World Cup 2014: Player profile - who is James Rodriguez, the Colombia attacking midfielder?

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

Colombia's James Rodriguez runs with the ball during the friendly against the Netherlands in Amsterdam in November (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 exactly 100 days to go until things kick-off, check out our first instalment of 100 players to look out for at the competition below.

100. James Rodriguez (Colombia)

At just 22, Rodriguez is regarded as one of the finest young talents in the world. His creativity and eye for the spectacular earned him a big money move to Monaco from Porto during the summer. Able to play behind the striker or on either flank, Rodriguez will provide the ammunition for Radamel Falcao, should he recover from injury, and Jackson Martinez, making Colombia a real attacking force.

Rodriguez's hero is Colombian legend Carlos Valderrama, he of the massive blonde-afro and passing prowess. Rodriguez quickly acquired the nickname of 'El Nuevo Pibe' (the new kid) in Colombia in tribute to Valderrama, who was known as 'El Pibe' (the kid).

Did you know: Rodriguez once scored directly from a corner for Club Atletico Banfield when he was 16 years old.

Watch this goal by Rodriguez against Stade Rennes last December