Top 20 players, including Neymar, Messi & Ronaldo, to watch at the 2014 World Cup

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Temi: FIFA World Cup, World Cup 2014, World Cup Player Profile, Lionel Messi, Argentina, Neymar, Barcelona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Yaya Toure, Manchester City

Despite the number of casualties such as France's Ribery, Colombia's Falcao and Germany's Reus, the 2014 FIFA World Cup should still be full of shine thanks to Neymar, Ronaldo, Messi and co.

The World Cup officially hosts 736 players from the world’s 32 best footballing countries in the various zones. Talent is in abundance but what adds shine to the tournament is the hosts of superstars or rising stars that everyone wants to see.

At LiveSoccerTV, we have compiled a list of the Top 20 players to watch. Some may flop while others may exceed expectations.

Our four biggest names are listed below with links directing to their respective profiles. The profiles include the players’ biographies in brief as well as stats and highlights from their careers in general and their 2013/14 season in particular.

*Note: All images below are by Cristiano Siqueira.

1) Neymar: he will be playing on home soil and could emulate his 2013 Confederations Cup feats as the Selecao are gunning for their sixth World Cup title. Don't underestimate their #10 shirt star.

Neymar - by Cristiano Siqueira

2) Cristiano Ronaldo: he is the current titleholder of the Ballon d’Or, European Golden Boot, La Liga Pichichi and UEFA Champions League topscorer. He is poised to risk everything as he has no right to fail this summer after enjoying a fantastic season in club football.

Ronaldo, Portugal's two-time Ballon d'Or winner.

3) Lionel Messi: Does he need a World Cup to be considered the greatest of all time? No title glory for La Pulga at Barcelona this year but he could put his disappointment behind with stellar performances in Samba Land.

Messi

4) Yaya Toure: He is Africa’s finest, having won the African Footballer of the Year award three times on the trot. Although Ivory Coast are known for flopping on big occasions, Yaya Toure who powered Manchester City to the double in 2014 could defend his own cause to be regarded as one of the best ever midfielders in the world.

Yaya Toure and Drogba are Ivory Coast's power

5) Andrea Pirlo: Old but gold. The Italian midfield maestro is vintage. He could not enjoy European success with Juventus this year but he is keen to help Italy repeat their 2006 World Cup triumph on Brazilian soil, this time. Watch out for his free-kicks and precise passes.