2. Neymar
A breathtaking 43 goals in 47 appearances for Santos this year has led many pundits to herald Neymar as "Brazil's answer to Lionel Messi". The forward recently stated that he would "listen to offers" from the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea*, who are both thought to be scrambling for his signature, and understandably so given his goal-scoring exploits of late. The very fact that he has scored 43 times this year is all the more incredible when you consider that he is just 20 years old, and were it not for Messi's scintillating 12 months at the Nou Camp, he would likely have received more plaudits by now. Chelsea came agonisingly close to signing Neymar in the summer, so close in fact that his club Santos were "almost certain" he would be sold** before the move fell through. Now reports are suggesting the forward is happy to remain in Brazil until after they have hosted the World Cup in 2014. That news will alarm Chelsea who must think up an offer that the Brazilian cannot refuse if they are to lure him away. Source(s): *
The Sun, **
Sky Sports