The likes of Ronaldo, Robinho, David Silva, Carlos Tevez and Fernando Torres have graced the Premier League in recent years and that has turned the English game into the best in the world. Here is a list of players in Europe that are targets for Premier League clubs and could be seen here in the near future. Who would you like at your club?

Click on Ricardo Montolivo to unveil the top 10

Here are 5 South American players who impressed immensely in this years World Cup finals, more importantly, 5 players who could potentially make the grade in the best league in the world this season:

Alexis Sanchez (Chile)

Undeniably Alexis Sanchez was Chile’s danger man and focal point in South Africa this summer and showed the whole world why he is such a promising prospect for the future of football. The 21-year-old dazzled many with his blistering pace, dribbling skills, attacking prowess and bags of trickery, and was by far Chile’s best player in South Africa this summer. Alexis Sanchez started all 4 games for his country and although he never bagged a goal in the tournament, the forward certainly helped Chile progress as far as they did in the tournament. The Chilean currently plays his club football in Italy for Serie A side Udinese, but has already attracted interest from Premier League titans Manchester United. The Udinese speed merchant can play in several positions including on the wing, upfront and as a second striker. Although the versatile forward only stands at 5’ 7’’, Sanchez is physically equipped to tackle the English game. He would be a great addition to the Premier League, but will cost any team interested a reported £20 million this summer due to his performances in the World Cup.

Antolin Alcaraz (Paraguay)

The Paraguayan international certainly put himself on the map this summer and showed many football fans what he is capable of. The 27-year-old centre-back possesses great strength, pace, positional sense, and standing at 6’ 2’’ also acquires good aerial ability. Having watched the defender this summer, he is also a very tidy and composed footballer, very good to see in a defender these days. Alcaraz did sign a pre-contract agreement deal with Wigan Athletic before the World Cup started. However, the Paraguayan may pull the plug on the deal in hope of signing for a bigger club this summer following promising performances in South Africa. Alcaraz was easily one of Paraguay’s most consistent performers and played 4 out of the 5 matches in the tournament where he bagged a goal as well. Alcaraz has the correct attributes and stature to play in the Premier League this season.

Carlos Salcido (Mexico)

Other than Portugal’s Fabio Coentrao, Carlos Salcido was arguably one of the best full-backs in the tournament this summer. The 30-year-old Mexican international was absolutely solid throughout Mexico’s time in South Africa and was one of the side’s better performers. Salcido possesses superb pace which he utilizes to bomb up and down the left flank as well as good positional sense and strength. The Mexican currently plays his club football in Holland for PSV and has been since 2006. Chelsea have been reportedly linked with the Mexican in the past and may rekindle their interest in the player after seeing him in the World Cup this summer. Salcido would fit the Premier League brilliantly as the player attains the right attributes, and could potentially leave PSV for approximately £7-10 million this summer.

Click here to see the other three players on the list

10. Vuvuzelas

It is apart of the culture in African football but they are very annoying to hear throughout 90 minutes. To be fair it has died down a bit since the departure of the host nation but still manage to make an appearance in the remaining games. It’s disappointing only for the fact we don’t hear no football chants and crowd reactions towards certain decisions.

9. The Jabulani Ball

The Jabulani ball has taken some criticism since the tournament began over 2 weeks ago and by the evidence we have seen it deserved it. Many players who have played with the ball in South Africa have struggled to adapt with the new Adidas ball, claiming that it is to round…what do you want guys, a ball shaped like a square or something? It seems a bit of an excuse to me, however, having watched all the games in South Africa so far, it’s clear to see that it is very different from previous tournament balls. Players have misjudged the flight and bounce, as well as failing to really hit it properly (exclude Carlos Tevez of course). For those reasons stated above, it does make for disappointing viewing at times.

8. Fernando Torres – Not performing like he is capable of

The Spanish striker does not look like he is in the grove this summer as he has been in previous tournaments, and so far in this World Cup, Torres has not been able to find the back of the net. The Liverpool hitman does not look the same player prior to the competition beginning, and its visible to see that he is either unfit or has other things on his mind. Many (including me) thought that Torres would be amongst the other elite strikers in the world battling for the illustrious golden boot. Unfortunately this is not the case this year. Generally, Torres has been poor in South Africa, and for those who placed a bet on the 26-year-old to be top goal scorer of the tournament, well it looks like you guys have lost your money.

7. France – So much Talent, yet no cohesion

The French have got to be the biggest joke in world football today. So much talented stars like Franck Ribery, Yoann Gourcuff, Patrice Evra and Thierry Henry yet they failed in what was one of their worst World Cup campaigns for a number of years. Raymond Domenech was useless as ever as the French manager, and trouble within the camp prior to the tournament and during it certainly didn’t help the cause either. A number of problems caused the Les Bleus to underachieve and evidently failed miserably in their attempt to qualify to the next round. It’s disappointing because we expected better performances from some of the players the football world has to offer, but instead everybody was sucked into the mayhem off the pitch. The FFF has a big crisis on their hands.

6. Didier Drogba – Not seen as much as we expected

The Chelsea hitman had a great season for the West London club and was tipped to be amongst the contenders for the golden boot. Unfortunately, during a friendly game against Japan a week before the commencement of the World Cup, the Ivory Coast striker broke his arm. Drogba struggled and many thought he was out of the tournament. However, the 32-year-old recovered in time and managed to appear in all of the Ivory Coast matches. He only scored one goal against Brazil but this was only a consolation. Africa’s star man was not 100% fit and because of this, he was unable to replicate what he did last season in this years World Cup. A big disappointment for the continent of Africa in whole.

Check out the top 5 on page 2, click here

1. Goal keepers are getting crazier

Rob Green had his moment; the following day Algeria keeper Faouzi Chaouchi had his. And then on Monday, Paraguay goalie Justo Villar, miscued to cost his team a couple of points against defending World Champs, Italy. Once is a fluke, twice is a coincidence, but three times means we’re getting into a habit.

2. Players appear to be getting stupider

Uruguay saw substitute Nicolas Lodeiro being sent off for two bookable offences (well, the second challenge was worthy of a red card on its own) against France. Then Algeria, again, get in on the act with an even more inexplicable red card as Abdelkader Ghezzal handled the ball needlessly. Serbia’s Zdravko Kuzmanovic continued the pointless handball motif and on Monday I was certain Nigel de Jong would be sent off for similar stupidity. But, somehow, his two-footer went unpunished and he only received a booking later on in the match. Instead it was the nature of Holland’s opening goal that left me wondering just what is going on at the moment at this World Cup.

3. Vuvuzelas get their first questioning in a match

Robin Van Persie claimed he couldn’t hear the whistle when he was offside and finished cutely past Denmark’s goalkeeper. The Arsenal man didn’t look best pleased when signalling about the noise of the plastic horns. But then again it could just be an excuse because he ignored the whistle.

4. The Dutch need width on the left

It was obvious for everyone to see that Holland played far too narrowly. But what’s unclear is whether it was due to the coach’s instructions or Van der Vaart’s stubbornness to impinge on Sneijder’s territory. Whilst in possession Holland’s central tendency congested the forward line; Van der Vaart was the main culprit as he moved central leaving Sneijder with less space to operate and Van Persie was subsequently starved of service and forced to pull wide left more often to compensate (ironically it was his drifting left that led to the opening goal). Elijero Elia provided some natural width and may have a case to start should Robben not be fit enough for their second match. I would have thought Van der Vaart coming off the right, tucking centrally, allowing van der Wiel to overlap would be far more fruitful than leaving the veteran captain, Van Bronckhorst’s flank without midfield cover.

5. Italy lack creativity

There is a blatant lack of pace running through the team but more worrying than that is last night’s inability to create. Though they waltzed through qualification and were drawn in a largely simple group they remain outsiders to retain their crown. I was surprised not to see Di Natale starting and equally shocked to see the defence playing a high line. But the forwards really do fail to inspire any Italian fan, let alone neutrals. Pirlo’s injury has caused some problems for the deep sitting playmaker’s role but what Italy are lacking more than that is a position they have, historically, provided so well; the classic number 10. Being without Totti for the first time since 1998 means there is no inspirational creative figure in the team. The trequartista position is key in creating for Gilardino’s intelligent movement. We’ll see what Lippi has in store for their next match considering how much better they played in a 4-4-2.

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The favourites
The underachievers
Fallen giants
Surprise Nations

The so called “Favourites”

Brazil- It’s rare to enter a WC without Brazil being amongst the group of favourites, and this is no different. After their poor showing in Germany 06 this Brazil team under guidance of coach Dunga will see anything but lifting the Jules Rimet trophy as a failure. Starting from the top down you can justify their place in this group. They have arguably the best goalkeeper in the world in Julio Ceaser. A defense spearheaded by the no nonsense Lúcio, with their usual gut busting full backs in the form of Douglas Maicon and Michel Bastos. A midfield where Kaka is given freedom to roam and Gilberto Silva he task of protecting the back 4. An attack where the likes of Robhino or Luis Fabiano can cut through a defense without hesitation. The only doubt cast over this squad was the decision by Dunga to leave Pato, Ronaldinho, and Adriano behind.

Strengths: Goals from every area of the field bar the goalkeeper.

Weaknesses: Weaknesses at the back with attack minded defenders.

Spain- Labelled a perennial under achiever, Spain head to South Africa playing the best football in the nation’s history. They won Euro 2008 in an almost effortless fashion and although the WC will pose a tougher test, you wouldn’t put it past them to go all the way. They went on a 35 game unbeaten streak. They eased through qualifying. They have one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Iker Casillas. They have possibly the best front 2 heading into this tournament in Fernando Torres and David Villa. And are spoilt for choice in midfield with names, like Xavi, Inniesta, Fabregas, Senna, Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets just to name a few. So what’s stopping them from going all the way? Nobody but themselves.

Strengths: Clinical forwards, and an army of talented midfielders.

Weaknesses: Consistency. They have never maintained consistency throughout a WC.

Argentina- So far Diego Maradona’s spell as Argentina’s coach can only be described as eventful. Saying that they scraped qualifying by the skin of their teeth would be exaggerating, but they did cut it fine. Despite not beating Brazil in their 2 games and getting hammered 6-1 by Bolivia, they still head to South Africa with one of the best squads. Maradona has mixed and matched youth and experience. With players like Juan Seba Veron with bags of experience, and the likes of 22 year old current world player of the year Lionel Messi. By looking at this squad you can already see where they’re strongest. They have an abundance of fire power. With the likes of Messi, Tevez, Higuain, Aguero, and Diego Milito, once can’t help expect a bagful of goals from this team. Their only weakness here is Maradona’s indecisiveness. He’s so far used 78 players during his spell as coach and is not any closer to knowing his best XI.

Strengths: An embarrassment of riches up front

Weaknesses: Left out 2 big names in Cambiaso and Zanetti. Still doesn’t know best XI

Click here to see the underachievers

The following eleven players are all likely to be the subject of transfer speculation before, during and after this summer’s showpiece.

Hugo Lloris – GK – France

Having established himself as France’s undisputed number one, the Lyon man is one custodian likely to receive a lot of attention this summer. Recently named Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year for the second year running, Lloris’ fine displays against English opposition in the Champions League over the past two seasons have garnered much attention from UK-based suitors.

The former Nice goalkeeper rejected a move to AC Milan two summers ago in favourite of Lyon, but with Manchester United looking to secure a long-term replacement for Edwin van der Sar and Arsene Wenger looking for a top-class goalkeeper to replace the inconsistent Manuel Almunia, it will be no surprise if Lloris departs Les Gones this summer.

Aleksandar Kolarov – LB – Serbia

Serbia have been tipped as dark horses for this summer’s World Cup, and it is unsurprising when considering consider the wealth of talent they possess in their ranks. Aside from experienced, established campaigners such as Nemanja Vidić and Dejan Stanković, coach Radomir Antić has at his disposal a clutch of fine young players. Lazio defender Kolarov is one such player, and the Lazio defender is expected to make a big impact in South Africa next month.

Nicknamed the ‘Serbian Roberto Carlos’ due to his long-range and set piece shooting abilities, Kolarov is an attacking defender in the mould of traditional Brazilian full-backs. Jose Mourinho is said to be a huge fan of the 24-year-old, with rumours suggesting that the player was close to a move to the San Siro during the last transfer window. With Mourinho all but confirmed as Real Madrid coach, it is now thought that Kolarov may be on his way to the Bernabeu.

The Serbian international has expressed doubts over his future at Lazio, having told La Repubblica that, “Everyone knows that I want to join a team with ambition, but I do not know what my future holds and whether I will leave in the summer.”

Gregory Van Der Wiel – RB – Netherlands

Yet another product of the esteemed Ajax Academy, van der Wiel’s excellent performances for his side saw him receive international recognition within his second season of first-team football. Now fully established within the Netherlands fold, the 22-year-old’s superb foraging displays at right-back lead to the Ajax man receiving the prestigious Johan Cruijff award for Young Player of the Year for the 2009/10 season.

Unsurprisingly, van der Wiel has been linked with a switch to the Premier League, with Eastlands and Emirates thought to be the most likely future destinations for the Dutchman. A quick, mobile, attacking right-back, van der Wiel is thought to be the ideal replacement for Bacary Sagna should the Frenchman decide to leave the Emirates this summer.

Simon Kjaer – CB – Denmark

One of the most coveted defenders in football today, Kjaer’s displays for Palermo over the last two seasons have drawn admiring glances from all over Europe. Compared to England captain Rio Ferdinand, Kjaer’s assured performances in the pink of Palermo have shown that the Dane has the potential to become a truly world-class centre-back.

Resigned to losing the Danish international’s services, Palermo have indicated that Kjaer can be prised away for the release clause fee of €12 million. Having come close to joining Tottenham in the January transfer window (this deal was alleged to have collapsed on the basis of Kjaer’s wage demands), Manchester United, Arsenal and Juventus are all thought to have exhibited interest in signing the Dane. However, it appears that the 21-year-old has his heart set on a move to Anfield, having said that, “England and the physical playing style would probably suit me better. In case the right offers come, it would be exciting to form a partnership with Daniel Agger at Liverpool.”

Nicolás Otamendi – CB – Argentina

Diego Maradona may have made a lot of questionable choices so far during his time as coach of La Albiceleste, but his decision to call up Nicolás Otamendi has been one of his more sensible ones. The 22-year-old Velez Sarsfield defender has completed a meteoric rise from unknown youth defender to established international within just two years, drawing comparisons to Argentine greats Roberto Ayala and Daniel Passarella along the way.

The left-footed centre-back, who can also play on the left side of defence, is reported to have drawn interest from a host of European clubs. Otamendi himself has expressed a desire to try his hand abroad, telling Calciomercato.com that “It’s a dream that Milan are interested in me. If I had the chance to play with the great players there, then it would be a great joy for me. I like the Italian league, but also the Spanish and English ones.”

Click here to see the midfielders looking to use the World Cup as a shop window this summer…

Brazil will head into the tournament in South Africa next summer as one of the favourites, as a team of skilful players is led by one of the world’s greatest footballers, Real Madrid’s Kaka. Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano was their top scorer with 9 goals, and most of their players either play in Spain’s La Liga or Italy’s Serie A. Chile, who feature a lot of footballers that play in South America, won 10 of their matches and were helped by top scorer Humberto Suazo. Paraguay also won 10 of their matches and one of their players to look out for is Manchester City’s Roque Santa Cruz. Argentina only qualified after a 1-0 win in their final match in Uruguay. Despite an abundance of talent, most notably Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, they were far from impressive but will still be a major threat next summer led by legend Diego Maradona.

Uruguay were the 32nd nation to secure their place in South Africa after a nervy 2-1 aggregate playoff win against Costa Rica. Costa Rica finished 4th in CONCACAF section of the FIFA 2010 World Cup qualifying, which features teams from North and Central America and the Caribbean. In the 4th and final round of qualifying, 6 nations were battling it out for 3 automatic 2010 World Cup spots. USA finished top of the group, thanks to 6 goals from their top scorer and Hull City striker Jozy Altidore. The other spots were claimed by Mexico who are captained by Barcelona’s Rafael Marquez, and Honduras who last qualified for a FIFA World Cup back in 1982.