Top Five Replacements For Retiring International Legends – Including Chelsea And Barcelona Stars

The 2014 World Cup saw the end of an era as Spain crashed out of the World Cup at the Group Stages. It also saw the last of England’s golden generation potentially make their final bow at the Group Stages after defeats to Italy and Uruguay. Here is a list of players retiring at the end of the World Cup.

Top Five players who are retiring from international football along with their potential replacements:

1. Xavi Hernandez

It is unlikely any international player will quite have the career of Xavi. The 34-year-old Barcelona man, who made his international debut in 2000, won three international tournament back to back as he brought his formidable partnership with Andres Iniesta into each tournament. Perhaps what is more impressive for Xavi is he didn’t even win his international until he was 28.

Who can replace him?

Atletico Madrid’s Koke appears to be the best option. The 22-year-old played a key role in Atletico’s title win last season and Spain under-21’s European Championship win last season. With his energy, creativity and drive from midfield, there is an argument to suggest he should have played a more prominent role at the World Cup given Spain’s lack of energy in midfield.

2. Andrea Pirlo

Pirlo

Pirlo’s performance against England in the opening Group Stage proved how vital to Italy he remains. So his retirement comes something as a bitter blow to the Azzuri, who are scratching their heads after exiting the World Cup at the Group Stages for the 2nd tournament in a row. Although despite being Italy’s best player, it must be take into account he will be 37 by the time the Euros kick off.

Who can replace him?

PSG’s Marco Verratti is the natural replacement for Pirlo. The 21-year-old did well in the games he played at this World Cup and he has all the attributes to be one of the best holding midfielders in the game. Whether a move away from PSG would benefit him in terms of his Italy career remains to be seen.

3. Frank Lampard

Lampard’s disallowed goal at the 2010 World Cup seems all the more disappointing now after the 35-year-old failed to net at the 2014 World Cup. The Chelsea midfielder had to accept he’ll never score at a World Cup during his career, a great shame for an excellent servant of England. He did reasonably well in his final England appearance as he put in a better performance than his rival of so many years- Steven Gerrard.

Who can replace him?

Jordan Henderson has already ousted Frank Lampard in the England team, the Liverpool midfielder played the opening two Group games as he partnered his Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard. Henderson still has a lot of work to do if he wants to be as effective as Lampard on the international stage, he certainly needs to improve his goalscoring and his ball retention could be a lot better than it is currently.

4. Gianluigi Buffon

Again like Pirlo, Gianluigi Buffon still remains so important to Italy. The Juventus keeper, who made his international debut in 1997, has been an ever-present at international tournaments since the 2002 World Cup. His presence has proved to be essential success over the years, especially when Italy won the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Who can replace him?

Salvatore Sirigu is the apparent replacement for Buffon. The 27-year-old did play the first game against England in his absence and he put in a solid display making several decent saves. With at least eight years or so in him as the number one, so he should play at least three international tournaments.

5. David Villa

David Villa

June 23rd 2014 proved to be one of David Villa’s most emotional days in football as Spain’s all-time top scorer called time on his international career. The 32-year-old, who is set to move to New York City FC, scored 59 goals in 97 appearances in Spain career that spanned nine years. It was his role at Euro 2008 from which he will be most remembered, when he finished as the tournament’s top scorer with four goals.

Who can replace him?

Despite a poor first tournament with the Spanish national team, Diego Costa should be given another at Euro 2016 given he is only 25. More appearances for the national team should see him form a relationship with the his teammates over the qualification. If Atletico’s Koke makes the side, they should form a relationship on the international stage fast.