FIFA 2014 World Cup: Midfielders who will defy logic and gravity

As the searches for FIFA 2014 World Cup schedule crawl to the top of every search engine, I thought an article on the play makers of this year’s edition would do justice to the hype around the tournament (I might be a bit late, though). Nonetheless, Goldman Sachs and a lot of other so-called prediction specialists have forecasted a Germany-Brazil finale, but I am trying to be open-minded. Now, no one can be Ronaldinho, but here are a few, who can come close to conjuring the same magic on the field. Listed in descending order of their age:

Andrea Pirlo

It was his 100^th appearance and Pirlo crafted a free kick into Mexico’s net, and the Brazilian crowd started chanting ‘Pirlinho, Pirlinho’. Andrea Pirlo inspired Italy to win the 2006 World Cup and continues to do so. His playing style is not aggressive; he is subtle, he is precise and he can score. At 36, this might be his last World Cup, but if he had a choice he would like to play on forever.

There is so much more I want to write about Pirlo, but I shall hold back and quote Buffon, “Watching him play I thought God exists because it’s simply embarrassing how good he is.”

Steven Gerrard

What can I say about the man who has banned his wife and three kids from visiting Brazil, so that he can focus on the World Cup? His presence in the midfield shall rival the presence of Master Yoda. Gerrard is one player who knows his limitations and that is why he is dangerous. He has changed his playing style from box-to-box running to holding the goal.

Quoting the Brazilian legend Pelé, I repeat, “To me he is one of the super best midfielders in the world. He is an excellent player.”

Yaya Toure

Voted ‘African Footballer of the Year’ three times, Toure will play a key position if Ivory Coast wants to progress from just being good on paper. He is known as the ‘human train’ by several pundits; need I say more? During the later stages of the second half Toure turns into a forward, which will be something the ‘Les Elephants’  (the nickname for Ivory Coast) will be banking on.

Known for speaking his mind, he said, “When I look around and see players like Drogba, Kalou, Bony, Gervinho and Zokora, I can only be filled with confidence. Why we haven't gone on to win a trophy is something that I can't understand?”

Andres Iniesta

With his monikers increasing with every match that he plays, Iniesta will have to adapt, which comes naturally to him, if Spain has to continue their reign. He is one of the 56 players, who has scored in a World Cup final and that exclusivity speaks volumes about him. He is as they (don’t know who ‘they’ are?) say, the complete footballer.

Iniesta is best described in the words of team mate, Torres, “When he has the ball, it’s like everything else stops. Like the camera is going in slow motion. He’s decisive.”

Luka Modrić

Apart from translating team talks to Gareth Bale, this 28-year-old midfielder is a creative genius of the red and white chequered jersey-wearing team. Most experts (some of them are real) hail him to light up Brazil this year. His ability to play at different positions shall help Croatia in the opening game when Mandžukić sits out.

Talking about the stylish playmaker, former Croatia manager Bilic said, “Luka is in the same category as Xavi was a few years ago for Barcelona or Andrea Pirlo has been for Italy.”

I know that was not a comprehensive list, but here are a few younger game makers, who will challenge the status quo of the existing midfielders at the FIFA 2014 World Cup - Pogba, Verrati and Hazard.

I pray to whichever God, that watches (over) football to give us more free kicks that defy gravity, 35-yard goals that keep us awake till 3 AM and mid-fielders that raise the bar on creative goal scoring. Before the action begins in Rio, you can let me know if I have missed out on anyone or name your favourite from the above.