This was the opinion of 17 Barclays Premier League  managers, who are tipping the Manchester United and England striker, Wayne Rooney to be one of the top performers at the World cup.

A survey by Premier League sponsors Barclays of managers ahead of the World Cup shows that most believe that if England are to have any success in South Africa, then the fitness and form of Wayne Rooney is essential.  According to the survey, in which 17 out of the 20 Premier League managers took part in 59 per cent believe Rooney will also be amongst the top three stand-out players in this year's tournament.

But while the striker is central to England's plans, 82 per cent of managers believe that the tournament's outstanding performer is likely to be the diminutive Argentine, Lionel Messi. And while the Barcelona star and the United striker will be pivotal spheres of influence for their countries - and despite the superb squad that Spain has assembled - most managers feel that Brazil will walk away with a sixth World Cup title.

There are however other possible accolades for Premier League players. The Liverpool hitman Fernando Torres, who showed that he has recovered from his knee injury after scoring for Spain in their rout of Poland on Tuesday, is seen as the player most likely to bring home the Golden Boot from South Africa with 47 per cent of the vote, ahead of Rooney (41) and Manchester City and Argentina striker Carlos Tevez (12).

53 per cent of Barclays Premier League bosses think Brazil will claim an unprecedented sixth World Cup ahead of European Champions Spain (24), with 12 believing Diego Maradona's talented Argentina side are the dark-horses to watch out fo

When asked who they thought might prove to be the tournament's surprise package, 41 per cent said 1998 champions France, while a further 18 per cent predicted Sven Goran Eriksson's Ivory Coast to progress from the so-called 'Group of Death', and enjoy a successful tournament on their home continent.

South America still produces the world's best footballers however with 71% of  players from that continent. That said, 29 per cent believe that Africa will be the continent that produces the stars of the future over the coming decade.

Well, if you ask me? I believe Rooney and a host of other Premier League strikers may not live up to desired expectation. Most of these players are physically burned out from playing too many games, and the high altitude in South Africa would be a major factor as well.

I just hope everyone can enjoy exciting games and the "big time players" produce sparkling performances.

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