1. Christian Atsu
In the end, the penultimate group of this summer's World Cup in Brazil proved one of the closest. Germany, USA, Portugal and Ghana all played their part in a thrilling contest, where the Portuguese were only knocked out on goal difference.
Ghana finished bottom but only because of two narrow defeats and a pulsating 2-2 draw with the Germans. One of their stars of the tournament was Chelsea youngster Christian Atsu.
Team | Dribbles Won | Tackles Won | Accurate Passes | Accurate Crosses | Apps | Mins | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Christian Atsu | Ghana | 6 | 3 | 77 | 4 | 3 | 239 |
Kwadwo Asamoah | Ghana | 4 | 2 | 119 | 6 | 3 | 270 |
André Ayew | Ghana | 3 | 4 | 64 | 0 | 3 | 261 |
Jordan Ayew | Ghana | 3 | 3 | 25 | 1 | 3 | 116 |
Asamoah Gyan | Ghana | 3 | 0 | 41 | 1 | 3 | 270 |
Mohammed Rabiu | Ghana | 2 | 3 | 78 | 0 | 3 | 225 |
During the group stages, the 22-year-old won six dribbles - more than any other Ghanaian - three tackles and made four accurate crosses. In terms of passes, Atsu was also one of his side's best performers, playing 77 accurate balls.
Atsu spent last season on loan at Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem. Can the Chelsea man break into Jose Mourinho's plans?
2. Jermaine Jones
An absolute tank of a midfielder, USA's Jermaine Jones has already left his mark on this tournament - however far the Americans end up progressing.
Team | Interceptions Won | Dribbles Won | Tackles Won | Accurate Passes | Apps | Mins | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kyle Beckerman | USA | 8 | 1 | 3 | 123 | 3 | 270 |
Matt Besler | USA | 8 | 1 | 2 | 82 | 3 | 225 |
Jermaine Jones | USA | 5 | 7 | 4 | 77 | 3 | 270 |
DaMarcus Beasley | USA | 4 | 2 | 3 | 87 | 3 | 270 |
With five interceptions and four tackles won, the 32-year-old proved a solid presence for Jurgen Klinsmann's side at the back. Going forward, however, Jones was even more effective, winning seven dribbles and also contributing with 77 accurate passes (coincidentally the same number as Atsu).
What Jones will likely be most remembered for, though, was his sensational long-distance strike against Portugal. Nani had put the Portuguese ahead after five minutes but Jones hit back to make it 1-1 as the Americans eventually held out for a valuable 2-2 draw.
3. Thomas Muller
Undoubtedly the standout player in Group G, Thomas Muller is a serious candidate for this World Cup's Golden Boot.
Team | Pos | Goals | Assists | Total Shots | Accurate Passes | Apps | Mins | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thomas Müller | Germany | FW | 4 | 1 | 7 | 68 | 3 | 262 |
Level with Lionel Messi and Neymar on four goals, the Bayern Munich man has brought his most clinical form with him to Brazil, scoring his quartet of goals in just seven shots.
His hat-trick against Portugal set Germany on a relatively straightforward path towards the knockout stages, before he struck with a crisp finish to seal victory against the USA.
Muller will now battle it out with the likes of Messi, Neymar, Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie - and you wouldn't bet against the 24-year-old with any confidence.
Who impressed you from Group G?