The January transfer window is often looked at as a way for clubs to get a much needed boost going into the second half of the season.  But, in many cases players are the ones who take advantage of the “silly season” the most.  With the World Cup approaching in June, players are desperate to prove that they deserve a spot on a plane to Brazil. Much like any other season leading up to the World Cup, players are simply looking for playing time and any chance to display their skills.

Juan Mata is a textbook example of this kind of player.  The Spaniard has been on the World Cup and European Championship-winning Spain teams in 2010 and 2012, but his place on the squad heading to Brazil is in question.  Chelsea head coach Jose Mourinho has opted to sit the back-to-back Chelsea player of the year in favor of the Brazilian Oscar.  With a squad as deep as Chelsea’s, Mata knew he needed a move in order to get much-needed first team soccer.  Luckily for Mata, Manchester United decided to spend a club-record amount in order to secure the Spaniard in attempt to rescue their dreadful season.

Unfortunately, not everyone is as lucky as Mata.  Players across Europe and the world are looking for any opportunity to show they deserve a place in their country’s national team.  Here are a few players who could use a move to boost their chances at heading to Brazil come June.

Joellen Lescott

Lescott may be past his prime at 31, but he still has a legitimate shot at being named to the England roster heading to Brazil.  Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka have been the primary due in the three lion’s center of defense, but the two have been far from spectacular in an England shirt.  Manchester United’s Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have been lackluster all season, and many feel they don’t deserve to go to Brazil after the miserable season they’ve had at Old Trafford.  Lescott, though, has fallen out of favor at Manchester City and has been overlooked for head coach Manuel Pellegrini’s personal favorite Martin Demichelis, as well as young Serbian Matija Nastasic.  Any move for Lescott would be favorable as the veteran is desperate to prove he still can play at a high level.  The problem is that he would need to take a serious pay cut.  If Lescott is willing to take less money in favor of a possible England spot, he could give his career a much needed revitalization.

Eric Lamela

Tottenham spent a club-record fee to land the Argentinian, but the young winger has failed to impress at White Heart Lane.  Rumors suggest a return to Italy and the youngster could look for a temporary loan deal to improve his form. With Argentina national team coach Alejandro Sabella having a plethora of attacking options (Messi, Aguero, Tevez, Higuain, Lavezzi), he may decide to leave the out-of-form winger at home when the team travels to the World Cup.  A move back to the Seria A, temporary or permanent, could give Lamela a much needed boost in confidence and form as he looks to show Spurs and Argentinian fans alike he is worth they hype.

Alexandre Pato

Pato may be a fan favorite in FIFA video games, but the Brazilian striker has battled injuries throughout But, many pundits have criticized Pato for leaving Europe in favor of playing in a lesser league.  A return to Europe could be just what the 21-year-old needs to capture the once in a lifetime possibility of representing the World Cup’s host nation.  Despite playing in Brazil’s second division, Fluminense’s Fred still appears to be Brazil coach Felipe Scolari’s preferred striker, but if Pato can prove he is healthy and in top form he could secure a place in not only the World Cup roster, but in the starting XI.