[OLYMPIC COUNTDOWN] Despite its reputation as a second-rate tournament, the Olympics have long provided a proving ground for young players as well as anopportunity for older players to take their careers to the next level. Argentina dominated the past two Olympics with Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi exploding onto the international stage in 2004 and2008 respectively, but with La Albiceleste failing to qualify this year, we are guaranteed not only a new gold-medal winner, but also for new international stars to be born. Whether playing in orderto earn a transfer to a prestigious club or to win a spot on their country’s senior team, look for these five players to arrive in London with something to prove.
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