Five World Cup full backs that impressed in opening games

Talent scouts converge on the World Cup like locusts. Here at Coral, we’ve saved them the bother, though, as our experts run the rule over five full backs that impressed us in their opening matches at the Brazil finals.

We’ve gone one stage further by suggesting potential destinations for our rising stars too. So, who has caught our eye?

Sime Vrsaljko (Croatia)
A right-footer that admirably operated out of position at left back, Genoa defender Vrsaljko was thrust into the spotlight in the tournament curtain raiser because of injury to Danijel Pranjic.

So much Brazilian supply from a fluid supporting cast was blocked at source by this player. The 3-1 victorious scoreline sweeps this somewhat under the carpet. Chelsea could do a lot worse than vying for Vrsaljko’s signature as his willingness to play down either flank of defence would appeal to Jose Mourinho.

Daley Blind (Netherlands)
This unsung hero of the Dutch demolition of Spain gets plenty of plaudits from us. Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben were headline news, but their respective first goals were both assisted by brilliant balls from visionary Blind. He also put in a heroic stoppage time block, denying Fernando Torres a late consolation.

Son of Netherlands assistant Danny, Daley plays for Ajax now, and has been highly versatile during his time in Amsterdam with the Eredivisie champions. Might incoming Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal may have set his sights on bringing Blind junior with him to Old Trafford? Patrice Evra isn’t getting any younger, despite that contract extension.

Serge Aurier (Ivory Coast)
Every tabloid gossip column says it will only be a matter of time before Toulouse’s Aurier switches to Arsenal. He showed prospective new boss Arsene Wenger what he could do by assisting both Ivory Coast goals, as they came from behind to beat Japan.

Aurier was a willing runner up the right flank throughout, and really looks to be the perfect replacement for Bacary Sagna. It is also ironic he has emerged at international level since another old Gunner, Emmanuel Eboue, stopped getting selected.

Matteo Darmian (Italy)
Wide focus came entirely down the Azzurri right in their encounter with England. Cesare Prandelli pulled off another pragmatic tactical masterstroke, and Torino man Darmian did plenty of damage in the absence of Mattia De Sciglio and Christian Maggio. He supported Antonio Candreva in a lopsided Italy formation with alarming regularity.