Every World Cup offers up a few players who previously were under the radar talents like a Gary Lineker, Toto Schillcia or James Rodrigues, their life is never the same again. Also bonafide stars like Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, Xaxi and Mbappe cement their legacy on the biggest stage of them all! I have identified a player from each country who could see this tournament elevate their career trajectory. We start with the hosts group who kick off the tournament on Sunday versus Ecuador, fake news will have you believe bribes have been placed, the result will be one nil Qatar.
GROUP A
Qatar – Abdelkarim Hassan
The left back/centre back is one of his countries most experienced players, strong in the challenge and loves striking the ball, switching the play from left to right. He posses a great goal return internationally averaging one in ten.
Next Move – At 29 he is maybe too old to make the jump to European action but if he makes waves during the tournament surely a move to a team like Wolves or leading Championship contender could be a possibility.
Who does he remind me of? – Marcos Alonso
Ecuador – Pervis Estupinan
He is the modern day archetype left back, sound defending and explosion going forward. To make a mark in this tournament he will need to offer a end product to his possession within the final third.
Next Move – Still establishing himself at Brighton after joining in the summer from Villarreal, if he performs like his ability suggests then a move like Marc Cucarella to a big Premier League side could occur next season.
Who does he remind me of? – Ashley Cole
Senegal – Pape Matar Sarr
This all action number eight has the skillset to impose himself on games when introduced, tidy on the ball and dynamic when pressing. By playing in this group he is more likely to impose himself within forward positions than defensive.
Next Move – Not given a chance yet at Tottenham, a major display in Qatar will either see Conte start utilising him or cash in during January, Spain (Atletico Madrid) or France (PSG) possible options.
Who does he remind me of? – Papa Bouba Diop
Holland – Kenneth Taylor
Stylish footballer and if he doesn’t make a impact in this tournament he will be a starting line up fixture for the next ten years in the orange Dutch shirt. Prototypical Ajax footballer, magnificent all round game.
Next Move – The Premier League beckons most likely Manchester United.
Who does he remind me of? – Kevin De Bruyne
GROUP B
England – Phil Foden
The golden boy when he won the Under 17 World Cup with England five years ago, Peps teachers pet is just primed to become his countries key man. The most natural footballer Gareth Southgate has at his disposal could come away from the group stage with a couple of goals and assists.
Next Move – Nowhere, he is at the team of his dreams, Champions League winner is what he wants.
Who does he remind me of? – Edgar Davids
Iran – Sardar Azmun
A defenders nightmare Azmun can play on the last man’s shoulder or collect the ball deep before driving forcefully with the ball. Club level form has been poor this season but internationally he is always the main goal threat for Iran.
Next Move – Having only joined Leverkusen a good tournament may see him go to Bayern or one of the leading Italian sides like AC Milan.
Who does he remind me of? – Timo Werner
USA – Haji Wright
Built like a WWE wrestler with the pace of Carl Lewis, the American will enjoy the physical battles in the group stage against English and Welsh defenders.
Next Move – Ivan Toney faces a long ban due to betting so Brentford could be a possibility.
Who does he remind me of? – Emile Heskey
Wales – Ethan Ampadu
Ampadu can play DM or centre back, that flexibility holds him back at club level but for Wales means he can start attacks from deep with his brave passing through the lines.
Next Move – Chelsea have never given him a chance, if he stays in the Premier League moving to Aston Villa makes sense.
Who does he remind me of? – Rio Ferdinand
GROUP C
Argentina – Emilano Martinez
Imposing, graceful and wise, if Argentina win the World Cup he will be the unsung hero, saving the team when needed in vital moments.
Next Move – Villa will not want him to leave but if his reputation grows due to Qatar performances then a transfer to Barcelona is possible.
Who does he remind me of? – Peter Schmeichal
Saudi Arabia – Hassan Tambakti
Agile, pacy, strong and compact when in possession his skills will be tested playing in this group against Messi, Ledownski and Jimenez. Performances rated at seven or greater will mean he has performed to a Champions League level.
Next Move – Wolves need physical defenders and he fits the bill.
Who does he remind me of? – Fabio Cannavaro
Mexico – Edson Alvarez
A beautiful mixture of defensive athleticism and killer instinct when in attack, this young Mexican will be given the job to mark Messi in the group match.
Next Move – Due to the comparable climate Spain seems likely and Barcelona need a replacement for Busquets.
Who does he remind me of? – N’golo Kante
Poland – Matty Cash
Poland do not produce footballers like Cash which is why he’s a massive wildcard for them. Fast and aggressive, Cash could be the key contributor for his adopted country.
Next Move – Within the Premier League none of the top sides would consider him but joining a perineal Champions League outfit like Inter Milan would not be a surprise.
Who does he remind me of? – Josimar
GROUP D
Tunisia – Hannibal Mejbi
Talented young footballer with the anger in the tackle like Vinnie Jones, he will either be a success in Qatar or remembered for causing a riot on the pitch.
Next Move – His parent club Manchester United will likely want to retain him for the next few years rather than cash in on him.
Who does he remind me of? – Diego Simeone
France – Aurelien Tchouameni
The complete midfielder, France may forget about Paul Pogba not being available if the Real Madrid player performs like he can. By playing for the defending World Champs he will always be a complimentary piece but that doesn’t remove the importance he provides.
Next Move – World domination
Who does he remind me of? – Patrick Vierra
Australia – Harry Souttar
Comfortable playing in a three or four man defence, he will have a lot of work to do during the group stages but more than capable to hold down his side of the bargain for his country. Strong, comfortable on the ball and devastating from corners.
Next Move – If the Premier League does not beckon a move to Celtic would not be a surprise.
Who does he remind me of? – Harry Maguire
Denmark – Andreas Skov Olsen
Attacking the byline on the outside of his fullback gives the Dane all the joy in the world, with Christian Eriksen providing the ammo this could be a fruitful tournament for him.
Next Move – Newcastle United
Who does he remind me of? – Steve Stone
GROUP E
Spain – Ferran Torres
As complete striker you will find in world football, creative in his approach to shooting at goal while unselfish in build up play around the penalty box. Too much emphasis falls on Morata so another striker stepping up could see Spain going a long way.
Next Move – Continual growth within the Barcelona starting eleven.
Who does he remind me of? – Hugo Sanchez
Costa Rica – Roan Wilson
A look at me midfielder, playing within a weak side will mean he will go rogue more often than not during games, the World Cup is about footballers making a name for their self.
Next Move – English Championship, Belgium or Holland.
Who does he remind me of? – Vinny Samways
Germany – Joshua Kimmich
The COVID vaccine rogue is already a renowned Champions League star, it’s now time the big stage sees what he can do. The football is not just his best friend but a part of him, the game seems easy when he performs.
Next Move – Leaving Bayern is not a option, enhancing his reputation is though.
Who does he remind me of? – Toni Kroos
Japan – Shuto Machino
A fantastic dribbler outside the penalty box Machino comes alive inside with unerring finishing. The only factor preventing his star rising will be service into him.
Next Move – France or Portugal would be wise destinations to sample European football for the first time.
Who does he remind me of? – Ian Wright
GROUP F
Belgium – Arthur Theate
Part of the new Belgium wave of talent, he may not start the tournament but their is no doubt he will finish it. Uncompromisingly tackler with a delightful first touch.
Next Move – Seems destined for the Premier League, Chelsea could be a viable option.
Who does he remind me of? – John Terry
Canada – Alphonso Davies
Who else could it from Canada? This World Cup is his time to become a global superstar as he has conquered the Champions League with Bayern. The prime candidate to record the fastest sprints in Qatar.
Next Move – Hard to see Bayern let him leave but if he did surely only Real Madrid or Manchester City are under consideration.
Who does he remind me of? – Theiry Henry/Roberto Carlos hybrid
Morocco – Achraf Hakimi
The Worlds best right back has the opportunity to showcase his talents and solidify his legacy. His direct battle with Davies will be pure box office and lightens up what normally would be a missable World Cup fixture.
Next Move – Not imminently but surely a move to the Premier League will occur, Newcastle could be a possible destination as they ramp up the spending towards glory.
Who does he remind me of? – Cafu
Croatia – Luka Sucic
The next Croatian superstar midfielder may find his game time limited during this tournament but will surely earn minutes off the bench during every fixture. He plays midfield like a artist and will shine when given a chance.
Next Move – Currently playing for Red Bull Salzburg surely he will go to Leipzig before either joining Bayern or the Premier League.
Who does he remind me of? – Paul Pogba
GROUP G
Brazil – Bruno Guimaraes
One of the standout players in the Premier League this season will look to continue his all action displays in Qatar. It will be difficult to maintain those levels in the heat but then rarely does he finish a game at St James Park
Next Move – Ability wise if he continues playing like he does a move to Real or PSG are in his reach but with the Newcastle project only just starting it seems more realistic that’s where his future lays.
Who does he remind me of? – Bryan Robson
Serbia – Dusan Vlahovic
His move to Juventus was supposed to sky rocket his career but that’s not occurred yet, if he receives enough of the ball during the group stage goals will flow. Not totally dependant on service the giant Serb is a one man highlight reel.
Next Move – If he doesn’t remain for the Juventus rebuild then Chelsea or Arsenal will be firmly in the hunt.
Who does he remind me of? – Alan Shearer
Switzerland – Djibril Sow
A bundle of activity Sow will always be seen during the course of a game, it’s what he does with the ball that needs to improve. Spending time with the improved Xhaka this month could rub off on him for the benefit of himself and country.
Next Move – Eintracht Frankfurt is definitely a stepping stone for Sow, his versatility and energy suits the Premier League, Palace or West Ham seem like perfect fits.
Who does he remind me of? – Kolo Toure
Cameroon – Andre Onana
In this group Onana will face a great deal of shots on goal, his presence will be needed to calm the flow of game scripts. Already in warm up matches he has shown a growing rapport with Mbuemo with quick break kicks, he needs to continue the on point delivery along with the commanding of his box.
Next Move – Recently he won back the goalkeeper shirt at Inter Milan, so if has a great tournament cementing his future at Milan seems most likely.
Who does he remind me of? – Joel Bats
GROUP H
Portugal – William Carvalho
Surrounded by highly technical players, Carvalho is the glue which holds the midfield together. He was highly touted as a youngster and never kicked on, now in veteran stage he seems at peace with his skillset and body.
Next Move – Having recently signed a new contract at Real Betis you would think extending his four year stay in Spain but who knows when large fees are offered. Physically Carvalho suits the Premier League.
Who does he remind me of? – Michael Essien
Ghana – Inaki Williams
The ace in the pack, born in Spain he has been on the outskirts of their national squad for years but finally committed to his parents nation of birth. One of La Liga’s most consistent forwards, Williams will offer a delightful combo of African strength and Spanish skill.
Next Move – Bilbao is his home so no other Spanish outfit will suffice, England or France seem fair designations.
Who does he remind me of? – Stan Collymore
Uruguay – Federico Valverde
Along with Benzema the Uruguayan was a major reason why Madrid won the Champions League. Endeavour seems to be his strength but he is also tidy on the ball and can finish chances well within the Xg.
Next Move – It’s hard to see Real Madrid letting him leave, only PSG OR Man City would be able to afford him.
Who does he remind me of? – Thomas Muller
South Korea – Son Heung-min
Any footballer with pace, elite dribbling and a goal scoring eye will stand out, the World Cup is ideal for your country to benefit.
Next Move – All the time Son stays at Spurs he will play second fiddle to Harry Kane, if he enjoys a great tournament the chance to be the main man at a club like Juventus or Athletico Madrid surely will appeal.
Who does he remind me of? – Eusebio
With so many elite players missing this World Cup and the fact it’s being played outside the normal window, new names for the armchair fan will come to the fore. Enjoy the group stages and please keep a eye out for the players listed, some are known while others could be terrific drops when down the pub to show off your football knowledge.
