World Cup 2014: Player profile - Hector Herrera, the Mexico midfielder

Counting down the 100 players to look out for in Brazil this summer

Hector Herrera of Mexico (GETTY IMAGES)

The World Cup in Brazil is coming into view and everyone is hoping this summer's carnival can take its place among some of the great tournaments of the past, but who will be the star of the show?

With 67 days to go until things kick-off, check out our latest instalment of 100 players to look out for at the competition below.

67. Hector Herrera (Mexico)

Herrera hit the headlines last year when his transfer to Porto became the first big-money deal negotiated by Tony Blair’s football agent son Nicky. But there’s far more to this rangy midfielder than friends in high places. A combative, box-to-box midfielder, Herrera is equally adept at breaking up opposition moves as he is at launching attacks with his incisive range of passing. He had a breakout year in 2012, helping Mexico win the under-21 Toulon Tournament, where he was named ‘Best Player’, and then cementing his reputation with a series of excellent performances in the Olympic tournament. Herrera has struggled a little in his first season at Porto, but he is a reliable performer in the national shirt, and has the range of skills to make a real impact at this World Cup.

Did you know? Herrera is nicknamed ‘El Zorrillo’, or ‘The Skunk’.