6 Potential Breakout Stars Of The 2014 FIFA World Cup

5. Xherdan Shaqiri

In a nation not renown for its footballing talents in the past, Xherdan Shaqiri is leading a new generation of Swiss footballing talent. The 22-year-old moved from FC Basel in 2012 to European giants Bayern Munich, but has struggled to make an impact on a team saturated with attacking talent. Aggressive, skilful and with a quick turn of pace, Shaqiri posses the ability to steal the headlines this summer in Brazil should he get the chance to prove it. Much like European neighbours Belgium, Switzerland posses a huge pool of up-and-coming talent including the likes of Ricardo Rodríguez, Fabian Schär, Granit Xhaka and Shaqiri. English fans may feel be familiar with the latter, after his goal at Wembley for the national side during the previous European qualifiers saw many get a first glimpse of what he is capable of. As one of the more experienced Swiss players when it comes to international football, the former Basel player will have a big role to play if his side are to progress in the tournament. If anyone is likely however it is Shaqiri and with a host of club sides looking to add to their squads over the summer, Brazil could be just the place to show off what he has to offer.