The Rio Olympics is scheduled to begin shortly with some preliminary friendlies already being played out. As the clock ticks forward and we wait to see which team wins the gold, silver and bronze. Here at FTB we have compiled a list of our Top 10 Footballers to look forward to.
Remember, some big names are not in this tournament so the Olympic glory is up for the taking!
[espl_divider divider_color=”#f13e1b”]Neymar (Brazil)
Probably the highlight of this year’s Olympics, the Catalan Superstar was surely missed by Brazil during the Copa America which was held earlier this year. The nation’s painful exit during the Group stages itself will still be on the complete team’s mind, who will be looking to right the wrong as Neymar takes over.
This will be Neymar’s second participation in the Olympic games.
[espl_divider divider_color=”#f13e1b”]Rafinha (Brazil)
Rafinha is another important star in the Brazil squad at Rio Olympics 2016. The midfielder made plenty of use of the opportunities that were given to him by Barcelona and dominated the attacking midfielder position, cementing his spot in the squad. He along with Neymar Jr, will be looking to power the yellow brigade through with the quality and experience that they possess.
[espl_divider divider_color=”#f13e1b”]Gabriel Jesus (Brazil)
One of the best upcoming talents in Brazil, Gabriel Jesus started grabbing the headlines as soon as the transfer window began as many clubs wanted to secure his services right from the onset.
In the end,it was English Premier League giants Manchester City, who managed to secure his signature for a whopping £27 million. Why Pep Guardiola has paid up so much money, will hopefully be evident from the showing in the Olympics.
[espl_divider divider_color=”#f13e1b”]Gabriel Barbosa (Brazil)
Just like Jesus, Gabriel Barbosa too is one of the upcoming talents in Brazil right now. Several English clubs are in hunt to sign the player although a final decision by him and his agent has still not be taken. But the Olympics will be a showing of yet another young talent, who has been grabbing the headlines and will be essential while pushing forward for Brazil.
[espl_divider divider_color=”#f13e1b”]Sven Bender (Germany)
Another nation which will be looking to make a mark at the Olympics will be Germany, with Sven Bender being an important figure in the team’s midfield. The 27 year old Borussia Dortmund star has plenty of experience of playing in high pressure tournaments and will be using it to help his teammates come through and eventually go and claim the Gold medal in the competition.
[espl_divider divider_color=”#f13e1b”]Lars Bender (Germany)
Accompanying his brother Sven Bender in the German squad at the Rio Olympics 2016, will be Lars Bender. A holding midfielder who has been in good form for club Borussia Dortmund in the past, will be looking to prove his worth having not made the Euro 2016 squad earlier this year.
[espl_divider divider_color=”#f13e1b”]John Obi Mikel (Nigeria)
A known face to the English Premier League fans, John Obi Mikel, who lately came in the news for having changed his name, will be leading the Nigerian side at the Rio Olympics 2016. The Chelsea midfielder, with probably the most experience on the pitch in all the players playing for their nations, will look to use his influence to get the Nigerian side as far as possible in the competition.
[espl_divider divider_color=”#f13e1b”]Serge Gnabry (Germany)
The Arsenal man, who has been fairly consistent in his performances for the Gunners all throughout last season, will be looking to clear all doubts as he joins his national team Germany at the Rio Olympics. The speedy and swift winger is expected to start for his country and a lot is expected from the youngster from creating chances to scoring goals.
[espl_divider divider_color=”#f13e1b”]Son Heung-Min (South Korea)
Another English Premier League player and South Korean international moved to Tottenham Hotspur last season from Bayer Leverkusen. Son was instrumental for Spurs as they finished third in the league. Now he will want to translate the same form for his national side and bring back a medal in the quest of the nation to try and compete in the table for most number of medals in the complete tournament.
[espl_divider divider_color=”#f13e1b”]Takuma Asano (Japan)
This young Japanese sensation joined English Premier League giants Arsenal this summer. Manager Arsene Wenger was impressed by his performance in the J-League and that is why bought him during the transfer window. Asano will be a key figure for Japan at the Olympics and will closely be watched by the millions of Gunners who will want to analyse whether the Japanese has any chance of being able to solve the striker problems, that have haunted the club in the past.