2010 FIFA World Cup Talent Scout: South Africa's Teko Modise

Forget Everton's Steven Pienaar, the superstar South African who was meant to be the nation's Messiah and lead the Bafana Bafana to glorious and historic World Cup victories.

The real star of the show came from the homegrown talent of South Africa. Many people have said midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala of the Kaizer Chiefs was the man of the match in the momentous 1-1 draw with Mexico, after his expertly finished strike saw the first ever goal being scored at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

However, whilst 24-year-old Tshabalala had a very good game and is sure to be on the radar of Europe's elite following that performance, there was another man who at times looked head and shoulders above the rest.

As you may've guessed, that person is Teko Modise, the dazzling winger of the Bafana Bafana who plies his trade with the Orlando Pirates of South Africa's Premier Soccer League.

The 27-year-old, who has amassed over 50 caps for his country and scored 10 goals, was the star man for a host nation which needed the attacking inspiration that Pienaar failed to deliver.

Strengths

Modise provided that forward threat, as he looked very comfortable in possession, he most often was attack-minded, and he provided options going forward when not on the ball.

He has the flair and creativity that makes him one of the most skillful and aesthetically pleasing players in the South African squad, and it's such delightful skill that would go down a treat with fans of La Liga or even Premier League clubs.

Modise also has the eye for a good pass, with the ability to beat defenders with intricate one-two passes, pass-and-go play, nice little short passes, as well as the defense-splitting through balls.

The tricky winger can also skip past defenders with ease, as he has the all-around dribbling, footwork, and general technique to beat his opponents and potentially create goal scoring opportunities.

Fundamentally as a wide man, from set-plays and especially corner kicks, Modise's deliveries can be sublime, with audaciously swinging deliveries that curl out of the keeper's reach and are difficult for defenders to handle.

And perhaps equally as important, Modise appears capable of working well with his full-back, tracking back when necessary with the ability to put a tackle in and help out the defense.

He certainly is a great talent, and one that could easily grace an elite European team. With his skillset, a move to La Liga or Serie A could well be on the cards; after all, both AC Milan and Inter Milan were credited with a move for him just last year.

Weaknesses

However, there are some major limitations with Teko Modise as a player.

His fitness is questionable; in the last 10 minutes against Mexico it was evident that fatigue had the better of him, as his creativity and decision-making were becoming increasingly stifled.

Also, his composure in front of goal isn't the best, even for a winger. This was proved late on against Mexico when (despite later being ruled for offside) he missed the target from less than six yards, despite having no defender in close proximity.

And perhaps most fundamentally, for a winger, his ability to put in a decent cross from open play is somewhat lacking, with most of his deliveries either being too close to the goalkeeper or not generally accurate enough.

Although, that said, overall Teko Modise is a top talent who has the ability to grace a top European league, but most probably not the English Premier League; it would seem that the pace of play and physical demands of the EPL would get the better of him.

Current value: £4million

Potential value: £7million

To add your input on the World Cup's top talent, comment below or join the Facebook group here.