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Thor-Christian Carlsen, ESPN
It’s only been two months since the new domestic season began, but for the second international season, everything has come to an abrupt halt once again.
Stars have flown around the world for UEFA Nations League matches, South American and Asian World Cup qualifiers and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
As a new international cycle begins, coaches are looking to reward their best players with their first call-up. Here we take a look at some of the players to keep an eye on as they make the senior squad for the first time.
Igor Jesus (23), center forward, Botafogo (Brazil)
The only unknown in coach Dorival Júnior’s squad, Igor Junior has flown somewhat under the radar, having spent the last four seasons playing for Shabab Al Ahli in the United Arab Emirates. But in June the stocky centre-forward returned to his home country with Botafogo. Since then Igor Junior has scored five goals and although he may not be the long-term solution to Brazil’s dire predicament, he brings an interesting mix of passion and effort, busy movement and finishing skills.
In addition to his traditional centre-forward skills (decent link-up game, impressive physique and reliable aerial game), he also has enough pace to make him difficult to deal with in transition.
He started in Brazil’s World Cup qualifying win in Chile on Thursday and scored the equalizer in first-half stoppage time on his debut.
Nico Paz (20) Attacking midfielder Como (Argentina)
After struggling to secure a first-team place at Real Madrid, Paz signed for Serie A side Como in the summer for €6 million. Although ostensibly more about potential than immediate impact, Paz wasted no time in gaining attention in Italy. The 20-year-old, who was considered Como’s man of the match in last Friday’s 3-1 loss to Napoli, was one of the best performers in Cesc Fabregas’ XI.
His sparkling creativity, combined with dazzling technique, outstanding dribbling ability and a powerful left-foot shot, has seen him score six goalscoring action in as many games.
Nico, who was born in Tenerife to Pablo Paz, who earned 14 caps for Argentina, could also have been selected for the Spanish national team. However, with his first cap now imminent, he has chosen the South American team to boost his chances of international representation. He is best remembered for Real Madrid’s Champions League win over Napoli last season. blank Cleverly, he retained an option (about €6m paid by Como) that could have been exercised if his development continued at the same pace.
He was an unused substitute in Thursday’s 1-1 draw in Venezuela.
Malik Fofana, 19, winger, Lyon (Belgium)
Following an impressive start to the season, Fofana made the leap from the Under-21s to join the senior team for the first time in the UEFA Nations League matches against Italy and France.
Fofana, who signed for 19.5 million euros in the summer of 2023, has taken some time to showcase his talents in France, but his trends are positive. Fofana scored a second-half winner against Toulouse in September before scoring a Europa League double against Rangers earlier this month.
The 19-year-old, who had a bit of a presence mainly last season, appears to have grown more confident this campaign. He is looking increasingly active in one-on-one attacks and is increasingly relishing testing opposition goalkeepers from distance, cutting infield with his right foot from his usual left wing position.
Kwasi Poku (21), forward, RWDM (Canada)
Canada coach Jesse Marsh surprised Belgian winger and all-round forward Poku for a friendly match against Panama.
Before moving to the Belgian second division in the summer, Poku only played for Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League at senior level. But the speedy and unpredictable striker has started his new adventure in Europe well, scoring three goals in six games. Marsch justified Poku’s inclusion by pointing to its flexibility.
Jamie Lewelling (23), attacking midfielder, VfB Stuttgart (Germany)
While Julian Nagelsmann’s decision to select three unrestricted goalkeepers is the top topic of discussion for the current German national team, the Stuttgart winger’s first call-up is an interesting choice. Partially selected in the absence of the injured Jamal Musiala, Llewelling stepped forward after being an influential squad player last season while on loan at Union Berlin.
Stuttgart were satisfied enough with his performance to make the move permanent and the physically strong and speedy wideman responded with an excellent start to the new campaign. One of six Stuttgart players in the squad, Llewelling has impressed at under-21 level in Germany and his consistent ability to break lines and race towards defenders has earned him praise as well as being a constant attacking threat. His defensive work.
Caleb Ocoli (23, center back, Leicester City (Italy))
In an effort to reshape a squad that failed to impress at the Euros, Luciano Spalletti has introduced five new names for the squad against Israel and Belgium. Among them is the promising Leicester centre-back, who has featured in five of seven Premier League games since his move from Atalanta (he was loaned out to Frosinone last season).
At this point in his development, Okoli stands out for being a very solid defender. He excels in the air and combines great speed, superb physicality and keen concentration to make him a difficult player to beat in one-on-one defense or sprint duels. Stunning at the back is still an area for improvement, but his ability to play anywhere in a back three or a two-man central partnership makes him tactically flexible.
He was an unused substitute against Belgium on Thursday.
Nicolo Picilli (20), central midfielder, AS Roma (Italy)
Another surprising inclusion from Spalletti, Pisilli had only made three Serie A appearances for Roma before his first senior call-up, with the national team coach reportedly bringing him in to see how he fits into the group and how he fits into the group. said. You can go one step further.
Piccili, who has scored many goals for Roma’s youth teams, was picked up by Daniele De Rossi earlier this season and his successor Ivan Juric has kept faith in the youngster.
Tactically, the 20-year-old looks like an ideal number eight, adept at getting into the box and his ability to read the game allows him to easily choose smart positions between the opposition lines. Picilli, a member of the Italian team that won European U19 champions last year, is dynamic and has a reliable first touch, positive passing ability and is always looking for attacking options when on the ball.
He made his debut coming off the bench in the 80th minute of Thursday’s 2-2 draw with Belgium.
Obed Vargas (19), central midfielder, Seattle Sounders FC (Mexico)
One of the most promising MLS midfielders over the past few seasons, the Seattle Sounders star recently moved to Mexico despite being born in Alaska and playing for the U.S. U-20 and U-23 national teams.
With Vargas hoping to pull on the green shirt for the first time at senior level, Mexico will add a neat, smart midfielder who can fill both a holding role and a number eight role. The teenager, who turned 19 in August, stands out. He is a player with excellent tactical sense, a diverse range of passes, and growing leadership abilities. Despite his age, watching Vargas play ahead of his 70th MLS game, one could be forgiven for thinking he is well into his 20s. His dynamic and understated attacking style allows him to zealously beat opponents (60% tackle success rate) while also providing impressive defensive capabilities.
Renato Veiga (21), defensive midfielder/left back/center back, Chelsea (Portugal)
One of the most under-the-radar signings in Chelsea’s transfer bonanza, Veiga joined the west London club from FC Basel for €14 million last July.
With Enzo Maresca competing for a place amidst a wealth of options, the Portuguese has done more than he could have imagined since his arrival. Moreover, he has been quietly impressive at left-back, playing three full games in the Europa League (including a goal against Servette) and playing in his preferred defensive midfield position against Bournemouth in the Premier League.
There is no doubt that his flexibility makes him a highly prized asset to any coach. Just as his composure on the ball and tactical discipline make him a dependable player.
Joaquin La Vega (19), striker, River Plate Montevideo (Uruguay)
Earlier this year, Marcelo Bielsa surprised the Uruguayan public by calling up 24-year-old Walter Dominguez from amateur football to the senior national team. (He even played 12 minutes in a friendly against Costa Rica.) This time he was selected. Another shock was caused by the designation of 7 players with no cap.
One of them is talented River Plate Montevideo striker La Vega. The 19-year-old scored 10 league goals at club level in his breakthrough season and it is no surprise that Bielsa enjoys his energetic and hard-working style of play.
Despite being an all-rounder, La Vega prefers to initiate his moves from a wide left position in order to create a sharp link between the opposition left-back and (left) centre-back. Possessing tremendous speed and the Uruguayan’s trademark strength, determination and unpredictable movements (thanks to his low center of gravity), the forward is also an aggressive pressing player.
