10 players to watch at Rio 2016
As Christ the Redeemer looks down on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, supporters of the beautiful game will look down on the 288 players playing soccer at Rio 2016.
The Olympic Games aren't the most prestigious tournament when it comes to soccer, constrained by the limits on overage players. But it should never be forgotten that the spectacle is responsible for giving birth to the World Cup and therefore deserves a certain degree of respect.
With that in mind, here are 10 players to watch at Rio 2016:
Ali Adnan - Iraq
Ali Adnan has superb power going forward from left-back as he shoves his way through his opponents, but then has the knack of feeding the ball teasingly behind the defence. Comparisons with Gareth Bale are perhaps a bit fanciful, but the 22-year-old can help Iraq surpass expectations at Euro 2016.
Takuma Asano - Japan
Despite often playing second fiddle to Peter Utaka - brother of former Portsmouth forward John - at Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Arsene Wenger saw enough in Takuma Asano to ensure a move to north London from Japan. The 21-year-old will be watched closely by Arsenal fans, who could be impressed by their new signing's technique and pace to burn.
Julian Brandt - Germany
Julian Brandt is among the top attacking midfielders to have emerged from Germany's ever-revolving production line in recent times. At 20 years of age, he was included in Die Mannschaft's provisional, 27-man squad for Euro 2016 but ultimately missed out on the tournament. Rio 2016 will give the youngster an opportunity to translate his goal-scoring exploits at Bayer Leverkusen to the international level.
Gabriel Jesus - Brazil
Supporters wanting to better acquaint themselves with Gabriel Jesus will have an ideal chance to do just that at Rio 2016. The Brazilian forward, employed by Palmeiras, confirmed the 19-year-old is on the verge of completing a transfer, and Manchester City is reportedly closing in on his signature. But, until the teenager takes the pitch in the Premier League or wherever he ends up, he'll be trying to help Brazil win its first-ever gold medal in soccer.
Hirving Lozano - Mexico
Hirving Lozano is apparently on the radar of Manchester United, and it's easy to see why. His slaloming down the flanks is a joy to behold, and he has the audacity to strike shots when others wouldn't, regularly catching the 'keeper off guard. With Jesus Corona, who unfortunately doesn't travel for the tournament, Mexico has legitimate hopes of a successful future.
Romell Quioto - Honduras
Central American football produces no shortage of flamboyant forwards, and Romell Quioto is undoubtedly a flamboyant forward. On the pitch, he can score golazos that will be uploaded to YouTube in next to no time. Off the pitch, he is married to Katelin Almendarez, the daughter of a politician.
Giovanni Simeone - Argentina
Giovanni Simeone, the eldest son of Diego Simeone, is off to a promising start as he looks to replicate his father's international career. He was the top scorer at last year's Sudamericano Sub-20 by a stretch, scoring nine goals when no one else tallied more than five. Rio 2016 will provide the forward with another chance to fill the cleats he was born into.
Son Heung-min - South Korea
There won't be many Premier League players at Rio 2016, but Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur will be there, doing what he can to get South Korea on the podium for a second straight Olympic Games. The attacking midfielder is capable of producing superb goals, and he should have no problem carving apart opposing defences in Brazil.
Fabio Sturgeon - Portugal
The son of a Portuguese mother and an English father, Fabio Sturgeon was born in Lisbon, Portugal and will be representing his maternal half at Rio 2016. The midfielder is constantly the subject of rumours linking him to European giants, and, should his dribbling skills and powerful shot impress in Brazil, he may finally leave Os Belenenses.
Lasse Vibe - Denmark
The Brentford frontman doesn't tend to drive his laces through the ball - the great Dane has mastered the art of sliding and poking the ball with unerring accuracy, always agonisingly just out of the goalkeeper's reach. Lasse Vibe certainly isn't a glamorous player, but one that's a statistician's dream due to his ball retention and ability to consistently hit the target.