Player of The Tournament
The player of the tournament is very likely to have progressed from the group stage and will probably reach at least the semi final, for two reasons. The first is the more games someone plays, the more chance they will have to impress. The second reason is the more successful teams (those that reach the semi final) are likely to have reached that stage because their players have played very well.
Once you have identified the teams that are likely to reach the semi finals you can start to shortlist the players who are most likely to win player of the tournament from that team.
When trying to identify the key players it is important to remember the following about each position:
Goalkeepers
A good goalkeeper behind a good defence is probably not going to see the ball enough to make enough of an impression to win player of the tournament. A good goalkeeper behind a poor defence is probably not going to reach far enough in the tournament to have enough chances to impress. It is not impossible for goalkeepers to win player of the tournament but circumstances do make it a bit harder for them. Oliver Kahn won player of the tournament in 2002.
Defenders
Defenders hard work often goes quite unnoticed. For a defender to win player of the tournament he either has to have a very exceptional World Cup or many of the top midfielders and strikers have to fail to perform.
Midfielders
Midfielders are in the best position to impress, they will often be involved in play all over the field. Attacking midfielders have an advantage as people are more likely to remember good attacking moves.
Strikers
Strikers have a decent record of winning the player of the tournament at the World Cup although it should pay to ignore those strikers that are simply finishers and offer little else in all round play.
Best Bet For World Cup 2010
The Player Of The Tournament at World Cup 2010 won't have to play in every game (by reaching the final) to stake their claim but they will probably have to reach the quarter final with their team as it is hard to shine to the extent needed in such a poor team (i.e. a team that is knockout out at the group stage.
The following teams are likely to contest the quarter finals:
Brazil Spain
England Argentina
USA Holland
Paraguay South Africa
Not all of those sides are filled with 'stars' and the Player Of The Tournament normally goes to a recognised talent so the teams to concentrate on are definitely Brazil, Spain, England and Argentina.
Brazil
Brazil have several players capable of winning this award, the most likely has to be Kaka. He may not have been at his best for Real Madrid over the past year but he is quality for Brazil and has the maturity and experience to match his skill and pace.
Spain
Spain probably have the most contenders in their side, David Villa and Fernando Torres are decent contenders but Spain's best chance comes from their midfield. Xavi and Iniesta are two of the best passers in the game at the moment and although Xavi came out on top at Euro 2008 winning player of the tournament, it is probably worth backing both at fair odds.
England
Wayne Rooney will take all the headlines for England and although the likes of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard would like to think they are in with a chance of winning, they are probably not. If Wayne Rooney's goals get England to the final then he would be a probable winner and he looks a pretty decent bet with England having a decent route to the semi final after the draw.
Argentina
One name to consider here.... Lionel Messi. He and Ronaldo are miles clear of the rest and Messi actually plays for a team that will qualify from their group! They are not fulfilling their full potential under coach Diego Maradona though and that could be the biggest problem for Messi. Whoever you back it is worth having a saver on Messi though as he is simply brilliant and is bound to be the centre of attention.
