Confederations Cup 2013: Ranking Most Important Players Remaining in Tournament

Football is a team sport predicated on coordination and balance in every facet, but no team can succeed without a certain level of individual talent.

There will be plenty of talent on display in the Confederations Cup semifinals.

With Uruguay, Brazil, Italy and Spain all still alive in the tournament, fans will be treated to a bevy of talented players at nearly every position. Some of those players will ultimately be the difference between an early exit and a Confederations Cup trophy.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the most important players remaining in the tournament and highlight why each is crucial to the success of his team in the semifinals round.

1. Neymar, Brazil

There’s no questioning Neymar’s importance to the host side in the semifinals. After netting a goal in each of his team’s first three contests, Brazil will look to the 21-year-old striker to make a substantial impact against Uruguay on Wednesday.

Uruguay boast a tremendous attack of their own, and for Brazil to feel comfortable in this match, their brightest star has to step up. Should Neymar fail to make an impact, Uruguay could find themselves in position to apply plenty of pressure from start to finish.

2. Edinson Cavani, Uruguay

It’s hard to pick which Uruguayan striker is more important to his team. Between Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez, there’s really no right answer.

But regardless of who is more critical to Uruguay’s success, there’s no denying the impact both players can have on the outcome of their match with Brazil. Cavani has few holes in his game, and with tremendous finishing ability to match, Brazil’s back line will have its hands full in keeping him off the board.

3. Luis Suarez, Uruguay

The key to Uruguay’s fierce attack is the balance the team gets from each portion of its attack. Cavani and Suarez are both exceptional strikers, but neither can truly thrive without the other making his presence felt.

Consider Cavani and Suarez 1A and 1B.

Suarez will have his hands full with defender David Luiz, however. If Luiz plays the physical and aggressive style he is known for, Uruguay’s star attacker could find himself without much room to breathe.

4. Xavi Hernandez, Spain

Italy may not have the star power up front as do Spain, Uruguay or Brazil, but they do play an aggressive brand of football that will put pressure on Spain in their semifinals matchup.

Spain have to control the possession and limit Italy’s momentum. Xavi will be a big part in doing so.

The midfielder is one of the best in the business at setting up his side’s attack with superb passing and vision. As long as Xavi continues playing smart football in coordinating Spain’s pressure, Gianluigi Buffon and Italy’s back line will struggle to slow Spain’s strikers.

5. David Luiz, Brazil

Brazil is talented at every position, but there’s no denying the strain Uruguay’s strikers will put on Luiz and the rest of Brazil’s back line.

The defender will likely be paired up with Suarez throughout this contest, expected to shut down the talented striker and cause Uruguay’s attack to lose coordination and balance. If Suarez becomes a non-factor in this match, Cavani and the rest of Uruguay’s front line will suffer as a result.

But Suarez will present an interesting matchup for the physical 26-year-old, who tends to get overly aggressive against active wingers. Luiz must be both poised and aggressive to avoid giving Suarez free striking opportunities.

 

6. Gianluigi Buffon, Italy

Gianluigi Buffon yielded seven goals in Italy’s last two group matches, and if he fails to lock down the net against Spain, his side will be in for a devastating loss on Thursday.

Italy are simply lacking the firepower Spain possess, and this match will come down to solid defensive play and Buffon’s prowess and veteran leadership. Without any one of those factors, Italy could be facing a big loss just short of the Confederations Cup finals.

Italy’s back line will be under just as much pressure, but the spotlight will be on their keeper.  

 

7. Fernando Torres, Spain

Spain are heavy favorites to triumph over Italy in the semifinals Thursday, but they can’t afford to take the Italian side lightly. Underestimating their opponents could prove to be a fatal mistake.

Fernando Torres will be a big part of Spain’s aggression in this match. With five goals already under his belt in the tournament, he’ll be expected to pace his team’s offense and keep the pressure on the Italians.

Spain have plenty of firepower, but if Torres is slow to find his rhythm, the rest of their attack could suffer as a result.

8. Alberto Gilardino, Italy

Mario Balotelli will miss Italy’s final contests of the tournament with a leg injury, as reported by CBC.ca, meaning the Italian side will be without their best finisher and most disruptive attacker.

That’s a very bad sign considering the competition Italy face. If they can’t replace some of Balotelli’s production, Spain could absolutely run away with a victory on Thursday.

Someone is going to have to fill Balotelli’s shoes, and that could very well be Alberto Gilardino. While the 30-year-old has barely seen any action in the Confederations Cup, now may be his time.

Italy have a tremendous midfield capable of controlling possession, but their strikers have to capitalize on opportunities. Look for Gilardino to be the man to do so.