So far, this has been a disappointing World Cup. However, that doesn’t mean I haven’t seen great performances from certain players of different countries. I decided to make a list of the best players I have seen thus far in this tournament. So, who made my list? Cristiano Ronaldo? Kaká? Lionel Messi? Wayne Rooney? Fernando Torres? Think again! These players left, or are leaving, much to wish for with their dismal performances. This list is of the players who proved the gems that they are.

1. Mesut Özil- Germany

This is, in my view, the best player of the world cup. His speed, his dribbling ability, and vision to create an attack has been excellent for this attacking midfielder throughout the tournament. I can’t imagine anyone in Germany missing their star, Michael Ballack (who missed the cup do to an injury), since Özil, a 21 year old youngster of Turkish descent, is filling Ballack’s role magnificently. With his dazzling display and the consistency he has shown so far, he will quickly be bought from his current German club, Werder Bremen, as soon as Germany’s World Cup ends. He is no longer worth 4.3 million Euros as his stock has risen. I look forward to seeing him play in a better team, in either the English Premier League or the Spanish La Liga. A great break-out star!

2. Javier “Chicharito” Hernández-Mexico

The Mexican sensation didn’t disappoint in the World Cup. Chicharito (Spanish for little pea) managed to score two tremendous goals for Mexico in a total playing time of 169 minutes (less than 2 complete games). His first was a jaw-dropping goal against France where he broke the offside trap and ran towards the French goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, at an amazing 19.97 mph (the fastest player of the tournament according to FIFA), easily feinting him and scoring the crucial opening goal. Against Argentina, he netted a great consolation goal as Mexico succumbed to Argentina 3-1. England’s Manchester United was smart enough to buy this recently turned 22 year-old before the cup, saving money and beating several European clubs for his services. On July 1, 2010, Chicharito will become Manchester United’s first ever Mexican player and Red Devil fans are looking forward to see this ambidextrous striker take some goal-making burden from Wayne Rooney.

3. David Villa-Spain

The prolific goal scorer from Valencia, where he scored 107 goals in 166 games, has recently been bought by Barcelona to accompany Messi in the attack. Villa is Spanish magic, his speed and abilities to shake off defenders on the pitch make him one of the world’s most dangerous strikers. He has scored 4 goals in this World Cup and it seems he will score more as Spain just entered quarter finals. His total tally for the Spanish national team is 42 goals in 62 Games. He looks set to be Spain’s legendary hero if they win their first ever World Cup. Definitely one of the most exciting strikers to watch.

4. Bastian Schweinsteiger- Germany

What?! Another German on the list? Well, yes. This midfielder, who plays regulary for Bayern Munich, is a Field Marshal on the pitch. He sets order and is the switch which sets up Germany’s tempo on the field. He is a player that pursues every ball, fighting for the rebounds and quickly filters passes out to Podolski, Klose, and Özil. This 25 year-old shows much maturity and coolness in the most nerve-racking moments and is fun to watch. His football skills are very, very impressive.

5. Luis Suárez- Uruguay

Everyone thought Uruguay was a one-man team, Diego Forlan’s team, but fellow striker Luis Suárez proved everyone wrong. The striker for Ajax, one of the top teams in the Netherlands, has scored 3 very important goals in this tournament. What makes him special? His speed and intelligence of moving to the right place, at the right time. The world expected Forlan to shine, but he has been overtaken by this 23 year-old as Uruguay’s fan favorite. Clubs all over Europe are now going to be after his services due to such a good performance in this World Cup. Uruguay still is alive in this tournament and I look forward to seeing him play more.

6. Keisuke Honda- Japan

You read right, a Japanese footballer is on the list! Honda not only is a great car manufacturer but also the last name of Japan’s most distinguished football player. In fact, he is so good, that according to FIFA, he is one of the players that incurred the most faults. Defenders have no way to stop him and resort to faulting him. He scored two goals this World Cup, helping Japan reach the Round of 16. Unfortunately, Japan got disqualified in penalty shootouts. Honda will serve as inspiration for future players in the Asian region as they, along with South Korea, have demonstrated that their football has improved drastically.

7. Alexis Sánchez- Chile

Fast, excellent ball control, and the ability to get by defenders as if he was covered in oil, Alexis Sánchez used this World Cup to show his qualities to the football world. “The Wonder Boy” helped an imposing Chilean team to advance to the Round of 16 where they, unfortunately, were humbled by Brazil. Teams, such as Manchester United, have expressed interest in obtaining his services. His ability to create attacks will certainly be noted by European clubs hungry for his outstanding play, and if Udinese of Italy is smart, they will sell him for a large amount of Euros to the bigger clubs. One of the most exciting wingers/attacking midfielders at this cup!

8. Michel Bastos- Brazil

No list is complete without at least one Brazilian present. Bastos is not as flashy as Ronaldinho or a prolific goal scorer as Ronaldo, but when you see him play– one sees magic. He can wiggle his way past defenders and his crosses are some of the best I have seen. He never gives up and he runs the whole game, looking for opportunities to wreak havoc on the opposing team. This 26 year-old winger/left back who plays for Olympique Lyonnais in the French league truly plays from the heart and sweats his country’s jersey. Prior to the World Cup, I had never heard of him but seeing his style of play, he is the Brazilian to watch, along with Luis Fabiano. Brazil is my bet to reach the finals, with only the Netherlands as the sole serious opposition from being in the finals. Will Bastos continue his assists and keep shining?

9. Eduardo dos Reis Carvalho- Portugal

The finest goalkeeper I have seen thus far in the Cup. The 27 year-old Eduardo did not concede a single goal until Spain’s David Villa scored against Portugal. In the game against Spain, Eduardo stopped many venomous shots from Villa and Fernando Torres but it took a single goal to knock him and all Portugal from reaching quarter finals. His saves reminded me of Oliver Khan’s brilliant performances in 2002.

10. Arjen Robben- Netherlands

I have always liked the Netherlands national team, they always seem to be a clockwork orange and are like a well-lubricated machine. Though they have won all their games in this World Cup, they still have yet to show us beautiful football. Robben has only played 2 matches in this tournament, due to starting the cup with a recent injury, but he has quickly shown the quality of player he is. Despite not being 100% fit, his presence on the pitch automatically improves Holland’s game drastically. On his first match in the tournament, one of his strikes bounced off the goal post and rebounded to a fellow Dutchman, allowing an easy score. He also was responsible for scoring a great volley against Slovakia in the Round of 16, showing off his speed and powerful left kick. Robben has impressed since last World Cup. Can he do it against Brazil?