5 Players To Keep An Eye On At Confederations Cup 2009

I don't know about you, but I'm excited about this year's Confederations Cup. I look at it in theatre terms. It is like the final dress rehearsal before the real thing. You've learnt your lines, got your costumes ready and are set for centre stage. This is the chance for you to go out into the spotlight and show the world everything you've been working on and preparing, but with the safety net of being able to make the odd mistake.

The Confederations Cup is the last big chance to iron out those creases ahead of the real deal - the World Cup. This is true not just for the participating teams but also the competition's organisers. In Frankfurt during the 2005 Confederations Cup final the organisers discovered for the first time that the retractable roof had holes in it. The ensuing water leakages caused some embarrassment, but it was the dress rehearsal and so the problem was sorted.

The key to this year's Confederations Cup is in the blend. Sure you've got your big name superstars, your Buffons, your Xavis and your Kakas. But alongside these polished nuggets of gold lie the unearthed gems, with names and reputations lesser known to your average fan. Here is our pick of the talent on offer - the 5 players to keep an eye on:

1) Mohamed Aboutreika (Egypt)

Egypt's Mohamed Aboutreika is less an unearthed gem rather a player who has ducked the limelight in Europe by way of his own decision to remain in his homeland playing for African giants Al-Ahly. There the playmaker has been one of African football's brightest stars, as he was in the 2008 African Cup of Nations, helping the club to three African Champions League titles as well as a string of domestic honours. You can learn more about Aboutreika here.

2) Teko Modise (South Africa)

Capped over 30 times for his country, Teko Modise is a creative attacking midfielder currently plying his trade in South Africa for Orlando Pirates. There he has proved himself to be one of the country's best players thanks to his flair, passing ability and that welcome knack of being able to create something from nothing.

The Soweto-born midfielder has twice been named the PSL Footballer of the Year in South Africa and Modise's talents appear to have alerted clubs around Europe and in the Premier League. A move to Greece fell through in 2008, but Wigan and Aston Villa are amongst the clubs rumoured to be circling the Bafana Bafana star.

3) Fabio Quagliarella (Italy)

After bagging 13 goals at Udinese in 2008/2009, Fabio Quagliarella has secured a move to Naples this summer, signing a five year deal with Roberto Donadoni's Napoli. This represents a dream move for Quagliarella as he gets to play for his hometown club and the team he supported as a boy. Quagliarella is one of those players who has always been regarded as having immense potential. One for the future as they say. But the Italian ace is now 26 and the move to Napoli comes at a very important stage in his career.

Over the last 3 years, at both Sampdoria and Udinese, Quagliarella has proven himself to be a highly capable striker in Serie A, boasting a strike rate of around 1 in 3. But although Donadoni called him up to the Italy squad for EURO 2008, Quagliarella is still to really establish himself at international level. Now is the time for Quagliarella to fully realise the immense potential he showed as a youngster.

4) Jozy Altidore (USA)

Jozy Altidore is the next big thing in American football. In fact you might argue that is inaccurate; he is already the current big thing. Already the most expensive player in MLS history after Villarreal bought him in 2008 for roughly $10 million (USD), Altidore is the poster boy for the new generation of soccer stars in America. Hey, when Fugees rapper Wyclef Jean goes round wearing an Altidore #17 shirt you know the kid is going places.

A vibrant striker blessed with swagger, raw pace and skill, at just 19 years of age Altidore is already being thought of as one of the finest prospects to ever come out of the MLS. Altidore's three goals against Trinidad and Tobago back in April's World Cup qualifier highlighted his potential perfectly, making him the youngest American to ever score a hat-trick at international level. He is certainly one to watch.

5) Nilmar (Brazil)

They are calling him Nilmaradona in Brazilian circles right now. That demonstrates the level of ability shown by Brazil striker Nilmar since his move back to Internacional, the club at which this skilful striker began his career. A move to Olympique Lyonnais never quite worked out, but since returning to Brazil Nilmar has gone on to demonstrate exactly why big clubs in Europe were so interested in him in the first place, with a run of form so good it compelled Dunga to call the 24-year-old up for recent World Cup qualifiers and the Confederations Cup. This magnificent goal in particular, against Corinthians, caused a storm on Youtube and highlights all the attributes Nilmar possesses - balance, poise, superb dribbling skills and an eye for goal. After scoring the winner against Paraguay in World Cup qualifying last week, he should feature fairly regularly in South Africa.

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So what do you think? Which players are you excited about watching in South Africa over the coming days? Anyone we missed out? It should be a great tournament. A lot of people fancy Spain, but I have a sneaking suspicion for Brazil this year, though I will probably be rooting for Iraq. We'll be providing updates as the competition unfolds. Stay tuned!

If you liked this article and would like to learn about more great players, why not take a minute to check out our Good Player Guide.