the strongest of the African teams, but they now face stern opposition for that tag from the likes of Ivory Coast and Cameroon. Nigeria's preperations for the first World Cup held in then African continent hasn't been the smoothest. First they struggled in the African Nations which they were expected to win, a feat that led to a change at the helm with Lars Lagerback coming in. Then the passport problem that almost led to Obafemi Martins transfer to Newcastle, once again reared it's ugly head.

Now with more stringent age testing, the Nigerian FA is confident nobody is ten years older than they say they are. And with a more experienced side than previous years, this team could well shock a few people at this years tournament.

Strengths

There is a good mix of youth and telent within this side, that has been missing in recent years. Nigeria have always been known to have a team full of youth, but now a blend is in place it could be of a great benefit.

Players like Yakubu, Yobo and Mikel have plenty of Premier League experience, and should this be utilised in the correct way it could go a long way to ensuring progression from the group stage.

Weaknesses

Game plans have led to the downfall of Nigeria in recent years, with unsuccessful African Nations campaigns compounded by a failure to qualify to the 2006 World Cup. Strength and speed aren't qualities that have worked well together for this side, and this one dimensional aspect could be what costs them this time around.

Key Man - John Obi Mikel

An important member of the Chelsea doubled winning side this term following the injury to Michael Essien, Mikel has begun to flourish and live up to his reputation. He has shown that he can pass and tackle well under Carlo Ancelotti, and if he can cut out those odd rash challenges that often blight his game he could well have an excellent summer.

Once to Watch - Peter Odemwingie

Although not one of the more well known players of this squad, Odemwingie has begun to flourish in recent years for his national side. A pacy right winger, he is more than capable of bombing down the wing and wipping in a cross and cutting inside of unleashing a shot at goal. He was arguably Nigeria's best player at both this years African Nations and during qualifying, and if he builds on that in South Africa a lucrative move could follow.

Manager - Lars Lagerback

The former Sweden coach enjoyed a successful nince year spell in charge of his home nation, before failure to qualify for this years World Cup led to his sacking. However following Shuaibu Amodu's sacking at Nigeria after the African Nations, Lagerback beat a host of candidates including Glenn Hoddle and Sven Goran Eriksson to be boss of Nigeria. If he can utilise his vast experience and that of his players, the Super Eagles could be dark horses to cause an upset.

Odds - 100/1

Prediction - It will no doubt be between Nigeria and Greece for the runners up spot behind Argentina, so if they come out on top in that clash they will be through. However they wouldn't progress much further than the first round of the knockout phase.

South Korea - World Ranking 47

Since there great showing when they co-hosted with Japan in 2002(before which they has never won a World Cup group game), South Korea can no longer rely on the tag of unknown quantities. After beating Portugal in the group and Italy and Spain in the knockouts they were undone by Germany, but they failed to follow it up in 2006 as they crashed out at the group stage.

After finishing top of there qualfying group this time though, they could once again be set to spring a few suprises.

Strengths

One thing South Korea have in abundance is an unbelievable team unity and work ethic. Although a common feature of Asian football it is summed by the South Koreans, who can often simply out work you and cause defeat that way.

Goals are also shared around the side, with attack midfield and defence often chipping in. The midfield often backs up the strikeforce perfectly, something that could also work in there favour.

Weaknesses

As already mentioned the tag of being an unknown entity is now more or less gone, with a lot of the squad now playing there trade at big clubs. However if you delve deeper this is restricted to the attack and defence, with five of the eight defenders playin there trade in South Korea, with one in Japan, one South Korea and the other Germany. Only Lee Young-Pyo is well known, but he is now with Al-Hilal.

Key Man - Park Ji-Sung

Undoubtedly the crown jewel of this side, Park sums up all the qualities that make up football in this country. His disciplined and committed style has earned him cult hero status at old trafford, and he often pops with big performances and goals at key times. Park was key to South Korea's qualification, and will hope to take this form with him to South Africa.

One to Watch - Lee Chung-Yong

The 21-year-old has had a great season at Bolton Wanderers following his move to the Reebok last summer, a season that has seen him linked with a summer move to Liverpool. He likes to get forward and grab goals and assists, and could be a key string in the South Korean bow.

Manager - Huh Jung Moo

An unpopular choice in 2007 when Mick McCarthy and Gerard Houllier were linked with the post, he has since gone unbeaten since his appointment and won around the fans. He has been involved with the national side on many occasion, including three as manager, his incredible run could well come to end this summer as he tries to emulate Guus Hiddink's achievements of 2002.

Odds - 250/1

Prediction - They could well struggle to lift themselves off bottom spot of this group, barring some remarkable results just like eight years ago.

Next Time

Join me tomorrow when I will be taking an in depth look at England.