2010 FIFA World Cup: Top 20 Players Left in the Round of Eight

The 2010 FIFA World Cup is showing us why soccer is considered the "world's game." Many non-soccer fans are beginning to watch and get into the games as the tournament progresses.

There are only eight teams remaining in the field: Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Ghana, Netherlands, Paraguay, Spain and Uruguay.

Most of these teams were expected to be in the round of eight, with the exceptions of maybe Ghana and Paraguay.

This list is based on the current form, production and importance each player has on his national team.

Honorable Mention

Argentina—Javier Mascherano, Gabriel Heinze

Brazil—Robinho, Dani Alves

Germany—Miroslav Klose, Thomas Muller

Ghana—Asamoah Gyan, Richard Kingson

Netherlands—Robin Van Persie, Mark Van Bommel

Paraguay—Cristian Riveros, Justo Villar

Spain—Iker Casillas, Carles Puyol

Uruguay—Diego Lugano, Diego Perez

20. Carlos Tevez, Argentina

Tevez is every coach’s dream. He has an undeniable will and determination not seen in any other player. He never gives up on a play. His skill level is just icing on the cake.

Tevez has scored two goals so far in three games played.

19. Kevin-Prince Boateng, Ghana

Boateng has been the creative force behind the Ghanaian midfield. He is excellent on the ball and has the ability to take on defenders one-on-one. Plus, he has "Prince" on the back of his jersey. What more could you want?

Boateng has one goal so far for Ghana.

18. Mesut Ozil, Germany

The play-making replacement for Michael Ballack has turned out to be quite a player. He is excellent at forcing the issue and has a wicked left foot.

Ozil has one goal and two assists in four games so far.

17. Andres Iniesta, Spain

Iniesta is one of the best all-around offensive midfielders in the game today. He is capable of playing anywhere across the midfield or even as a wide forward.

He has scored one goal so far in three games, and is struggling to regain his top form after an injury.

16. Diego Forlan, Uruguay

Before the World Cup started, Forlan was the main offensive threat for Uruguay. He has gotten a lot of help from his attacking partner, freeing him up from some of the double teams he has seen.

Forlan has two goals and one assist so far in South Africa.

15. Gerard Pique, Spain

Pique has turned himself into one of the best defenders in the world. He is a great physical presence and is very comfortable on the ball for being a defender.

Pique has not scored for Spain, but he does have one assist.

14. Gonzalo Higuain, Argentina

Higuain has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He is one of the most productive forwards in the entire world. He can score in a variety of ways, and he isn't afraid to shoot.

Higuain has scored four goals so far in the World Cup.

13. Luis Fabiano, Brazil

Luis Fabiano has a knack for putting the ball in the back of the net. He has excellent feet and is capable of scoring in a variety of ways.

So far in the World Cup, Fabiano has scored three goals.

12. Julio Cesar, Brazil

Julio Cesar is arguably one of the top five goalies in the world right now. He is excellent in the air and has cat-like reflexes.

He has only conceded two goals in four games so far in the World Cup.

10. Lukas Podolski, Germany

Podolski has struggled to score for his club teams, but he seems like another player when he puts on that German uniform. He has an excellent left foot and can play in a variety of positions.

Podolski has two goals and one assist so far.

11. Sergio Ramos, Spain

Ramos is one of the best fullbacks in the world at getting down the wing and joining in on attacks. He has excellent speed and awareness, and he is more than capable as a defender.

He has not registered a goal in South Africa.

9. Maicon, Brazil

Many will argue that Maicon is the most complete fullback in the game today. He is excellent going up the field and supporting the attack, and he doesn't put off his defensive duties when he does.

Maicon has scored one goal, a wicked shot from an impossible angle in the group stage against North Korea.

8. Luis Suarez, Uruguay

Suarez has been an excellent compliment to strike partner Diego Forlan. He has excellent skill on the ball and has a great understanding of the game.

Suarez has three goals and one assist in four games.

7. Arjen Robben, Netherlands

Coming back from an injury, Robben has shown how important he is to the Dutch team. When fit, he is one of the top left-sided wingers in the game. He has excellent skill and delivers great crosses.

Robben has scored one goal in just two games since coming back from injury.

6. Lucio, Brazil

Like his defensive partner Maicon, some consider Lucio to be the best defender in the world. He does not get beat often by attackers, and he is fully capable of helping out the attack, whether it is with a pass or bringing the ball up himself.

Lucio has yet to score for Brazil, but he has committed just three fouls and has been a key reason why Brazil has only given up two goals.

5. Wesley Sneijder, Netherlands

Sneijder is the engine that makes the Dutch attack run. He plays as the central attacking midfielder and is excellent at making good decisions and getting the ball where it needs to be.

He has two goals and one assist in South Africa.

4. Kaka, Brazil

When the ball is at his feet, there is no player more graceful than Kaka. He has the ability to dribble through and around an entire defense. Had he been in top form, he would be challenging for the top spot on this list.

Kaka has yet to score a goal, but he has dished out three assists for Brazil.

3. Xavi, Spain

Xavi has to be considered the best central midfielder in the world. He has excellent distribution and his calmness on the ball is remarkable. He always seems to make the right pass.

Xavi has not scored for Spain in South Africa.

2. David Villa, Spain

David Villa is one of the most feared strikers in the game today. Though he lacks height and physical prowess, he is excellent with the ball at his feet and can score from a variety of angles.

Villa has scored four goals and has one assist for Spain.

1. Lionel Messi, Argentina

If someone had told me before the World Cup that Messi wouldn't score in the group stages, I would have thought Argentina would be in trouble, but they aren't. Messi is the best in the world with the ball at his feet. It is nearly impossible to get it away from him once he gets going.

Like I said before, Messi has yet to score, but he has one assist and an astonishing 22 shots, 10 of which were on target.