Onto the Next One... 17...

... today marks day 17 remaining in the 2010 season in Europe for me. Also, it kicks off one of the greatest sporting events ever, the World Cup. So as 28 Days to the Center of Sergio moves forward, considering the presence the World Cup has on all of society, todays blog will feature my favorite 17 players in this years WC.

17. Clint Dempsey, United States

- The only American to get a nod in my Favorite 17, and rightfully so. Dempsey, in my eyes, is light years ahead of the "so-called" American hero Landon Donovan.

16. Arjen Robben, Netherlands

- When healthy, he makes an argument to be one of the best in the world, like I said, only when he is healthy.

15. Giovanni Dos Santos, Mexico

- The youngster has all of the talent, just needs to translate his potential into production.

14. Taye Taiwo, Nigeria

- Big time pace for a defender, you just have to love how he attacks from the back.

13. Luis Fabiano, Brazil

- You often get caught up in the big names like Kaka, Robinho, Maicon, but Fabiano is Brazils biggest threat to put it into the back of the net at anytime.

12. Iker Casillas, Spain

- Cool, Calm, and Collective, enough said.

11. Tim Cahill, Australia

- The man is a beast for Everton and the same can be said of his influence on his home country.

10. Nemanja Vidic, Serbia

- Rock solid in the middle, one of the best defenders in the world.

9. Carlos Tevez, Argentina

- Simply put, he lives up to his reputation as being called, the "Bulldog".

8. Xavi, Spain

- Midfield magician, if Steve Nash played futbol, he would be dropping dimes in the form of Xavi.

7. Didier Drogba, Ivory Coast

- A physical specimen, injury scare almost kept him out, but he loves the big stage and his return can give the guys in the Orange and Green a legit shot at being one of the 1st African countries to make it to the Finals.

6. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal

- Dangerous, simply put, maybe one of the best athletes in the world.

5. Dani Alves, Brazil

- Him and Maicon maybe some of the best 2 fullbacks in the game, unfortunately they play the same position, but when Alves is on, no one matches his pace.

4. Phillip Lahm, Germany

- Lahm can do it all, defend, score, anything, he will take it the length and put it in before you blink your eye, just look at last years Euro Championships.

3. Lionel Messi, Argentina

- When some one as cocky and arrogant as Kobe labels you the best athlete in the world, that means something.

2. Wayne Rooney, England

- The bad boy of England, Rooney is one of the most physical players and talented, if England wins, it will be on his coat tail.

1. Samuel Eto'o, Cameroon

- The most deadliest striker in the game, when he has the ball any where near the box, beware.

Remember I am not rating these guys, these are just my favorite 17 players that are active in this World Cup. 17 players that will make my final 17 days go that much faster!