In the run up to the FIFA World Cup™, many countries unearth an exciting young gem. Think of the likes of Brazil's Pele in 1958, Enzo Scifo for Belgium in 1986, and England striker Michael Owen 12 years ago. Now, supporters of the Netherlands think they may have found a major talent of their own heading into South Africa 2010.
Eljero Elia began his career at ADO Den Haag before moving to Twente to showcase his skills. A transfer to the Bundesliga really kick-started his career. Signing for Hamburg in the summer of 2009, he made his debut for the Dutch national team within two months. Scottish fans will be all too familiar with the 23-year-old, after he scored the only goal in front of the Tartan Army in a FIFA World Cup qualifier last September.
