World Cup players to watch

Mesut Ozil burst on to the scene at the 2010 World Cup, who will do that this year?

The World Cup always brings some players to the fore, in 1986 Gary Lineker's performance got him a move to Barcelona. Who will shine this time around?

The World Cup is the ideal marketplace for managers looking to make quality additions to their squad. After their performances in 2010, Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira were both snapped up by Real Madrid, Asamoah Gyan earned himself a move to Sunderland, and Winston Reid also secured a move to the Premier League, joining West Ham.
So, who are the players to look out for in terms of post-World Cup moves this summer? 

Mathew Ryan - Australia

The 22-year-old goalkeeper has already been lavished with praise, with former Manchester United shot-stopper Mark Bosnich describing Ryan's technical ability as "fantastic".

Currently with Club Brugge in Belgium, the youngster has been linked to a whole host of clubs, most notably Real Madrid. With the Socceroos competing with Chile, Holland and Spain this summer, you would expect Ryan to be kept extremely busy, which in turn should allow the goalkeeper to shine.

A good showing from him and it is all but guaranteed that he will be moving to one of Europe's elite leagues during the summer transfer window.

Bernard - Brazil

The diminutive Brazilian winger was attracting interest from numerous top-flight European clubs last summer, before moving to Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk.

The winger is rumoured to be unsettled due to the political unrest in Ukraine and is hankering for a move, which has alerted Premier League duo Arsenal and Liverpool.

If Bernard can prove himself and help Brazil to a successful World Cup on home soil, then expect the 21-year-old to be highly sought after this summer.

Serge Aurier - Ivory Coast

The Elephants have always struggled defensively but in Serge Aurier they have a right back of the highest order. The Toulouse defender has already been subject to Arsenal's overtures but no deal has been finalised yet. Despite being just 21, he is extremely experienced, with 117 appearances in the French top-flight.

Alongside Kolo Toure and Didier Zokora, Aurier will be vital at the back if Ivory Coast are to progress to the last-16 for the first time in their history. If they do, expect Arsenal to swoop as he is a ready-made replacement for Manchester City bound Bacary Sagna.

William Carvalho - Portugal

The Sporting Lisbon winger has been courted by Manchester United all season, and Liverpool are now reported to have joined the race for his signature.

Despite having just two caps for his country the 22-year-old should feature quite prominently for Portugal. His speed, trickery and penchant for goals make him too difficult to ignore and he could keep Nani out of the starting XI.

If Carvalho does replicate his club form for his country then expect Manchester United, as well as other European clubs, to activate his 37.5million release clause.

Memphis Depay - Holland

Another player who has recently been linked to Manchester United, Memphis Depay is currently the hottest prospect in Dutch football.

The 20-year-old has had a fruitful season for PSV, scoring 12 goals in 32 appearances from the left wing position. Current Dutch manager and soon to be United boss, Luis van Gaal, is a huge fan of the youngster and handed him his first ever international cap.

Depay will not be used sparingly in this highly talented Dutch side and if he can reproduce his Eredivisie performances in Brazil, then expect other clubs to rival Manchester United to sign a player rated at 17million.