5 Players Whose International Chances Have Profited from Summer Transfers
This weekend sees a break from domestic fixtures which have so far proved captivating. Instead, we will marvel or sigh (depending on your thoughts towards the perennially divisive international break) at a double-header of World Cup qualifiers.
With the competition’s official tagline declaring to have the world "All in one rhythm," this round of fixtures will see the hopes of select nations out of beat, out of tune and out of luck.
Scattered corners of the globe need not shred their fingernails. Those loyal to Japan, Australia, Iran, South Korea, Netherlands, Italy, United States, Costa Rica and Argentina can savour the football on offer knowing that they, like hosts Brazil, are secured a place in the World Cup group stage draw.
Not wanting to miss out on such a colourful carnival of calcio celebration, this year is pivotal for players. Put simply, perform well and you're on the plane.
As England fans can testify, players who have previous little pedigree can be catapulted into the nation's hearts and starting line-up. Step forward Danny Mills, Trevor Sinclair and Emile Heskey, England's standard bearers of the ill-fated 2002 World Cup campaign.
It's now less than one year until the main event commences in Brazil and, consequently, now is the time when players can prove their worth.
Let's take a look at five individuals who opted to jump ship and change clubs this summer, thus improving their World Cup hopes.
Mesut Ozil: Germany and Arsenal
1 of 5
For a player who turns 25 on the 15th of this month, one could forgiven be thinking he is a lot older, namely for the fact that his preternatural ability belies his years.
Prior to the previous World Cup, that 2010 Spanish tour de force in South Africa, Mesut Ozil was a relative unknown.
But, like a selection of his prodigious compatriots, Germany coach Joachim Low placed his unconditional faith in the then-Werder Bremen player.
Following a string of virtuoso performances in the competition—including a one-man disembowelment of England's precarious defence in that victory—Ozil secured a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Three seasons later, that was where he was expected to remain for this current campaign.
However, following a predictably eventful summer at the Bernabeu—when they not only recruited a new manager in Carlo Ancelotti but also lavished the funds on him to break the global transfer record by signing Gareth Bale—Europe's top assist-creator had changed clubs.
It was the combination of these events that made Ozil, very discreetly, reconsider his options.
Knowing that his first-team chances would be hampered by Ancelotti's penchant for a catenaccio approach which would see the team utilise new boys Gareth Bale and Isco to fuel Cristiano Ronaldo, it was on the very final day of transfer dealings that he arrived at Arsenal.
With the fans losing faith in their manager's ability and judgment, it speaks volumes about the pedigree of Ozil when he, without sounding hyperbolic, more or less single-handedly saved Arsene Wenger's job.
In desperate need of a revival, Ozil has succinctly and effortlessly reignited the passion within Gooners and now has the Emirates bouncing. Unbeaten in 11 games in all competitions, whisper it, but this season could see Arsenal end their turgid eight-year, trophy-less spell.
One could debate that Ozil's place in Die Mannschaft's starting line-up was never at risk. But with such a phalanx of sleek and shiny talent available, a season on Real Madrid's bench could have forced Low's hand.
Bruma: Portugal and Galatasaray
2 of 5
From Eusebio to Luis Figo to Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal produces pacy, prolific and pivotal players who can turn a game on its head with just a swoosh of their boot.
It looks like they may have unearthed another.
Still only 18 years old, Armindo Tue Na Bangna—who perhaps understandably goes by the snappier Bruma—has already been capped at every national level other than senior.
He has attracted interest from Europe's top teams and secured a multi-million euro move across the continent less than six months after making his first-team debut.
Originally from Guinea-Bissau, the Federacao Portuguesa de Futebol had no qualms in naturalising a naturally talented player who had joined Sporting Lisbon's youth setup as a youngster (those currently debating a similar issue with Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj may wish to take note).
After lighting up the youth ranks, one needs only peruse the videos available on YouTube to understand why the hierarchy at Sporting perceived him to be in the same class as a certain gangly showman from Madeira who now lights up Real Madrid's Bernabeu.
A summer move to Galatasaray followed, the Turkish team superbly beating competition from Chelsea to secure Bruma's €10 million signature.
If all goes to plan, Portugal should qualify for next year's World Cup. However, currently occupying second spot, it is yet to be determined whether they will have to face the gauntlet of the dreaded play-offs.
On Friday they have a home fixture against an Israel team who are one place and five points behind.
Lose and maybe, just maybe, their next game against Luxembourg—who have looked confident following a qualification campaign where they have actually picked up a win—could be nervy.
If they fail to qualify, and it will take a brave man to back Luxembourg’s hoodwink of Cristiano Ronaldo et al in their own backyard, it will be a real shame if we have to wait until 2016 before seeing Bruma—who will almost certainly be lighting up the Premier League, Bundesliga or La Liga by then—in action on the major international scene.
Mamadou Sakho: France and Liverpool
3 of 5
In a disruption to the European football hegemony cultivated by the holy trinity of Spain/England/Germany, it is a welcome change to witness the tussle going on in France’s Ligue 1 between the continent’s nouveau riche: Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain.
Whilst PSG are now reaping the benefits from their third season of Qatari investment—resulting in the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Edinson Cavani, Javier Pastore, Thiago Motta and (on loan) David Beckham, as well as the league title—Russian-backed Monaco returned to the top flight after a two-season hiatus.
Augmented by the arrival of Joao Moutinho, James Rodriguez and Falcao, Monaco have assumed a captivating combat with the capital club.
However, like all great disputes, there have been casualties and Mamadou Sakho encapsulates the collateral damage brought on by the expensive arrivals at the Parc des Princes.
Born and raised in the banlieues of the city, Sakho was destined to play for the Parisian club. Blessed with domineering ability, he made his debut aged just 17 where he was named as captain, ousting established internationals such as Pauleta, Sylvain Armand and Mario Yepes.
This Roy of the Rovers-style ascent to glory was not to last. During the 18-month reign of manager Carlo Ancelotti, Sakho was stripped of the captaincy, an ignominy capped by former club director Leonardo observing the defender was "slightly overweight."
After playing a bit-part role in last season’s title triumph, it made vast sense to explore opportunities elsewhere, even if he did have to prise himself away from his boyhood club. When Liverpool bid £18 million for his services, it took little persuasion for the 23-year-old to join the Brendan Rodgers-inspired revolution.
Placed in Group I—the only pool to have five teams, rather than the customary six—France have countered having to duel supreme Spain by also facing Finland, Georgia and Belarus.
With one game remaining (at home to Finland), automatic qualification is out of their control. Tied on points with the holders, France have played one game more than Spain.
However, when they do enter the play-offs, as is looking likely—Spain face Belarus and Georgia—it is clear there is a positive mood in the camp.
Sakho feels resurgent and has publicly declared his decision to leave France justified (as reported via Sky Sports).
Giuseppe Rossi: Italy and Fiorentina
4 of 5
Granted, the American-born Italian international was not signed in the summer but rather in January’s transfer window.
However, plagued by injuries for the last two seasons, it is only this season where the former Manchester United youth player has truly returned to first-team action.
Signed by Fiorentina from Villarreal for €10 million, the man of Parmensi heritage had been one of Europe’s most revered hitmen before chronic knee injury hampered his form.
With 54 goals in 136 appearances for El Submarino Amarillo, La Viola have a powerful player when fully fit. Scoring six times in his 27 caps for the Azzurri, Rossi has yet to impose himself on an international scale.
However, one thing is abundantly clear—whilst Villarreal had commendably stuck by their star man through injury, they could not offer the home comforts and exposure to his compatriots that Serie A could.
As well as citing the increased confidence within the squad, Rossi recognises the importance of this year. “I’m starting over from zero, as a new player,” he told the Washington Post this week.
Armed with a wealth of attacking talent, Italy can call upon Stephan El Shaarawy and Mario Balotelli of AC Milan, Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne, as well as veteran Alberto Gilardino.
It is Balotelli, however, whom Rossi feels he could partner, a "bad boy" to whom he is the "good boy."
Whilst Rossi knows he is not guaranteed a start, his six impressive goals in nine assured games this season provide a convincing case.
Having already secured their berth at next summer’s World Cup, Cesare Prandelli has the luxury of being able to experiment with his charges in upcoming games against Denmark and Armenia.
The manager is renowned for remaining loyal to his players: Sunderland’s Emanuele Giaccherini has still been called up, despite his club being rooted to the foot of the English Premier League, Pablo Osvaldo is in regardless of only scoring one goal thus far for new club Southampton, Roma's Federico Balzaretti is welcomed back to the fold, whilst the divisive Alberto Aquilani, Rossi’s club teammate, keeps his place.
Mario Balotelli, red-carded during Milan’s recent loss to Napoli, is expected to start on Friday evening.
Prandelli's faith, coupled with Rossi's new lease of life, combine to make a perfect storm. Having already captained the side previously, the striker will be assured of his place in the squad, barring a reoccurrence of injury or an unlikely downturn in form.
Isco: Spain and Real Madrid
5 of 5
This has been a monumental year for Isco. Having come so very close to dumping would-be finalists Borussia Dortmund out of the Champions League, he played a crucial role in assisting former club Malaga to achieve a sixth-place finish in La Liga with nine league goals.
He also made his debut for the national side, the formidable Furia Roja, a team who earn plaudits before they have even touched the ball.
Playing the last 30 minutes of February’s 3-1 friendly win over Uruguay, the man from Andalucia had been launched into contention for those to continue the reign of terror of Xavi et al.
With composure and grace to complement his ability, a summer move from Malaga was inevitable, similarly to then-boss Manuel Pellegrini.
As the manager attempted to take the 21-year-old with him to Manchester City and the EPL, the attacking midfielder—who revels when playing just behind the strikers—opted to remain in La Liga and instead moved to Real Madrid.
With Carlo Ancelotti installed as manager at the Bernabeu, Isco will seamlessly slot straight into the Italian’s formation.
Similarly to how he utilised Kaka at AC Milan—a ploy that helped the Brazilian to claim the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2007—Ancelotti gravitates towards a fluid system. With holding midfielders sitting in front of the defence (in Madrid’s case, Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira), they can then distribute the ball quickly to a trequartista-style playmaker.
Step forward, Isco.
It is to his credit that the Spaniard has, inadvertently, forced Mesut Ozil to rethink his options. With Isco’s arrival coupling that of record-breaker Gareth Bale, the German international departed for the Emirates knowing his chances may be limited. Isco looks a worthy heir apparent.
Having started eight games this season for Madrid, Isco has slotted in as effortlessly as many would have hoped but few would have expected.
With four goals already to his name—including an impressive brace against Bilbao last month—he looks certain to be a pivotal player for Los Merengues.
For Vicente del Bosque, who has an array of attacking talent at his fingertips, Isco’s ability and potential display the fact that he can bestow responsibility upon him if needed.
What are your thoughts? Have these players secured their places in the squad? Who has, conversely, damaged their World Cup hopes by switching clubs? Who can be tipped as an early favourite for World Cup glory? Let me know either in the comments section below or via Twitter: @LeRowley
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
