World Cup 2014: Player profile - who is Cristian Rodriguez, the Uruguay forward?

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

Cristian Rodriguez in action for Uruguay (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 95 days to go until things kick-off, check out our latest instalment of 100 players to look out for at the competition below.

95. Cristian Rodriguez (Uruguay)

When England line up against Uruguay in Sao Paolo on 19 June, Luis Suarez will not be the only one Roy Hodgson’s men will have to be wary of. Rodriguez will be seeking redemption in this year’s finals having missed out on selection four years ago after he received a four-match ban for assaulting Gabriel Heinze during the 2010 qualifiers.

National team coach Oscar Tabarez subsequently left him out of his 23-man squad for South Africa, so the 28-year-old will have somewhat of a point to prove this time around. The Atletico Madrid winger has technical ability in abundance as well as rich experience on the international stage, earning 60 caps for his country since his debut in 2004.

This year, however, he’s struggled to gain a starting place in Diego Simone’s side and has not started in La Liga this term. He’s made a total of 20 appearances from the subs bench but will be left sweating on his place on the plane to Brazil if he continues to play a bit-part role in Madrid’s season.

Did you know? Rodriguez’s nickname ‘Cebolla’ translates as onion in English. Let’s hope he doesn’t make us cry on 19 June