Recently voted the best player in France, the 20 year-old Lyon striker has turned heads this season, and all the top clubs from around the world will be keeping an eye on the youngster.
This season he has been prolific in front of goal, scoring 20 times in 32 appearances, in turn leading Lyon to a league and cup double. He also celebrated his first International call-up by scoring two goals in the qualifiers.
Benzema seemingly has it all: power, speed, positioning, and as most Manchester United fans will remember, the ability to score goals from out of nowhere.
Raymond Domenech will no doubt use Benzema a lot, especially as the striker is adept at playing as a central striker as well as on the wings. Like Fabregas, this won't be his last tournament, but it's his chance to showcase his skills and earn a transfer to one of Europe's elite.
5. Klass-Jan Huntelaar—Netherlands
Think of Huntelaar and one word should spring to mind: prolific.
The Ajax hitman scored 33 goals in 34 games for Ajax this season, and comparsions have inevitably been made to Manchester United legend and fellow countryman Ruud Van Nistlerooy.
The Dutchman made his debut against the Republic of Ireland in August 2006 and instantly repaid Marco Van Basten with two goals and two assists. A lot of clubs, including Manchester United and Real Madrid - who are both strongly linked with him, will be keeping an eye on him during this tournament.
Although not blessed with pace, he is a natural poacher and has good heading ability. At only 24 years of age, he admits he wants to impress and move on from Ajax.
"It's a nice tournament to show yourself," he's said. And with his natural talent, he promises to be a big hit.
4. Michael Ballack—Germany
No need for introductions with this player. A lot of people had thought when he went through a bad patch with Chelsea last year, with injuries, lack of form, and absence from the team, that Ballack had only moved to Chelsea from Bayern to raise his bank balance instead of his reputation.
How he has proved everyone wrong this season. No more injuries, in some of the best form of his life as well as one of the first names on the Chelsea team sheet, he has overshadowed Frank Lampard and bossed the midfield in almost every game he played.
Germany's hopes will be boosted by his experience, physical presence and knack for scoring goals. If anyone will lead Germany to the trophy, Ballack will.
3. Franck Ribery—France
Perhaps going unnoticed to a certain extent, Ribery is regarded by many as one of the top-five midfielders in the world. Many say he goes un-noticed because of the lack of coverage and commercialism of the Bundesliga, but one thing is for sure: Ribery is quality.
The French winger, who joined Bayern Munich at the start of last season, drove them to a league and cup double through dazzling displays of speed, passing, and goal scoring.
21 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete