The Other Nations
Santi Cazorla (Spain)
With the arrival of Mesut Ozil the Spanish maestro has been somewhat forgotten in North London as he hasn’t played as big a role as he did in previous seasons. In an ageing Spanish squad, Cazorla has the chance to make an impression and prove to the world that there is more to the Spanish midfield than just Barcelona and Real Madrid talent.
A bit-part role at Arsenal this season, where at times he was disappointing, the little Spaniard is likely to experience similar situations in Brazil. He will not start and he will have other players ahead of him in the pecking order, but he must be able to step-up when called upon.
This could be a crucial summer for both club and country as Cazorla looks to prove that he is still capable of performing in a side full of stars. As the Arsenal team has improved this year, Cazorla has slowly disappeared- a problem he must address in order to establish himself fully.
Thomas Vermaelen (Belgium)
Arsenal’s captain has been somewhat forgotten this season due to the emergence of a brilliant partnership between Mertsaker and Koscileny, which has led to rumours of his departure from North London. His chances have been limited but in Brazil he will get time to impress everyone.
A stellar display in South America could push him into Arsene Wenger’s first-team plans once again, while a poor tournament may be the final push out the door. Arsenal need a group of strong centre-backs but if he is after first-team football he must show his worth in Brazil, otherwise he may have to pack his bags.
This World Cup is extremely important for both Belgium, who will be looking to reach the final stages with a squad brimming with stars, and Vermaelen, who will be looking to rediscover his best form on the field.
Joel Campbell (Costa Rica)
The young striker may have his chance to establish his name on the world stage this summer, as the group draw presented his nation with the difficult task of England, Italy and Uruguay. They won’t escape the group but they could have a defining say on the progression of the superior nations in their group.
Campbell impressed on-loan at Olympiacos and will now be looking to stake his claim for a squad place at Arsenal. With the departing Nicklas Bendtner, a place is available but Arsenal will be looking into the transfer market. The World Cup could provide the final say on where the young striker is plying his trade next term.
A successful tournament could earn him a place in the Arsenal squad, while failing to make an impact is likely to result in another loan-spell, delaying his arrival onto the Arsenal first-team scene.
Park Chu-Young (South Korea)
The forgotten striker can barely be regarded as an Arsenal player but is still technically part of the North London club. Still one of the most pointless and confusing transfers ever, Park Chu-Young surely has to be on his way out this summer.
His national side will be hoping to stake a claim for a place in the knock-out stages and the striker himself will be looking to prove that he actually holds some talent and is not just the butt of jokes, as he has been throughout his Arsenal ‘career’ so far.
Korea could be a surprise package at this summer’s tournament and Park Chu-Young may surprise us all. However, it’s extremely unlikely to make a lasting impact on his future, so whatever happens expect the striker to finally be on his way out after the tournament concludes.
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Photo via Ronnie MacDonald | Follow all the latest World Cup news at @VivaFootCalcio