14. Ravel Morrison
Besides the ability to unite a nation behind an utterly lost cause, the other most appealing aspect of World Cups is the chance to witness a young player burst onto the global stage in stunning style.
The 17 year-old Pele announcing himself at the 1958 World Cup is certainly the most famous example, and from the English camp Paul Gascoigne became a cultural icon at Italia 1990, with Wayne Rooney’s arrival at UEFA Euro 2004 highly impressive too.
Whilst no one is suggesting that West Ham United midfielder Ravel Morrison is capable of making the same impact as Pele, the 20 year-old could be a great wild card in the greatest player in history’s home country of Brazil next summer.
It might appear insane to omit someone like Frank Lampard to select Morrison, but the Hammers midfielder is already the best player in the Under-21 side, and would be confident of making the step up.
Finally, after more than a decade of stale, soul destroying English football at successive tournaments in which the defenders shine and attackers flounder thanks to a lack of service before an inevitable heartbreaking exit on penalties, it would be refreshing for Roy Hodgson to gamble on an enigma like Morrison.
He may be as likely to fight a team-mate on the pitch as score a wonder goal, but at least it won’t be boring.
COMMENTS